Leadership is not simply about earning a seat at the table. It is about bringing knowledge, confidence, relationships—and perhaps a fabulous pink outfit—to the room.

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, women from across Greater Houston and the Houston Port Region will gather for the Women In Alliance Women’s Leadership Summit & Luncheon, a high-energy morning of professional development, purposeful networking and industry inspiration.

The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at San Jacinto College’s LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology, located at 7901 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77507.

As a proud media sponsor, Houston Style Magazine is honored to support a gathering designed to help women sharpen their voices, strengthen their professional brands and confidently pursue bigger opportunities in business, public service, education, energy, engineering and industry.

Women In Alliance, an initiative of the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, brings together exceptional women leaders committed to lifting as they climb. Its mission extends beyond the professionals already building successful careers throughout the Port Region. The organization also works to pass wisdom, strength and opportunity to young women growing up in communities surrounding the Port of Houston.

After all, the next generation should not have to reinvent the ladder. It should be encouraged to climb higher.

In a region where major projects depend on collaboration, technical excellence and trusted relationships, women’s leadership is not a side conversation—it is central to progress. This summit creates space for honest career advice, strategic introductions and the kind of encouragement that can turn a promising idea into a powerful next move.

The summit begins with registration and networking from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., followed by two limited-seating breakout sessions from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Attendees may select one session, making early registration especially important.

The “Communication & Negotiation” panel will provide practical guidance for negotiating salaries, navigating difficult conversations and communicating effectively from the frontline to the executive suite. Featured participants 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.

“Networking & Relationships: Your Voice Is Your Brand,” led by Samantha Varner, will focus on building authentic professional relationships, approaching new contacts with confidence and using communication to strengthen personal-brand visibility.

In other words, attendees will learn how to work the room without allowing the room to work their nerves.

Luncheon networking begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by the program and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The featured discussion, “Women Driving Industry Forward,” will spotlight 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.

Their collective experience reflects the leadership helping move Southeast Texas industry, infrastructure and economic opportunity forward.

Guests can also enjoy onsite vendors, a purse raffle, selfie station, event backdrop and complimentary valet parking. Purse raffle tickets may be purchased in advance, and valet gratuities are appreciated.

Houston Style Magazine proudly joins fellow sponsors Harris County Precinct 2, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey, P.E., San Jacinto College, Gulf Coast Limestone and Bayside Printing. Additional sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations ready to invest in women’s leadership and connect with influential professionals throughout the Port Region.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are open now. Contact Marisela Ramirez at marisela@allianceportregion.com or call 281-476-9176.

Register or learn more through the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

Wear your pink. Bring your business cards. Come prepared to learn, connect and leave with more than motivation—leave with momentum.

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