In the Houston Port Region, leadership is not merely discussed—it is built, mentored, strengthened, sponsored, and sometimes, very stylishly, dressed in pink.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Women In Alliance, an initiative of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, will host the Women’s Leadership Summit & Luncheon from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at San Jacinto College’s LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology, located at 7901 Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena. The highly anticipated gathering is designed for women across industry, business, public service, education, and community leadership who are ready to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and step boldly into greater influence.

 

As proud media sponsor, Houston Style Magazine celebrates this summit as more than another luncheon on the calendar. It is a power table. A professional development moment. A confidence booster. And yes, with a purse raffle, selfie station, vendors, complimentary valet, and a pink dress code, it also understands that serious leadership can still have personality.

Women In Alliance’s mission is rooted in empowerment: helping women of all ages become exceptional leaders in the Port Region and beyond. The organization is especially committed to passing wisdom, strength, and professional courage to young women growing up in and around the Port of Houston region, while reminding women already working in industry to stay strong, keep climbing, and never stop reaching for higher positions in the business world.

The morning begins with registration and networking from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, followed by breakout sessions from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Attendees may select one of two focused sessions, and seating is limited. Translation: do not wait until your coffee gets cold to register.

The first breakout, “Communication & Negotiation,” will offer practical strategies for negotiating salary, navigating difficult conversations, and communicating with confidence from the frontline to the executive suite. Featured voices include Nellie Baktashi Macaluso, MBA, of Houston Methodist; Linda Fields of Meador Staffing Services, an Openwork company; and moderator Heather Betancourth of the Gulf Coast Protection District.

The second breakout, “Networking & Relationships: Your Voice Is Your Brand,” led by Samantha Varner, will help attendees strengthen their personal brand, speak with confidence, approach new contacts with ease, and build professional relationships that are both strategic and authentic. In a region powered by partnerships, that kind of skill is not optional—it is leadership currency.

The luncheon portion begins with networking and registration at 11:00 AM, followed by the program and lunch at 11:30 AM. The featured panel, “Women Driving Industry Forward,” will bring together an impressive lineup of leaders: Amy Caldwell of LyondellBasell; Lydia Boek of Shell Deer Park Chemicals; Cydney Schwarzlose of BGE, Inc.; and Elizabeth Fazio Hale, JD, LLM, of Gulf Coast Authority. Together, they represent the kind of cross-sector leadership shaping the future of energy, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, engineering, and economic development in Southeast Texas.

Current sponsors include Harris County Precinct 2, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E., San Jacinto College, Gulf Coast Limestone, Houston Style Magazine, and Bayside Printing. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for companies and organizations seeking meaningful visibility among influential women and decision-makers across the Port Region.

Guests are encouraged to purchase purse raffle tickets in advance, enjoy onsite vendors, capture memories at the selfie station or event backdrop, and take advantage of complimentary valet parking. Gratuities, of course, are appreciated.

Registration and sponsorship information is available through the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region at allianceportregion.com or by calling 281-476-9176. Event contact Marisela Ramirez may also be reached at marisela@allianceportregion.com.

For Houston-area women ready to lead louder, connect smarter, and rise higher, this summit is a must-attend. Wear your pink. Bring your business cards. And come prepared to leave with more than inspiration—come ready to leave with momentum.

MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: https://allianceportregion.com/