Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?
I was raised in a small town in Alabama and moved to Houston in 1992.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
Austin (30)
Cameron (26)
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I am featured in an episode of “Mysteries at the Museum” doing the narration about a former Astronaut.
Favorite local activities to do in Houston?
I enjoy attending Miller Outdoor Theater and Houston Grand Opera, riding my bike along Buffalo Bayou, and dining at restaurants featuring Houston’s diverse cuisine.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I have served as President and CEO of Collaborative for Children since 2018. For more than 37 years, the non-profit has provided learning opportunities for under-resourced children ages birth to five. I lead the state’s largest region of early learners in strategic digital transformation and systems building to improve school-readiness outcomes. I deliver metrics-driven outcomes through her innovation of the first early childhood database that tracks the learning trajectory of very young children.
Previously, I served as President and CEO of the John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, where I led the museum to become a Smithsonian Affiliate. Prior to this appointment, I served as NASA’s Space Center Houston’s Director of Education.
I was awarded the national Nancy Hanks Award by the American Alliance of Museums during her tenure at Space Center Houston. Under my leadership at The Health Museum, it became the first nonprofit business to be awarded Houston Business Journal’s Diversity Award. I have been named a Women Who Mean Business honoree, and a “Most Admired CEO” by the Houston Business Journal.
I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater Houston Partnership and the Texas Southern University Foundation Board. Since 2019, I serve as a governor-appointed Commissioner on the Texas Animal Health Commission. I hold a B.A. from Auburn University, a Master’s from the University of Houston, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Southern University in Houston. With my direction, Collaborative for Children is becoming the change agent in 21st century early childhood education. Achievements before age 5 mean a greater chance at success for the rest of a child’s life. I want to give every five-year-old the best chance for that success.
How has the Houston community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Houston has been a perfect match for my variety of skills because of its wide-ranging opportunities in various industries including space science, medical science, and the arts. The opportunities to forge a career as Director of Education for NASA’s Johnson Space Center’s visitor center, CEO of The Health Museum and now CEO of the early education nonprofit Collaborative for Children utilizes my skills in business, hospitality management and education.
What is the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business (or volunteering, working, etc.)?
Designate specific times to be completely engaged in professional endeavors as well as dedicated time for your children. Pre-planning and additional support can make the difference in successful engagement in your professional and parental activities.
What would you tell the old “You” before you had kids?
Your skills in endurance and resilience as well as your capacity to love have not yet been fully tested.
Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood?
Purchase totes instead of purses that are large enough for coloring activities, toy soldiers, and snacks.
Tell us about a upcoming family event:
Collab Kid U is our signature event that brings together young learners, families, and educators for an immersive day of STEAM discovery, creativity, and growth. The event is designed to inspire a love for learning and offers hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and engaging experiences that align with our mission to prepare Houston’s youngest children for success in the 21st century. From STEAM-based projects to literacy-building activities, Collab Kid U encourages curiosity and equips children with the essential skills they need to thrive.
We are excited to announce that our second annual Collab Kid U will take place at Rice University on April 12, 2025!
