ALF Houston

World Interfaith Harmony Week: Experiments with Truth
2025-02-09 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, 12379 Riceville School Road, Houston, TX 77031, Houston, TX, 77031, US
Joseph Newland will speak about his book, Experiments with Truth: Gandhi and Images of Non-Violence, followed by a guided tour of the museum

Join us for an inspiring afternoon that highlights the importance of peace, nonviolence, and interfaith harmony.
Special event at Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston in partnership with UN Interfaith Harmony Week on February 9th. This event will feature author Joseph Newland, who will discuss his insightful book Gandhi And Images of Nonviolence; published by The Menil Collection.
During this event, Joseph Newland will explore how Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings of nonviolence have influenced not only global movements but also shaped interfaith dialogue and cooperation across cultures through museum exhibitions. His book delves into the visual representations and cultural understandings of Gandhi’s principles, making it a valuable conversation for those interested in peace, social justice, and interfaith relations.
Event Highlights:
2:00-2:30pm Welcome reception
2:30-3:30pm Lecture
3:30-5:00pm Museum Tours
REGISTER WITH THE ETERNAL GANDHI MUSEUM HOUSTON HERE: RSVP
Partnered with:
Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston

World Interfaith Harmony Week: Closing Program & Lunch
2025-02-10 12:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center (Principal), 1700 First Colony Boulevard, Sugar Land, TX 77479, Sugar Land, TX, 77479, US
A panel of religious leaders will address the topic, “How Do We Further Harmony in 2025 and Beyond?”

Join us for lunch and conversation at the closing program devoted to the topic, “How Do We Further Harmony in 2025 and Beyond?”
This is the closing program for theHouston UN World Interfaith Harmony Week event. The Ismaili Center is hosting a lunch and conversation intended to identify ways that the experiences and lessons learned from this week’s activities can serve as a platform for future interfaith collaboration.
A panel of religious leaders will address the topic, “How Do We Further Harmony in 2025 and Beyond?” Those in attendance will have the opportunity to share their views at the lunch table and all suggestions and proposals will be recorded and shared among the participating organizations for future action.
Partnered with:
The Ismaili Council for the Southwestern USA

We The People: Finding Common Ground for the Common Good
2025-02-13 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Building (Main Street), ALF Leadership Hub, Suite 910, 1801 Main Street ALF Leadership Hub, Suite 910, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Senior Fellows will come together for courageous conversations, generous listening and collective action grounded in our share values.

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Amegy Building (Main Street), ALF Leadership Hub, Suite 910
We joined ALF because we believed in the power of joining and strengthening diverse leaders to serve the common good. Now, as we move into a new administration following a divisive presidential election, we are inviting Senior Fellows to come together and walk the talk—of courageous conversations, generous listening, and collective action grounded in our shared values.
Let’s come together to find our path forward.
This event is made possible through your support! Please consider donating at registration to support future ALF network convenings.

Special Convening for Senior Fellows Navigating Change
2025-03-03 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
A convening for Senior Fellow organizational leaders to connect and collaborate during the unfolding current events.

In times of profound change, community becomes essential. As shifts unfold at the federal level, the ripple effects are deeply felt across our sectors, organizations, and communities. We are hearing from many of our Senior Fellows, across sectors and political idealogies, that staying steady in the churning waters is becoming increasingly difficult. These changes are demanding from you collective efforts, collaboration, shared wisdom, and mutual support.
To that end, we invite ALF Senior Fellow organizational leaders to join a special convening designed to:

Create a confidential space for organizational leaders to connect & share experiences
Foster dialogue with otherSenior fellowsnavigating similar realities
Strengthen our sense of community in the face of uncertainty and loss
Provide an opportunity for decision-makers to listen, reflect, and act with deeper insight and steadiness.

This is not just a meeting—it is a space for care and strategic collaboration as we navigate this pivotal moment together. This convening will be led by ALF Facilitators, Sean Fitzpatrick, Jill Carroll, and Judy Le.
Monday, March 3`1801 Main Street, 11th Floor4 PM – 6 PM
Parking garage entrance is located on Fannin Street.
We hope you will join us in this vital conversation. Your voice, experience, and presence matter. Together, we can build the connections and community we need to face what’s ahead—and shape the future we hope to see.

Please RSVP by 2/21

Dialogue In Action: Immigration 2025 Solutions & Challenges
2025-03-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
Join an expert panel in conversation as we explore the challenges and solutions to fixing an immigration system long overdue for repair.

The American Leadership Forum is excited to annouce the 2025 Dialogue in Action Signature Series, a quarterly dialogue series with the aim to bring together Senior Fellows, experts, and community citizens to tackle our community’s most pressing concerns through meaningful dialogue leading to lasting solutions.
For Q1 2025, we have partnered with CIVIL DIALOGUES to host:
Immigration 2025: Challenges and Solutions
America’s broken immigration system is now front and center with President Donald Trump’s second term underway. From the specter of ICE raids and mass deportations to the halting of refugee resettlement and diminishing birthright citizenship, there is a lot to unpack as the administration makes headlines on a daily basis.

What steps should businesses take to deal with the changing landscape, especially those that rely heavily on immigrant labor?
What is the likely human and economic impact on local communities?
And what opportunities lie ahead for sensible immigration reform to increase our national security and identify the 11 million+ undocumented persons already here?

Our stellar panel invites you to join them in conversation as we explore the challenges and solutions to fixing an immigration system long overdue for repair.
Panelists
Charles Foster, Chairman, Foster LLP
Stan Marek, President & CEO, Marek Family of Companies
Elizabeth Mendoza, CEO, Mendoza Immigration Law
Matthew DeSarno, CEO, Verfico Technology
Moderator
Linda Lorelle, Co-Founder, Civil Dialogues
Supported by:
Civil Dialogues | Living Room Conversations | Marek

Feast of Fellowship Dinner Dialogue: COMMUNITY IFTAR
2025-03-26 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Lava Lounge, 9705 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77042, Houston, TX, 77042, US
Dinner Dialogues are designed to create a welcoming space where we can come together in fellowship and deeper connection.

Feast of Fellowship Dinner Dialogues were started in 2024 and designed to create a welcoming space where we can come together in fellowship and engage in dialogue across difference. Guided by the wisdom and experience of our Senior Fellows, these events will help deepen our connections.
Join us for a special evening of connection and community at the Community Iftar, hosted by Senior Fellows Mohammad Anwar, Class 59 and Chris Pitre, Class 62, and generously sponsored by their company Softway in support of the American Leadership Forum’s 2025 Annual Giving Campaign. The 2025 Annual Giving Campaign theme, Lead With Love, will serve as a foundation for an evening of community building and open dialogue.
Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. Iftar—the evening meal when Muslims break their fast—is a beautiful tradition that brings people together, regardless of background or faith. You do not need to be fasting to attend—this is an opportunity to share a meal, engage in meaningful conversation, and strengthen our bonds as a community.
This event is more than just a dinner—it’s an opportunity to connect with Senior Fellows across the ALF network, learn more about different faith traditions through food and fellowship, and be part of building an intentional community that centers belonging and bridging across differences.Inspired by the values instilled in us through ALF, this gathering fosters deep connections, mutual understanding, and collective leadership for the greater good.
Spots are limited—don’t miss this chance to participate in this transformative dialogue and learning. Family members and guests are welcome!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025⏰ Arrival: 6:30 PM | Fast Breaking (Iftar): ~7:37 PM🍽️ Food: A buffet with a variety of delicious options available (guests may eat anytime)📍 Location: Lava Lounge, 9705 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77042🚗 Parking: Valet & self-parking available (valet included)👥 Guests: Feel free to bring a spouse or guest!
Let’s gather, reconnect, and share this special evening together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hosted by: Mohammad Anwar, Chris Pitre & SoftwayBenefiting: The American Leadership Forum community
Host Committee:

Shariq Ghani, Class 62
Uzma Iqbal, Class 45
Rabbi Shaul Osadchey, Class 8
Fahad Punjwani, Class 60
Jamal Razzack, Class 62
Zuhaira Razzack, Class 57
Shaukat Zakaria, Class 39
Omar Zakaria, Class 56

Celebrating Houston’s Powerhouse Leaders
2025-03-27 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Building on Main | Courtyard & Cafe | 1st Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
A women’s event commemorating Women’s History Month, celebrating the successes of some incredible powerhouse leaders.

