A personal reflection on community-building, lessons from Houston Tech Week, and the power of pivoting with purpose, plus an open call for mission-aligned partners in tech and innovation.
Last week, I had the honor of speaking on Obsidi® Tech Talk’s “Houston Changemakers” panel. It an incredible conversation about what it really takes to build community, create access, and move with purpose in Houston’s growing tech space.
I shared the virtual stage with some truly inspiring leaders. Rebecca Metters of Black is Tech, who reminded us that servant leadership and being fully yourself is the best way to build a network that truly aligns. Khalil Vinson, founder of Tech Fest Live, spoke on how strategy and grit helped him build from the ground up. And I spoke from the heart about what it means to be mission-minded, how every relationship, event, and campaign I’ve built has been rooted in a deeper purpose: to connect everyday people to technology in ways that feel human, not intimidating.
Though we each had different stories, our approaches echoed the same truth: community isn’t accidental, it’s intentional. It’s shaped in conversations, collaborations, and the courage to do things differently.
Naturally, the conversation made me reflect on Houston Tech Week, a project I led in 2023 that brought together 700+ attendees and RSVPs, 11 sponsors, city officials, and countless doers, dreamers, and disruptors in our local ecosystem. It was a powerful moment for Houston. It was a chance to show how inclusive, community-centered tech could look and feel.
But what many didn’t see was how difficult it was behind the scenes. We started with very little. No big funders, no blueprint, just heart and hustle. And still, it happened. It taught me that people will show up for what they believe in, even when the path is messy.
What I’ve realized since then is this: I want to continue being a builder of Houston Tech Week—but from where I’m strongest. My passion and specialty lie in branding, messaging, and creating powerful experiences that connect with people. That’s what my team and I do best, and that’s the lane I want us to stay in. I believe in the mission deeply, and I know the right partner could help carry it forward operationally while we help keep the vision sharp, the voice consistent, and the community engaged.
That’s why I’m open to inviting conversations about partnering with a tech-forward nonprofit or company, one that truly understands the vision of bridging the gap between everyday people and tech. Imagine a Houston Tech Week that lives on through a mission-aligned organization, with my team and I still supporting on branding, marketing, and strategy. That’s the evolution I see. That’s how we build sustainably.
To be honest, I know people have been wondering why Houston Tech Week hasn’t returned in 2024 or 2025. And It's because I’ve been reflecting, realigning, and waiting for the right way forward. Not just to recreate an event, but to protect a mission.
So here it is: If you’re someone who believes in making tech more human… if you’re building with people in mind, not just platforms… if you’re a leader, org, or creative who sees the value in partnership over ownership—let’s talk.
Houston Tech Week was never about me. It was about us. And the future of it can still be just as powerful—if not more—when we build it together.
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