Houston Style Magazine proudly stood front and center as Comcast brought its final Coffee with Comcast gathering of the year to a triumphant close—an event that shimmered with collaboration, digital innovation, and the unmistakable heartbeat of Houston’s nonprofit community. With more than $700,000 in new grants fueling dozens of Texas organizations, Comcast reaffirmed one truth: when corporate leadership meets community vision, transformational change follows.

A Morning of Momentum, Mission & Meaning

Held in the spirit of unity and upward mobility, the event welcomed nonprofit partners, elected officials, civic leaders, and long-time Comcast collaborators for a caffeinated celebration of community impact.

Retired ABC13 legend Tom Koch served as the masterful emcee, infusing the morning with the warmth and wit that Houston viewers have loved for decades. His storytelling kept the program lively as guests exchanged ideas, successes, and next-steps for Houston’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The energy surged when Tammi Wallace, President of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, led an interactive Speed Networking session—prompting dozens of leaders to forge new partnerships with the same enthusiasm as espresso hitting the bloodstream.

Voices of Leadership: Public Officials Champion Digital Equity

Comcast welcomed two of Texas’ most influential public servants:

Senator Carol Alvarado

Alvarado delivered an inspiring address underscoring the value of public-private partnerships in driving digital access. She spotlighted the crucial role skill-building programs play in preparing Texans for the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.

State Representative Armando Walle

Walle joined participants in networking, later presenting a Certificate of Commemoration honoring Comcast’s long-standing dedication to community empowerment and digital inclusion.

Their presence underscored a key message: digital equity is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

A Powerful Panel: Building Bridges for Nonprofit Success

One of the morning’s most energizing moments came during the panel discussion moderated by Melinda Little, Comcast Texas’ Vice President of External Affairs. With sincerity and savvy, she guided a conversation on the importance of collaboration in strengthening nonprofit impact.

The esteemed panel included:

• Stephen Ives, President & CEO, YMCA
• Laura Jones, Vice President, Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations (DPWPR)
• Rasheedah Carr, VP of Sales & Marketing, Comcast Texas
• Heather Orrico, VP of Comcast Business

Together, they shared stories and strategies on building purpose-driven relationships that result in sustainable community transformation. Audience members chimed in with their own examples—proof that Houston’s nonprofit ecosystem is both vibrant and united.

Comcast’s Commitment: More Than $700,000 in Grants to Fuel Texas Communities

In the highlight announcement of the event, Jose Espinel, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Texas Region, shared Comcast’s continued commitment to digital opportunity:

“Today’s event reflects the power of partnership. By working together, we ensure more individuals have access to the tools, training, and skills they need to grow, succeed, and thrive in a digital economy.”

Through Project UP, Comcast awarded grants to over 30 Texas nonprofits advancing digital equity, career readiness, and technological empowerment.

Grant Highlights include:

• Combined Arms – Connectivity and Support Program – $30,000
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star – Cybersecurity Mentorship – $25,000
• BakerRipley – Digital Literacy Program – $35,000
• Compudopt – Digital Navigation Support – $40,000
• Goodwill Industries of Greater Houston – Career Pathways Training – $37,000
• YMCA Greater Houston – Y on the Fly Mobile Tech Lab – $35,000

From mobile tech hubs to cybersecurity mentorship, these investments signal Comcast’s vision for an interconnected, future-ready Texas.

Houston Style Magazine: A Proud Media Partner Amplifying Impact

As one of Comcast’s trusted media partners, Houston Style Magazine was honored to document and amplify this milestone gathering. We celebrate the more than 30 nonprofits recognized and uplifted through Comcast’s Project UP initiative—organizations whose daily commitment strengthens our neighborhoods, educates our families, and powers Houston’s bright future.