2026 Night of Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Fuel the Future of Inclusion

Mark your calendar. This is the night where Houston shows up, shows out, and stands united.

The 2026 Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is more than a celebration. It’s a bold, inspiring tribute to the visionaries who are driving meaningful change in our city. These are the leaders breaking down barriers, lifting others as they rise, and building a more inclusive future — not just for some, but for all.

Get ready for a powerful evening filled with storytelling, community, and connection. We’re honoring the trailblazers whose impact reaches beyond their industries and into the hearts of the people they uplift.

This Year’s Honorees

Bold. Brilliant. Unapologetically transformative. Our distinguished honorees this year include:

• Robin Anderson, Education and Engagement Director at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.With a deep commitment to accessibility, Robin facilitates a collective of 15+ arts organizations in Houston committed to providing sensory inclusive programming.
• José Avalos, CEO and Co-Founder of TECH23, a Houston-based media and entertainment organization creating immersive bilingual experiences that inspire Latino youth through science, technology, and culture. His work is redefining STEM engagement by making it culturally relevant, exciting, and accessible for the next generation.
• Grace Olivares, Director of Community Empowerment at TelevisaUnivision Houston, whose decades of service have helped inform, educate, and connect Houston’s Latino community while championing community partnerships, civic engagement, and trusted public service.

• Nell Reed, Public Affairs Advisor at Chevron, whose leadership has helped bring the diverse stories and lived experiences of Chevron employees to life while championing meaningful community engagement. Through her work supporting students, women, and people of color—and her visible leadership within Houston’s nonprofit and professional communities—she has demonstrated that inclusion is not simply a corporate value, but something that must be lived, shared, and advanced through authentic action.

• Mark Walker, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Direct Digital Holdings, whose leadership helped build only the ninth Black-owned company in U.S. history to go public while creating greater opportunities for diverse-owned media publishers and demonstrating that inclusion and business growth go hand in hand.

Art With Purpose

Each year, we use this event as a platform to celebrate the vibrant creative talent that thrives in Houston — and to give that creativity purpose beyond the canvas. This year, we are proud to feature the powerful work of local artists in a silent auction that not only showcases the city’s artistic depth, but also supports the future of diverse youth in the arts.

All proceeds from the silent auction will benefit a houston area nonprofit dedicated to helping make our community a better place for everyone. These funds will help support their mission to transform lives.

Each bid placed in the auction is more than a generous act — it’s a commitment to uplifting voices, empowering futures, and investing in the dreams of tomorrow’s trailblazers.

A complete list of contributing artists will be posted shortly.

Why You Should Be There

This night is about legacy. It's about representation. It's about standing together and celebrating what makes Houston beautifully complex and deeply connected.

Whether you’re a longtime ally or just beginning your journey toward deeper inclusion, this event is your chance to witness and be part of something real — something unforgettable.

Come for the cause. Stay for the community. Leave inspired.

Support Through Sponsorship

Want to make a lasting impact? Join us as an event partner. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and your support helps fuel DE&I programming and scholarships all year long. Together, we’re shaping the future.

Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors

• Lopez Negrete Communications
• Houston Chronicle
• Basis
• DLG Research
• Purple Page Marketing
• Creative Consumer Research

Event Details:

Address: 3336 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098

Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM

Evening Schedule:

• Cocktail Meet & Greet: 6:00 to 7:00 PM
• Honoree Panel Discussion | Master of Ceremonies: 7:00–7:45 PM
• Silent Auction Winner Announcement: 8:15 PM