HOUSTON — The 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Awards Gala held on Aug. 23, 2024, was a beautiful celebration of excellence, leadership, and influence. Hosted at the luxurious Royal Sonesta Hotel, this highly anticipated annual event recognized a class of exceptional women who have made significant contributions to the Houston community in various fields, including business, education, health care, media, tech, construction and philanthropy.
The evening began with a red-carpet welcome, where the honorees dressed in elegant gowns and suits and mingled with distinguished guests. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as attendees gathered to honor the remarkable achievements of the women who have made a lasting impact on the city.
Several honorees expressed gratitude and excitement for being recognized:
“I am honored to receive the Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award. The award exemplifies the strong belief that it is incumbent on those of us that lead to lift and serve our communities. As I always say, if serving is beneath you, leadership is beyond you. The Congresswoman was a true servant of her communities. Therefore, I am honored to be recognized as a community servant by the family of the late Congresswoman. Thank you.” – Jackie Anderson, President, Houston Federation of Teachers, Honorable Sheila Jackson Lee Community Achievement Award Honoree
“I am honored to have been included in the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston’s Class of 2024. This is an organization dedicated to supporting and honoring women who excel in business and community engagement – honoring us not only as individuals but also as a community of engaged, driven and impactful leaders. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with such a diverse, interesting and intelligent group of women. Thank you to Mr. D-MARS and the Top 30 Influential Women organization for your commitment to excellence – may more organizations follow your lead.” – Amanda Hammel, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Memorial Hermann Health System
“Thank you to Mr. D-MARS and the Vaskey Media family for honoring the Top 30 Women, Class of 2024! I’m honored and privileged to be in the company of such titans in the Houston community, as we join the long-standing tradition of excellence. I’m grateful to my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who have supported me throughout my career as a lawyer, as well as in my endeavors to help others. We had so much fun at the awards gala this weekend. I was humbled at the outpouring of support and love in the room!” – Shae Keefe Jacobs, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP
“It was a remarkable experience to stand amongst Houston’s most extraordinary women. The dedication and excellence of Mr. D-MARS and his team were evident throughout the evening’s gala. Each moment was a showcase of elegance and sophistication, leaving us in awe throughout the night. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this amazing cohort of remarkable group of ladies and to have a seat at the table in this particular room. #Top30Hou.” – Chartenya Cleveland, Director of Underwriting Solutions, The Hanover Insurance Group
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston for 2024. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at Disrupt Gives, who tirelessly work to create meaningful change in our community. I am proud to represent an organization that is committed to fostering equity, promoting social justice, and creating opportunities for all. This recognition fuels our passion to continue making a positive impact in Houston and beyond.” – Tracee Seals, MBA, CFRE, Foundation Director, Disrupt Gives
“Receiving an award is truly humbling. I believe that our lives are stories filled with pivotal moments and influential characters. As I reflect on my journey, I am overwhelmed with appreciation for all those who have shaped my life. The Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award is not about a singular achievement but a testament to the collective power of community, opportunity, faith, and support that are intricately woven into the tapestry of our lives. I am even more inspired to continue embracing each new chapter with grace, humility, and courage.” – Sheroo Mukhtiar, Chief Executive Officer, SERJobs
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to have received the 2024 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Award! I still can’t believe it! It was an incredible and joyful event full of energy and elegance! Estoy Feliz y Agradecida por la oportunidad y otorgarme esta Gran Reconocimiento.” – Claudia Ortega Hogue, Partner, SSP Engineering & Consulting
“Thank you D-MARS and executive team for two days of amazing, elegant and memorable recognition events. As a 2024 honoree, it was a blessing to be in the company of past honorees. Thank you for a platform that acknowledges women in Houston who are invested, involved and passionate about their craft.” – Dr. Dionne M. Hill, LPC-S, Practice Manager, Southwest Adult Clinic, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
See photos from this year’s event below:
2025 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston Nominations
Want to nominate a woman that you know? We seek a diverse group of candidates who share a commitment to business growth, professional, excellence, and the community– women who are shaping the economic future of large and small corporations, or independent firms. Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The nomination deadline is March 1, 2025, but you can nominate someone as early as TODAY! Please send bios and Word documents that are 400-450 words. Please include the nominee’s contact information. The awards are open to women who are business owners or senior executives in the public, private or non-profit sectors.
Please email all nominations to operations@top30women.com or call 713-373-5577 if you have any questions. For more information, visit https://top30women.com/.
