Everyone at the Table
2026 Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Hosted by AAF-Houston
September 10, 2026 | 5:30 to 9:30 PM | Lopez Negrete Communications
Every meaningful conversation starts with an invitation. Consider this yours.
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. The 2026 Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn’t a ceremony you sit through. It’s an evening you take part in: real conversation, local art, live music, and food drawn from the many cultures that share this city.
Different perspectives, one table. That’s the whole idea.
What the Evening Looks Like
- A communal grazing table — one long, shared spread of appetizers inspired by the cuisines and cultures of Houston.
- Honoree recognition — recognizing the people and organizations opening doors across our city.
- A live panel — 30 to 45 minutes with Houston leaders. A conversation, not a lecture.
- A silent art auction — original work by local artists, benefiting El Centro de Corazón.
- Music, karaoke and interactive experiences — caricatures, candle making, a photo booth and more.
- Networking all night — the kind that happens naturally when everyone is standing shoulder to shoulder.
This Year’s Honorees
Bold. Brilliant. Unapologetically transformative. We’re recognizing the Houstonians who make room — the ones breaking down barriers, lifting others as they rise, and building a city where more people belong.
- Robin Anderson — Education and Engagement Director, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. With a deep commitment to accessibility, Robin facilitates a collective of 15+ arts organizations in Houston committed to providing sensory inclusive programming.
- José Avalos — CEO and Co-Founder, TECH23, a Houston-based media and entertainment organization creating immersive bilingual experiences that inspire Latino youth through science, technology, and culture. His work is redefining STEM engagement by making it culturally relevant, exciting, and accessible for the next generation.
- Grace Olivares — Director of Community Empowerment, TelevisaUnivision Houston, whose decades of service have helped inform, educate, and connect Houston’s Latino community while championing community partnerships, civic engagement, and trusted public service.
- Nell Reed — Public Affairs Advisor, Chevron, whose leadership has helped bring the diverse stories and lived experiences of Chevron employees to life while championing meaningful community engagement. Through her work supporting students, women, and people of color — and her visible leadership within Houston’s nonprofit and professional communities — she has demonstrated that inclusion is not simply a corporate value, but something that must be lived, shared, and advanced through authentic action.
- Mark Walker — Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Direct Digital Holdings, whose leadership helped build only the ninth Black-owned company in U.S. history to go public while creating greater opportunities for diverse-owned media publishers and demonstrating that inclusion and business growth go hand in hand.
Art With Purpose
Houston’s creative community shows up on the walls, too. This year’s silent auction features original work by local artists, and every bid supports El Centro de Corazón, a Houston nonprofit that has spent 30 years bringing accessible healthcare and wellness services to the neighborhoods that need them most.
Belonging isn’t only about having a voice. It’s also about making sure every member of our community has the care and support they need to thrive. Find a piece you love, place a bid, and help make that true for a few more Houstonians.
Featured Artist
Jatziri Barron is a Mexican-born, Houston-based visual artist and muralist whose work explores culture, identity, transformation and human connection. Known for vibrant murals and immersive art experiences, she has collaborated with organizations including Major League Soccer, the Houston Toyota Center, the Mexican Consulate, Fendi and Memorial Hermann. Most recently, she was selected as one of seven artists creating The Art of the Beautiful Game, celebrating Houston’s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city.
She’ll be painting live at the event, and her finished piece — along with a curated collection of other artwork — will be available through the silent auction that evening. Proceeds benefit El Centro de Corazón’s community healthcare programs.
Why You Should Be There
Because the best ideas in this city come from people who don’t usually share a table.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come as you are. Whether you’ve been part of this work for years or you’re just pulling up a chair, there’s a seat with your name on it — and a few left open, because there is always room for one more.
Thank you to our In-Kind Partners
- Lopez Negrete Communications — Venue
- Work By Carl — Creative
- Anthem — Videography
- Madison Avery Studio — Photography
- DLG Research — Graphics
- Core Details — Printing
- Monarch Trophy & Awards — Trophies
Support Through Sponsorship
Sponsoring the Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion puts your company at the center of Houston’s celebration of belonging — and helps fuel AAF-Houston’s DE&I programming all year long.
Every sponsor receives:
- Logo placement on event communications and signage
- Complimentary ticket to the event
Champion — $6,000 (Sold)
Own the night and put your company’s name behind what brings us together.
- Full-page ad on the inside front cover of the program booklet
- Two minutes on stage for opening or closing remarks
- 10 VIP tickets + 10 drink tickets
- Mention in the press release
- Dedicated social post
Visionary — $3,000
Celebrate your company’s dedication to a more inclusive and diverse future.
- Full-page ad in the program booklet
- Time on stage to introduce one of the evening’s honorees
- 5 VIP tickets + 5 drink tickets
- Mention in the press release
- Dedicated social post
Bar Sponsor — $2,000 (Sold)
Take the most popular spot in the room.
- Recognition in the program booklet
- Custom-named drinks
- Logo printed on napkins
- Full-page ad displayed at the bar
Advocate — $1,500
Show your company’s support for a more inclusive and diverse future.
- Half-page ad in the program booklet
- 2 VIP tickets + 2 drink tickets
Grazing Table — $1,500 (Sold)
Everyone has a seat at this table.
- Recognition in the program booklet
- Full-page ads displayed at the grazing table
Experiences Sponsor — $1,250
Inclusion is about community. Bring one of the night’s experiences to life: caricatures, candle making, a photo booth, air-brushed hats or karaoke.
Ally — $100 individual / $300 corporate
This work takes all of us.
- Recognition in the program booklet
- 1 event ticket
Ready to pull up a chair? Get in touch and we’ll walk you through the packages.
Event Details
Location: Lopez Negrete Communications
Address: 3336 Richmond Ave, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77098
Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 PM
