Theme: Connecting the Dots

Life is like a child's puzzle consisting of sequentially numbered dots that forms a picture when connected with straight lines in the designated order. These dots could represent relevant data, invaluable relationships or appropriate resources waiting to be discovered and unveiled into a beautiful expression that benefits our world.
Let's connect the dots together as we explore ideas and strategies through diverse talks and community engagement. We will be hosting Wren Barnes, a filmmaker, Hannah Naomi, social, Netta Jenkins, DEI expert, Ukeme Etuk and Jillian Simmons

West Houston Institute
2811 Hayes Road, Houston, TX
Houston, Texas, 77082
United States

Hannah Naomi Jones

Impact Strategist + Digital Storyteller

Hannah Naomi Jones is a social impact strategist, digital storyteller who leads from her narrative. She has been called upon to curate and drive innovative strategies around problem solving for social good to make and measure social impact, rooted in the idea that for every problem in this world there is someone designed to solve it. Hannah is a thought leader in strategic communications, PR and digital marketing. Using a problem-solving approach, she generates new thoughts and reorganizes existing ideas, seeing data, algorithms and AI as a tool to develop alternative ways to proceed, gauge user needs and experiences to captivate, transform and influence. Hannah has worked in higher education outreach, retention and partnerships for over a decade and serves as a consultant for government, corporate, education, health, faith based and non-profit companies. She is founder and chief strategist of Lead With Me Impact Strategies, LLC, Lead with Me Racial Equity League 501c3.

Jillian Simmons

Speaker + Author + Founder of JJ's I'm Me Foundation

Jillian “JJ” Simmons is a veteran radio/tv host, 3 X author and speaker who resides in Houston, TX. She has captivated audiences in major cities across the country, including New York City at the legendary WBLS-FM, where she worked alongside “The Queen of All Media,” Wendy Williams, Indianapolis, IN, Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA and more. Today, her compelling message has been transforming audiences across four continents, Australia, Europe, North American and Africa! She has earned the reputation of being “transparent and real” which reflects who Simmons is on and off the stage. Jillian isn’t just delivering a speech, she is delivering lasting impact. While JJ has always had an innate desire to empower women, raising a daughter has deepened her desire to foster change in the lives of young girls. Through the I’m Me Foundation, which she founded, JJ encourages at risk middle and high school girls to be the best version of themselves.

Netta Jenkins

DEI Executive Expert + Published Author.

Netta Jenkins is a leading voice in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion field whose soaring audience engagement was doubtless a key factor in Forbes naming her as one of the top 7 anti-racism consultants in the world. Netta was featured in CIO Views publication as “The Top 10 Most Influential Black Women in Business to Follow in 2021”. An acclaimed author with a deep background in communications, leadership, and behavioral psychology, Netta has been advising corporations and audiences of all kinds for more than 15 years on the most effective strategies to address systemic racism, its traumatic impact, and the path to social justice. Netta’s 80,000+ followers on LinkedIn draw on her knowledge and insights on key DEI concerns such as corporate accountability, product inclusiveness, history and policy of structural racism, and her monthly LinkedIn newsletter.

Ukeme Etuk

Producer + Photographer

Meet Ukeme Etuk, She's lived and been through a lot of hardships but always carries an infectious smile into every space. She loves to selflessly share her story through hosting events, TV, and film production. She is the host of "The Chat", a talk show that triggers candid conversations with the young generation. Ukeme graduated from Berkeley College with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's in Legal & Ethical Studies.

Wren Barnes

Screenwriter + Actress + Business Strategy + Funding Film Producer

Wren Barnes works primarily on the business side of Filmmaking a.k.a. a Producer. She is an award winning Actress and an award winning Screenwriter. Occasionally she is a Film Director. As a Producer she focuses on banking, contracts, legal and budget. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration from UCF, and her film acting degree from Manhattan, NY. She is filming multiple leading and supporting acting roles in multiple states the next couple months that are union and non-union feature films of varying budgets and genres including comedy, thriller, western & faith-based. Wren's book & online course will launch later this month teaching others how to set boundaries, have courage to speak up, how to achieve your goals and overcome obstacles. Wren's message helps others work with increased integrity and good character.