Every month, The Defender Network shines a spotlight on Black women in Houston who are breaking barriers, leading in their industries, and uplifting their communities. Black Women on the Move celebrates those who are making history now, highlighting their journeys, challenges and the impact of their work. For our February trailblazers, we are proud to showcase two dynamic women who are setting the standard in philanthropy and health advocacy.
Emelda Douglas – Leading the Astros Foundation into a new era
Emelda Douglas has spent her career at the intersection of philanthropy, leadership and community engagement. Now, as the newly appointed Executive Director, Astros Foundation and Sr. Vice President of Community Affairs of the Houston Astros, she will take over for Paula McCann Harris, who led the Foundation for almost four years. Douglas is poised to take Houston’s beloved baseball team’s charitable arm to new heights.
With a background in nonprofit leadership and youth empowerment initiatives, Douglas has long championed underserved communities. Her vision for the Astros is clear: expand the community programs with a focus on education, health and youth engagement while increasing diversity in baseball.
“My initial focus is building strong community connections through meaningful stakeholder dialogue,” Douglas shares. “We want to bring new initiatives with the most significant community impact. I’m particularly passionate about literacy and wellness programs for youth and women from marginalized communities.”
One of Douglas’ primary goals is increasing access to baseball for young athletes of color. Under her leadership, the Astros Foundation will maintain 23 City of Houston baseball fields in underserved communities and provide uniforms to over 2,000 youth at no cost. The Astros Youth Academy in Acres Homes offers free baseball and softball instruction year-round, along with career development programs in sports journalism, broadcasting and tutoring.
Looking ahead, Douglas is eager to form new partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and youth sports leagues to integrate baseball into PE curricula and after-school programs. She also wants to welcome even more families to Major League Baseball games at Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid) so they can experience the magic of America’s favorite pastime firsthand.
For Black women looking to step into leadership roles, Douglas offers the following advice: “Be bold in pursuing transformative ideas. Success comes through either direct achievement or valuable learning experiences that inform future execution. Stay relentless in your pursuit of excellence while prioritizing self-care. Trust in your path and purpose.”
Lyndsey Levingston – A SurviveHER on a Mission
For Lyndsey Levingston, surviving breast cancer wasn’t just a personal victory—it became a mission. As the founder of SurviveHER, Levingston has transformed her journey into a powerful movement dedicated to educating and empowering Black women about breast health.
“SurviveHER is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement fueled by authentic connections, lived experience, and a commitment to health equity,” Levingston explains. “As a breast cancer SurviveHER, this mission is deeply personal. Black women face disproportionate risks, and I know firsthand the power of education, advocacy, and access to care.”
Levingston emphasizes the stark disparities in breast cancer care for Black women—from late diagnoses to limited access to advanced treatment. Through SurviveHER, she aims to close these gaps by fostering awareness, providing screenings, and advocating for policy changes that ensure equitable healthcare.
“What excites me most about my work is the life-saving impact of SurviveHER,” she says. “This is my God-given ministry and mission work, and I’m blessed to serve in this capacity every day. Seeing women take charge of their health because of our work is incredibly fulfilling. Every life we touch, every mammogram we fund, and every survivor we uplift reminds me that this is more than an organization—it’s a calling.”
As SurviveHER celebrates its fifth anniversary—dubbed SurFIVEHER—the organization continues to expand through three core pillars: SupportHER, ImpactHER, and Wellness4HER. These programs provide direct support, life-saving resources, and strong partnerships with hospitals, churches, and corporate allies.
Levingston encourages Black women who aspire to launch their own foundations to move in faith and be strategic. “If God has placed a mission on your heart, walk boldly in it, but also be strategic. This work is a marathon, not a sprint—it takes time, energy, sweat equity, and sacrifice. Surround yourself with mentors, funders, and a strong support network that aligns with your vision. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or resources—your work is valuable, and you deserve to be supported.”
Follow SurviveHER at https://www.instagram.com/imasurviveher/.
Know a Black woman blazing trails? Let us know at reshonda@defendernetwork.com.
