UNCF Houston
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in southern Texas, New Mexico and around the country?
UNCF Houston is here to help you send a student to college and turn his or her life around.
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2023 San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon Recap
The 13th Annual UNCF San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon raised $183,288 and counting for HBCUs and college students!
The afternoon was full of inspirational moments from outstanding honorees that included Bank of America for its continuous support to UNCF and the San Antonio Community; and Brandon A. Logan, Chief Executive Offer of Urban Capital Partners, Inc. and Seymour Battle III, Senior Vice President Communications, Public Relations, and Engagement at Valero for their conscious community efforts and creatively sharing their stories in the “Living In My Skin” documentary. >>Read More
2023 UNCF Houston Youth Gala
The 24th Annual UNCF Youth Gala, held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, raised more than $65,000 to benefit UNCF’s member institutions, scholarships for low-income students and the seniors who attended the event. 1100 Greater Houston youth ages 13 -17 represented organizations like the Top Teens, Jack & Jill of America, National Women of Achievement, Inc., Knights of Peter Claver, and several local churches. >>Read More
UNCF hosts 2023 “A Mind Is…” Gala, raising Vital Funds to Support HBCUs and local Houston Students
UNCF Houston Area Office held its 34th Annual UNCF A Mind Is gala on Saturday, Nov. 18th. This year’s theme, Houston’s Night in Havana, was strategically selected by the committee to connect with the Afro-Latino community which represents, 44% of the Houston Metropolitan community. Seven hundred attendees helped to set new fundraising records as the event raised $700,000 and counting! Lead sponsors were first time contributors Hewlett Packard Enterprises and longtime contributors ConocoPhillips and H-E-B.
Join The Houston Inter-Alumni Council
We are excited to welcome back the Houston Inter-Alumni Council of UNCF and the newly installed President, Necoya Tyson of Shaw University.
Did you attend a UNCF member institution or any other HBCU? Are you interested in supporting minority higher education?
If you answered yes to either, then the Houston Inter-Alumni Council is looking for you.
This group of alumni volunteer their time to advocate and champion on behalf of UNCF, HBCUs and the students they serve. We’re looking for new members to join and continue the charge for better futures.
Contact the UNCF Houston office for more information.
It was a great day!
A Very Special Thanks to Our Walk Sponsors and Friends:
The 2023 UNCF Walk for Education was an extraordinary event that brought together nearly 1200 attendees in support of education and empowerment. Presented by Shell USA, Inc., this year’s walk was a resounding success, raising over $260,000 and counting thanks to the generous contributions of 30+ sponsors and registered attendees.
The event wasn’t just about fundraising; it was an educational extravaganza. UNCF scholarships and programs were on hand to provide valuable information to high school students, guiding them on how to create an ideal student profile for a brighter future.
Healthcare took center stage as well, with Harris Health providing essential vaccines to youth, ensuring the community’s well-being.
Art and innovation were celebrated with pride. Taylor Brione wowed attendees with her impressive display of Black Barbie dolls from her collection, a powerful representation of diversity and empowerment. Boeing showcased a rocket demo, igniting the curiosity of aspiring young scientists. Sports and literacy merged seamlessly, as the Houston Astros Literacy Van distributed free books to youth in the Young Genius Playground, promoting both education and the joy of reading.
Coca-Cola added an energetic twist by offering samples of their new energy drink, Body Armor, keeping participants refreshed and motivated throughout the event.
The logistics were expertly managed by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
The 2023 UNCF Walk for Education was a true testament to the power of community, education, and collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
Houston-Supported HBCUs Punch Above their Weight
The UNCF research report HBCUs Punching Above Their Weight makes a strong case for a powerful proposition: Given their small average size and a history of being under-resourced, the enrollment, degree and economic impacts of HBCUs on African Americans in their respective states are significantly greater than one would expect. >> Read More at UNCF.org/PATW.
News and Information
Did You Know?
UNCF Houston area office serves Southeast Texas (including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and the Golden Triangle) and New Mexico. UNCF’s 4 Texas member institutions include Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley University. However, UNCF supports students at the four-year accredited school of their choosing and its 37-member institutions to keep their academic programs strong and their tuitions/fees affordable.
UNCF Houston 2022 – 2023 Leadership Council
Valentine A. Emesih, P.E. (Chair)
Vice President, Operational Technology & Markets
CenterPoint Energy
Time of Service: 2017
Benny Agosto, Jr., Partner
Law Office of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols,
Sorrels, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner
Time of Service: 2014
Michael Alvarez
President & CEO Diverse Supplier and Workforce
Solutions
Time of Service: 2012
Phil Dyson
Human Resources Manager
Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
Time of service: 2022
Byron Keith Ellis, M.D.
Houston Methodist Cardiology Associates
Time of Service: 2017
Denise Hall
Advisor, US D&I
Shell USA Inc.
Time of Service: 2022
Eric C. Hylton
National Director of Compliance
Alliantgroup
Time of Service: 2022
Bryce Hairston Kennard
External Affairs Manager
Comcast Cable
Time of Service: 2014
Kayla McCollum
VP, Asset & Wealth Management Division
Goldman Sachs
Time of Service: 2022
Anastasia “Stacy” Penright
Community Partnerships & Outreach Principal Management
Amazon Web Services
Time of Service: 2022
Nichelle Poindexter
Vice President, Membership
Greater Houston Partnership
Time of Service: 2020
Bruce J. Ruzinsky
Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
Time of Service: 2013
Victor Nivens
Vice President, HR
H-E-B
Time of Service: 2022
Deborah J. Wilson
Motor Fuel Tax Manager
Marathon Petroleum Corporation
Time of Service: 2022
“A Mind Is…”® Annual Giving Society
UNCF Houston Staff
