Join us for Thrive with Youth 2026: Enter the Thrive-Verse – an interactive experience bringing together young people, employers, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders to explore multiple pathways to education, careers, entrepreneurship, and future opportunities.
Business-casual attire is recommended. Additional information regarding parking, arrival, check-in, and the event agenda will be shared with registered attendees before the event.
In today’s world, there is no single path to success – and that is the power of the Thrive-Verse.
Thrive with Youth 2026 invites young people, employers, educators, partners, and changemakers to step into a dynamic multiverse of opportunity where every young person is empowered to discover, design, and define their own future.
The Thrive-Verse embraces possibility, celebrates individuality, and builds bridges across sectors, systems, and communities.
Whether a young person’s pathway leads to college, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, workforce credentials, or new and emerging industries, every young person deserves options, access, and meaningful support.
This interactive experience is more than an event—it is a convergence of people, partners, and pathways coming together to spark bold conversations, ignite fresh ideas, and co-create a future where every young person can thrive.
Sponsors help make meaningful experiences possible for young adults participating in Thrive with Youth 2026.
Sponsorship support helps provide youth access, career-pathway conversations, interactive learning labs, student-voice experiences, networking opportunities, innovation activities, and participant resources.
Organizations interested in sponsorship or partnership opportunities may contact:
Yvonne Eype
yvonne.eype@ufcs-hq.org
832-800-0701
Executive Director of DiscoverU
A proud advocate for experiential learning, Willett is passionate about empowering youth from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. Her journey as an educator, leader, and parent grounds her in the belief that all students deserve equitable access to unique, perspective-shifting experiences that fuel their future goals. Outside of her professional life, Willett is a seventh-generation Texan, proud wife and mom of two neurodivergent children, and an enthusiast of all things delicious on the Houston food scene.
Mental Health Clinician & Clinical AI Advisor of Lyra Health / Founder, DigiWell Foundation
She is a mental health and AI expert whose work examines what happens when young people turn to technology before they turn to people. A licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and researcher, she brings a clinician’s lens to artificial intelligence, evaluating how AI systems respond to emotional distress and advising technology companies on clinical safety, youth well-being, and responsible design. Her research explores adolescence, social media, and how families navigate an increasingly algorithmic world. She is the author of The Stranger at My Table: How to Reach Your Child When AI Answers First and a TEDx speaker. At the center of her work is a simple idea: technology can respond to a young person, but being answered is not the same as being known
Program Officer of Trellis Foundation
He is an educator, philanthropist, and strategic leader working at the intersection of education, opportunity, and economic mobility. As a Program Officer with Trellis Foundation and College Professor, he brings nearly two decades of experience across K–12, higher education, philanthropy, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. His work is grounded in a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not and education can help close that gap.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–1:30 PM Central Time
Location: Amegy Tower | 1717 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027 (Walter E. Johnson (JJC) Confrence Room | 9th floor)
Attire: Business casual
Registration: Advance registration required
Arrival, music, networking, and interactive welcome.
M. Yvonne Eype, Executive Director, United for College + Career Success
Ben Prewitt, Texas A&M University Student
Why the “in-between” moments matter across secondary, postsecondary, and career pathways.
Dr. Anum Ali, Mental Health Clinician & Clinical AI Advisor, Lyra Health / Founder, DigiWell Foundation
How healing and human connection support learners through education and career transitions.
The Conversations That Can Heal the Gap
Where learner and leadership perspectives align, where they differ, and what listening can change.
Dr. Jay L. McCullar, Program Officer, Trellis Foundation
How breakthrough opens new postsecondary and career possibilities for learners.
Moving Through the Learner Journey
Participants explore key transition points and what helps learners keep moving toward postsecondary and career goals.
Cross-sector conversation, connection, and continued reflection on the learner journey.
Ashley Willett, CEO, Discovery U
Changing direction while staying connected to education, career, and opportunity.
Pivoting Toward Opportunity
How employers and learners can better navigate changing education-to-career pathways.
Connecting Healing, Breakthrough, and Pivot Power across the learner journey.
Turning insight into action through one commitment, one connection, and one next step.
Connect with like-minded professionals and organizations dedicated to youth empowerment.
Gain inspiration from powerful stories of transformation and success from those who have positively impacted young lives.
Participate in an experience designed to shift perspectives and inspire innovative approaches to youth engagement.
Engage in a TED Talk meets Shark Tank experience where ideas are shared, challenged, and refined in real-time.
Leave with practical strategies and tools that you can immediately apply in your work to help youth navigate their path toward success.
Dean of Business, Technology, Fire Science, and Process Technology at Lone Star College-Kingwood
Dr. Roger Chambers is the Dean of Business, Technology, Fire Science, and Process Technology at Lone Star College-Kingwood. He holds degrees in computer science and software engineering, including a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas. Since 2011, he has served in various roles at the college and became dean in 2022. He joined the Partnership Lake Houston Board in 2024. Outside academia, he has industry experience in software design and is also a professional musician.
Vice President – Instruction & Student Services at Houston City College
Dr. Karen Girton-Snyder is the founding Vice President of Instruction & Student Services at Houston City College’s Global Online College. With over 35 years in higher education, she has led academic, curriculum, and student service initiatives, managed large budgets, and overseen 300+ degree programs. Known for expanding online education to over 15,000 students and building key partnerships, she is dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and workforce readiness.
Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Houston ISD
Gillian Quinn serves as the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Houston ISD, where she leads efforts to prepare students for postsecondary success through CTE pathways, career exploration, and work-based learning. She previously held senior leadership roles at KIPP Texas, including Deputy Chief of Curriculum and Instruction. A former educator and Teach for America corps member, Ms. Quinn holds an MBA from Rice University and a Master’s in Public Education Management from Yale University.
Program Manager – Internal Mobility at Memorial Hermann Healthcare System
Irena Azuogu serves as Workforce Program Manager at Memorial Hermann Health System, where she leads talent mobility and career development initiatives. Her role includes designing and facilitating workshops and trainings that support employees with their career growth. With over 14 years in HR and Talent Acquisition, Irena brings expertise and passion for creating equitable access to knowledge that empowers others to reach their full potential in their career.
Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Amegy Bank
Syed Wasim is Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Amegy Bank, helping businesses grow through strategic financial solutions. He also serves on the Fort Bend MUD 25 Board and the Fort Bend Precinct 4 Constable’s Advisory Committee, supporting fiscal responsibility and community safety. Syed is committed to connecting business, education, and community to empower future leaders.
Chief Executive Officer, The Baxter Trust
Greg Hambrick has been an active Houston resident for over 40 years, dedicating 35+ years to the mid-stream energy industry and extensive civic service. He co-founded two nonprofits: Archway Academy (Houston’s first sober high school) and Evergreen Urban Farms. He is currently the CEO of The Baxter Trust and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.
Project Manager at Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative (GHOYC)
Camille Serelus leads reconnection initiatives for the Greater Houston Opportunity Youth Collaborative at ACAM, helping young people access education and meaningful work. Previously, she designed and scaled a successful Cambridge-based biotech training program that launched research associates into careers. Driven by a belief in equity and opportunity, Camille uses her background in higher education, student wellness, and program design (BA, Northeastern; MPH, Boston University) to open doors to limitless potential.
Lead Career Success Coach at WorkTexas
Maryem Sheded has spent the last five years empowering youth to find their strengths, define goals, and secure meaningful careers. She specializes in working with Justice Impacted Youth, helping them assess and navigate the significant barriers that often block access to opportunity. Through personalized guidance, strategic job searching, and holistic support, Maryem helps young people not only secure employment but also gain the confidence needed to thrive. Her passion is creating equitable pathways that allow youth to reach their full potential.
Director, College and Career, UFCS
Tanya Darnell Davis is a public speaker, best-selling author, and experienced higher education leader. She has a demonstrated history in admissions, career services, and student affairs at both traditional and for-profit institutions. A graduate of Baylor University, Tanya is skilled in interviewing, recruiting, training, and human resources. Her passion drives her current role as Director of Career and College Success, where she re-engages individuals seeking new paths or opportunities. Tanya achieves this by developing strategic partnerships, mentoring, coaching, and matching learners to the credentials or degrees necessary to find their perfect fit.
Director of Advising and Transfer Programs at Lee College
Dr. Sarah Tidwell is the Director of Advising and Transfer Programs at Lee College, where she leads initiatives to strengthen proactive advising, guided pathways, and transfer student success. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education, developing innovative, data-informed strategies. Her leadership includes collaborations on projects like the DataKind’s Edvise predictive analytics tool and serving as a Community College Research Fellow with the Texas Success Center. Dr. Tidwell holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Houston, with research focusing on community college student transfer intentions and equitable access.
Social Entrepreneur | Executive Consultant | Adj. Professor | Speaker
Kenneth Scott is a former pro athlete turned speaker, educator, and social entrepreneur. He helps students turn who they are into what they do through identity-driven strategies. As the creator of the Social Health Brand Program and REACH, Kenneth empowers young people to communicate with purpose, build authentic relationships, and grow through character, clarity, and connection.
Chief Program Officer at SERJobs
Nekia Robinson is the Chief Program Officer at SERJobs, leading program initiatives and stakeholder engagement. With expertise in strategic planning, program management, and organizational growth, she combines business and educational leadership to drive impact. Her commitment to excellence has earned her recognition in leadership programs, including Rice University’s Leadership in Action (2024).
Founder & Executive Director of Texas Technical Trade School
Elvia Quintanilla is a first-generation Mexican American and founder of Texas Technical Trade School (TTTS) in Houston. One of the few Latinas leading a vocational institution, she champions hands-on training in fields like Electrical and HVAC to empower underserved communities through education and real-world opportunities.
Bilingual Business Developer | Market Leader | Mentor | Believer in Second Chances
Daniel Soto, born in Puerto Rico and raised in Houston, is a purpose-driven leader known for resilience and reinvention. With over 15 years of experience driving growth and performance, he inspires others to believe in their potential and prove that success is about how you rise, not where you start.
You don’t just get a great-looking T-shirt—you get to be a part of a movement!
Show your support for United for College and Career Success (UFCS) and our dedication to empowering the next generation by rocking the official Thrive with Youth fundraiser tee.
UFCS works tirelessly to guide underserved young people, including first-generation and disconnected youth, on their journey from potential to purpose. We provide vital resources, mentorship, and equitable pathways to education and rewarding career opportunities, ensuring every learner not only survives but thrives.
Fund Future Projects: Every dollar from this sale goes directly to support UFCS’s future projects and initiatives, helping us expand our reach and deliver more transformative programs for youth.
Stand for Success: Your purchase champions our mission of breaking down barriers and advancing social and economic mobility for young people in our communities.
Quality & Comfort: It’s a tee you’ll love to wear again and again.
Wear your commitment on your sleeve. Get your Thrive with Youth tee today and help us unlock the full potential of every young person!
