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.

The Greater Houston Partnership welcomed 13 new member companies in the month of May. The Partnership works to connect companies with resources, information and networking opportunities to help increase business while also providing a platform to influence the direction of the region.  New members who joined in the month of May include: Alltech Audio Visual, Inc.: Alltech Live is an audio-visual company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in LED screens, audio, lighting, staging, and rigging. Website. Cika Consulting LLC: Cika Consulting is a one-stop business expansion advisory service, offering streamlined solutions to companies by addressing inefficient processes. Website. Direct Relief: Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies, operating in all 50 U.S. states and over 80 countries. They provide requested medical aid to those impacted by crises and scale up response efforts during extreme weather events globally. Website. Dykema Gossett PLLC: Established in 2022, Dykema Gossett PLLC's Houston office, a natural addition to their team as the largest legal market in Texas, provides an array of services including oil and gas, healthcare, life sciences, bankruptcy, and major commercial litigation. Website. Eric Tyan: Eric Tyan is a managing director in the Commercial practice, bringing over 18 years of experience in business tax advisory with a focus on international and U.S. corporate tax planning, cross-border taxation, and mergers & acquisitions for industries such as energy and crypto technology. Gulf Coast Protection District: Focused on protecting the Texas Gulf Coast, the Gulf Coast Protection District works to shield its communities, environment, and economic activity from the dangers of storm surge. Their efforts are vital for the region's resilience against natural disasters. Website. INPEX Americas, Inc.: INPEX Corporation, established on April 3, 2006, with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, is primarily engaged in the research, exploration, development, production, and sales of oil, natural gas, and other mineral resources. The company also invests in and lends to entities involved in these activities. Website. Latham and Watkins LLP: Since opening its doors in 2010, Latham's Houston office quickly established itself as a powerhouse in Texas' energy and infrastructure industry by combining local market know-how with the resources of an elite global law firm. Website. Neon Black Holograms: Neon Black Holograms is a pioneer in AI-generated solutions, dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating immersive experiences through interactive hologram displays and AI music. Website. Telemundo Houston: Telemundo Houston, identified as KTMD (channel 47), is a Spanish-language television station serving the Houston area as part of NBCUniversal's Telemundo Station Group. It provides approximately 17 hours of local news, weather, sports, and entertainment programming weekly across broadcast and digital platforms. Website. The Jung Center: The Jung Center of Houston was founded in 1958 by students keen on understanding the human psyche through Dr. C. G. Jung's theories. Over time, it has expanded its faculty to include highly trained professionals who conduct classes, lectures, seminars, and workshops aimed at individual development within family, community, and cultural contexts. Website. The Mach 1 Group: The Mach 1 Group is a public affairs and strategic communications firm specializing in media relations, crisis management, and reputation management. They build and execute targeted campaigns to achieve clients' goals, offering services in policy communications and crisis response. Website. WestPoint Developers Click here to see the Partnership's Membership Directory. To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.