The Greater Houston Partnership’s Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) program empowers early- to mid-career professionals to grow as leaders, build meaningful connections, and deepen their engagement in Houston’s business and civic landscape. Through curated events and purposeful programming, HYPE cultivates a pipeline of rising talent ready to take on leadership roles in their companies and communities. The Partnership is committed to fostering the next generation of leaders who will help shape Houston’s future, and HYPE is one way we’re investing in that vision. Hear from a past HYPE Member, Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas, on how her journey with HYPE helped shape her career, particularly at a HYPE coffee chat.   “When I first joined what was then the Greater Houston Partnership’s Involvement Committee in 2011, now known as HYPE, I saw an opportunity to bridge my work with the Houston Area Urban League, the city’s business community, and my interests.  Though work and civic demands have occasionally pulled me away, I’ve always understood HYPE’s immense value for young professionals, especially those without ready access to mentors or development resources.   My single most memorable HYPE moment took place at a roundtable breakfast at Hotel ZaZa. Dan Bellow facilitated our “table talk” with such openness that I, coming from a family without insider connections, felt empowered to ‘shoot my shot’ and ask the BIG questions.   Dan’s openness to listening, sharing personal insights, and responding with honesty exemplified the kind of relational leadership that HYPE strives to cultivate, authentic, courageous, and deeply human. While I may have dominated the Q&A portion of the breakfast (much to the likely frustration of my tablemates), I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity pass me by. Moments like that aren't guaranteed, and I would have regretted staying silent.  Over the years, what I learned through HYPE involvement led me to board seats, speaking invitations, and collaborative projects with city officials, connections that ultimately helped lay the groundwork for my dual roles in academia and as a Houston City Council member. Serving on HYPE workgroups sharpened my ability to set agendas, mobilize volunteers, and execute strategic initiatives—lessons in “leadership by doing” that continue to guide me today.   My advice for current HYPE members is simple: lean in and bring someone with you. Be involved and attend HYPE programs, ask to shadow a senior leader, and don’t hesitate to reach out for a 15-minute coffee chat. Those small acts of initiative not only expand your network but also build confidence in your own voice.   To the future business and community leaders of Houston, I offer two key pieces of counsel: cultivate genuine curiosity—ask “Why?” before “How?”—and practice servant leadership by elevating others’ contributions as much as your own. Today, you can deepen your impact by serving on local nonprofit boards, participating in city advisory councils, or championing inclusive economic programs in your neighborhood.   These experiences strengthen our region and hone the collaborative, civic-minded skill set that today's leaders will need. I joined HYPE seeking a platform; what I found was a community that champions growth, connection, and possibility. Here’s to the next generation of Houston’s leaders—may you ask big questions, build real relationships, and drive our city forward. I am counting on you.” —Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas The Houston Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) is a member-based program, to subscribe you must be employed at a current member company. Learn more about HYPE.

Out of the 13 Houston chefs and restaurants initially named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, four have advanced to the final round.  The James Beard Awards honor outstanding talent in the culinary and hospitality industries across the country. This year’s Houston finalists span a range of categories, from Best Chef to Outstanding Wine Program, showcasing the city’s vibrant and diverse dining scene.  Click to expand Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó is once again a finalist in the Best Chef: Texas category, marking his third consecutive nomination. He continues to earn acclaim for his masterful use of heirloom corn, crafting dishes that pay homage to the cultural significance of maize in Mexican cuisine. Joining him in the same category is Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast in Spring, earning his second nomination for the restaurant’s bold, Mexican-inspired offerings that push creative boundaries.  Click to expand Ema, celebrated for its Mexican-inspired pastries and high-quality coffee, has secured a spot in the Best New Restaurant category. Meanwhile, March is a finalist in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category, thanks to its expertly curated and diverse selection of Mediterranean wines.  All four Houston finalists have also earned recognition in the prestigious Michelin Guide, adding to their impressive list of accolades.   Winners will be announced during the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.  Learn more about Houston’s award-winning culinary scene.