Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce: The Global Businesswomen’s Pod

Join Brett Ishida, Artistic Director of ISHIDA Dance, and Seetha Kulandaisamy, Director of Development, for a conversation about the company’s artistic vision, creative voice, and the power of contemporary dance to tell meaningful stories. Through original poetic narratives expressed through the beauty of the human form, ISHIDA Dance creates high-caliber performances that invite reflection, spark connection, and explore questions of identity and the human experience.

Join us for a special conversation with Jessica O’Neill, President of Business Operations for the Houston Dynamo & Houston Dash, and Maryte Kendrick, CEO of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. Together, they will share insights on Houston’s leadership and preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026, including the collaboration, impact, and opportunity surrounding this global event. As leaders at the forefront of Houston sports and major event strategy, Jessica and Maryte bring a powerful perspective on what this moment means for our city on the world stage.

This expert panel brings together leading physicians to demystify menopause and share practical, science-based tools for optimizing health as you age. Attendees will learn how to protect the heart, manage weight and metabolism, support pelvic and bladder health, and preserve youthful skin. Featuring Nina Dereska, MD (Urogynecologist & Pelvic Surgeon, LifeSculpt by ChristiMD), Garth Davis, MD (Bariatric & General Surgeon, Houston Methodist), Neda Nosrati, MD (Dermatologist, Village Dermatology), and Mini L. Sivadasan, MD (Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Houston Methodist West), moderated by Christi Pramudji, MD (Medical Director/President, LifeSculpt by ChristiMD & Houston Methodist West). Ideal for women who want to feel confident, strong, and vibrant in their next chapter.

Jon Kidwell, founder and CEO of Leadwell, used to avoid conflict—until Michelle Thompson (Sr. Director of Coaching & Consulting at Concordia-Irvine) reframed it as a sign you care and a tool for stronger relationships. In this episode, she shares how tough conversations can build trust, grow empathy (must-hear story), and balance relationships with results. Listen in and head into your next hard conversation with confidence.

In this inspiring episode of the Global Businesswomen’s Pod, we sit down with the Head Coach and Assistant Coach of LOVB Houston — the city’s first professional women’s volleyball team. Together, they dive into how LOVB is redefining opportunities for women in sports, elevating professional pathways, and shaping the future of women’s athletics. Tune in for an empowering conversation filled with insights on leadership, innovation, and the transformative impact of giving women a stronger platform in the world of sports.

Featuring Elyce Arons — Owner of Frances Valentine, Co-Founder of Kate Spade, and Author of “We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade”. Join us for a captivating podcast episode as Elyce shares heartfelt stories from her decades-long friendship and business partnership with the late Kate Spade. Discover the behind-the-scenes journey of building an iconic brand, navigating life’s challenges, and embracing resilience and creativity.

Our recent luncheon was filled with inspiring conversations, joyful connections, and powerful moments that brought together community champions and supporters. The event truly captured the spirit of women leading with purpose. We were honored to recognize both former and current female city council members, highlighting their leadership, service, and lasting impact on our communities. Together, we celebrated the power of women’s leadership—and the bright future it continues to shape.

In this inspiring episode of The Global Businesswomen’s Pod – Thought Leaders Series, Misha McClure, Renee Meaux, and Leisa Holland-Nelson come together for a candid conversation about the values that have served as their guiding compass throughout both their personal and professional lives. They reflect on the defining moments that shaped their careers, the mentors who influenced their growth, and the principles that continue to ground their decision-making and leadership. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from three remarkable women who are leading with heart and creating meaningful change!

In this powerful episode of The Global Businesswomen’s Pod, Jeanna Bamburg, Jenny Todd, and Courtney Taylor share the personal practices and guiding influences that keep them grounded as leaders in their fields. From daily rituals that help them stay centered to the mentors who shaped their paths, each woman offers a unique perspective on what it means to lead with purpose and clarity. They also open up about what’s next in their journeys and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Don’t miss this glimpse into the minds and hearts of three remarkable women shaping the future of leadership!

Join Class of 2025 Thought Leaders Leah Kasparek, Jordan Watson, Melissa Austrie, and Alisha Garrett as they talk about the advice they would give to their younger selves, the legacy they hope to leave behind, the real challenges they’ve faced on their career journeys, and more! Whether you're just starting your professional journey or you're a seasoned businesswoman, this episode offers wisdom and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

Join us for an empowering episode dedicated to uplifting women and driving impactful change! Discover how you can become a Champion, Ambassador, Eliminator, and Inspirer in your community. Julie shares inspiring stories, actionable insights, and practical tips to help you support your fellow women and create a ripple effect of positive transformation. Let’s inspire change together!

Golden Seeds, a US-based angel investment organization, focuses on women-led companies and has invested over $180 million in over 250 such companies. As a nationally recognized leader, it nurtures local companies, engages angel investors, and contributes to deal teams.

Learn how to transform your time into a powerful asset and make each day not just full, but truly fulfilling. Discover game-changing ways to use smartphone apps for what matters most. Casey Gage Regional Vice President Advisors Asset Management

Join our dynamic Empowering Women Inspiring Worldwide Change Panel and delve into empowering ideas, stories, and strategies for advancing women's leadership worldwide.

Unlock the potential of empowering women and driving impactful change! Join us for an inspiring session where you'll learn how to become a Champion, Ambassador, Eliminator, and Inspirer for your fellow women. Let’s inspire change together!

Join us for a delightful podcast featuring Ziggy Gruber, Kenny & Ziggy’s Owner, who will share Jewish customs and traditions and will entice us with his favorite delicacies.

Discover Your Purpose and Harness the Power of Your Technical Skills Supporting Your Purpose Understanding what matters most to you and what motivates you is crucial for having a fulfilling career. Being able to develop a clear idea of where you want to go in your career (and life) helps you to make intentional decisions that align with your purpose. Lees Rodionov Board Member Former Global Director Sustainability SLB Sofia Adrogué Partner Diamond McCarthy Law Firm Interviewer

Embrace your deeply held beliefs and principles that define who you are as a person/professional and leverage those values to identify what you want and need, communicate those things to others, and stand up for yourself and others when necessary. Leave with tips on how to advocate for yourself, and how to showcase your value and ways to support others. Leisa Holland Nelson Bowman VP, Chief Marketing Officer Astoundz Heather Hughes VP, Engagement Management Stroz Friedberg Incident Response Aon’s Cyber Solutions Anita Nair Managing Director, Technology Consulting Practice Ernst & Young LLP Shavonnah Schreiber Chief Executive Officer SNR Creative' Maria Martinez VP, HR & Administration, Murphy Oil Corporation 2024 GHWCC Chair of the Board Panel Moderator

AI is changing or even revolutionizing nearly every industry, and this will impact society in ways we are just beginning to understand. Despite the many ways in which women have advanced AI tech, they make up a tiny sliver of the global AI workforce – this is a huge opportunity for women to embrace and have impact in this domain going forward.

Managing Priorities – The Greatest Need of Modern STEM Women Sarah Karthigan GM Strategy and Innovation, Data and Insights Chevron Learn from a STEM female leader’s journey & gain advice and experience on how to navigate priorities professionally and personally. Learn about the resources to improve your work-life “balance” at any stage of your career so that you can navigate your professional life.