As we commemorate Women’s History Month, this special women’s event will celebrate the recent appointments and career successes of Houston’s incredible powerhouse leaders. This event is organized by a dynamic host committee and promises to be an evening filled with inspiration, connection, and celebration.
We will spotlight and celebrate the following remarkable women:

Martye Kendrick – Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation
Traci Pelter – Market President & Publisher, Houston Business Journal
Gigi Lee – Chief of International Affairs, Office of the Mayor, City of Houston
Anastasia Lindo Anderson, PhD – Texas Education Agency Conservator, Houston Independent School District

Our co-hosts for this celebration are:

Christina Cabral
Cynthia Colbert
Donna Cole
Brenda Cooper
Elizabeth De La Peña Veeser
Luz Flores
Paula Harris
Claudia Ortega Hogue
Kerry McCracken
Sindhu Menon
Shampa Mukerji
Dr. Melanie Rodriguez
Juliette Stipeche
Tina Peterman
Laura Vargas
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover
Meredith Wheeler

Register today and join us for an evening of community connections and celebrating the power of women!

ALF Community Sound Meditation
2025-04-02 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | POST Houston, 401 Franklin Street, Houston, TX 77201, Houston, TX, 77201, US
Unwind, connect, and center yourself at the POST X-Atrium with ALF Senior Fellows for an immersive evening of community and sound.

Join us for an evening of connection, reflection, and renewal at ALF’s Community Sound Meditation, a gathering for Senior Fellows at the unique POST X-Atrium. We invite you to immerse yourself in a transformative sound meditation experience guided by Senior Fellow, Reginald Adams and Selestial Sacred Sound.
More than just a meditation session, this is an opportunity to be in community—to gather, share space, and engage in a practice that fosters deep presence and collective renewal.
Sound meditation is an ancient practice that uses vibrations to promote relaxation, clarity, and balance. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the experience, you’ll find space to breathe, reflect, and recharge in the company of fellow leaders.
Come as you are, bring an open heart, and prepare to embark on an immersive journey of sound, stillness, and shared presence.
Spaces are limited—register today and be part of this unique ALF gathering!

ALF Senior Fellows Leading in the Arts
2025-04-09 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Houston Center for Musical Arts, 1703 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008, Houston, TX, 77008, US
Come learn what’s happening in the arts! There is an exciting vision for musical excellence and innovation in Houston’s future!

Enjoy music, wine & lite bites
Come learn what’s happening in the arts with Senior Fellows Sherri Suarez, Kelley Taylor, Frank Donnelly and Alecia Lawyer!
There is an exciting vision for musical excellence and innovation in Houston’s future!
RSVP today and be part of this unique ALF gathering!

Progress in Action: Climate Fresk Training
2025-04-22 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bank – Administrative Offices, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join us for an engaging workshop, where you’ll collaborate with fellow community leaders to explore the science of climate change!

This earth day, invest time into learning more about our precious planet! Join us for an engaging Climate Fresk™ Workshop, where you’ll collaborate with fellow community leaders to explore the science of climate change. Climate Fresk™ is a 3-hr interactive workshop that makes climate science accessible, and brings a richer understanding of the interlinking causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change.
As Houstonians, understanding climate science can help bring a greater context to the environmental and social challenges our city is facing and will continue to face in the coming decades. This workshop will not only equip you with valuable knowledge but also help you make informed decisions, advocate for sustainable solutions, and contribute to a more resilient community. Don’t miss the chance to learn, connect, and play a part in shaping a more sustainable future for Houston!

Non-Profit Leaders Circle
2025-04-23 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | ALF Leadership Lab – 9th Floor – Amegy Building on Main, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join us for an engaging networking opportunity, speaker dialogue and workshop on fundraising in a shifting landscape.

Many nonprofit organizations are experiencing changes in their funding landscape due to adjustments in federal and public funding sources. This session offers a timely opportunity for nonprofit leaders to gather, share strategies, and explore approaches to fundraising in today’s environment.
We’ll begin with a conversation featuring Rhonda Horn, Principal Consultant at Sterling Nonprofits. With more than 25 years of experience in resource development and nonprofit management, Rhonda brings deep insight into how organizations can strengthen their fundraising strategies and adapt to evolving conditions. View Rhonda’s full bio
Following Rhonda’s talk and Q&A, we’ll transition into a facilitated check-in, where participants can reflect on current challenges and opportunities, share practical tools, and connect with fellow leaders navigating similar circumstances.
This session is designed for nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their development strategies, build relationships, and learn in community with others across sectors.

Vision Houston: A Dialogue with Author Paul Hobby
2025-04-28 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
A Fireside Chat with Mustafa Tameez & Paul Hobby, author of GLORIOUS TENSION: Rediscovering Our Sacred Middle Ground in an Age of Extremism

Individual Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities available at:
https://e.givesmart.com/events/IaZ/
Click above to purchase tickets or sponsorships.

American Leadership Forum 2025 Fellows Opening Reception
2025-04-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St 11th floor, 1801 Main Street #11th floor, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
ALF Opening Reception for 2025 Fellows Classes

We are excited to formally welcome the Fellows of Classes 64 and 65 of the American Leadership Forum to the beginning of what we hope will be a most memorable year!
Join us for your Opening Reception on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, at 6 pm on the 11th floor of 1801 Main Street to meet the outstanding leaders of the Houston community in your class and cohort year, as well as the ALF facilitators, board, and staff.
Appetizers and drinks will be served, information will be shared about the upcoming orientation retreat, and you will have time to meet with your class and facilitators.
The parking garage entrance is on Fannin Street. Once parked, take the elevator down to the courtyard, and the entrace to the building is on the other side of the courtyard. Take the elevators straight ahead to the 11th floor.

*This event is for ALF Fellows, Board and Staff. There will be other events in the future where you are welcome to bring family or friends.

2025 ALF Annual Reunion
2025-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy on Main | Courtyard & Cafe, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Calling all Senior Fellows & Fellows for our Annual Reunion and culmination of the 2025 Annual Giving Campaign!

ALF community members are invited to join us for our 2025 Annual Reunion in the courtyard of the Amegy on Main Building. Join your classmates and other members of our ALF community and connect over pizza, wine, and music. Parking is easy (in our parking garage) and there’s no cost to attend.
Let’s celebrate the culmination of our Annual Giving Campaign and the great leadership of our 2025 AGC Co-Chairs Donna Cole, Khambrel Marshall and Rakesh Agrawal alongside our class champions!
Let’s celebrate LEADING WITH LOVE with all of our activated ALF community!

