Jo-Carolyn Goode believed in community.

As Houston Style Magazine’s longtime managing editor, Goode had a special talent for finding stories in the people, businesses and organizations that make Houston neighborhoods thrive. She also believed in giving local entrepreneurs a chance to introduce themselves to the community and share the stories behind their businesses.

That spirit continues with Goode to Know, a Houston Style Magazine series highlighting local people, businesses and community happenings that deserve to be on Houston’s radar.

For Linda Carranza, making a difference in her community began with a deeply personal journey: advocating for her son.

A Stafford resident, mother of three, bilingual educator with more than 15 years of experience and published children's book author, Carranza has transformed her experiences raising a child with autism into a mission to help other families find their voices, create opportunities for children with different abilities and build a more inclusive community.

Her son, Felipe, was diagnosed with autism at just 2½ years old. As he approaches adulthood, Carranza reflects on a journey filled with challenges, milestones, lessons and accomplishments that have shaped her perspective as both a mother and an advocate.

From navigating countless Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to advocating for appropriate educational services, communication support and inclusion, she has learned that advocating for a child does not stop as that child grows older.

Over time, her commitment expanded beyond her own family.

Today, Carranza advocates for other children and families through community engagement, education, public speaking and outreach. She also serves as a representative on a Special Education Parent Engagement Committee, working to strengthen communication, inclusion and opportunities for students receiving special education services.

Her dedication has earned several recognitions, including the 2026 Outstanding Educator Award from The Arc of Fort Bend. She has also received recognition from a Texas state representative for her contributions to education and advocacy and was honored at the 2026 Autism Mother's Day Gala in Dallas, hosted by BirthdayCake Autism Global Network.

Her advocacy and children's book were also featured in the May 2026 issue of Autism Digest Magazine.

One of Carranza's most personal accomplishments is her children's book, Felipe and His Super Senses. Inspired by her son, the book promotes autism awareness, sensory understanding, kindness and inclusion.

The idea came from a desire to help her younger child better understand his brother and other children like him. Through the book, Carranza hopes to introduce young readers to the ways children can experience and interact with the world differently while encouraging greater understanding and compassion.

Carranza also founded Hummingbird Autism Supporting Group to connect, encourage and support families navigating the autism journey.

She extends her outreach through her Instagram platform, @autismmomlinda, where she shares personal experiences, educational resources and information about special education advocacy.

Her content covers topics such as ARD and IEP meetings, inclusion, limited verbal communication, family relationships and preparing children with autism for adulthood. Through videos and personal reflections, she hopes to create a supportive space where parents feel seen, heard and empowered to advocate for their children.

Bringing Autism Awareness to Stafford

Carranza's advocacy is making its way into the broader Stafford community.

One of her recent accomplishments is working with the City of Stafford to establish an official Autism Awareness Month proclamation. The city accepted her request, and the proclamation presentation is scheduled for March 17, 2027, during a City Council meeting.

She is also working toward organizing an Autism Awareness and Resource Fair in April 2027. The proposed event would bring together families, educators, organizations and community leaders to promote awareness, acceptance, inclusion and access to resources.

For Carranza, these initiatives are an opportunity to bring families together and create meaningful connections with organizations and resources that can support them.

Felipe Remains Her Greatest Inspiration

At the center of everything Carranza does is Felipe, whose accomplishments continue to inspire her advocacy.

Although he has limited verbal communication, Felipe participates in Special Olympics and has earned medals. He enjoys technology and coding and dreams of continuing his education after high school.

His journey reinforces a message Carranza hopes more families and communities will understand: limited verbal communication does not mean limited abilities, intelligence or dreams.

As a Hispanic mother, educator, author and autism advocate, she also hopes to encourage families who may feel unheard or overwhelmed while navigating special education systems.

She understands firsthand the emotional demands of advocating for a child and the importance of having support along the way. Her experiences have shown her the value of parents finding their voices and using them to advocate not only for their own children but for others.

What began as one mother's determination to secure opportunities for her son has grown into a broader commitment to education, awareness and inclusion throughout her community.

Through her children's book, Hummingbird Autism Supporting Group, social media outreach and upcoming Stafford initiatives, Carranza continues to turn personal experiences into opportunities to help others.

Her hope is that another mother just beginning the autism journey will see her story and realize she is not alone.

And that is what makes Carranza someone Goode to Know.