In this special episode of the Partnership's Rise to the Top podcast, we're speaking with Amanda McMillian, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, live from the 13th annual Rise to the Top event. Before leading a nonprofit, Amanda served nearly 15 years in the oil and gas industry, where she was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Oil & Gas by the National Diversity Council for three consecutive years.  Host and Partnership Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Katie Pryor talks with Amanda about her career journey, passion for the greater Houston community and how she navigates work and family life.  Launched in 2021, the Greater Houston Partnership's Rise to the Top podcast aims to amplify the insight of accomplished female leaders in the Houston region. Apple Podcasts Link Spotify Link Learn more about the Partnership's female-focused business resource groups Executive Women's Partnership and Women on the Rise.

The Greater Houston Partnership celebrates our members making important announcements and sharing news about their operations and impact in our community. Learn more about some of those announcements over the last month below. Business Moves AES announced that it will expand its Houston footprint by increasing its office space and headcount at its GreenStreet Tower office in downtown. Construction is expected to begin this spring. Education Prairie View A&M University has cut the ribbon on its new Blackstone LaunchPad center, which aims to help prepare students for the Texas job market. The University of Houston is set to bolster it’s Center for Mexican American and Latino Studies with a $1.2 million reward to help recruit and retain students who are interested in the fields of study covered by the center. Energy Transition Lummus Technology and Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation announced a groundbreaking collaboration focused on pioneering advanced carbon capture solutions. Sunnova Energy International, a provider of renewable energy for homes and businesses, has teamed up with Lumin to roll out the Adaptive Home. Innovation Oceaneering received a prestigious NASA contract to spearhead vital research, engineering and mission integration services for the International Space Station Program. Walmart unveiled how some of the latest technologies will enable the world’s largest retailer to deliver a new type of commerce. Texas A&M University's Space Institute was announced as the first tenant of the future Exploration Park, NASA’s planned multipurpose development near the Johnson Space Center. Hewlett Packard Enterprise announced plans to build a next-generation supercomputer for one of the world’s largest energy providers to help achieve net-zero goals. Transportation The Port of Galveston announced its fourth cruise terminal complex, which will house Switzerland-based MSC Cruises. The MSC Seascape will begin sailing from the new terminal in 2025. A team from the University of Houston received a grant to continue its work on using AI and digital twin technology to better evaluate bridges in Texas. If you are a member and want us to help communicate news about your organization, please send a press release or information about the announcement to member.engagement@houston.org and we will share it with our content team for possible inclusion in an upcoming roundup. Learn more about Partnership membership.