NAVIGATING CHANGE: Houston's Economic Path Forward
2025-06-10 08:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower at Galleria – Houston Room, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
Join ALF for a thought-provoking convening of business leaders exploring Houston’s economic development amidst uncertainty.

Join us for “Navigating Change: Houston’s Economic Path Forward“
Join the American Leadership Forum (ALF) for an engaging morning with Craig Rhodes, Senior Vice President of Regional Economic Development at the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP). In this intimate, moderated discussion, Craig will share insights on how Houston is navigating economic uncertainty, highlighting emerging trends and key indicators that business leaders should be watching. This convening is an opportunity for leaders to gain critical context, share operational challenges, and strategize collectively for Houston’s economic future.
Guest Presenter:
Craig Rhodes | Senior Vice President, Regional Economic Development
Greater Houston Partnership
Craig has worked at the Greater Houston Partnership for 13 years. In his current role, Craig leads GHP’s economic development team. This team works with companies across the U.S. and around the world to attract new jobs and capital investment to the 12-County Houston region in multiple industry sectors. Craig has been a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) since 2015, with over 18 years of economic and community development experience in Houston. In addition to GHP, Craig also worked on the economic development team at CenterPoint Energy, supporting new growth across the greater Houston region.
Craig served as Chair of the Houston Regional Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) from 2017-2022 and has served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Economic Development Council and the Utility Economic Development Association. He is an active member of the International Economic Development Council and has held numerous Board and leadership roles in economic development across the Houston area. Craig is a graduate of University of Texas at Austin. He and his wife Kristi have three children.

Annual Check on Your Buddy Day
2025-06-17 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

LEGACY BREAKFAST: Leadership that Lasts
2025-09-10 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Marek Brothers Systems, LLC, 2115 Judiway Street, Houston, TX 77018, Houston, TX, 77018, US
The Legacy Breakfast is a moderated discussion about successfully building a sustainable family legacy in business and community.

Join us for “Legacy Breakfast: Leadership that Lasts“
The Legacy Breakfast will be an engaging dialogue with Stan Marek and Howard Tellepsen, both have successfully built sustainable, multigenerational family legacies in their businesses and in the community, moderated by Rick Figeroa. The conversation will center Stan and Howard’s leadership journeys, family stories and strategies for building an enduring business that carries from generation to generation.

MEET STAN MAREK
Stan Marek is the president and chief executive officer of the Marek Family of Companies, one of the largest interior contractors in the Southwest. A native Texan, Stan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Texas A&M University. He began his working career in the drywall industry during summers in high school and continued part-time until completing his tour of active duty with the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Stan worked as a journeyman carpenter on large commercial projects before joining the Marek Companies, eventually becoming president in 1982. He was a member of the founding group of the Construction Career Collaborative and has been sponsor of the Rational Middle Immigration social media platform since its inception. Stan is the co-author with Loren Steffy of ‘Deconstructed’ an insider’s view of illegal immigration and the building trades. In 2015 he was inducted to the Texas A&M’s Constructors Hall of Fame.

MEET HOWARD T. TELLEPSEN, JR
Howard Tellepsen is Chairman of Tellepsen, a fourth generation, family owned and operated business, providing commercial, institutional, and industrial construction services in Houston since 1909.
Tellepsen has made a multi-generational dedication to projects of significance and to giving back to the community. Known as “builders & believers,” Tellepsen is drawn to opportunities to be a part of something that is “larger than themselves.” Tellepsen has impacted the lives of five generations of Houstonians, building places where they work, play, live, learn, and worship.
Howard received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he served as Student Body President, is a trustee emeritus of the Georgia Tech Foundation, was elected to the Engineering Hall of Fame (2016), received the 2012 Alumni Distinguished Service Award, the 2015 Dean Griffin Community Service Award, and established the Howard T. Tellepsen Endowed Chair in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Howard is a member of the board of directors of the YMCA of Greater Houston (Life Member, past Chairman, and benefactor of the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA); YMCA Foundation (past Chairman); Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (Life Member, past Chairman, benefactor of the Tellepsen Scout Camp), and Distinguished Eagle Scout; Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, Treasurer; Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO) Texas Medical Center, Executive Committee.
Previous board service includes: St. Luke’s Health, Executive Committee/St. Luke’s Foundation, past Chairman; Enterprise Bank, past Chairman; Edith and Daniel Ripley Foundation, past President; Petroleum Club of Houston, past President.
Howard is also a Senior Fellow in the American Leadership Forum (ALF), and is a long-standing member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO Gold). He also received the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Howard and his wife of 58 years, Carolyn, have four married sons (all involved at Tellepsen) and 10 grandchildren.

MEET RICK FIGUEROA
Rick is a revered community leader and small business owner who is actively involved in a variety of organizations, including the Texas Association of Business, Memorial Hermann Health System’s Board of Directors and Kingdom Advisors Champions. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991 with a B.B.A. in Accounting and received his Masters in Agriculture, Land Economics & Real Estate in 1992. Rick has worked as an internal auditor at Halliburton, Duty Free, Texas Commerce Bank and as a real estate consultant at Arthur Andersen.
In 1997, he became a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch where he was awarded the Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Award (2007) and Greater Houston Complex Values Award (2007). In 2009 during the financial crisis, Rick and his partner, Stephen Caton moved their book of business to UBS Financial Services to avoid becoming retail bankers after Bank of America’s takeover of Merrill Lynch.
In 2020, Rick co-founded Patron Partners, a wealth management firm in Houston, to better serve his clients and incorporate conservative values-based investing into portfolios. This move was expedited by two back-to-back events: (1) UBS barring Rick from using the conference room for a Bible study outside of work hours and (2) an internal memo that circulated in January 2020, instructing UBS employees how to change their gender in their HR file.
Rick is among the pioneers of values-based-investing. He believes in the power of elevating and engaging with corporate America instead of simply eliminating stocks of companies run by wayward woke boards. His firm, Patron Partners utilizes Bowyer Research to vote client proxies based upon conservative Christian values, giving a voice to the silent anti-woke majority. Thanks to Bowyer Research and the Alliance for Defending Freedom, Patron Partners’ clients are further empowered to engage with corporations by filing shareholder proposals to be voted on at publicly traded companies’ annual meetings. Patron Partners currently has shareholder proposals on file with the following companies to be voted on at their 2025 annual meetings: Starbucks, Blackrock, Disney, Caterpillar, Pfizer, American Express, AbbVie, Coca-Cola, Boeing and Morgan Stanley. In fact, during a recent meeting with Starbucks Investor Relations, the Starbucks representatives were unaware that their own policy excluded conservative and Christian organizations from the company’s charitable giving match; In response, Starbucks asked if Patron Partners’ client would remove her shareholder proposal if Starbucks changed their policy to match all charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations. (As of December 31, 2024, Starbucks is currently seeking internal approval to effectuate this change.)
In 2016, Texas Governor Greg Abbott appointed Rick to serve as a commissioner on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, one of the largest agencies in Texas, which oversees approximately forty state licenses. As chairman, a position he has held since 2019, Rick launched a probationary licensing program to enable formerly incarcerated electricians and A/C repairmen to reenter the workforce and reduce their chances of recidivism. He also reduced unnecessary barriers to becoming a barber and/or cosmetologist in Texas by reducing the hours required for licensing. Prior to serving on TDLR, Texas Governor Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Judicial Council, where he was instrumental in implementing the e-filing system statewide. He is a former member of the National Rifle Association’s Board of Directors and remains active with the Outreach and Grassroots committees.
In all areas of life Rick endeavors to establish meaningful lifelong relationships. He is passionate about mentoring and discipling others, recognizing that he stands on the shoulders of mentors who invested in him. Rick was raised in public housing in Bay City, Texas by a single mother and is the youngest of eight children. Rick understands the unique calling that God has placed on his life and seeks to help others “get seats at the table.” Rick is an avid supporter of Youth for Christ; he and his family host an annual retreat at their ranch for teens, many of whom are currently incarcerated or on probation. This fellowship gives them space to enjoy nature and feel that they are loved. He regularly speaks to business students at Rice University, Texas A&M University & Houston Christian University and enjoys building relationships with these outstanding young leaders.
Rick and his wife live in Brenham, Texas and have four children. He finds peace by working cattle on his ranch and entertaining family and friends.

