In honor of Black Women’s History Month, we’re raising a glass—and a megaphone—to the women who aren’t just changing the game; they’re building the whole arena.
Across Houston, dynamic Black women are leading in boardrooms, bookstores, legislative halls and community centers. They’re not waiting for permission or following someone else’s playbook. These women are architects of progress, using purpose, power and persistence to shape a future rooted in equity, creativity, and culture.
From launching platforms that center Black voices to passing legislation that honors women veterans, these changemakers prove that when Black women lead, the community rises.
These women may come from different industries, but shared truths bind their journeys: the challenge of being “the only,” the weight of high expectations and the grace it takes to lead while mentoring others. They’ve sacrificed comfort for purpose, created opportunity where there was none and carried whole communities on their shoulders.
In doing so, they’ve proven that Black women in Houston aren’t just game changers—they are the game. Meet some of Houston’s most formidable forces.
Terri Hamm
Founder, Kindred Stories
When Terri Hamm opened Kindred Stories in Houston’s Third Ward, she wasn’t just selling books but building literary equity. Her Black-owned bookstore offers more than curated shelves; it’s a sacred space for Black authors, readers and children to see themselves reflected in stories. Hamm has made Kindred Stories a national literary go-to spot for authors visiting Houston.
“I had a deep desire to create what I had been seeking—a community-centered space where Black readers feel welcomed and prioritized, a place to share, explore and bask in the rich breadth of Black authorship and readership,” Hamm said.
Julie O. Griffith
Publicist, Founder, Champagne & Melanin™
Julie O. Griffith turned a lifestyle into a movement. Her brand, Champagne & Melanin™, celebrates self-care, entrepreneurship and sisterhood. What began in 2018 as a platform for Black women entrepreneurs has blossomed into a space that cultivates community and confidence.
Champagne & Melanin™ now curates monthly women-only networking events, workshops with robust panels, an annual brunch, a monthly community-only newsletter and a strong digital community designed to build partnership, resources and access to funding, support and information to help black female founders.
“As women of color, we’re leading in business, but we often find ourselves navigating it alone. After a few lonely years as a solopreneur, I built Champagne & Melanin™ as a safe space for black female founders that reminds us we don’t have to.”
Winell Herron
Senior VP of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs, H-E-B
Winell Herron has been a quiet storm behind some of Houston’s most meaningful community investments for years. As a leader at H-E-B, Herron regularly travels the state to engage with communities, customers and over 116,000 store partners, or employees. A strong supporter of organizations that are making a positive impact on the community, especially in the areas of education and empowerment. She is a long-time champion of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Dress for Success, Girls, Inc., the NAACP, the Houston Area Urban League, the Girl Scouts and much more. She is also a founding board member of the Houston Equity Fund. At H-E-B, Herron also led the launch of the Be the Change initiative to amplify diverse voices. She has steadily advocated for equity, education, and disaster recovery, directing philanthropic dollars to where needed most.
“My passion, along with many of our H-E-B Partners, is to be deeply involved in causes that make a positive impact on the lives of others and drive meaningful change,” Herron said.
Dr. LaShondra Jones
Marine Veteran & Legislative Advocate
Dr. LaShondra Jones fought for her country—and then fought for its women veterans. A decorated Marine, Jones is now a legislative trailblazer who continues to amplify veterans’ needs at the Capitol. One of her proudest moments in advocacy was House Bill 867, which created the Texas Women Veterans Program and her efforts for Senate Bill 805, which created Texas Women Veterans Day.
Through her voluntarism and non-profit executive management background, Dr. Jones has supported hundreds of women Veterans through peer support, mental health coaching, financial resources, housing and most importantly, by being there.
“My favorite quote is ‘To whom much is given, much is required. I’ve been given so much and afforded so much, not only as a veteran, but in the community,” she said. “So it’s been my role and my life’s mission to give back to others.”
Argentina James
Founder, CEO, HillDay Public Relations
If there’s a major event happening in Houston, chances are that Argentina James will be involved in it. From Texas Southern University’s Tiger Ball (where she led the fundraising effort to bring in $1.2 million) to the NAACP Image Awards gala to ensuring Black entrepreneurs get their fair share of city and state contracts, James’s work goes far beyond press releases and red carpets.
As the powerhouse behind HillDay Public Relations, her boutique agency specializes in helping Black-owned brands, nonprofits and thought leaders tell their stories on their own terms. Whether she’s securing national coverage, shaping brand strategies, or offering media training, James is in the business of building legacy. Through her tireless efforts, James isn’t just managing media—she’s rewriting the rules of visibility and impact for Houston’s Black community.
“I am dedicated to amplifying community voices and ensuring their perspectives are heard and respected,” she said. “In a vibrant city like Houston, it is important to champion community engagement to cultivate diverse perspectives and drive meaningful change. I am committed to empowering individuals and communities, fostering environments where they can thrive and inspire progress and economic inclusivity.”
Shachella James
VP, IT Infrastructure, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
With more than 600 employees under her leadership, Shachella James is redefining corporate culture at CenterPoint Energy. She brings humanity and strategy to every boardroom, ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords, but baked into the structure.
“I am driven to sharpen the lens of opportunity—amplifying the promise of women and underserved youth—by transforming belief into a blueprint and accountability into lasting action,” James said. “Rooted in the conviction that believing is seeing, I envision a future where every student not only imagines their place in STEM, but confidently claims it.
LaToshia Norwood
CEO, Speaker, Nonprofit Founder
LaToshia Norwood is a dynamic project management executive, speaker, philanthropist and advocate for women in business. As the CEO of L’Renee & Associates, she leads a top-tier consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations optimize their operations through strategic planning, training and innovative project management solutions that deliver measurable success.
Through her nonprofit, She Said Foundation, Norwood elevates voices, cultivates leadership and provides mentorship opportunities that equip individuals with the tools to spark meaningful change.
A former president of PMI Houston, LaToshia continues to champion excellence in project management, using her platform to inspire action, build resilience and advocate for equity. Whether coaching executives, leading impactful initiatives, or advocating for women in business, Norwood is committed to helping others take charge of their journeys—one bold step at a time.
“When we bring strong women together to support and lift up one another, we can drive meaningful change and make history–personally and professionally,” Norwood said.
LaChanda Ricks
Engagement Director, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Global Events Producer
LaChanda Ricks is the secret weapon behind many of Houston’s top Black professional events. She’s not just planning events—she’s designing blueprints for how Black organizations gather, fundraise and thrive. Whether launching the first international festival for HBCU alumni in Barbados or pulling together global events, Ricks uses precision and passion to help organizations evolve and pull off events that impact the entire community.
“Every project is a chance to create something meaningful—an experience that not only inspires, but uplift,” she said. “Whether I’m producing an event, curating an international travel experience, or building a partnership, I’m driven by the power of impact. I don’t just want events to be pretty or fun—I want them to matter. My goal is to create lasting moments and be part of a legacy that moves our community forward.”
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If you know a Black woman making waves in Houston, nominate her for next month’s spotlight at reshonda@DefenderNetwork.com.
