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?
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HBCUs Matter and Boost Our Economy
Houston Notables in Attendance & Raised Vital Funds to Support the 35th Annual “A Mind Is…” Gala
November 15th was a night to remember, raising more than raising over $676K to support South Texas students, UNCF-member institutions, and other HBCUs, to help students of color to go to and through college! More than 500 Houstonians, including several city and state dignitaries, corporate partners, educators, religious leaders, community influencers, and alumni from some of UNCF’s 37 member institutions were in attendance. Read more and see our gallery of pictures here).
Thank You for Supporting the 39th Annual UNCF Walk/Bike/Run for Education!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 39th Annual UNCF Walk/Bike/Run for Education, proudly presented by Shell USA, Inc., on September 14, 2024. This extraordinary event aimed to raise $270,000 for underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. It brought together more than 50 teams of nearly 1,500 Houstonians who participated by walking, running, and cycling—all in honor of UNCF, our students, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The City of Houston’s Mayor Pro Tem, Martha Castex-Tatum, served as the honorary chair, while Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Harris County Precinct One was the grand marshal. Together, they delivered a memorable family event supported by our corporate and community partners. Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without the dedication of over 100 volunteers.
Read more and see our gallery of pictures here.
Save the date! 2025 San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon – Wednesday, February 5, 2025
It is with great enthusiasm we invite you to join us for the 15th Annual UNCF San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This charitable event will be held at the beautiful Witte Museum, located at 3801 Broadway.
Click here for more information: uncf.org/SanAntonioLuncheon. View images from last year’s event below!
Click here to view more photos of the event.
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 2024 – 2025 Leadership Council
Victor Nivens (Chair)
Vice President of Human Resources
H-E-B
Time of Service: 2022
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
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
Ada Ortega
Director of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Time of Service: 2023
Anastasia “Stacy” Penright
Community Partnerships & Outreach Principal Management
Amazon Web Services
Time of Service: 2022
Takea Reshay Reeder
Vice President, Electric Technology and Operational Standards
CenterPoint Energy
Time of Service: 2024
Bruce J. Ruzinsky
Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
Time of Service: 2013
Heidi McDonald Smith
Community Advocate
Time of Service: 2024
Rev. Justin T. Williams
Director of Youth Ministry
The Fort Bend Church
Time of Service: 2024
Join The Houston Inter-Alumni Council
Interested in joining our Houston Inter-Alumni Council? Join President Dr. Talia M. Pennington-Dorsey and the other HIAC members to support minority higher education and advocate for HBCUs and the students that UNCF serves. Sign up for more information here.