The state of Texas, and the city of Houston in particular, have no shortage of game-changing individuals capable of making a profound difference in the life of one person or 1 million. Here are several such individuals who are poised to blast off in terms of their positive impact on others.
Sylvester Turner, U.S. Congressman
Certainly, Houstonians are familiar with Sylvester Turner. He served as mayor of the Bayou City for eight years and represented Houston’s 139th District in the Texas Legislature for over two decades. So, why is he one to watch in 2025? Come January, Turner will be serving the Houston area in a new position; one that takes him to Washington D.C., as the successor to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Following Jackson Lee alone is reason enough for the “Eyes of Texas” and the nation to be on Turner. However, it’s even bigger than that. Turner is manning a seat that has been described by many as legendary due to the list of legends who served as the U.S. Representative for the 18th DIstrict. Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, and Jackson Lee, each icon in their own right, represented District 18 in years past. Now, the mantle of District 18 leadership falls upon the shoulders of Turner. How will he do? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure: thousands will be watching.
Kenneth & Carissa Stephens, Pur Noire Urban Wineries & Stephens Reed & Armstrong PLLC.
Speaking of power couples, check out the Stephens. In 2017, the duo was approached by an entrepreneur about an opportunity to be part owners in a luxury wine club that an iconic media brand sponsored. Despite being extremely excited to be involved in launching a business in the wine industry, putting up their capital and publicly promoting the brand, they found themselves disappointed in the quality of the wine and the club’s overall operations. They gave up their interest in the company and nearly decided to forgo the wine industry altogether.
However, a little over a year later, the two decided to pull away from their personal entrepreneurial ventures to work together and develop their wine brand. They knew that they wanted to create high-quality wine and combine it with memorable experiences. If they could create a product that helped give others that feeling that they experienced in Italy, they knew the company would be a success.
After selecting the varietals and vineyards and consulting winemakers, they decided on the name Pur Noire to pay homage to Carissa’s French Creole roots, and they began producing the Pur Collection.
Jaquavous ‘Quaa’ Doucette, student leader
This Prairie View A&M sophomore has been a student leader since the day he first stepped on campus. His peers recognized his leadership fire and voted him PVAMU’s Mister Sophomore. But that’s not all. In May, Doucette ran for Prairie View City Council Position 5. And get this. He’s not even from Texas, but rather Orlando, Fla. Quaa believes in making an impact wherever he finds himself. And in 2025 and beyond, I believe Doucette will find himself in even more elevated places providing the energetic leadership he’s already come to be known for bringing.
Kevan & Ayesha Shelton, Park Street Homes founders
The Sheltons are certainly making an impact. Park Street Homes is a premier home builder striving to create opportunities, build better communities and provide housing. Founded in 2016 by the couple, Park Street Homes was created to provide the level of residences that so many young professionals and families were searching for in the urban core of Houston.
In a city growing exponentially by the month and housing in high demand, the Sheltons stand to provide a profound life-up for countless future homeowners. And check their record. In just over five years, Park Street Homes has been impacting Houston with developments in South Houston, Sunnyside, 5th Ward, South Union and more. More is coming for this power couple in 2025.
Lacey Tezino, founder & CEO, Passport Journeys
Tezino’s company is completely focused on supporting mother-daughter relationships. How important is that at a time when Black women need and deserve all the support they can get? Tezino created the very first teletherapy app designed specifically for adult mother-daughter pairs. The app assigns each pair to a licensed clinician to guide the women through this important relationship.
The monthly subscription includes bi-weekly video sessions, a prescribed bonding activity, a thoughtful journal prompt and an assigned worksheet to help with communication. The app was recently approved and published on both iOS and Google app stores. Before jumping into entrepreneurship, Tezino found a successful career as a healthcare IT leader.
Darryl George, determined high schooler
George has fought valiantly for over two years to protect his right to wear his hair naturally. He and his family courageously went to court, standing against his school, principal, and the State of Texas. Even with being suspended from school, sent to an alternative high school for a period and attacked online by conservative adults, George stood his ground.
Though he eventually lost his case, we should not think we’ve seen the last of this brave young man. Defender readers will be curious to know what George’s post-Barbers Hill High School life has in store for him. Certainly, it will involve standing up for what he believes in with the full force of his convictions.
