Welcome to The TEN! 2025, a celebration of women shaping Houston. This carefully curated list recognizes leaders who have made an impact through their vision, dedication, and service to our community. This inaugural event celebrates trailblazers who inspire others not only through their careers but also their commitment to uplifting others. From art and medicine to senior care and higher education, these women offer valuable insights on philanthropy, entrepreneurship, overcoming fear, achieving work-life balance, and self-confidence.
Dr. Jacquie Baly
Public Official, Professor, Philanthropist
www.balyprojects.com
What are you proud of in your journey as a professor at the University of Houston and a member of the University Research Initiative Board?
Throughout my 18 years as a professor at the University of Houston, my greatest accomplishment has been my lasting impact on students' lives through education, mentorship, financial support, and strategic career opportunities. Teaching has never been just about delivering lectures; it has been about shaping futures, breaking down barriers, and ensuring students have the resources, networks, and pathways for their academic and professional journeys.
Beyond the classroom, my nine years as a State's University Research Initiative Board member have allowed me to advocate for and help secure over $116 million in funding for public universities, strengthening research, innovation, and economic development across Texas.
In the classroom, my nine years on the Governor's University Research Initiative Board have allowed me to advocate for and help secure over $110 million in research funding for Texas universities.
As a leader with BRASS, I've had the privilege of mentoring aspiring medical and research professionals.
What role has mentorship played in your personal and professional development?
Mentorship is not just about offering advice, it is about actively opening doors, creating opportunities, and ensuring the next generation has access to the resources, networks, and knowledge they need to thrive. By giving back this way, I am honoring the mentors who shaped my journey and ensuring that leadership and success remain accessible, inclusive, and transformative for those who come after me.
What does philanthropy mean to you?
To me, philanthropy is more than just financial contributions; it represents a deep commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change in the lives of others.
Philanthropy involves using my resources, influence, and time to empower communities and support initiatives that align with my values. Whether it's raising millions for cancer research, funding educational programs, or mentoring young professionals, I see philanthropy as an essential responsibility. It is a lifelong commitment to service, advocacy, and legacy-building, ensuring that my work today paves the way for a better future.
Sherry Campbell
Founder & Broker, Energy Realty
What inspired you to start Energy Realty?
Energy Realty was established on the principle that real estate should be an experience, not merely a transaction. We created a boutique firm that meets and exceeds client expectations by focusing on integrity, innovation, and individualized service. My inspiration to start Energy Realty stemmed from a deep desire to offer something different and better. Every success story and satisfied client reaffirms this vision.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs starting on their journey?
For people looking to start their own business, especially women, my biggest advice is to trust your vision and believe in yourself. Entrepreneurship comes with challenges, but confidence and resilience will take you far. Build a strong support network of mentors, peers, and other business owners who can offer guidance and encouragement. It's also essential to embrace continuous learning. The industry constantly changes, and keeping up with trends and innovations can provide a competitive advantage. Be willing to adapt and take calculated risks. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Tell us about some of the obstacles you've faced as a real estate founder and the lessons you've learned.
I have faced significant challenges, including the oil market crash, Hurricane Harvey, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Each of these crises brought uncertainty and disruption to the real estate market. However, I learned to stay positive and keep progressing. I discovered that I thrive in adversity, finding creative solutions, adapting to new circumstances, and leading with resilience. These experiences have enhanced my ability to navigate difficult times.
It's clear that you value being involved in the Houston community. Please share why this is so important to you.
As a business owner, I believe our strength comes from a thriving community. Businesses need to support one another, creating a network of mutual success. By being actively involved in the Houston community, I can give back, build lasting relationships, and contribute to the city that has given me so much. When businesses and individuals invest in their communities, everyone benefits.
Diane Cowen
Journalist
Tell us about obstacles you have faced in your journalism career and what you learned from them.
The biggest obstacle was something I had to understand to stay relevant in print journalism: you have to be learning constantly. Only a few journalists get one beat for a long time, and you need to adapt to a changing newsroom and media world. I’ve been a journalist for over 40 years, so the internet did not exist when I began my career. In addition to constantly learning about my job, I had to learn new technology.
