For some leaders, a career pivot is a calculated corporate maneuver. For Treopia Cannon, the Chief Executive Officer of Girls Inc. of Greater Houston (GIGH), it was a masterclass in divine alignment.
After spending a quarter of a century climbing the ranks of the commercial banking industry, Cannon stepped away from executive boardrooms to invest her wealth of experience into a different kind of asset: The potential of young girls.
Today, she leads GIGH with a unique blend of financial acumen and fierce, maternal advocacy, proving that while life is lived forward, it is truly understood backward.
From Detroit to the Bayou City
Born and raised in the inner city of Detroit, Cannon is a proud graduate of the University of Detroit. Her journey to Texas wasn’t direct; it wound through the corporate sectors of Detroit and Chicago before ultimately bringing her to Houston.
As a proud “northerner,” Cannon wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of relocating to the south.
“I was initially hesitant about moving to Houston because I didn’t possess ‘that southern charm,’ and wasn’t sure if Houstonians could handle my brashness,” Cannon reflected with a laugh.
However, the Bayou City won her over quickly.
“But I got here, and [the people] have softened me. They have put a smile on my face when I meet people. Because they genuinely smile at you and wave and talk, and they embrace you,” Cannon shared when asked to name her favorite thing about Houston.
When she isn’t busy empowering the next generation, Cannon roots her life in faith, family, and art. She’s an active member of The Luke Church, pastored by Dr. Timothy Sloan, and shares her life with her husband, jazz musician Lynn Cannon. Together, they have three children: DeAnna Williams, TreLyn Cannon, and bonus son Ricardo Cannon. Atop her current audio playlist, alongside gospel music, is Tranquility, her husband’s newest CD release.
Ordained pivot
Cannon’s path to advocacy began unexpectedly in the financial sector, where she spent 25 years. While majoring in finance, she secured a position working directly for an executive vice president over commercial banking.
“That journey kind of set itself up for me,” Cannon said. “I had no idea I was going to work in banking. But where I was placed, see, God orders your steps… I was able to see from a bird ’s-eye perspective the commercial banking platform and how it all worked. And I said, ‘Oh, man, I can do that.'”
And do it, she did. Her corporate success eventually led her to Chicago, where she served as a division manager over commercial banking and middle-market portfolios. At the executive level, she was frequently asked to sit on boards. Seeking a role that aligned with her internal passions, she joined the YWCA’s board as treasurer.
When the YWCA’s CEO unexpectedly departed, the board approached Cannon to lead. At first, she resisted, noting that as a banker, the organization couldn’t afford her. But with son TreLyn heading off to college with his tuition covered, she realized the timing was perfect to transition into what she truly loved.
After discussing the drastic reduction in household income with her husband, he encouraged her, saying, “Well, it’s about time you finally do what you absolutely love.”
After relocating to Houston—where her husband had been transferred—Cannon began volunteering with Houston’s YWCA, which ultimately led a headhunter to contact her about an opening at Girls Inc.
“Once I heard the mission, I said, ‘Oh my God, this job is mine.’ So here I am. I did not look back,” Cannon stated. “Every path that I went through in my past got me to where I am now because all of those experiences prepared me to do what I’m doing now, even when I didn’t know it.”
The gift of a game-changing mentor
Cannon’s commitment to mentorship is deeply rooted in her own history as a young, ambitious college student navigating corporate spaces. It was during her early days in Detroit banking that she met Linda Forte, one of the first Black women she had ever seen achieve major success in commercial banking.
Forte did not just inspire Cannon from afar; she actively pulled her aside to guide her development, even when Cannon resisted feedback regarding office dress codes and corporate culture.
“I remember starting off in banking. I was in college, not knowing what I want to do, but full of fire,” Cannon shared. “[Linda] saw a diamond in me. And she worked with me, directed my path, and exposed me to things I would not have been exposed to.”
Cannon said that Forte’s impact on her motivates her to place professional women in front of Girls Inc. participants so they, too, can be likewise inspired.
Passion project rooted in family
Advocating for female advancement is more than a professional title for Cannon; it’s a lifelong passion project. Raised in a family of only girls, Cannon watched her mother, Janie Baber, serve as a steadfast role model until her passing.
“I’ve been surrounded by very powerful women who have helped lead and guide me. I believe in paying it forward,” Cannon stated. “Someone saw me as a little girl and put their arms around me and helped and guided me… Everything that I’m exposed to now was not necessarily available to me as a little girl. So, I want to make sure that I reach back and grab those same little girls, and give them the same experiences and even more than what I had as a little girl.”
High praise
Those who work alongside Cannon, as well as those who have known her for decades, note that her leadership style perfectly balances strategic innovation with genuine empathy.
“Treopia has long demonstrated an empathy for others, volunteering and working on the betterment of her community. It’s no surprise to me that she makes such a wonderful impact as CEO of Girls Inc, Houston,” said lifelong friend Cassandra Steele.
Within the organization, that same sentiment is echoed by board members and staff alike.
“[Treopia’s] passion is reflected in the tangible outcomes we see: girls gaining the confidence, skills, and educational foundation to overcome barriers and pursue brighter futures,” shared Kara Byrne, GIGH Board vice chair.
I’ve watched her navigate challenges with creativity and perseverance while remaining deeply invested in the growth of her staff, the culture of our organization, and the success of every girl we serve,” said Rebecca Cox, GIGH’s chief program officer. “She leads with a rare combination of excellence and authenticity.”