BOOK LAUNCH: Love As A Change Strategy
2025-09-24 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
Come discover why the authors believe love and change must go together. Leave knowing how to lead the transformations that matter most.

The American Leadership Forum is excited to continue our partnership with our friends at Softway and Culture+ who penned 2021’s Wall Street Journal bestseller Love as a Business Strategy. Since its publishing, all 4 authors are Senior Fellows or Fellows and wanted to celebrate the release of their second book with the ALF community.
Leading transformation is a universal challenge, whether you’re in a boardroom, a government office, or a community organization. In this new book, Love as a Change Strategy, Moh, Frank, Jeff, and Chris reveal why love is the most powerful catalyst for lasting impact.Join us for an unforgettable launch experience where they’ll get candid about the insights, struggles, and triumphs that fill the pages. Through deep conversation and a few surprises, we will explore:

Their story of growth, reorganizing, and navigating AI.
Actionable insights for bringing love into your transformation efforts.
What you, as a leader, will take away from this new work.

This captivating evening is for anyone leading change, embracing it, or curious about a better way. This will be an intimate and surprising evening designed to engage all your senses. You will hear directly from the authors not just about the book’s core ideas, but about the personal stories that brought it to life.Come discover why the team believes love and change must go together. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to lead the transformations that matter most.
By RSVPing, you understand and agree that photos and/or videos may be taken at the event.
A book for each attendee is included free of cost, but if you’d like to show support to our fellow authors, please pre-order books here:https://www.loveasastrategy.com/bulk-orders

BRIDGE HOUSTON Rethinking Civic Investment: Leveraging Local Assets
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Discover funding approaches that strengthen trust, deepen community connections, and create momentum for Houston’s future.

This opening session of the Bridge Houston series brings nonprofit, philanthropic and board leaders together to reimagine how we resource our region’s’s future. We’ll examine fresh approaches to funding that go beyond filling shortfalls, focusing instead on cultivating trust, fostering openness, and strengthening connections across sectors. Participants will engage in dialogue with peers from diverse fields to explore how Houston can align its financial strategies with its community’s assets and aspirations. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with new perspectives, actionable ideas, and relationships that can help transform how funding flows to the places and people that need it most.
Our conversation will balance practical insight with cross-sector discussion, offering a space to think creatively while staying grounded in Houston’s realities. Whether you’re a funder, nonprofit leader, civic partner, or business executive, this is an opportunity to contribute to a vision of a stronger, more connected funding ecosystem for our city.

Parking Information
The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

DESIGN YOUR LIFE: A Roadmap For The Season Ahead
2025-09-26 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Building, 11th Floor Conference Rm, 1801 Main Street 11th Floor, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
An intro workshop for those facing transition, considering a pivot, or curious about what life could be.

What if your next chapter could be your most aligned, resilient, and whole?
Design Your Life is a reflective and interactive mini-workshop for senior fellows who are anticipating or navigating change—professionally or personally—and are ready to begin aligning their time, energy, and purpose.
Especially for those who are:

Entering or navigating retirement
Experiencing a life transition
Hungry for more meaning and fulfillment

Participants will leave with:

The basics of a roadmap for the season ahead.
Renewed confidence in the face of change.
A renewed sense of story, resilience, and possibility.

Note: Those interested in continuing the journey will be invited to participate in an ongoing community of practice scheduled for early 2026.
Space is limited — register soon to confirm your spot.

Matt C. Barnes is a Houston-based storyteller, community builder, and social entrepreneur who has been following fulfillment and purpose wherever it leads.
In the last 6-years, powered mostly by God, Guinness, and Gluten (not necessarily in that order), he has:

Earned recognition as a Moth Storytelling finalist, entertaining audiences with personal narratives that highlight resilience and purpose.
Become a frequent radio and online personality offering innovative and countercultural (some would call it misguided and reckless) perspectives on parents, education, and radical youth leadership.
Frustrated with the slow pace of change in education, Matt co-founded the annual Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA.education), which celebrates youth who break with tradition and address real-world challenges outside of school.
Inspired by Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, Matt became a baker’s apprentice, then co-founded Rise Again Bread, a bakery that houses, employs, and trains homeless men and women to make amazing bread (instagram @Rise_Again_Bread).

Matt’s failures are too catastrophic and numerous to count (including his failed HISD school board run in 2019 — proving that some failures are blessings in disguise). But, through it all, Matt has slowly learned how to fail forward, how to design a life of fulfillment, and how to help others do the same. Matt now coaches weirdos like him who are seeking to live life on purpose.

Mike Marsh is a three-time Olympian, educator, and reinvention strategist whose journey is shaped as much by resilience as it is by achievement. He’s moved through the peaks of elite performance and the valleys of transition, learning how to rebuild with quiet strength, clarity, and unwavering integrity.
From the Olympic track to leadership roles behind the scenes, Mike has spent his life in spaces where excellence is expected—but character is often tested. He’s weathered pressure, recalibrated through change, and emerged not diminished, but sharpened.
Along the way, he has:
– Served as Head Men’s Relay Coach for Team USA, where he championed athlete-first preparation and performance—even when it meant pushing against comfortable norms.– Taught as a Bible school instructor, where teaching became a space of mutual transformation—challenging others to grow while deepening his own sense of purpose, faith, and voice.– Discovered that resilience isn’t forged in the spotlight, but in the quiet, unseen work of staying rooted—through seasons of loss, waiting, and reinvention.
Now in what he calls “the second half of life,” Mike is exploring what it means to move forward with purpose—not chasing titles, but living in alignment. His focus is on walking with those who feel called to something more—people ready to shift, to heal, and to build lives that reflect who they truly are.
His story is a reminder that resilience isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with deeper roots and clearer direction.

BRIDGE HOUSTON Beyond the Job: Building Systems of Opportunity
2025-09-30 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Step beyond workforce gaps to explore how networks, trust, and local systems expand access to opportunity.

Workforce development isn’t just about placement—it’s about belonging, access, and navigating a shifting economy. In this session, we’ll explore how opportunity emerges when systems are designed to reflect the realities of the people they serve. Rather than focus on short-term fixes, we’ll hear from regional leaders who are weaving together education, business, and community to build more adaptive and connected opportunity ecosystems. Participants will consider how relationships, not just programs, create durable pathways to economic mobility.