Did you think you would end up in journalism?
Yes, it was always what I wanted to do. I was in junior high school during the summer of 1973 when the Watergate hearings were broadcast on the radio, and it was the first time I noticed something so important that everyone discussed it. I was lucky to have good editors in my early jobs, and I learned how to be a better journalist on the job. I wrote for The Houston Chronicle for 24 years. Since retiring, I have started freelancing.
What role has mentorship played in your personal and professional development?
Mentors make all the difference. They offer direct advice and are a sounding board for individual stories or career choices. Great editors taught me how to be a better journalist and work with integrity. As I got older, I mentored several college interns.
What does philanthropy mean to you, and has its meaning changed over time?
Most of my volunteer work has been outside my career field. Years ago, I volunteered for a literacy group and worked one-on-one to teach an older woman how to read. In my profession, I was very involved in the Society for Features Journalism, and I am a past president of that group. I’ve recently joined the alumni board for the house where I lived in college, Glenwood Cooperative at Purdue University. My years at Purdue were some of the best years of my life, and I became friends with incredible women who are still in my life. I want to ensure that Glenwood stays around for a long time.
Ginny Endecott
Owner, The Cuvee Collective
What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Please don't wait as long as I did to believe in yourself. If you have dreams, ideas, or plans, find a way to do a feasibility study, market research, and due diligence sooner rather than later. Be brave enough to talk to professionals you respect and get feedback. Talk to friends you trust enough to give you honest opinions. What advice would you give your younger self?
Deciding to step away from corporate life to focus on family and child-raising doesn't mean you should turn your back on all technological innovations. Use your computer for more than emails. Learn Excel, make a slide deck, and stay connected to newer developments. Trust me, it's harder to learn it later.
How do you move through fear or hesitation as a decision-maker?
While I have regrets over impulsive or rash decisions I've made in the past, I have also learned that delaying a decision doesn't work. I take the time to understand my thoughts and determine why something needs to be done. Getting a good night's sleep to solidify my thoughts is highly preferred, if possible, and then I take a deep breath and do what needs doing.
It's clear that giving back, whether through your time or financially, is crucial to you and part of who you are. Can you share why it's so important to you?
My husband and I grew up in very modest households with no extras. Our basic needs were always met in that we had food, shelter, and clothing, but we were each aware from a young age that most of our neighbors and school friends were in households that had more. Those experiences shaped a strong work ethic and desire to succeed in each of us and to pay it forward. We feel a strong duty to help others and are incredibly empathetic towards children. It brings us enormous joy to be of service to our community.
Brittany Hebert Franklin
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Sky High for Kids
Why is giving back so important to you?
Giving back became essential to me as a young girl involved in St. Jude fundraisers. It wasn't until I started Sky High that I realized the profound impact one person or a group can have on families facing the unimaginable. Every call and conversation with parents of children diagnosed with cancer highlights the importance of this work. These families are in the darkest moments of their lives. The weight of that responsibility is heavy, but it is also a profound calling for me. Knowing we can provide resources, hope, and support gives me a daily purpose.
What role has mentorship played in your personal and professional development?
One of my most impactful mentors is Rick Shadyac, the former President and CEO of ALSAC. His leadership and vision for St. Jude have greatly influenced our work at Sky High for Kids. Mentorship is more than just learning the right skills; it's about leading with compassion and purpose. I continue to seek mentorship from those who have traveled similar paths and can provide inspiring perspectives.
How do you balance all your roles in the philanthropic organizations you support?
At times, it can be overwhelming. However, one thing I've learned is the importance of staying focused on what matters—our mission is to end childhood cancer and provide support for families. I'm blessed to have a team that supports each other and works together. It's easy to always be in "fix-it" mode, but I'm learning to pause and appreciate our impact. And I have to remind myself to take care of my mental health.
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs or advocates?
Leap. I started Sky High, balancing two jobs and preparing for law school— but I felt like I had no other choice. Trust that it will come together when you know you're called to do something. Seek mentors, build a strong community, and ask for help. And for women — don't be scared to take up space and lead. Your impact on the world is more significant than any fear or doubt. And remember, celebrate the small wins because they keep us moving forward.
