Bridging Data to Impact: Creating Change in Education and Workforce Policy
2026-06-01 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
Join us to explore how data insights can influence education and workforce policies for real change.

More than 60% of jobs in Texas require a postsecondary credential, yet only about 1 in 3 Texas high school graduates earn one within six years of graduation.
Join the American Leadership Forum and its partnering organizations for a conversation with David Leebron, former President of Rice University, and members of his team at Texas 2036 — a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and expanding opportunities for all Texas through its bicentennial and beyond.
David will be joined by John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, and Mary Lynn Pruneda, Director of Education and Workforce Policy, for a discussion on one of Texas’s most pressing challenges: building the educated workforce the state’s economy demands.
The Texas 2036 team will share key research insights on education and workforce policy and what it will take to close that gap, in a conversation moderated by ALF Senior Fellow Y. Ping Sun. This lunch is generously underwritten by ALF Senior Fellow Donna Cole of Cole Chemical.
This event is presented in partnership with United Way, Leadership Houston, Center for Houston’s Future, Cole Chemical, and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Stronger Together: The State of Social Cohesion in Houston
2026-06-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Houston Texans YMCA, 5202 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021, Houston, TX, 77021, US
A data-informed conversation exploring new findings from the Kinder Institute on belonging, connection, and trust across Houston.

What does it really mean for a city to feel connected?
Join the American Leadership Forum, The YMCA Houston, The Kinder Institute for Urban Research, and the Houston Food Bank for a timely and important conversation grounded in new research from the Kinder Institute on social cohesion in Houston. Their latest findings explore how trust, belonging, and relationships shape not only how we experience our communities—but how we thrive within them.
At a time when many cities are experiencing increasing fragmentation, this conversation invites us to pause, reflect, and ask:How connected are we, really—and what will it take to strengthen that connection across Houston?
Together, we’ll explore:

What the latest data reveals about belonging, trust, and social ties in our region
Where Houston is strong—and where there are gaps
How social cohesion impacts well-being, opportunity, and community resilience
What role leaders across sectors can play in building stronger, more connected communities

This won’t be a lecture. In true ALF fashion, this will be a dialogue—bringing together diverse voices and perspectives to deepen understanding and spark new ways of thinking and leading.
If you care about the future of Houston—and the strength of the relationships that hold it together—we invite you to be part of this conversation hosted by the YMCA Houston and catered by the Houston Food Bank.
Who Should Attend:Anyone committed to strengthening connection, trust, and belonging in Houston.
Why This Matters:The data is clear: the quality of our relationships shapes the future of our city. This conversation is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and consider how we each contribute to the social fabric of Houston.

To read the study, follow this link: https://kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/tight-knit-neighbors-better-lives-how-strong-community-ties-can-help-houstonians-feel

Annual Check on Your Buddy Day
2026-06-17 08:30 - 11:00 | Amegy Building, ALF Leadership Hub, 1801 Main Street Suite 910, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
This day is all about taking a moment to reconnect with your ALF buddy in whatever way works best for you.

Come by the ALF office at 1801 Main street to grab a coffee and a pastry with your buddy! Drop in with your buddy any time from 8:30-11:00am.

Enter the parking garage on Fannin, taking a ticket from the kiosk. Bring your ticket in with you and we can validate your parking. Exit the parking garage and cross the courtyard to get to the front desk. Check in and tag Sarah WIndham as your contact and we will come down and get you!
