After a successful career in the airline technology industry, Vicki McLaughlin devotes her time to serving and supporting non-profit organizations dedicated to children in the state of Texas by improving access to the arts and education.
As H-E-B's vice president of public, diversity and environmental affairs, Winell Herron regularly travels the state to engage with communities, customers, and 87,000 store partners, or employees. "I grew up on a 100-acre dairy farm outside of Austin as the youngest of eight siblings, so I believe in family first," says the fun-loving community advocate who inherited a strong work ethic from her father. She serves on the boards of March of Dimes, Houston Zoo, Houston Museum of African American Culture, the Ensemble Theatre and Community Artists' Collective.
Ms. Franklin is Co-Founder of Franklin Companies, an industry leader in the development, construction, and management of multi-family and luxury senior living communities. She oversees many aspects of the operation of Franklin Park including brand, design, and first impressions management, as well as the company’s community outreach and philanthropic presence. Ms. Franklin’s outreach efforts frequently culminate in unique experiences for Franklin Park’s residents including on-site concerts and events as well as cultural outings.
Heather de Rojas received her Bachelor of Arts from SMU. She is a member of Feik Enterprises and has specialized in the luxury residential real estate market since 2009. Prior to becoming a real estate agent, Heather worked for Southwest Airlines in the Dallas corporate marketing department before returning to San Antonio. She and her husband, Jeff de Rojas, operated a residential flooring business for many years where she led the marketing team.
As CEO for Pape-Dawson Engineers, Samuel G. Dawson is responsible for the firm's management, allocation of resources, strategic planning and operations. He is also responsible for reviewing and coordinating major projects.
Partner | Chief Executive Officer
Rick Cavender is known to many as the voice and personality behind the Cavender Auto Family of dealerships. True, he works his day job as President of Cavender Audi and he has developed a solid reputation as a successful businessman and a caring community leader.
James Callaway retired from AT&T on 1/1/2011 after 42 years with AT&T and the SBC/Southwestern Bell Companies. Callaway retired as Senior Executive Vice President-Executive Operations with AT&T. Callaway previously served as Group President-Merger Integration for SBC and was responsible for leading the merger integration and planning efforts for the transition between the former SBC Corp and the former AT&T Corp beginning in 2005. Callaway served in the same role for the SBC merger with Bell South and Cingular.
Seymour Battle is Senior Vice President of Communications, Public Relations, and Engagement at Valero Energy. He joined Valero in 2005 and served as Vice President Accounting Systems reporting to Valero’s Chief Accounting Officer & Controller since 2013. His prior experience includes 10 years with Thomson Reuters in various roles within the Tax & Accounting Technology division with a focus in the energy industry.
Ms. Janie Barrera is founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Liftfund. Created in 1994, the nonprofit agency provides small loans and management training to microenterprises of all kinds — from startups to long-established businesses — and operates in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.