Samantha Holsomback
Owner, All Things Love Events
https://www.facebook.com/allthingsloveevents
What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Remember that we don't harvest the fruit on the same day we plant the seed. Success takes time, faith, organization, and patience. With every door that closes, there can be a window open. Be brave and persistent in your passion to sustain the storms and never let anyone take the pen from your hand when writing your life story. You are the author of the sublime timeline of your life.
Why is giving back to others so important to you?
I believe giving back helps unite communities and bridge some of the social and economic gaps. The connection between my heart and the organizations I support is a genuine desire to uplift, empower, and help lay the groundwork for others' success.
What are you most proud of in building your business, All Things Love Events, into a successful business?
I am most proud of the friendships I've established. I'm deeply thankful for the spinoff opportunities and accolades I've gained through hard work and dedication while leading authentically.
What did you learn from the obstacles in building your business?
I have owned an event planning company since 2015. When public gatherings were canceled in 2020, I wrote my second book. I started journaling as an outlet for solace, and those writings evolved into a manuscript for my third book, due in the spring of 2025. I encourage others to embrace new creativity, growth, and income waves.
What does work-life balance mean to you?
As a married mother of two with an active social and professional life, achieving balance requires focus, attention, and dedicated time. Taking time to stop and smell the roses is just as crucial as the arduous hours put into workdays. There is no reset button in life, so making time for the important moments and people in our lives will carry your heart on a fulfilling journey. There may not always be perfect harmony, but weighing out the elements that get your time and energy is crucial. Rest is also key because we can't fill an empty cup.
Qiana Joi James
Founder & CEO, Chairwoman, Friendly Faces Senior Care
What inspired your advocacy work with Houston's senior community?
My passion for senior care comes from my own family. I had the honor of caring for my grandmother, Mama Doll, who lived to be 91, and my father, Papa, who lived to be almost 94 before he passed in early February. They could both age in place with dignity and grace in their own home. That experience showed me firsthand how important it is for seniors to have the support they need to remain in a familiar and loving environment. I advocate strongly for Houston seniors because I've seen what's possible when prioritizing their well-being.
What are you most proud of in creating Friendly Faces Senior Care?
As an independent agency competing against many well-known franchises, I'm incredibly proud of the brand I built. Friendly Faces Senior Care isn't just a business—it reflects who I am. People know us at Friendly Faces Senior Care for always wearing pink and our friendly nature, which has become synonymous with the company. That personal touch has made all the difference in how we care for our clients and how the community perceives us.
How do you overcome fear or hesitation when making decisions?
Fear is natural, especially when making big decisions, but I've learned to trust my instincts and experience. I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place—to serve seniors with care and compassion. I lean on my faith, my mentors, and my team. When I feel uncertain, I focus on the impact of my work rather than the fear itself. That perspective keeps me moving forward with confidence.
Tell us about some obstacles you have faced as a CEO. What did you learn about yourself when confronting these challenges?
Running a business, primarily as an independent agency in a competitive field, has taught me grit, determination, and resilience. There have been moments of blood, sweat, and tears. But each obstacle reinforced my ability to adapt, push forward, and stay committed to my mission. I've learned that I am stronger than ever imagined, and no challenge is too big when you're driven by purpose.
Marthann Masterson
Artist, Owner & Founder
marthannmasterson.com
What are you most proud of when building your art business?
I am proud that a hobby of mine has developed into a thriving business. Art is my third career. I built a catering business and served well-known celebrities, two kings, the Vice President of the US, and even rock stars like Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. Now, I display my paintings in homes and offices across the United States and Mexico. You can see my work in prominent galleries such as the Jack Meier Gallery in Houston, the Octavia Art Gallery in New Orleans, and the Beka Museum in New York City. I’ve also received recognition for my art in various publications. Plus, I am incredibly proud of my work because I developed a technique I use in my drip paintings.
What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs?
