d-mars.com Celebrates 2025 Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Texas Awards Honorees
The d-mars.com team came together to honor the trailblazers who have excelled in their respective fields.
The d-mars.com team came together to honor the trailblazers who have excelled in their respective fields.
2021 TOP P&E Tami Vienn Allen, affectionately known as ‘The Relationship Coach’, is a native Houstonian who started her entrepreneurial journey at 23 years old in the hair business. Allen comes from a family of entrepreneurs including her parents who inspired her to open her first salon, Elige Salon, in February of 1999, the first…
2021 SUPER P&E Cristina Johnson is the regional marketing manager for Cigna, South Texas and Louisiana. Cristina received her BA from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her MS in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University. She began her career in St. Louis, Missouri, with Enterprise Holdings, managing various marketing programs for multiple, international business lines…
2021 super p&e On the surface, Jay Bradley is an accomplished real estate broker and philanthropist in the community. Though Jay is known for his polished demeanor, his clients describe him as upbeat and passionate in pursuing their real estate goals and dreams. That passion applies to finding a first home for young families, just as it…
2021 super p&e Rodney Reed is the UPS Sweetwater package division manager in the South Operations Red River District. He has held multiple positions within UPS since his career started in 1995, having worked his way up the UPS ladder from entry level positions through hard work, sacrifice, and the support of his family. He…
2021 super p&e Toni Johnson’s creativity has made her an influencer and a trailblazer in the hair care industry. Toni’s humble beginnings started as a stylist over 20 years ago in a salon in Third Ward. As Toni mastered her craft, she transitioned to The Root of You Salon and Day Spa, an exclusive salon…
2021 super p&e Adrian Collins is a sports and entertainment executive who currently serves as the director of operations at Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (NRG Park) in Houston, Texas. He is also the principal of Adrian K. Collins & Associates LLC, a business development firm that specializes in helping small, medium, and large-sized…
2021 super p&e Shawn Green’s professional career is one to be admired as he continues to ascend the corporate ladder in the oil and gas industry. He is well-known as an accomplished, results-driven leader with well-rounded and diverse experiences. Shawn currently serves as manager of Global Services, Systems and Technology for ConocoPhillips. He is accountable…
2021 super p&e Kris Green aka “KG Smooth” was born and raised in Dayton, OH, the birthplace of funk music. KG Smooth is a multi-talented host and radio personality, earning award-winning status for not only his recognizable smooth voice and acclaimed talents on the mic, but his work ethic behind the scenes in the media…
2021 super p&e Zelma Lee aka “DJ Supastar” is a DJ, influencer, philanthropist, and TV and radio personality. DJ Supastar lights up everything she touches! She has been spinning since 2001, always expanding her diverse pallet for music, with the ability to play ANY room, remaining in high demand and sustaining her success. In the…
2021 super p&e It was not enough for Clark Atlanta University alum, Derrick Dixon, to receive his MBA and bring his talents to an already existing company. His dream was to start businesses that would allow him the opportunity to hire individuals who were not afforded the same opportunities as he was to pursue a…
2021 super p&e Kevin Murray is an attorney, real estate developer, film producer, and philanthropist. As an attorney he practices in all areas of civil litigation with a high concentration in personal injury, real estate, and entertainment law. Calling Houston his home for over 25 years, he built a successful law practice specializing in the…
2021 super p&e Donna Franklin has almost 30 years in the broadcasting industry and as Program Director at The Choice 90.9 KTSU, she finds this to be one of the most rewarding positions she has had in her career. Not only does she enjoy making dreams come true for those who aspire to be in…
2021 super p&e Willie James Dennis aka “Willie D” is proud of his Houston, Texas, roots. Willie D is an American rapper who gained fame as a member of the pioneering rap group from Houston, Geto Boys. Despite his reputation for being a hardcore artist who pens often provocative lyrics, Willie D is known for…
2021 super p&e Jerry Sowells is a certified construction manager with over 20 years of successful construction management leadership experience serving clients in Houston and the surrounding areas. He holds a M.S. in civil engineering and is the president of Sowells Consulting Engineers, LLC and Sowells Engineers & Constructors, LLC. His project experience includes serving…
2021 top educator Superintendent Robert Bostic of the Stafford Municipal School District, has been dedicated to children and education for 25 years. He has served as a teacher, supervisor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Bostic is active in community, civic, and professional organizations. He is currently a member of the Texas Association…
2021 top educator Dr. Charles Dupre began his tenure as Superintendent of Fort Bend ISD in 2013. The District is the state’s eighth-largest school district. For more than 61 years, Fort Bend ISD has grown to serve more than 77,000 students at 81 campuses. It is also one of the most diverse in the nation,…
2021 TOP EDUCATOR Dr. Roberta Grace Scott is a distinguished passionate educator with 17 years of education expertise in teaching and administration. She has successfully educated and encouraged students to succeed despite their obstacles. Dr. Scott currently serves as the director of the Social/Emotional Learning & Student Discipline department for the Houston Independent School District….
2021 TOP EDUCATOR Dr. Rodney E. Watson has led the Spring Independent School District since July 2014. The district serves more than 33,000 students in a diverse community approximately 20 miles north of downtown Houston, in an urban area of Harris County, Texas. Along with its 26 elementary schools, seven comprehensive middle schools and three…
2021 Top EDUCATOR Dr. Thomas Randle became Lamar CISD’s Superintendent of Schools in 2001. Under his leadership, Lamar CISD is known around the state for academic excellence. During his tenure, the District has twice been recognized by Texas School Business magazine for its best practices, earned the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award for Best Large…