Honoree
Johnathan Leonard
Healthcare
Johnathan Leonard currently serves as the Central Region Director of Affordability for UnitedHealthcare (UHC), where he leads strategy development with local Medicaid health plan leaders across eight diverse markets. His work ensures sustainable healthcare solutions by balancing affordability, quality, and an enhanced member experience. With a career marked by progressive leadership roles—including Chief of Staff, Associate Director of Affordability, and Senior Project Manager—Johnathan has established himself as a trusted voice in advancing healthcare innovation and equity. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Johnathan has championed diversity and belonging as an active member of the Black Experience Employee Resource Group at UnitedHealth Group. His leadership has also extended nationally, having served as President of the Houston Chapter of the National Association of Health Service Executives (NAHSE), and as a board member for both the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Southeast Texas Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Today, he continues shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders through his board service with the Florida A&M; University MHA Program and the Brazosport College Health Services Management Program. Johnathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Health Administration from Florida A&M; University, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Administration at Franklin University. While his professional life reflects excellence and purpose, Johnathan treasures his time with his wife Simone and their son, Johnathan. He enjoys traveling, cooking, and listening to music that inspires reflection and connection.
Honoree
Natasha Wallace
Education
Natasha Wallace celebrates a proud milestone this year—15 years of dedicated service in education. As both a graduate of and now an educator within Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (Lamar CISD), Natasha embodies the full-circle beauty of giving back to the same classrooms and community that nurtured her. Her path began while attending Prairie View A&M; University, where she balanced the demands of being a young mother with the pursuit of her degree. Determined to provide for her daughter while pursuing her dream, Natasha began working as a Pre-K teacher aide. Inspired by the educators around her, she returned to complete her degree and rejoined the very school where she started—first as a 3rd grade teacher before finding her calling in kindergarten. There, she thrives in shaping young lives during their most formative years. Over her career, Natasha has served as a team leader, mentor teacher for University of Houston education majors, Science Olympiad coach and judge, and Teacher of the Month honoree. She believes teaching is not simply a profession, but an honor and a calling to shape the future.
Honoree
Nackita Breaux
Financial Literacy
Nackita Breaux is a dynamic leader and advocate for financial literacy and empowerment, dedicated to equipping families and communities with the tools to achieve long-term stability and success. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and one-on-one coaching, she has transformed financial education into a movement that is practical, accessible, and deeply impactful. Nackita’s mission is to break cycles of financial hardship by teaching the fundamentals of budgeting, credit building, savings, investment, and wealth creation. She has partnered with schools, churches, and community organizations to expand financial knowledge to underserved communities, ensuring that financial literacy is not a privilege but a right. Her commitment has empowered countless individuals to build generational wealth, achieve independence, and strengthen their communities. Recognized as a mentor and changemaker, Nackita is celebrated not just for what she teaches, but for the hope and confidence she instills in others
Honoree
Derrick McKinney
Entrepreneurship
Derrick McKinney is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit—innovative, resilient, and deeply rooted in community progress. As a visionary entrepreneur, Derrick has built ventures that not only thrive in business but also uplift the neighborhoods and people they serve. His journey reflects a belief that entrepreneurship is more than profit—it is purpose. Through mentorship, investment, and leadership, Derrick has empowered aspiring business owners to pursue their dreams, overcome barriers, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. A respected voice in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Derrick continues to inspire others by sharing his story of perseverance, creativity, and determination. His leadership is a reminder that when entrepreneurs succeed, they create opportunities for countless others to rise alongside them.
Honoree
Constable James “Smokie” Phillips
Law Enforcement
Constable James “Smokie” Phillips is a seasoned law enforcement leader with more than 38 years of service to Harris County. In March 2024, he reached a historic milestone when he was elected Harris County Constable for Precinct Seven, becoming only the fourth elected Constable in the precinct’s history since 1973. His election reflects decades of trust, dedication, and commitment to public safety. Constable Phillips began his career under Constable A.B. Chambers, rising through the ranks from clerk and dispatcher to deputy, sergeant, and administrative lieutenant. For 18 years, he served on the command staff of Constable May Walker, gaining invaluable experience and leadership expertise. Today, with more than 26 years in Precinct Seven, he continues to lead with vision and dedication. He has overseen divisions including Field Operations, Patrol, Civil Process, Toll Road, Environmental Services, Domestic Violence, and Victim Services, while also serving as Administrative Captain managing budget, personnel, and operations. A graduate of the University of Houston Downtown Peace Officers Academy, he has completed over 3,000 hours of advanced training, earning certification as a Master Peace Officer, TCOLE Instructor, and FBI training graduate. Widely respected, Constable Phillips is a trusted authority on law enforcement strategy, community engagement, and public safety, advocating for fairness, accountability, and justice.
Honoree
Nackita Breaux
Civic Engagement
Amanda K. Edwards is an attorney, nonprofit leader, and former Houston City Council Member (At-Large Position 4) whose career has been defined by a commitment to solutions, engagement, and service. Currently, she serves as Board President of Be The Solution: Community Empowerment Organization, founder of The Community Based Solutions Firm, and she is running to represent the historic 18th Congressional District in the United States Congress. During her tenure on City Council, Amanda spearheaded initiatives including the Mayor’s Technology & Innovation Task Force, which created Houston’s innovation district; the High-Capacity Transit Task Force; and Houston’s Women and Minority-Owned Business Task Force, which expanded access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. She also mobilized hundreds of volunteers for Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts and launched her Community Empowerment Signature Series. A proud graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD, Amanda earned her B.A. in Political Science from Emory University, where she served as student body president and was later inducted into the Emory University Hall of Fame. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, receiving the Elaine Osborne Jacobson Award for her service to underserved populations. Amanda has also served as a federal judicial clerk, nonprofit board leader, and public finance attorney overseeing over $2 billion in infrastructure projects. Amanda has been recognized nationally by NBC, CNN, Essence, The New York Times, and countless others. Her accolades include the National Bar Association’s 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates, Houston Woman Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women, and Emory University’s 40 Under 40. For Amanda, however, her greatest reward remains empowering communities to lead, thrive, and be the solution