My advice is to start a business related to something you love to do, have a passion for, or have a knack for. Choose something that comes naturally to you and gives you joy. I have a passion for cooking and entertaining, so catering came quickly. The same thing happened when I started painting. Most importantly, learn about your craft by returning to school, researching online, and assisting a successful entrepreneur.
Can you share why giving back to the Houston community is so important to you?
Alcoholism runs in my family, claiming both my parents at young ages, my mother at 37 and my father at 41. As a teenager, I sought help for them at The Council on Alcoholism, now known as the Council on Recovery. Unfortunately, I inherited the gene and later sought help there myself. I’m proud to say I’ve been sober for 35 years and have served as a Lifetime Honorary Board member at The Council in Houston. I have also served as a board member of The National Council, The New York Council, and the Midwest Council. I am also dedicated to my faith as a St. Martins Episcopal Church member with my husband.
Sneha Merchant
Artist, Owner & Founder
SnehaMerchant.com
Can you share why philanthropy is important to you?
Giving back has always been personal. I've been fortunate, and the responsibility to lift others comes with success. My involvement with Operation Smile started eight years ago, and witnessing how a simple surgery can entirely transform a child's life, not just physically but emotionally, made me realize the immense power of compassion.
What advice would you give those in Houston who want to give back?
Start where you are, with what you have. You don't need to make a large donation or have endless free time. Sometimes, showing up and sharing your passion is the most valuable thing you can offer. Houston is a city filled with heart, and there's always a place for people who want to help. Find a cause that resonates with you and dive in.
What are you most proud of when building your art business?
I'm incredibly proud of my art journey. This past March, Neiman Marcus showcased my work as part of their Women's History Month Art Exhibition, and in December, I hosted my pop-up art gallery at River Oaks District. Both experiences felt surreal due to the recognition and the opportunity to share my work with many new people.
What matters most to me is how people respond to my art. When someone stands in front a piece for a long time—completely still—I can sense that they connect with it on a deeper level. It's as if they are transported elsewhere. Their eyes tell me they're mesmerized, lost in the emotions and stories within the piece. Hearing that my art brings joy, nostalgia, or empowerment inspires me to keep creating. Art is not just visual; it’s a feeling, and I take pride in creating that experience for others.
What advice would you give aspiring women entrepreneurs like yourself?
Believe in your vision, even when others don't fully see it. As women, we sometimes second-guess ourselves or wait for permission to leap. My advice? Don't wait. Start messy if you have to but start. Surround yourself with inspiring people, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Most importantly, stay true to who you are because authenticity is your greatest asset.
Lauren Spoo, MD
Physician & Owner, Leibman, Spoo & Associates
LeibmanGyn.com
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell her to have more patience and not be so hard on herself when things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned that setbacks are often just redirections—God has a plan for each of us, and when something hasn’t worked out for me, I’ve found that something better is waiting. I have chosen the name “Grace” for my daughter precisely so she can never forget this advice.
What does work-life balance mean to you?
Work-life balance means fully engaging in my career and personal life without the constant fear of sacrificing one for the other. As a physician and business owner, I’ve worked hard to create a practice that allows me to provide exceptional care while making time for the people and moments that matter most.
Owning my practice allows me to make decisions about my work schedule, ensuring that I don’t always have to miss special milestones with family and friends. I am constantly reassessing my workplace, refining systems, and learning to delegate and trust my team more while following one of the Golden Rules in medicine: “Trust but verify.”
What role has mentorship played in your personal and professional development?
Many of the most transformative career opportunities have come when I stepped outside my introverted shell, engaged with my community, and allowed myself to be vulnerable.
One of the best examples is meeting my husband, who has been my biggest mentor in leadership, business, and life. As a successful entrepreneur and an incredibly kind, grounded person, he has helped me grow as a physician, business owner, and leader.
Another pivotal moment was crossing paths with Dr. Leibman, who entrusted me with his practice when he retired. The opportunity to continue his legacy and care for his patients was a defining step in my career, and it reinforced the power of building relationships and being open to new possibilities.
I am deeply grateful for the many mentors in medicine who shaped my training. Their guidance, support, and willingness to teach made me a better physician and instilled in me the importance of giving back and mentoring others.