yolanda adams - voice of reason

Vocalist, Radio Host

Yolanda Adams is new-millennium gospel music’s most recognized ambassador. As beautiful as she is talented, the charismatic performer with the larger-than-life voice has long been one of the genre’s most recognized and acclaimed artists. Although many artists would have been content to revel in platinum sales and unadulterated adoration, Adams sought new challenges. She began hosting “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” on KROI in Houston, and many fans were shocked to learn that “The Whitney Houston of Gospel” had been preparing for the gig longer than anyone knew.

“[Fans are] like ‘Wow, you’re on the radio,’ then the second response is, ‘How’d you get interested in it?’ ” she says, chuckling. “It’s something [I] went to school for specifically.”

Adams understands the importance of being able to function in a variety of disciplines. She’s an accomplished singer, radio personality, entrepreneur and mother. Adams makes clear that one should always have an understanding of a field and its demands before diving in head-first. “Study as much as you can, know as much as you can about the field that you’re getting into,” she advises. “Everything worth getting into is hard. In order for you to be better than the next person, you need to understand your craft.”

Adams talks about her fans like they are family — and it’s easy to see why. A native Houstonian, Adams’ love for people was instilled in her from an early age, watching the charitable nature of her family firsthand. “I came from a large family and we are still very active in our community. We’ve always been a family that loved people [and we] demonstrated that by helping people of all walks of life,” Adams recalls. “My mom would allow some of the students from the [University of Houston] to live in our home until they got their financial aid — and some of them lived in our home for at least two semesters. I saw my mom give back as a kid and for me, when you see that kind of example, it’s easy to do the same thing when you become older.”

Named one of Houston’s 25 Most Influential Women by ro, Adams is honored and doesn’t take the praise lightly. “[This] means that what I’m doing is counting for something and the people that are voting evidently think that my work in the community with my businesses and with gospel music is great,” she says. “That’s an awesome privilege and honor.”

Adams adds that there are numerous individuals working every day to be positive role models in the community who don’t get their due. “There are a lot of [people] out there doing great things for the community who never get the chance to be honored,” she believes. “We really need to honor all people doing great jobs in the community. Sometimes just the awareness of knowing that somebody is out there doing something different could spark someone’s interest and [they’ll say], ‘I should feed the homeless,’ or ‘I should start a clothing drive.’ Goodness sparks goodness.” –todd williams

courtney johnson rose -
from the ground up

Associate Broker, George E. Johnson Development, Inc.

As an associate broker with George E. Johnson Development, Courtney Johnson Rose is directly responsible for the 33-year-old real estate company’s development. Rose focuses on acquiring new business contracts and analyzing the feasibility of future projects.

“Very few firms have the expertise that we have in regards to doing large-scale development projects — taking a project from dirt all the way to a family life center, church, community center, homeless shelter, or senior living facility,” says Rose. The dedicated professional enjoys her integral role in helping GEJDI become one of the premier African American development firms in Texas. –jason thompson

karen eubanks jackson - health advocate

Founder and CEO, Sisters Network, Inc.

Sisters Network, Inc. is the only national organization for African American women with breast cancer in the U.S. that’s run by a breast cancersurvivor. As its founder and CEO, Karen Eubanks Jackson has helped the group extend its presence, spanning throughout 43 cities with 3,000 members.

Jackson advocates for more education about the disease.

“Sometimes, middle-class women think because they have insurance and education, that’s all they need,” reveals Jackson. “We have statistical information that points out that you can have all of that, but if you don’t know what treatment you should be getting or which hospital and doctor you should select, you might not get the best service.” –jason thompson

joyce tyler-williams - helping dollars grow

Sr. VP of Community Development, Frost National Bank

For many years, Frost National Bank has demonstrated flexibility and insight when it comes to assessing the credit needs of minorities in Houston and Galveston, Texas. As senior vice president of community development for the banking group, Joyce Tyler-Williams focuses on the financial concerns of low-income neighborhoods, small businesses, and women in minority-owned businesses.

“We focus in on our relationship banking, and part of that is our customer service,” she says. “It’s good to have a healthy relationship with the community, because it helps us to continue to build our reputation in the community and it also helps us to establish our credibility.” –jason thompson

monica lamb-powell - body and soul

President, Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation

As president of the Monica Lamb Wellness Foundation, former WNBA star Monica Lamb-Powell works closely with Houston’s 3rd Ward and South Park sections, to improve the quality of life for residents. Many people in these communites are plagued by chronic illnesses and lack of access to proper health care. The organization, which was formalized in 1999, promotes a broad spectrum of health and wellness issues through classroom instruction, community fairs, and ongoing neighborhood programs.

“We believe that it’s important for individuals to understand that if we want to move forward in an integrated matter, we have to merge health education to mind, body and spirit.” she explains of her vision. –jason thompson

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