The Partnership’s 12th annual Rise to the Top event convened over 600 attendees this week to hear a dynamic discussion among diverse female leaders on how the Houston region can embrace equity. “Although International Women’s Day was Wednesday, the Partnership continues this global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women by coming together to detail what it means to rise to the top,” Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President of Member Engagement Katie Pryor said.  Today there are 44 female Fortune 500 CEOs in the U.S., which is up from 41 in 2022. Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey said the Partnership’s Board of Directors is currently 26% female and the Partnership staff is over two-thirds women. “Houston has made great strides in terms of women represented in leadership positions,” Harvey said, adding female representation must improve. The panelists covered a wide range of topics including juggling priorities with such tremendous responsibilities, how to be change agents for creating inclusive workplaces, and the challenges and triumphs of their personal career journeys.  Katie Pryor served as the moderator for the event’s panel discussion featuring: April Bailey, Regional President, Central Texas, Amegy Bank Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, President, Texas Southern University Shiva McMahon, Executive Vice President, International Operations, Woodside Energy Maria Rios, President & CEO, Nation Waste Inc. While embracing equity was this year’s theme for International Women's Day, “transformation” was the recurring word during the discussion to describe how we can move equity forward.  “I'm going to encourage us to build upon the equity conversation to transformation," Crumpton-Young said. She applauded the efforts to move the focus from equality to equity but encouraged attendees to push the conversation further by focusing on the transformation aspect and how it can lead to action.   Creating a more inclusive workplace was another topic of discussion. McMahon said we should tap into empathy as we look to support and amplify others. “We have to transform and make the table a lot bigger to make room for more seats – that’s how we can make people feel welcome.”  Other impactful takeaways included the topic of prioritizing, especially as accomplished women in various industries.  Bailey revealed she struggled with anxiety until she finally pursued the help she needed. “People look at you in these positions and they think you have it all together. But we don’t,” Bailey said. Crumpton-Young also reiterated this sentiment, saying “I think I was liberated the moment someone told me that ‘no true balance exists.’” The Partnership is committed to addressing diversity and equity in the Houston business community through the One Houston Together initiative. The second-ever One Houston Together Regional Assessment, which serves as a critical tool for business planning and advancing progress on DEI, launches on April 1. “The regional assessment provides the only local data available that takes an intersectional look at how women and ethnic minorities fare in the Houston workplace,” Harvey said. Rise to the Top is the signature event of the Partnership’s Business Resource Group, Women’s Business Alliance (WBA). To learn more about getting involved, click here or contact membership@houston.org.

At the Greater Houston Partnership, more than 950 unique companies and organizations invest time and dollars in the organization’s mission of making the Houston region one of the best places to live, work and build a business.  To highlight some of the dynamic companies that are greatly involved with the Partnership, we asked several member companies to share how active engagement with the organization strengthens not only their business but the region’s business community as a whole. In this feature, we hear from Landi Spearman, CEO of Organized SHIFT.  Why did Organized SHIFT make a choice to become a member of the Partnership? As an entrepreneur, building powerful relationships and business connections is essential for success. This is especially true for women and minority-owned businesses, which often face additional challenges when it comes to accessing capital and resources. In today's rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty is critical. That's why I am proud to say that Organized SHIFT became a member of the Greater Houston Partnership in 2020 as part of our growth strategy. The Partnership is a dynamic organization that provides increased visibility, exposure, and the opportunity to connect with leaders and decision-makers from a variety of industries and backgrounds. As [one of] fastest-growing, immersive leadership coaching and development consultancy, Organized SHIFT is committed to helping organizations build strong, resilient teams that can thrive in the face of uncertainty. By leveraging data, industry trends, and best practices provided by the Partnership, we were able to learn more about the specific challenges that today's leaders and multigenerational teams are facing and develop tailored solutions that meet their unique needs. How has becoming a member of the Partnership affected your business and ability to make an impact within greater Houston?  Organized SHIFT is proud to be a part of the organization that is committed to making Houston "America's most inclusive and open city". Since joining the Partnership, we have had the opportunity to connect with other forward-thinking business leaders, executives and professionals who share our passion for creating and working with a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive business community. One of the things that we value most about being partnered with the Partnership is the data and opportunity to engage with our fellow members, working to achieve inclusive culture, retain diverse talent and increase spend with Minority Business Enterprises. Through our participation in the Partnership’s programs and events, we have been able to deepen our understanding of our customers' needs and gain valuable insights into the latest challenges. We have also been able to showcase our expertise in leadership development and coaching, which has helped us to build a stronger reputation and credibility in the local community. At the end of the day, partnering with the Partnership was a smart business decision for Organized SHIFT. By leveraging the data, tools, and collective resources provided by the Partnership, we have been able to strengthen our credibility and reputation in the local community and beyond. We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to continuing to work with the Partnership and our fellow members to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive business community. As a woman and minority-owned business, what advice can you give to other similar businesses that will help them navigate and engage in the Partnership work? As the CEO and Founder of a woman and minority-owned business, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating the business world.  If you're a minority-owned, women-owned business looking to engage in Partnership work, my advice is to be authentic and confident in your value proposition. While there may be unique challenges and obstacles that we face, it's important to stay focused on your goals, to remain persistent in your efforts, and to feel confident in the value of the unique perspective and set of experiences that you bring to the table. When I'm coaching women and minority business owners, one of the key pieces of advice I share is not to be afraid to showcase your diversity of perspective, to share your expertise, and to highlight the value you bring to others. It is important to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to connect and collaborate with other members of the Partnership. Don't be afraid to seek out resources, take calculated risks, and ask for support. The Partnership offers a wealth of resources and support for women and minority-owned businesses, including the Women’s Business Alliance, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and more. These connections enable Organized SHIFT to deepen our understanding of the local business landscape, identify new opportunities for growth, and develop valuable partnerships that help us to expand our reach. When attending networking events, participating in programs and initiatives, and seeking out opportunities to collaborate with other businesses, you are more likely to build meaningful relationships and forge connections that can help to propel your business forward. Learn more about membership with the Partnership here.