2026 Night of Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Name: 2026 Night of Diversity Equity & Inclusion
Start: 2026-09-10T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-09-10T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Lopez Negrete Communications

Schedule

Thu Sep 10 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Lopez Negrete Communications | Houston, TX

Join AAF-Houston in celebrating visionary leaders driving diversity, equity, and inclusion. Let's unite to celebrate and foster unity.
About this Event

Fuel the Future of Inclusion

Mark your calendar. This is the night where Houston shows up, shows out, and stands united.

The 2026 Night of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is more than a celebration. It’s a bold, inspiring tribute to the visionaries who are driving meaningful change in our city. These are the leaders breaking down barriers, lifting others as they rise, and building a more inclusive future — not just for some, but for all.

Get ready for a powerful evening filled with storytelling, community, and connection. We’re honoring the trailblazers whose impact reaches beyond their industries and into the hearts of the people they uplift.

This Year’s Honorees

Bold. Brilliant. Unapologetically transformative. Our distinguished honorees this year include:

Robin Anderson, Education and Engagement Director at the 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 of 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 at 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 at 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 of 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 (https://www.elcentrodecorazon.org/), 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 (https://www.instagram.com/jatzirisart/) 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 a silent auction that evening. Proceeds will benefit El Centro de Corazón's community healthcare programs.

Why You Should Be There

This night is about legacy. It's about representation. It's about standing together and celebrating what makes Houston beautifully complex and deeply connected.

Whether you’re a longtime ally or just beginning your journey toward deeper inclusion, this event is your chance to witness and be part of something real — something unforgettable.

Come for the cause. Stay for the community. Leave inspired.

Support Through Sponsorship

Want to make a lasting impact? Join us as an event partner. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and your support helps fuel DE&I programming and scholarships all year long. Together, we’re shaping the future.

Thank you to our Partners and Sponsors