Supporting Southern Texas, New Mexico

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?

Subscribe to the UNCF South Texas/Houston newsletter for event updates and scholarship information!

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HBCUs Matter and Boost Our Economy

35th Anniversary “A Mind Is…” Gala

Join us Friday, November 15, 2024 for the 35th Anniversary “A Mind Is…” Gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston! Last year’s event sold out with over 700 guests, so explore sponsorship opportunities and secure your tables or tickets today!

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.

News and Information

Events
UNCF South Texas – Houston Annual Walk for Education Presented by Shell USA, Inc., Achieves Phenomenal Success

Walk for Education banner — News
UNCF’s Walk for Education Series is in Full Stride to Support HBCUs and their Students

UNCF Walk for Education graphic header — News
UNCF Celebrating its 80th Anniversary, Aiming to Raise $2M with the Walk for Education Series in 19 Cities Across America to Support HBCUs and their Students

Events
Houston’s 2023 UNCF Walk for Education Recap

A group of students selected by the Fidelity Scholars program — News
Next-Gen Opportunities Unlocked! UNCF and Fidelity Investments Announce the Fidelity Scholars Program is Now Available in Seven States

UNCF National Walk for Education walk list, for more information visit UNCF.org/NationalWalk — News
23 Cities Across America Galvanize to Support HBCUs and their Students Through UNCF’s Walk for Education Campaign

Six gala attendees on the ballroom floor — Events
2023 UNCF Houston Youth Gala

Event leaders and participants at the San Antonio Mayor's luncheon on stage together — Events
2023 San Antonio Mayor’s Luncheon Recap

Did You Know?

Houston office's supported schools: Texas College, Jarvis Christian University, Wiley University, Huston-Tillotson University

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.