top of page
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • X
HTR Neon Skyline Background_edited.jpg

Get to know the speakers.

image.png

Jon Lambert

Chief Executive Officer

Jon brings over 30 years of professional experience and organizational and operational leadership across the public and private sector.

Timmeko_Moore_Love.jpeg

Timmeko Moore Love

General Manager and Senior Vice President

Timmeko Moore Love leads Greentown Houston as Greentown Labs’ first-ever Houston General Manager and Senior Vice President.

Robert _Pieroni_edited.jpg

Robert Pieroni

Director of Italian Business Development

For gener8tor, a renowned venture capital firm.

Robert has established a remarkable track record in
developing initiatives that bridge the gaps between various stakeholders in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Jane_Stricker_edited.jpg

Jane Stricker

SVP and Executive Director

Jane has responsibility for the Partnership’s effort to leverage Houston’s energy leadership to accelerate the transition to an energy abundant, low-carbon future.

Mike_Tauiliili_Brown.jpg

Mike Tauiliili Brown

Founder and Chief Visionary Officer 

Win-Win, a venture backed startup behind the Compete-2-Earn technology that enables fans to compete in fun mobile games and earn blockchain based badges.

WILLIAM_SCHLITZ_edited.jpg

William Schlitz

Chief Operating Officer

William brings 30 years of expertise in public and media relations, community engagement, and legislative advocacy.

Bailey_Kinney_.jpg

Bailey Kinney

Executive Director of Lemonade Day Houston

Bailey's 27 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and business ownership has prepared her to organize, promote, and host events for the Lemonade Day youth entrepreneurship program.

Jonah_Margulis.jpg

Jonah Margulis

Head of N.A., Aker Carbon Capture

 Mr. Margulis joined Aker Carbon Capture in February 2023 and has significant leadership experience from his roles spanning nearly a decade within the Aker group.

Samantha_Colletti.jpg

Samantha Colletti

Managing Director for Silicon Valley Bank

Samantha has spent her whole career in the financial services and banking industry covering venture capital, private equity, technology and innovation.

Brannon_Albritton.png

Brannon Albritton

JP Morgan

Brannon has been with J.P. Morgan since 2011 and is an Executive Director in the Technology & Disruptive Commerce team, where he specializes in providing

banking solutions.

Al_Ware.png

Al Ware

Founder & CEO of VoxBox

Within just one year, his exceptional strategy and dedication transformed VoxBox into a design powerhouse, renowned for its innovative approach and exceptional design acumen.

Robert_Johnson.jpg

Robert Johnson

Business Advisor II at the Ft. Bend County SBDC

Robert spearheads transformative initiatives including the SBIR/STTR Task Force and Entrepreneurship 101, focusing on empowering underserved communities and university students.

Jordan_Wright.jpg

Jordyn Wright

Founder and CEO of J. Brielle Handmade Goods

Jordyn passionately utilizes her platform to inspire and
empower youth like her to pursue their interests through social entrepreneurship.

Israel_Wilson.png

Israel Wilson

Leading Beauty Walker Studios, he empowers indigenous artists to monetize their crafts, merging technology with cultural expression. 

Expert in Emerging Technologies

Darren_Smith.jpg

Darren Smith

Co-founder and COO of Tradeblock

Tradeblock is the #1 barter-based social marketplace for sneakers.

Nate_Thompson.jpg

Nate Thompson

Co-Founder of HTX Sports Tech

Nate provides advisory services for professional sports organizations, venture capital firms, accelerators, and consulting agencies, seamlessly connecting innovative tech solutions with strategic growth objectives.

Bryan Luhn

Interim Director of Media Relations for the UH

Bryan is an accomplished storyteller and communicator whose work has been honored by national press and industry organizations, including a Murrow Award and several Emmy Awards.

image.png

Julie Russ

Director of Retail Experience at Third Coast Bank

With over twenty-five years of experience, she leads the branch network including 16 branch locations, the service center, and online banking.
 

andy roehr_edited.jpg

Andy Roehr

Managing Director 

Andy focuses on the Energy Transition where he helps companies develop and execute their energy strategies with everything from hydrogen to small modular reactors and fleet fuel transitions.

michelle avalos.jpg

Michelle Avalos

Co-Founder of Impact Hub Houston

Michelle is passionate about economic equity and helping people find Decent Work to achieve Economic Growth. She empowers change makers to transform their vision into action for good.

bill bobbora.jpg

Bill Bobbora

Chief Banking Officer

With over 30 years of corporate finance experience, Mr. Bobbora’s expertise is centered around building middle market corporate banking platforms and the bank’s overall growth strategy.

image_edited.jpg

Firoz

Seasoned Tech and Management Professional

Firoz is passionate about implementing technology with the aim to benefit society and is always searching for new innovations to bring to market.

jerry varnado.png

Jerry Varnado

Venture Partner and Angel Investor

Jerry has a portfolio of early-stage companies ranging from EV infrastructure and marketplaces, to platforms and vertical SaaS.

billy cohn.png

Billy Cohn, M.D.

Director of CDI at TMC

Dr. Cohn has been granted more than 90 US patents or patents pending. Since 2012, Dr. Cohn has served as the Chief Medical Officer and on the Board of Directors for BiVACOR and CSI Inc.

dr muddasir_edited.jpg

Dr. Muddasir Siddiqi

President at Central College

With a passion for higher education and a reputation for visible leadership characterized by energy, vision, and entrepreneurship, Dr. Siddiqi is driving innovation and academic excellence to new heights

dr danielle_edited.jpg

Dr. Danielle Stagg

Department Chair at HCC

With a rich background in both non-profit management and higher education  Dr. Stagg brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Speech, Communication, & Sign Language department at HCC.

Professor Shasta Beveridge

Professor and Program Coordinator at HCC

With a passion for fostering innovation and workforce development, Shasta is dedicated to preparing design students for success in the ever-evolving landscape of the industry. 

Professor Cheryl Whitaker

 Fashion Merchandising Program Coordinator 

With a wealth of experience in the fashion industry, Cheryl is a motivating and results-oriented educator dedicated to inspiring students to achieve academic and personal excellence.

sharon_edited.jpg

Sharon Burinyuy Fuhnjem 

Mechanical engineer at HCC

Sharon is not just a student; she's a force of change within her academic community. Her HCC experience has been transformative, fostering her growth as a leader and a global citizen.

mohamed.png

Mohamed Mahrez Haboubi

Computer Engineer at HCC

Mohamed is a driven and forward-thinking student on a mission to revolutionize the world of technology through his unwavering dedication and passion for computer engineering.

james mable_edited.jpg

James Mable

Director of the CJPSC

James oversees district-wide initiatives to support student success in job placement, internship development, and career readiness.

filecha lucas_edited.jpg

Filecha Lucas

Master of Career Services (NCDA)

With a diverse skill set and a passion for serving at-risk and underserved populations, Filecha is dedicated to making a positive impact in higher education, career planning, and organizational leadership.

amy tan_edited.jpg

Dr. Amy Tan

Dean of English and Communications at HCC

With over 15 years of experience teaching English Composition and Literature at the college level, Dr. Tan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. 

image.png

Dr. Maya Durnovo

AVC for Entrepreneurial Initiatives at HCC

Dr. Maya spearheads initiatives to foster small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures across the college district, driving economic growth and empowerment within the local community. 

todd duplantis_edited.jpg