Parking Information
The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

TEST
2025-10-01 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Test Event

BRIDGE HOUSTON Starting Where We Want to Go: Investing in Student Potential
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Explore evidence-based strategies and community-driven practices that support student success across Houston’s diverse learning environments

Our expectations shape our systems. This session invites leaders to begin with a bold premise: every student has the potential to thrive. Drawing on local and national research, we’ll explore strategies that have moved the needle on student success—especially for those historically marginalized. The conversation will center not just on interventions, but on the values and beliefs that drive them. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to design learning environments rooted in possibility, care, and community connection.
There’s no shortage of opinions about education—but what does the research actually say?
Dr. Ruth N. López Turley from Rice University’s Kinder Institute will help us cut through the noise and focus on what the data shows really works to support student success. We may not have all the answers, but this is a place to start with what we do know—and to build from there, together.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, nonprofit leader, local business, or community member—your voice matters. Join us and bring your insight to the conversation.

Parking Information
The session will be held at 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. Parking is available in the attached garage, with the entrance located on Fannin Street. Parking will be complimentary for all exits after 6:00 pm. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.

BRIDGE HOUSTON Crisis into Capacity: Sustaining Community Beyond the Storm
2025-10-21 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007, Houston, TX, 77007, US
Examine how coordinated disaster response efforts can inform the design of long-term, community-led systems for resilience and development.

When disaster strikes, communities often respond with extraordinary care and coordination. But what if we carried that clarity and cooperation into everyday systems? In this session, we’ll explore how disaster response can evolve into a more permanent infrastructure of resilience—led by those closest to the work. Drawing from the story of the Greater Houston Disaster Alliance and other local efforts, we’ll explore what it looks like to shift from emergency response to proactive, community-led design. Participants will reflect on how shared experience can become shared capacity.

2025 Joseph Jaworski Leadership Award Event
2025-10-28 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | River Oaks Country Club, 1600 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019, Houston, TX, 77019, US
Please visit https://jae2025.givesmart.com for more information and to purchase sponsorships/tickets.

Please visit https://jae2025.givesmart.com for more information and to purchase sponsorships/tickets.

BRIDGE HOUSTON Beating the AI Skill Gap: Designing for Workforce Resilience
2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | IM Houston, 3303 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
The future of work is not just about skills—it’s about systems that support people to learn, adapt, and lead.

Technology is only part of the story. Real workforce resilience depends on how we design for learning, access, and inclusion at every level. In this session, we’ll move beyond the idea of “closing gaps” to explore how systems can be shaped to meet people where they are—and grow with them. Regional leaders will share how they’re building human-centered approaches to training and workforce design. Participants will consider how trust, flexibility, and belonging are just as critical as credentials in preparing for what’s next.

NURTURE & DREAM: A Women’s Leadership Retreat
2025-11-14 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bank – Administrative Offices, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join ALF for a women’s leadership retreat to reconnect with your vision and refuel your energy.

Ready to step into your next level of leadership? As a woman in leadership—whether you’re advancing in your corporate career, growing your business, or building your impact in your industry—you’re working hard to create something meaningful. But here’s what often happens as we grow: we get so focused on managing our current responsibilities that we lose sight of what’s truly possible. The dreams that once inspired us get pushed to the back burner. We become excellent at taking care of everything and everyone else, but we stop prioritizing ourselves and our own vision.If you’re sensing there’s more for you—more income potential, more impact to make, more fulfillment to experience—but you haven’t made the space to really explore what that looks like, this retreat is designed for you.
Nourishing Yourself & Tapping Into Your Dreams Many women leaders find themselves in this position: you know you want to grow, but you haven’t had the time or space to truly envision what that means. You have ideas, but they feel scattered. You have dreams, but they seem distant given your current responsibilities.And perhaps most importantly, you’ve been so busy caring for others that you’ve forgotten how to truly nurture yourself. Not just spa days or quick fixes, but the kind of deep nourishment that restores your energy and clarifies your thinking.
“When women relax, we become wise.” ~ Gigi Sage ~ When we create genuine space for ourselves—space to breathe, to reflect, to dream—our natural clarity and intuition emerge. We reconnect with what truly matters to us and see possibilities we couldn’t access when we were constantly in motion.
Rediscovering What’s Possible This retreat is about creating the space—often missing in our busy lives—to reconnect with your aliveness and clarify your bigger vision. We’ll explore questions like:

What would your next level of success look like if you designed it around what truly brings you alive?
How could you increase your income and impact in ways that energize rather than drain you?
What dreams have you put on the back burner that might be ready to be activated?
How can you prioritize yourself and your vision while managing your current responsibilities?

What You’ll Experience This isn’t a lecture-style workshop. It’s an immersive day designed to help you step away from the day-to-day and reconnect with both your deeper purpose and your well-being.
Reflecting on Your Leadership Journey Where you are now, what’s working well, and how busy-ness can disconnect you from your bigger dreams.
Clarifying Your Vision The possibilities you’ve been too busy to explore and dreams that are ready to be reactivated.
What Gets in Your Way Internal blocks, limiting beliefs, and the difference between operating from force versus flow.
The Art of True Nourishment Why traditional self-care often fails busy leaders and how to care for yourself in ways that actually restore your energy and wisdom.
Creating Your Pathway Forward Integrate insights from the day into a practical plan you can implement.
Partnership with ALF Houston
We’re proud to partner with ALF Houston, bringing this experience to one of the most dynamic business communities in the country. Houston is home to innovative women leaders who understand both ambition and the importance of sustainable growth.
This Experience Is For You If:
✓ You’re a woman in leadership (entrepreneur or corporate) ready to expand to your next level
✓ You have a sense there’s more for you but need clarity on what that looks like
✓ You want to increase your income, impact, and fulfillment in sustainable ways
✓ You’re ready to prioritize yourself and your vision more intentionally
✓ You value connecting with other ambitious, growth-oriented women
✓ You’re open to exploring what’s been holding you back from your next breakthrough
✓ You want practical strategies that work with your existing responsibilities.
You Will:
Rediscover dreams you’ve put on hold – Create space for visions that may have gotten buried under daily responsibilities.
Identify what’s been holding you back – Recognize limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and patterns that prevent your next breakthrough.
Learn to truly nurture yourself – Understand the difference between surface-level self-care and deep nourishment that restores your energy and clarity.
Grow your income, impact & fulfillment – Explore how to expand your income, impact, and fulfillment without constant overwhelm.
Create a clear action plan – Leave with concrete, achievable next steps toward your expanded vision.
Connect with like-minded women leaders – Build relationships with others who understand your journey and challenges.
Your investment includes:

Complete day-long transformational experience (9 AM – 5 PM)
Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout the day
All workshop materials and resources

Reserve Your Spot TodaySpace is intentionally limited to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections. Early bird pricing is available for a limited time.
This retreat is open to all women leaders. ALF Houston membership is not required.

MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Gigi Sage
For nearly four decades, Gigi Sage has been the behind-the-scenes force supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, power couples, and executives to step into the lives they were meant to lead. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that when women reconnect with their vision—and learn to nurture themselves in the process—they become unstoppable.
Through her coaching, international retreats, and published work on communication and relationships, Gigi has helped thousands of people bring more alignment and aliveness into every area of life: business, family, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Gigi’s clients often describe her as their “secret weapon”—someone who sees the blind spots and untapped potential just beyond their current perspective. Many have worked with her for years, returning again and again to find clarity, overcome challenges, grow their income, and rise to new levels of impact and ease.
Her mission is simple: to help you come home to yourself. With Gigi in your corner, what once felt impossible starts to become inevitable.
Makena Sage
Makena Sage is a coach and speaker who—alongside her mother and longtime mentor, Gigi Sage—supports high-achieving women to grow their income, reclaim their time, and build lives they love in every area. Together, they co-lead transformational programs like the Wealthy World Changers Mastermind, helping women step into their bigger dreams with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
By age 26, Makena had hit six figures in her marketing career—but behind the scenes, she was burned out and unfulfilled. With Gigi’s support, she made the courageous leap to walk away from the work that was draining her and, together, they built a soul-aligned coaching business that allowed her to earn more, work less, and wake up excited for her work each day.
Today, Makena is passionate about helping women shift out of “go mode,” reconnect with what truly lights them up, and experience a whole new way of leading and living. Her approach blends practical business growth with deep personal alignment—so your success doesn’t just look good, it feels good.

Navigating the Future of Learning: Mapping Emerging Pathways
2025-11-18 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Futures aren’t predicted—they’re created. Join a hands-on session to explore what’s possible for learning in Houston.

Education is changing—what we believe about it should, too. In this interactive workshop led by KnowledgeWorks’ Strategic Foresight team, participants will explore the forces shaping the future of learning and how communities can respond with intention. Using tools from foresight analysis, the session will help participants surface assumptions, expand possibilities, and connect ideas to local realities. Rather than seek answers, we’ll ask better questions—together imagining learning environments that reflect the needs and aspirations of tomorrow’s students.

This event will include a presentation and time for small group dialogue.

Celebrating Powerhouse Leaders of East End Houston
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | SERJobs, 1710 Telephone Road, Houston, TX 77023, Houston, TX, 77023, US
Celebrate three Powerhouse Leaders of East End Houston who are stepping into high-impact roles and introduce them to the ALF community.

As we welcome the new year, let’s uplift, support and celebrate three Powerhouse Leaders of East End Houston. We will spotlight these Senior Fellows who are stepping into high-impact roles and introduce them to the broader ALF community — creating opportunities for connection, mutual support, and potential collaboration.
We will spotlight and celebrate the following remarkable leaders:

Ge’Juan Cole – Managing Director of Port Infrastructure of the Port Houston
Liliana Rambo – Chief Executive Officer, SERJobs
Jesus Soto Jr. – Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, CenterPoint

AI for Leaders: Clarity, Risk, and a Practical Starting Point
2026-01-23 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
AI training for Leaders: you don’t need to know everything about AI so this session will just give you what you need to make decisions

Let’s get you ready to lead with AI in 2026. AI is moving fast, but most leaders are making decisions with an incomplete understanding of what it is and what it can really do—fueling fear, resistance, and stalled momentum. This morning session demystifies AI by starting where most events don’t: the fundamentals.
We’ll break down what AI actually is, how it works in practical terms, and why it’s different from previous technology shifts—so you can lead with clarity instead of hype (or hesitation). Then we’ll translate that foundation into a simple, HumAIn-first approach you can apply immediately.
You’ll leave with:

A leader-friendly explanation of what AI is and how it works (beyond “ChatGPT”)

Clear language and definitions that your team can align around

A practical view of where AI creates real value in knowledge work—and where it doesn’t

A HumAIn-first approach to reducing fear and resistance through trust and transparency

A clear first-step plan: where to start, what to avoid, and how to move responsibly

Who’s leading this This session is facilitated by Softway’s HumAIn First team—leaders who help organizations navigate complex change across technology, culture, and communications.
Facilitators:

Mohammad Anwar (ALF Class 59)

Chris Pitre (ALF Class 62)

Jeff Ma (ALF Class 64)

Frank Danna (ALF Class 65)

Softway is a people-first consulting firm focused on AI transformation—helping leaders adopt AI in ways that are practical, responsible, and aligned to how humans actually work.

HumAIn-First AI Transformation Workshop
2026-01-23 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Bldg on Main | The Exchange Conference Rm | 11th Floor, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
A Softway Initiative in partnership with ALF Houston, a workshop redefining leadership
in the age of AI.

Start the year with AI clarity and traction: understand how it works in the morning, then build real outputs in a guided hackathon.
Here’s the reality: leaders know AI is transformative—and not going away. But many don’t know how to put it to work responsibly, securely, and at scale. The result is predictable: fear, misinformation, security anxiety, and pilots that never turn into sustained momentum.
This full-day experience gives you both the foundation and the repetitions to lead with confidence.
In the morning, we demystify AI by giving you an overview—what it is, how it works, and why it’s unlike past tech shifts—so leaders can make better decisions and communicate clearly in the middle of rapid change.
In the afternoon, you’ll apply that understanding in a guided hackathon where you get hands-on with tools in a safe, sandbox environment and produce tangible outputs you can bring back to your organization.
You’ll walk away with:

A practical understanding of AI fundamentals (so decisions aren’t driven by hype or fear)
A shared vocabulary and simple decision filters leaders can use immediately
A HumAIn-first approach that builds trust and reduces resistance
A pilot-ready path: selecting use cases, setting guardrails, and creating momentum
Hands-on reps with tools—and real outputs you can bring back to your org

This event is proudly co-hosted by American Leadership Forum and Softway, uniting two communities committed to business and leadership transformation.
Softway, is a people-first consulting firm that helps businesses truly transform in areas of technology, communications, and culture. They have led enterprise leaders, Fortune 500 executives, and high-growth founders through complex change journeys, equipping them to lead with confidence in times of uncertainty.
Four leaders from Softway will be your facilitators for the event:
Mohammad Anwar ALF Class 59
Chris Pitre ALF Class 62
Jeff Ma ALF Class 64
Frank Danna ALF Class 65

HumAIn First is Softway’s human-first approach to AI transformation, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replaces it. Through thought-provoking discussions, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, you’ll uncover how to lead with empathy while embracing the opportunities of AI. Together, we’ll explore how trust, accountability, and connection can amplify the power of technology rather than diminish it. You’ll leave with practical tools to spark change in your organization and the confidence to navigate transformation with both head and heart.
Taking place at Amegy on Main in downtown Houston, the workshop begins with breakfast at 8:30am before diving into a day of learning, collaboration, and growth. Sessions will run from 9am to 4pm, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided to keep you energized. We invite you to join us for this unique opportunity to connect with peers, challenge assumptions, and reimagine what’s possible when humanity leads the way in transformation.
Open to leaders from every function and industry, no technical expertise required.

Note: By RSVPing, you understand and agree that photos and/or videos may be taken at the event, which may be used in future marketing materials.

2026 Leadership Labs - Part 1
2026-02-27 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | ALF Leadership Hub, 1801 Main Street 11th Floor Conference Center, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Leadership Labs workshops designed to support the activation of the newly commenced Senior Fellows and the broader ALF community.

