Emerging Leaders

  

 

Promoting the growth of young professionals while supporting the development of a vibrant Downtown Houston. 

About EL:  The Houston Downtown Alliance's Emerging Leaders (EL) is the largest young professionals group in Houston. EL is a vast networking group with membership exceeding 600 members and over 300 companies and organizations represented. EL promotes downtown businesses, supports philanthropic activities, and plans social events all to encourage the professional development of all of our members. 
View EL's Calendar of Events

Ways In Which You Can Be Involved

Membership

The Membership Committee is responsible for the coordination of EL's key networking vehicle: the monthly happy hour.  The happy hours serve a dual purpose providing a networking opportunity for members and a promotional opportunity for the venues.  They are often held at local downtown spots such as a new restaurant or bar.  Committee members serve as ambassadors for the organization and are often the first contact for prospective members.  For more information or to become involved with this committee, contact Karen at kstewart@crescent.com.  

Community Outreach 

We don't wear orange jumpsuits but we aren't afraid to get dirty. We are here to make a difference in our community and ourselves. Join us as we feed those that are hungry, clean up our community and make the world a little better.  And have a great time doing it.  Service doesn't suck.  Try it.  For more information or to become involved with this committee, contact Shavonnah at shavonnah_roberts@yahoo.com.

Special Events

Special events are one of the most exciting and innovative approaches to networking, making friends, reaching out to the community and celebrating the ambitions of young, driven and successful professionals.  SEC is a committee that can use any talent you have to offer from event planning, to promoting, organizing and fundraising.  The largest event of the year, the “Reds, Whites, and Blues” wine event, is planned and executed by the SEC committee.  EL members get a rare opportunity to sample delicious food and wine from various vendors in and around downtown.  This event has been a beneficial way for local vendors and sponsors to reach their target audience, people who live, work and play downtown.  For more information or to become involved with this committee, contact Shavonnah at shavonnah_roberts@yahoo.com.

Professional Development

The Professional Development Committee is responsible for ensuring that the "learn" portion of the EL mandate is successful.  Activities include "Lunch to Grow On" meetings where members (and the general public) are invited to a presentation from a professional on a wide range of topics, as well as our "Vision Luncheon," business etiquette dinner and foreign language classes.  For more information or to become involved with this committee, contact Reda at rhicks@diamondmccarthy.com.

Health and Recreation

More than fitness, it’s a way of life. The Health & Recreations Committee are committed to the health and well being of mind, body and spirit. This committee strives to keep EL members informed on a variety of topics ranging from recreational opportunities around Houston, exercise and health tips. Houston events the group has participated in or volunteered at are the Chevron Houston Marathon, Park to Park Run, Guaranty Bank Tour de Houston, Buffalo Bayou Regatta and many more.  Members are encouraged to not only participate in recreational events, but also to make being fit and healthy a part of their daily lives.  For more information or to become involved with this committee, contact Brittany at brittany.schumaker@gmail.com.

If you would like more information about Emerging Leaders, please do not hesitate to contact Shavonnah Roberts (2010 EL Chair) at shavonnah_roberts@yahoo.com or Naji Ghorayeb (2010 EL Vice-Chair) at naji.ghorayeb@yahoo.com.

2009 EL Steering Committee 

• Shavonnah Roberts, Chair
• Naji Ghorayeb, Vice-Chair
• Karen Osborn Stewart, Membership Chair
• Brittany Schumaker, Health & Recreation Chair
• To be decided, Community Outreach Chair 
• Reda M. Hicks, Professional Development Chair
• To be decided, Special Events Chair

  
  
  At-large:
  

• Michelle Bramblett
• Judy Cox
• Deborah Fronza
• Reda Hicks
• Ewart Jones
• Tyler Lane
• Misty Maher
• Leigh McKitrick
• Caitlin Morrison
• James Simone
• Aitu Pham Taube
• Todd Tisch