On February 26, corporate leaders, community champions, and workforce innovators gathered at the Greater Houston Partnership for Cocktails & Conversations, hosted by Genesys Works Houston. The evening brought together influential voices across industries to discuss a pressing economic challenge: closing the opportunity gap for Houston’s emerging talent.
Houston’s Talent Is Ready.
Houston is one of the youngest and fastest-growing major cities in the United States. With that growth comes tremendous opportunity—and a profound responsibility for business leaders to help shape the region’s future workforce. Houston is a city fueled by ambition. Yet behind that momentum lies a sobering reality.
A recent report from the Measure of America found that more than 124,500 Houstonians aged 16 to 24 are disconnected from both work and education.
For many families, the barrier is not motivation—it’s financial stability. Across Harris County, thousands of households fall into the ALICE category—Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. These are working families earning above the poverty line, yet still struggling to afford basic living expenses.
As Daphane Carter, Executive Director of Genesys Works Houston, shared during the evening:
“What keeps me up at night is the gap. This year alone, more than 800 young people raised their hands to join our program—but we could only offer about 150 opportunities. The talent is here. The ambition is here. What we need are more companies willing to open doors.”
Before sharing her story, Aulm, Ashley Hart reflected on the life-changing impact the program had on her journey from classroom to career.
This program helped me flourish in ways that I couldn’t even imagine. Genesys Works gave me confidence, a purpose, and an opportunity to start my career on a good foot. I always tell myself and others that I don’t know where I’d be without this program.
– Ashley Hart, Genesys Works 2018
Leading in the Age of Disruption
The highlight of the evening was a dynamic fireside conversation exploring how corporate leaders can shape the future of workforce development amid rapid technological change.
Moderated by Russell Richard, Managing Director of the Leadership Initiative at Center for Houston’s Future, the panel brought together leaders who understand firsthand the intersection of business innovation and talent development:
- Byron V. Garrett, CEO, Genesys Works
- Angela Knight-Robinson, Retired Senior Manager, Chevron
- Shane Miller, VP of IT & CIO, Halliburton
The conversation explored how companies can strengthen talent pipelines, cultivate early-career professionals, and build resilient workforces prepared for the future of work.
Celebrating The Power of Partnerships
At the heart of Genesys Works Houston’s impact are the companies that invest in talent early. During the evening, we honored partners whose long-standing commitments have helped thousands of young professionals gain real-world experience and career pathways.
Their commitment demonstrates what happens when companies move beyond conversation and into action—opening doors for young professionals while strengthening their own talent pipelines.
Vanguard Partner Award
We honor the partner who first reached the 20-year milestone, championed our mission, and laid the foundation for our shared legacy.
Kinder Morgan
(Left to right) Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston, pictured with Jacqueline Rios and Jessica Raymond, Kinder Morgan
20-Year Legacy Partner Awards
Thank you for being a foundational partner and a legacy builder.
Shachella James, CenterPoint Energy, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
LeRonica Hill, Lisa Esben, Hines pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
James Tamayo, NRG, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
Mary Hermocillo, TexasChildren’s Hospital, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
15-Year Cornerstone Partner Awards
Thank you for being a cornerstone in shaping the future workforce.
Stefanie Montgomer, Apache, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
Sam Ojofeitimi, Apache, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
Anastasia Harrison, Corebridge, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
10-Year Champion Partner Awards
Thank you for being a champion of change and for a decade of transformational partnership.
Charles Kim, Huntington Bank, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
Serena Marquez, KPMG, pictured with Daphane Carter, Genesys Works Houston
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Cocktails & Conversations would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners, who believe deeply in the power of opportunity.
Thank You to Our Event Chairs
A special thank you to our event chairs, whose leadership and enthusiasm helped make Cocktails & Conversations a truly memorable event.
The ROI of Real Work
The impact of corporate partnership is measurable and lasting.
- 90% of Genesys Works alumni persist in college
- Alumni earn higher median wages than their peers
- Hundreds of Houston students gain real workplace experience every year
When businesses partner with Genesys Works, they’re not just hosting interns—they’re helping shape Houston’s future workforce.
Join the Movement
We invite corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to partner with us in closing Houston’s opportunity gap.
There are many ways to get involved:
Together, we can ensure that every talented young person in Houston has a pathway to opportunity.
Contact Us For More Information: corporatepartnerships@genesysworks.org
Because Houston’s future workforce is HERE.
View More Photos From Cocktails and Conversations 2026
