Diversity + Inclusion

Today, Houston is more diverse than ever before. The fact of the matter is that we are a melting pot of cultures, and our collective sense of inclusion is the path forward.

Everyone at the Table: the 2026 Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

September 10, 2026 | 5:30 to 9:30 PM | Lopez Negrete Communications
3336 Richmond Ave, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77098

Every meaningful conversation starts with an invitation. On September 10, AAF-Houston sets one long table at Lopez Negrete Communications and fills it with Houston — agencies and brand marketers, nonprofit leaders and students, artists, media and neighbors.

This year’s theme, Everyone at the Table, celebrates the people and organizations who help make Houston one of the most welcoming and culturally rich cities in the country. Rather than a traditional awards ceremony, the evening is built as a celebration of belonging: a communal grazing table of dishes drawn from our city’s many cultures, a live panel with local leaders, a silent art auction benefiting El Centro de Corazón, music, karaoke and plenty of room to talk.

2026 Honorees:

• Robin Anderson — Education and Engagement Director, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
• José Avalos — CEO and Co-Founder, TECH23
• Grace Olivares — Director of Community Empowerment, TelevisaUnivision Houston
• Nell Reed — Public Affairs Advisor, Chevron
• Mark Walker — Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Direct Digital Holdings

Featured Artist: Jatziri Barron, the Mexican-born, Houston-based muralist selected as one of seven artists creating The Art of the Beautiful Game for Houston’s FIFA World Cup 2026 host-city role, will paint live at the event. Her finished piece joins the silent auction benefiting El Centro de Corazón.

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2026 Event Sponsors

Title Sponsor

In-Kind Partners

Past Honorees & Recognition

In this spirit, AAF-Houston held its first-ever Night of Diversity + Inclusion on March 6, 2019, recognizing three deserving Houstonians who are prime examples of how embracing the city’s uniqueness can truly move the needle. Along with outstanding professional success, the honorees are active in their respective communities. Their swiftness to social responsibilities does not go unnoticed as their voices are heard clearly, with messages that resonate. This group of Houstonians are advocates of equality, in each and every sense.

AAF-Houston was proud to recognize:

Mary Benton
Press Secretary for Mayor Sylvester Turner

Chris David Garcia
Creative Director, Houston Astros

Jacob Sudhoff
CEO & Founder, Sudhoff Companies