CONGRATULATIONS Top 30 Women of Texas 2026
powered by She’s Got Influence:
Two Nights of Excellence, Elegance & Success.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
— Mother Teresa
Two Nights of Excellence, Elegance & Success.
Thursday Night VIP Reception Photo Gallery
https://top30women.smugmug.com/2026-Top-30-Influential-Women-of-Texas-VIP-Reception-82026
Friday Night Awards Gala Photo Gallery
https://top30women.smugmug.com/2026-Top-30-Influential-Women-of-Texas-Awards-Gala
For more than a decade, the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala has celebrated women whose leadership, determination and commitment to service have transformed businesses, strengthened communities and inspired others to pursue excellence. Tonight, we proudly continue that tradition by recognizing 30 remarkable women whose influence reaches far beyond their professions and into the lives of countless individuals across our great state.
Leadership is not defined by a title or position—it is demonstrated through character, vision and the willingness to serve others. The women we honor this evening represent a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and experiences, yet they share a common purpose: using their talents to create opportunities, solve challenges and leave their communities stronger than they found them.
We believe that recognition has the power to inspire. When we celebrate leaders who lead with integrity, resilience and compassion, we encourage others to dream bigger, work harder and embrace the responsibility of lifting others along the way. These women remind us that success is most meaningful when it creates pathways for future generations to follow. Each honoree has overcome obstacles, embraced new opportunities and remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Whether serving in business, education, healthcare, law, government, construction, transportation, nonprofit leadership, media or entrepreneurship, they exemplify what it means to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference. As we celebrate the 13th Annual Top 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards Gala, I encourage each of you to reflect on the impact one person can have through courage, service and unwavering dedication. May the
accomplishments of this year’s honorees inspire all of us to continue building stronger businesses, stronger communities and a brighter future for Texas.
Congratulations to each of our distinguished honorees. Thank you for your leadership, your perseverance and your commitment to making a positive impact. Your legacy is already shaping tomorrow, and we are honored to celebrate your remarkable achievements. May God continue to bless you as you inspire others through your example and your service.
Sincerely,
MR. D-MARS
President & CEO Vaskey Media Group, Inc.
Parent Company of d-mars.com, Subcontractors USA-Texas and Top30Women.com
Messages from our Guests
The 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas celebrations were truly unforgettable.
They reminded me why leadership matters, why community matters, and why our stories, no matter where they begin, have power.
At Thursday’s reception, I shared a part of my story I don’t often speak about, that I was born in Liberia.
I said something that has always stayed with me. “I could have been any girl in any village.” My life has been
shaped by Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” Every step of my journey reflects the people who uplifted me, taught me, encouraged me, and believed in what I could become. It truly takes a village.
That village carried me into a career I never imagined as a child, leading infrastructure work that strengthens communities and championing the systems that allow people to thrive. Today, I have the privilege of serving
as a visible example for women and girls in STEM, showing them they belong in the rooms where
decisions are made, policies are shaped, and the future is built.
Friday night at the awards gala, I was especially proud to be joined by members of my Liberian family, whose resilience has shaped me. Even though we were separated for several years, they remain some of my greatest supporters.
My message was simple. Whether your story begins in a village on the west coast of Africa or a village on the west side of Houston, your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You can stand in your power and shape the world around you. I am living proof.
To everyone who has poured into me, encouraged me, challenged me, and walked beside me, thank you.
To the extraordinary women honored this year, congratulations!
To the village that raised me across two continents, I am because we are.
So grateful.
So lifted.
So humbled.
Thank you to Keith J. Davis, Sr. aka MR. D-MARS and She’s Got Influence (SGI) for this incredible honor.
EMILY ANDERSON
Pure Excellence: Top 30 Influential Women of Texas
From I was just a girl from West Texas land of tumbleweeds and now the Executive Director Port
Freeport with a $156B economic impact in the region to…the Director of Facilities Design and
Construction leading a $B+ bond program Aldine ISD and says “Why not…me!” as the Architect leading this effort to the Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo helping to usher in the new $300M transformational facility that will alter the economic direction along 288 South…and to many other honorees sharing their backgrounds and stories highlighting their excellence.
Truly a networking bonanza for me!
Congratulations to all the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas!
HELEN CALLIER
(2013 Top 30 Influential Woman – Inaugural Class)
I am deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by D-MARS as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women of Texas. This recognition is truly humbling and serves as a reminder that purpose, perseverance, leadership, and service can create meaningful impact.
Thank you to D-MARS for this incredible honor and for celebrating women who are making a difference in their communities and industries. I am blessed to continue using my platform to empower others, advocate for those we serve, and leave a lasting legacy.
Grateful. Honored. Inspired to keep making an impact.
DR. TJWANA WILSON
Honored to be named one of the 2026 Top 30 Influential Women of Texas.
I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition, and even more grateful for the people, mentors, colleagues, clients, and friends who have shaped the journey along the way.
To me, Leadership has always been about creating opportunities for others, building teams that thrive, and using design to make a meaningful impact.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of my story. I’m proud to be among this remarkable group of women!
SANA SABHARWAL
A heartfelt thank you to you and the entire staff of the 30 Influential Women of Texas Awards for an absolutely first-class, stellar event!
It was truly an honor to be selected as one of the
30 Influential Women of Texas and to be recognized
alongside such an amazing group of women who are making a difference.
The evening beautifully captured the essence of
“Honoring Women Making a Difference” and “She’s
Got Influence!” Your professionalism, attention to
detail, and commitment to celebrating women were evident in every aspect of the event.
Thank you for creating such a memorable and
meaningful experience. I am truly honored and grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary celebration!
GINA GOOSBY-HARRIS
What an unforgettable weekend!!
From the moment I walked into the Top 30 Influential Women of Texas award celebration, the energy
was absolutely on fire! To stand among so many
phenomenal, accomplished, and inspiring women
was both humbling and surreal.
Some weekends you remember.
And some weekends become part of your story forever.
This was one of those weekends!
Forever grateful. Forever humbled.
CONSTABLE KATHRYN BROWN
Nomination. Recognition. Celebration.
New Friends. New Connections.
