Genesys Works Houstons’ signature Cocktails & Conversations event convened a community of business leaders, executives, and community catalysts to hear a dynamic discussion on Empowering Future Leaders – the Critical Role of Soft Skills, Mentorship, and Collaboration.
"Imagine This: Only 27% of Houston's Class of 2017 attained a postsecondary credential within six years of high school graduation. That number hasn't changed since 2012. Meanwhile, nearly 48% of Genesys Works alumni earned a postsecondary credential within the same timeframe—proving that access to meaningful career pathways and mentorship changes trajectories. This isn't just a statistic—it's a stark reality that underscores the widening gap between potential and opportunity. Conversations around access, fairness, and representation face increasing scrutiny, yet our resolve remains unshaken. Creating pathways to success isn't a passing trend—it's a necessity."
This signature event aimed to celebrate and connect change-makers who are committed to empowering youth and advancing opportunities for economic mobility.
Shanta Eaden, Founder and CEO of Leader’s Edge Consulting, served as the Emcee for the evening. In her opening remarks, LaRonica Hill, Vice President of Compliance Lead—Americas of Hines, extended a gracious welcome to the illustrious Texas Tower, twelfth floor.
Teresa Tonthat, Vice President & Associate Chief Information of Texas Children’s, led a captivating panel discussion as the moderator featuring panelists:
Lisa Eiben, Senior Manager of Compliance, Hines
Nikki Payne, Resources Client Account Leadership, Managing Director, Accenture
Omar Reid, EVP Chief People Officer, Harris Health
Genesys Works Houston is committed to connecting young people from marginalized communities to pathways to career success through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships.
While Empowering Future Leaders was the core topic, “transformative experience” came to mind when listening to alumni speaker Bryan Espinosa share his story.
"I am a proud son of two Mexican immigrant parents who came to the U.S., like many do, to give my sisters and me a better future. I learned about this program through my older sister, and I put in great effort because I wanted to be part of this program, which helped her so much. "
In 2020, Bryan began his internship in the accounting department at TC Energy.
“TC Energy is where my business career started. I like to say I was super lucky to be given this opportunity because Genesys Works put me in an environment that made me feel comfortable and allowed me to be surrounded by mentors who did not see me as just a kid still in high school; I was more. Genesys Works is not just trying to level the playing field – they’re creating an entirely new game board. Seriously, they’re bridging that weird gap between high school and actually landing a solid career. Thanks to Genesys Works, I feel as if I have made all my parents’ efforts and sacrifices worth it. “
Bryan is now a full-time employee at TC Energy, working in the travel and expense department. He is currently enrolled at the University of Houston Downtown and anticipates graduating in the fall and pursuing a career in business and marketing.
We concluded our program with the acknowledgment and award of our Corporate Partnership Milestones.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP MILESTONE RECOGNITION
5 Years of Partnership
BWC Terminals
Sterling Infrastructure
10 Years of Partnership
Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
Houston Methodist Hospital
15 Years of Partnership
Accenture
ConocoPhillips
Memorial Hermann
Troutman Pepper Locke
TPC Group
Walter P Moore
Halliburton
20 Years of Partnership
Kinder Morgan
125 Internships and 16 Years of Partnership
Williams
"The path forward is clear: We invest in them(youth), they invest in their futures, and together, we build a workforce that reflects the strength, talent, and diversity of our city. Let's not just imagine a more equitable future—let's create it. One internship. One young professional. One opportunity at a time."
Cocktails & Conversations is a signature event of Genesys Works. To learn more about our program and how you or your company can get involved, click here or contact houstoninfo@genesysworks.org