Join Senior Fellows from across the ALF network and the newly commenced Class 64 and Class 65 and for a two-part workshop series designed to move you from insight to action.
Friday, February 27 & Friday, March 27 from 8:30am – 4:00pm
@ 1801 Main Street, 11th floor
Leadership Labs are a dedicated space for ALF Senior Fellows to stoke their leadership fire. Whether you need to tend to your inner flame or fan the flames of an external project, you will find a supportive community of peers and facilitators to help you:

Clarify your focus on an issue of deep importance to you
Galvanize support and build momentum for collective action
Sharpen the skills and insights from your Fellows year
Practice leadership in a courageous, collaborative, ALF environment
Gain practical tools and strategies to address your leadership challenges

Choose Your Track!
Track 1: Tending Your FlameBefore a fire can light the way for others, it must be carefully tended. This track is a dedicated space to nurture your inner resources—renewing your energy, clarifying your purpose, and building the resilience required for the long journey of leadership.
Track 2: Fanning the FlamesEvery great movement begins with a spark. This track is for turning that spark into a lasting fire. Bring your idea or initiative and, with the support of a dedicated community, fuel it with strategy, feedback, and actionable steps to grow its impact.
Additonal Details:

Cost: Free (and lunch is provided)
Registration Required: Limited spots available—register by February 18th
Registration is a commitment to attend both days: Part I (Feb 27) and Part II (Mar 27)
Prerequisite: Attendance at Part I is mandatory to participate in Part II

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your impact, connect with the ALF network, and take bold steps toward addressing the challenges that matter most to you.
For more information and to sign up, use this link!

Stronger Together: Growing Connection and Belonging Community-Wide
2026-03-23 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Chicago) | Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, 808 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join the community to explore research on connection and belonging—and help shape a shared vision for the future of Houston

A gathering to activate and ignite community-wide momentum around strengthening connection and belonging. This effort is intentionally inclusive—casting a wide net so all are welcome—and centers on building shared understanding of the research, raising awareness, and galvanizing collective support. The goal is to move from insight to action, inviting individuals and organizations to make meaningful commitments that advance belonging and connection across the community.
This event has been inspired by the Kinder Institute at Rice University report “Sense of Achievement, Belonging and Connection” and is organized by a partnership between the Kinder Institute, the YMCA of Greater Houston, the Houston Food Bank, and ALF Houston/Gulf Coast.

Celebrating Houston's Trailblazers
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | SheSpace, 2799 Katy Freeway #Suite 250, Houston, TX 77007, Houston, TX, 77007, US
ALF is hosting a Happy Hour to Celebrate Senior Fellows Maria Moncada-Alaoui and Amy Perez, hosted by Senior Fellow Stephanie Tsuru!

In honor of International Women’s Month, join ALF for an inspiring evening spotlighting two extraordinary leaders who are forging unique paths.
At Celebrating Houston’s Trailblazers, we will spotlight two trailblazing Senior Fellows forging new paths:

Maria Moncada-Alaoui, Class 63, a senior executive who has built her entire career in the automotive industry—navigating, leading, and thriving in a field where women remain underrepresented.
Amy Perez, Class 64, the newly appointed CFO of one of Houston’s major sports stadiums, stepping into a high-impact financial leadership role at the center of one of the city’s most visible institutions.

These remarkable leaders will be featured in an engaging fireside chat moderated by Senior Fellow Stephanie Tsuru, Class 55 and co-founder of SheSpace, the women-centered coworking community she launched five years ago. The conversation will explore career inflection points, influence, and what it takes to lead under often challenging circumstances.
Following the program, guests will enjoy light bites and libations while connecting with fellow ALF Senior Fellows and community leaders. This evening is designed to celebrate and connect leaders!
While this event honors women and the spirit of International Women’s Month, it is open to everyone. We welcome men and women alike to join us in celebrating leadership and community.
Come ready to be inspired—and to build community with Houston’s changemakers.

Mobilizing Houston
2026-04-13 08:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | The Ismaili Center, 2323 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019, Houston, TX, 77019, US
A two-day immersive forum equipping leaders with the skills and relationships to lead through complexity and mobilize action.

Mobilizing Houston is a two-day immersive forum designed for leaders who are ready to move beyond conversation and into coordinated action. Attendace to both dates of the Forum is required. Day 1 is Monday, April 13 and Day 2 is Monday, April 20.
Over the course of two days, you will engage in facilitated, highly interactive experiences that explore Houston’s challenges across education access, workforce development, and economic mobility. Through data, dialogue, and experiential learning, you’ll deepen your understanding of the complexity shaping our region, and your role within it.
This forum is designed to help you:

Strengthen the working relationships that make collective action possible
Develop a shared language for navigating complexity
Explore adaptive tools and frameworks you can apply within your teams, coalitions, and systems

Together, we will build the relational foundation and practical capacity needed to mobilize toward shared purpose, not just during the convening, but in the months and years that follow.
Mobilizing Houston invites you to show up with curiosity, courage, and a commitment to advancing coordinated action for the future of the Houston Gulf Coast Region.

ALF Ismaili Center Tour
2026-04-22 14:00 - 2026-05-28 14:45, 2026-04-23 13:00 - 2026-05-28 13:45 (America/Chicago) | The Ismaili Center, 2323 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019, Houston, TX, 77019, US
An opportunity for Bridge Houston Practitioners to get a guided tour of the Ismaili Center joined by some ALF Senior Fellows.

The very knowledgable Ismaili Center tour guides will provide information on the Ismaili Center’s architecture, symbolism and the Ismaili faith.

Asian Leaders Lunch
2026-05-05 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Chicago) | BoyarMiller Law Office, 2925 Richmond Avenue, Houston, TX 77098, Houston, TX, 77098, US
Come celebrate in honor of AAPI Month and Nory’s birthday, followed by a special announcement!

Come celebrate AAPI Month — and Nory’s birthday — with your ALF community on Tuesday, May 5th!
Lunch is from 12:00 to 1:30!
Join us for a special lunch co-hosted by Senior Fellows Donna Cole, Nancy Li, and Soner Tarim in partnership with Bill Boyar as we gather to celebrate Asian leaders in our community and the strength of the ALF network.
The lunch will be followed by a special announcement — so special, in fact, that Nory is sharing it on her birthday.
In lieu of gifts, please consider making a gift to ALF’s Annual Giving Campaign (not required to attend).
We hope you’ll join us for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and community.

American Leadership Forum 2026 Fellows Opening Reception
2026-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St 11th floor, 1801 Main Street #11th floor, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
ALF Opening Reception for 2026 Fellows Classes

We are excited to formally welcome the Fellows of Classes 66 and 67 of the American Leadership Forum to the beginning of what we hope will be a most memorable year!
Join us for your Opening Reception on the evening of Wednesday, May 6th, at 6 pm on the 11th floor of 1801 Main Street to meet the outstanding leaders of the Houston community in your class and cohort year, as well as the ALF facilitators, board, and staff.
Appetizers and drinks will be served, information will be shared about the upcoming orientation retreat, and you will have time to meet with your class and facilitators.
Please use our parking garage at no cost. Use the second or third parking garage entrance on Fannin Street. If the gate isn’t up, you will pull a ticket to enter (but will not need it to exit). Once parked, take the elevator down to the courtyard, and the entrace to the building is on the other side of the courtyard. Check-in is located in the buildling lobby. You will then be directed to take the elevators to the 11th floor.

*This event is for ALF Fellows, Board and Staff. There will be other events in the future where you are welcome to bring family or friends.

Coffee Tasting: Class Connector Appreciation!
2026-05-27 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Celebrate your hard work for the ALF Annual Giving Campaign with a coffee tasting at the ALF office!

