Events

Past Events

Speed Mentoring Roundtable

• Avani Sharma, Houston Rockets, Director of Partnership Activation

• Sarah Joseph, Houston Rockets, Senior Director of Community Relations

• Kara Infante, Houston Rockets, Director of Retail

• Lauren Wilson, Houston Cougars Sports Properties, General Manager

• Tamara Lupo, Professional Sports Partners, Chief Operating Officer

• Alicia Vanghel, Houston Dynamo, Director – Integrated Marketing

• Kim Davis, The KD Company, President

• Kim Gagne, Emmy Award Winning Veteran TV Producer, Chief Visionary Officer, Maxthatcommunications, LLC

• Rachel Quan, 2023 NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Houston Local Organizing Committee, Vice President – External Operations

• Paula Harris, Houston Astros, Executive Director, Astros Foundation and Senior Vice President, Community Affairs

Power Play: Up Close with the Women of the 2023 Men's Final Four

• JoAn Scott, Managing Director, Men’s Basketball Championship, NCAA
• Ellen Lucey, Director, Championships & Alliances, NCAA
• Holly Kesterson, President, Houston Local Organizing Committee
• Carla Gomez, Director, Marketing & Communications, Houston Local Organizing Committee

• Rachel Quan, Vice President, External Operations, Houston Local Organizing Committee

• Honoring Title IX while also feeling blessed we never had to think about it.  And, now, equity means women have the opportunity to speak up even further. 
• Working in male-dominant companies and how the role of a strong female has evolved over time.  Scott noted it’s important to find that male supervisor who has sisters or a successful wife who can understand/appreciate a bit more and opens more doors. Lucey, on the other hand, noted she blocked out the opinions of men who didn’t understand how she could be so successful.  She just proved them wrong.
• When discussing what they would tell their younger selves, Kesterson noted she would try to have more balance earlier vs. grinding.  Scott noted you’re going to work really hard and there will still be times things are not fair, but you will be better because of it – just keep going.  Gomez noted there is no timetable for achieving anything – do what makes you happy in your own time.
• Scott and Lucey came from a corporate role before the NCAA and how that influences their every day.  From her 17 years at Nike, Scott learned the standard should be high and keep evolving.  It allows her creative mind to push boundaries.  She used the example of wanting a March Madness logo and that was met with all kinds of pushback.  And, now, that March Madness logo might be more powerful than the Final Four logo that changes every year.  Lucey noted her time at Coca-Cola affords her a level of understanding what brands need/want/go thru in their partnerships and wanting to bring the NCAA further along in truly collaborating on those.
• In discussing how COVID impacted them, each offered a different perspective. Scott noted the bubble was the hardest work challenge she’s ever taken on.  But, personally, the pandemic reminded her she didn’t need to travel as much as she had.  Kesterson said she spent the first few months un-planning events she had spent years working on, which was difficult to swallow, but personally, it allowed her time with her family.

Financial Fitness 2022

The event was held at the Rodeo Boardroom inside NRG Center on September 14.  This year’s event featured three speakers, covering a range of financial topics.

 First, Jason Miles from TDECU spoke on Identity Theft.  He covered a various points including:

• The prevalence of fraud and financial crimes being committed
• How scams work and how criminals get your data
• How to prevent ID theft & what to do if you fall victim

 Next, Chris Soriano from TDECU spoke on Credit Score. 

• What is a credit score, how it’s different from your credit report and how it’s used
• What contributes to your credit score and how those contributions are weighted
• What you can do to get a better score

 And, finally, Monique Studak from Thirst for Knowledge spoke on the Power of Personal Finance.

• Creating a personal budget and the financial freedom that can open up
• Reframing the approach to rich vs. wealth
• Personal stories of living debt-free

Women of Inspiration 

WISE held its biggest event of the year, Women of Inspiration on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the Foundation Room in the House of Blues. WISE’s most beloved annual event was again a success as we honored three amazing ladies and our three other annual awards.

WISE women gathered, networked and brought donations for its charitable partner, Dress for Success.  Guests had dinner before Leah Mastaglio, WISE Houston president began the evening’s events. 

The presentation began with a speech from Kelly Moneyham from Dress for Success detailing how the organization has responded since COVID. Then representatives from each of our WISE committees spoke about why they volunteer for their committee. WISE women are encouraged to join a committee as committees are the lifeblood of WISE and the best way to get to know other amazing Houston women. 

The annual awards began with Networker of the Year. Kionna Kellogg was honored as the 2022 Networker of the Year. While she is relatively new to the organization, she can be found at most events and always has a big smile.

The 2022 Committee Member of the Year was awarded to Chandra Young-Pierce. Chandra has been part of WISE and the Events Committee for years and can be counted on for any task. She has been a co-lead for Women of Inspiration for both 2021 and 2022, attends almost all events and is never too busy to help with anything needed, big or small.

The 2022 Partner of the Year award was given to The Document Group, represented by Chandra Young-Pierce. The Document Group is a minority owned business that has been helping WISE behind the scenes for years. Chandra and TDG provide complimentary printing services for many WISE events including WOI.

Then the evening focused on the three 2023 Women of Inspiration. First, Rachel Quan was honored. She is the Vice President of External Events for the 2023 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Rachel is no stranger to the Final Four as this will be her third in Houston alone.

The second honoree was Paula Harris, Executive Director, Astros Foundation and Senior Vice President, Community Affairs for the Houston Astros. Paula has three decades of community service in the Houston area.

The final honoree was Nina Jackson. Nina has been a staple within WISE and NRG PARK for decades. Nina serves as the Regional Director of Marketing and Public Relations for ASM. 

All three Women of Inspiration are perfect examples of the impact strong, caring women have on the Houston sports and events community.  About 80 women attended the 2022 Women of Inspiration.