Skip to main content

Women Leaders Discuss Challenges, Mentorship, and Representation at Rise to the Top

Published Mar 10, 2022 by A.J. Mistretta

rttt image.jpg

From left: Linda Lorelle, Irma Diaz-Gonzalez, Paula Harris, Kimberly Krieger and Nataly Marks

Female leaders from across greater Houston gathered this week for the Greater Houston Partnership’s 11th annual Rise to the Top event at the Marriott Marquis. 

The sold-out celebration brought together high-achieving women from diverse industries to share insight and advice in recognition of International Women’s Day. Rise to the Top is the signature annual event of the Partnership’s Women’s Business Alliance. 

"I challenge all of us today to reflect on our stories, listen for inspiration from our speakers, and use our voices to continue to forge stronger paths for women in the workplace,” said Katie Pryor, Chief Development Officer and SVP of Member Engagement at the Partnership. 

Partnership President and CEO Bob Harvey said that while progress has certainly been made toward gender equity in the workplace, much work remains to be done in closing the gap of female representation, particularly in leadership. "Houston’s business community must work together to ensure we are fostering the growth of female leaders all the way to the top in our companies," Harvey said. 

"Beyond International Women’s Day, it is up to us to advocate every day for the female leaders in our lives, pushing for our companies and communities to expand opportunities for female representation at the table," said Amy Chronis, Vice Chair and Managing Partner at Deloitte who also served as the Partnership’s 2021 Board Chair. 

Linda Lorelle, Founder and CEO of Linda Lorelle Media and former KPRC-TV anchor, moderated a panel discussion featuring several guests. 

The panelists offered perspective and wisdom across a series of topics, from managing a work-life balance in the COVID-era and developing a strong workplace talent pipeline to encouraging young people to enter STEM careers. Here are just a few of the key takeaways. 

“The biggest challenge to being a disruptor and becoming an equal is to first make people comfortable, and that takes persistence and patience, then you can add value to wherever you are.” – Paula Harris 

“What helped me early in my career was knowing what I don’t know and building the trust with those who could teach me. I also learned how to be assertive and build a team.” – Kimberly Krieger

“I think we’re making a great deal of progress. We still, of course, have a long way to go—for every 100 male managers being promoted there are only about 80 women promoted. What we need is someone to pass the ball to us.” – Irma Diaz-Gonzalez 

“Women are amazing and carry the world on our backs, but we often lack confidence. The best mentors have taught me that when you’re uncomfortable and unsure of something, just go for it.”– Nataly Marks 

“I’ve found that one of the most satisfying moments for me is when I volunteer in public schools and tell my story. HISD is mostly minority students and when they hear from people who look like them, a story of hope and accomplishment, I think it can make a big difference.”– Irma Diaz-Gonzalez

“I believe that if you walk into an organization and find ways to add value, you’ll be successful.” – Paula Harris 

“Challenge yourself about what you think you can’t have in your life and determine if that’s really true.” – Kimberly Krieger

Learn more about the Women's Business Alliance, and the Executive Women's Partnership. To learn more about membership with the Greater Houston Partnership click here, or contact membership@houston.org.

Related News

Education

Texas Lawmakers Continue Reforming Small Colleges to Add More ‘Credentials of Value’

6/23/25
Houston is one of the nation’s biggest hubs for young professionals, thanks to strong job growth and an affordable cost of living. Between 2020 and 2024, the region added an estimated 240,000 new jobs, part of a broader economic boom across Texas. Now, a new law aims to build on that momentum by expanding access to workforce training and education programs. Senate Bill 1786 (SB 1786) was signed into law on May 27 and takes immediate effect to remove barriers for Texans seeking to enroll in local community and junior college programs. Additional provisions, including regional job demand studies and data analysis, will take effect on September 1. Free Courses for Disadvantaged StudentsSB 1786 expands free dual credit courses for economically disadvantaged students in grades 9–12, helping more Texans earn college credit before graduation. The law also addresses delays in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rulemaking for financial aid, speeding up access to grants and loans. It improves coordination across state and federal programs, including Jobs and Education for Texans (JET), P-TECH early college high schools, and TRUE reskilling programs. These changes will begin with the 2025–26 school year. Aligning Funding with Workforce Needs SB 1786 builds on the 2023 overhaul of the state’s community college finance system by tying funding to student outcomes, specifically: Earning degrees or industry-recognized credentials that lead to well-paying jobs Successfully transferring to four-year universities Completing targeted dual credit coursework Supporting  Business Growth and Regional Competitiveness By strengthening access to high-value credentials and aligning education funding with workforce outcomes, SB 1786 reinforces the region’s position as a destination for business investment and expansion. These reforms help ensure Houston has a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the needs of employers in high-growth sectors such as energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology. As the Partnership works to attract companies and jobs to the region, these policies send a strong signal that Houston is preparing its people for the careers of tomorrow. The law also strengthens the definition of a “credential of value” as one that helps a student earn more than a high school graduate and justifies the cost of their education. Credentials in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare and education, may also qualify. These updates will take effect in the 2027–28 school year. Workforce-Driven Reform The goal of SB 1786 is to reduce redundancy, maximize impact, and ensure postsecondary programs are aligned with the needs of Texas employers. By supporting this legislation, Houston’s business community is helping to sustain a robust talent pipeline for years to come.  
Read More
Education

Texas Lawmakers Expand Focus on High-Growth, High-Wage Job Training for High Schoolers

6/23/25
This week, the Partnership highlighted the Texas Legislature’s work to deliver a new pathway for college, career, and military readiness in public schools. House Bill 120 expands programs that enable high school students to focus on career-oriented education. Building on that foundation is House Bill 20 (HB 20), which prescribes the types of high-growth, high-wage jobs for which Texas students can now earn high school credit. The goal of the bill is to improve outcomes for high school juniors and seniors by allowing them to focus their classwork on industry-aligned skills rather than solely traditional courses. Prescribed Career Programs HB 20 specifies 20 targeted high-wage, high-growth occupations. Here’s the list of eligible career fields: Automotive technology  Aviation maintenance Carpentry Construction management and inspection Diesel and heavy equipment Electrical Electronics technology Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Industrial maintenance and processes Information technology and cybersecurity Manufacturing and industrial technology Masonry Mechanical and aerospace engineering Oil and gas exploration and production Plumbing & pipe fitting Refining and chemical processes Robotics and automation Sheet metal Transportation, distribution, and logistics Welding Partnering with Local Colleges and Universities The bill requires public school districts to partner with local colleges and universities to offer these courses. This builds on the Legislature’s work from the 2023 session to expand the ability of community colleges to provide credentials of value. One key change is that students participating in these courses will receive high school credit, and the classes will be factored into the per-student funding formula for school districts. Students may also earn a Level 1 or Level 2 certification, credentials that can make them immediately hirable for in-demand job opportunities after graduation.  Prepared to Extend the Program HB 20 limits the program to a five-year pilot period ending in 2031. However, lawmakers have the authority to extend the program based on the outcome. The Texas Education Commissioner is also authorized to adjust the prescribed industries every five years to match job market needs.   Ready to Explore High-Growth Careers? Start Here. Do you have a Texas high school student or recent graduate exploring their career path? The Kinder Institute offers a Workforce Demand Dashboard that highlights high-demand jobs and career clusters, with a focus on specific industries. This tool helps students make informed decisions using real-time data on skills, wages, and opportunities. 
Read More

Related Events

Demography

2025 Houston Facts

The Greater Houston Partnership invites you to Houston Facts on Wednesday, August 6 to unveil the highly anticipated 2025 Houston Facts publication and dive deeper into…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners