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  • Invitations to a number of intimate gatherings with fellow female executives from Houston's top companies.

  • VIP behind-the-scenes experiences with member companies.

  • Peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

  • Opportunity to attend an annual retreat for EWP members.

Learn more about joining EWP

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Executive Women's Partnership event

Leadership Team

Sonia Freeman, Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C. PKF Texas
Chair
April Bailey, Amegy Bank
Vice Chair

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International Business

Exploring Houston’s Growing Relationship with Brazil

3/21/23
Growing business ties and economic opportunities between Houston and Brazil were the focus of discussion during a recent Partnership event. Both regions share economic interests such as the growing startup and tech ecosystems and energy transition efforts. Business Beyond Borders, an internationally focused Business Resource Group (BRG) offered by the Partnership, convened global business professionals recently for a discussion on Brazil’s economy and trade as Houston’s third largest trading partner and Texas’ top South American country for foreign direct investment and trade. The program featured Ambassador Maria Izabel Vieira, Consul General of Brazil, who provided remarks to kick off the event, followed by a discussion with John Moseley, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Houston, and moderator, George Y. Gonzales, Partner, Haynes Boone. A major theme throughout the discussion was the increasing growth and opportunity Brazil presents. Trade between Houston and Brazil reached a 10-year high in 2021 at $16.9 billion. “Brazil has one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world that has shown remarkable resilience,” Vieira said. She added Brazil holds a significant position in the oil and gas industry as well as  a growing position in the innovation and technology sectors. Moseley echoed Vieira’s sentiment as he discussed opportunities Brazil offers to Texas and Houston with the country’s growth potential. “When you think of international trade, you immediately think of China. Brazil doesn’t get a lot of headlines, but they have a significant economy in North America and the world that has global stature,” Moseley said. Here are a few more key takeaways from the discussion: Brazil’s Clean Energy Grid Renewables meet almost 45% of the primary energy demand in Brazil, making its energy sector one of the least carbon-intensive across the globe. The country’s energy grid has one of the cleanest in the world coming from renewable resources.  Moseley said there’s an excellent opportunity for Brazil and Houston to continue the conversation surrounding the energy transition. Events like CERAWeek and the Partnership’s Future of Global Energy conference serve as avenues, allowing both regions to discuss challenges and opportunities.  Digital Technology Brazil touts itself as one of the largest innovative and entrepreneurial places that fosters growth. Vieira highlighted the country’s rapidly growing digital tech scene, emphasizing the massive potential of the Porto Digital Technology Park. Vieira said in 2020, 8.4% of Brazil’s GDP was within digital technology, and this is expected to grow to 10% by 2025. She added there has been a 20% increase in the number of startups in Brazil, further signaling the growing interest in innovation. According to a report by IBM, 78% of business leaders plan to invest in AI and digital tech across the globe, which Vieira said that places Brazil in a valuable and favorable position for these investments. Houston’s position as a global leader in tech and innovation creates opportunities for the Partnership with Brazil, leading to beneficial aspects for both countries. Brazil’s Unique Position and Growth “Brazil’s proximity to Houston as the energy hub of the world provides a unique opportunity. There are lots of parallels Brazil has with Houston including a focus on the energy transition and having one of the largest agriculture economies,” Moseley said, adding the country’s leadership in the renewable energy space also provides a significant opportunity for leadership in this sector. According to a 2013 study by the Boston Consulting Group, the rapid recent growth of the middle class has outlined an opportunity for firms to invest in Brazil. “There has been an incredible rise in the middle-class population with nearly 40 million accounting for the overall increase in the region,” Moseley said. Gonzales added “the middle class is what drives the economy – healthcare, education and infrastructure.” Want to hear more internationally focused programming? Click here to opt-in to our Business Beyond Borders email roster for more information.
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28th Annual Golf Classic

The Greater Houston Partnership returns to the greens for its 28th annual Golf Classic on Thursday, October 12 at Memorial Park Golf Course this fall. We are honored to have this year's tournament chaired by …

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“As a lifelong Houstonian, I am particularly pleased to be a part of the Partnership and the great work they do for economic growth and development in the City of Houston and surrounding communities.”


Charles McFarland
Attorney, McFarland PLLC

"Becoming a member of the Partnership was one of the best professional decisions I’ve made as a CEO. Even though I’m leading a nonprofit, the ability to cross-pollinate with organizations in various industries is extremely helpful. Interacting and benefiting from the thought leadership in the business community has shown me that they are really tackling the same issues we are facing."


Tracy Weeden, Ed.D.
President & CEO, Neuhaus Education Center

“Greater Houston Partnership, thank you for continuing to be a great resource for information. Very proud to be a member of this organization that so well represents Houston, it's businesses and people.”


Ed Parker
Business Development Manager, Industrial Tax Consulting

"With one of the largest databases of members, [the Partnership] is a wonderful networking resource for me."


Neal Talmadge
BizJournals

"The quality of the programs are top-notched, and because of that, the attendees are top-notched as well. Quality networking is great!"


Anthony Pabillano
PwC

"Businesses who want to get their name out and sales professionals who want to increase their sphere of influence won't find a better organization to connect than GHP."


Lisa Bogany
Workforce Solutions
This program and its benefits are exclusive to Partnership members. Learn more about becoming a member company today.

Ready to become a EWP member that leads into the benefits below?

  • Invitations to a number of intimate gatherings with fellow female executives from Houston's top companies.
     
  • VIP behind-the-scenes experiences with member companies. 
     
  • Peer-to-peer networking opportunities. 
     
  • Opportunity to attend an annual retreat for EWP members. 
Marjorie Meier
Sr. Manager, Member Engagement & Business Resource Groups
Events & Programs
E
mmeier@houston.org
P
713-844-3680
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