ALF and AGC co-chair and Senior Fellow Frank Danna, class 65, are celebrating our amazing Class Connectors and all their hard work with an exclusive coffee tasting event.
Frank will provide a selection of coffee blends from his own coffee roasting company and Class Connectors will help ALF select one to be our “Get Up and Lead” ALF coffee blend!
Join us to check-in, taste some coffee and connect with one another. The event will take place at the ALF Leadership Hub at 1801 Main Street.
The parking garage entrance is located on Fannin Street. Bring your parking ticket inside with you for validation.
You’ll take the elevator/stairs to the first floor of the parking garage and walk across the courtyard to enter the lobby. In the lobby you will check in with the front desk, citing ALF and then Sarah WIndham as your contact, alerting someone from the team to come down and bring you up to the office.

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 (America/Chicago) | 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 (America/Chicago) | 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!

ALF's New Branded Coffee Reveal
2026-09-03 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join us as we reveal the winning flavor of our branded coffee!

FELLOW & SENIOR FELLOW ONLY EVENT !
This summer Senior Fellow Frank Danna, Class 65, has led ALF on a journey through the world of coffee. The ALF staff and Class Connectors have tasted, considered, and voted. Now we’re ready to reveal our very own signature blend – the ALF Wake Up and Lead Roast! The flavor stays a secret until we pour the first cup together. Come be part of the reveal.

Frank will be guiding us through a mindful tasting of the new roast, highlighting the ways the flavor changes and develops from the first piping hot pour through the cooling and settling in to it’s final flavor.

Start your day in the ALF Way, connecting with your community and with your senses!

Pastries provided!

Parking Information:
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!

Kaizen Leadership: The Power of 1% Better Every Day
2026-09-16 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | The Council on Recovery, 303 Jackson Hill Street, Houston, TX 77007, Houston, TX, 77007, US
An interactive Kaizen workshop for leaders committed to getting 1% better every day; practical tools to strengthen teams and culture.

FELLOW AND SENIOR FELLOW EVENT ONLY!

Organizations improve when people improve.
The strongest cultures, highest-performing teams, and most successful organizations are built by leaders who commit to getting just a little better every day. They communicate with greater clarity. They make better decisions. They build stronger relationships. They create environments where people can do their best work.
This interactive workshop uses the principles of Kaizen, continuous improvement, to help leaders unlock greater potential in themselves and the people they lead. Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply to strengthen leadership, improve team performance, and create lasting momentum.
What Participants Will Experience
Participants will learn how to:

Develop the mindset of high-performing leaders.
Build habits that create consistency and trust.
Strengthen communication and accountability.
Lead with greater confidence during change and uncertainty.
Help individuals and teams reach higher levels of performance.
Turn daily actions into long-term organizational success.

Elevating Your Leadership Matters Now, More Than Ever
Every organization has goals. Achieving them depends on people.
When leaders invest in their own growth, they create a ripple effect throughout the organization. Teams become more engaged. Collaboration improves. Accountability becomes part of the culture. Performance rises because people are growing, not simply working harder.
Participants leave with greater self-awareness, practical leadership tools, and a renewed commitment to becoming 1% better every day. As leaders grow, teams become stronger, cultures become healthier, and organizations become better equipped to achieve extraordinary results.
Who Should Attend
Executive leaders, leadership teams, boards, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and organizations committed to developing people as their greatest competitive advantage.

Self-Leadership: Leadership Starts with You
2026-09-30 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | 1801 Main St, 1801 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Continue the leadership training you began in your Fellowship with Senior Fellow Lindsay Lewis (Class 64), Senior Vice President at YMCA

In this interactive session, Lindsay Lewis, Senior Vice President at the YMCA of Greater Houston and author of Take Your Next Step, invites participants to pause from leading others and invest in leading themselves. Through research, personal stories, reflection, and practical exercises, participants will deepen their self-awareness, clarify their core values, and strengthen their emotional intelligence. Lindsay will guide participants through practical exercises designed to strengthen self-leadership before leading others.

Participants will leave the session with a greater understanding of themselves, practical tools to lead with authenticity and intention, and one clear next step they can immediately apply in their leadership and life.

About Lindsay:
Lindsay Lewis is the Senior Vice President of Programs, Evaluation, and Membership for the YMCA of Greater Houston, where she leads association-wide strategy for membership, programs, evaluation, and member experience across more than 20 YMCA centers. With more than 20 years of YMCA leadership experience, she is passionate about developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and helping people navigate change with confidence.
Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Certified John Maxwell Team Speaker, Trainer, and Coach, and a Senior Fellow with the American Leadership Forum.
She is the author of Take Your Next Step: A Proven Framework for Navigating Personal and Professional Change, where she combines research, leadership experience, and personal stories to help individuals grow in self-awareness and lead with greater authenticity and purpose.
Lindsay lives in Katy, Texas, with her husband, Aaron, and their son, Bradley.

Immigration & Workforce: What's at Stake for Houston
2026-10-14 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Amegy Tower, 1717 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
A panel on how immigration policy is shaping Houston's education and workforce — and what we can do about it. Moderated by Linda Lorelle.

A Bridge Houston Collaborative Conversation
As immigration policy continues to shift at the federal level, Houston employers, educators, and workforce leaders are grappling with real questions: How are these changes affecting our talent pipeline? What does it mean for the students and workers already in our systems? And how should our institutions respond?
Join us for a candid conversation sponsored by Senior Fellow Stan Marek (Class 28) and moderated by Senior Fellow Linda Lorelle (Class 62), Co-Founder, Civil Dialogues.
Panelists will bring legal, data and solutions based perspectives on immigration workforce development and education to explore the impact of immigration changes on Houston’s workforce and education pipeline.
Panelists:

Steve Stephens (Senior Fellow Class 22) – CEO, Amegy Bank
Ruth N. López Turley (Senior Fellow Class 59) – Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research
Kristin Etter – Director of Policy and Legal Services, Texas Immigration Law Council
Loren Steffy – Managing Director, 30 Point Strategies

Joseph Jaworski Leadership Awards Dinner
2026-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Revaire, 7122 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX, 77024, United States
This year, we honor the power of courageous leadership.
Courage to listen. Courage to act. Courage to lead with heart—especially when it matters most.
We are honored to invite you to support the 2026 Joseph Jaworski Leadership Awards Event, taking place on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 PM at The Revaire.
We are proud to center our celebration on the theme of Courage in Action—capturing and elevating stories from Senior Fellows across our network whose leadership reflects the power of courage to shape organizations, communities, and lives. We are incredibly excited to recognize three extraordinary leaders whose work exemplifies this spirit of courageous leadership:
• Bill Boyar, (Class XXVIII) recipient of the Joseph Jaworski Leadership Award, for his enduring leadership and impact across our community.
• Nancy Li-Tarim, (Class XXVIII) and Dr. Soner Tarim, (Class XXX) recipients of the Joseph Jaworski Public Servant Award, for their commitment to service and transformative contributions to the public good.
The Jaworski Leadership Awards Event is a powerful gathering of cross-sector leaders committed to advancing a stronger, more connected Houston. By becoming a sponsor, you are also investing in our mission to join and strengthen diverse leaders to serve the common good.
We invite you to stand with us for this inspiring evening— amplifying stories of courage and helping shape the future of leadership in our region.
