Genesys Works Ambassadors Luncheon Exceeds Goals and Inspires Houston Executives

Over $220,000 was raised at the first Genesys Works’ Ambassadors Luncheon on September 26th, 2019 at the River Oaks Country Club. The event brought over 200 business professionals together to discuss mentorship, opportunity, and workplace diversity. Interns were in attendance to serve as ambassadors and lead table talks, highlighting the importance of early and equal access to work-based learning opportunities for all young people, regardless of origin.

Founded in 2002, Genesys Works provides pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships. The program now serves more than 4,000 students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington’s National Capital Region.

“The Ambassadors Luncheon gives business professionals a chance to hear from Houston’s future workforce and give their support at a very personal level,” said Katherine Taylor, Executive Director of Genesys Works. “Nobody knows the Genesys Works program better than our intern ambassadors. They are a testament to the amazing careers and learning that can occur at the intersection of motivation and opportunity.”

Lisa Fitzpatrick, President of Bloomberg Tax and Accounting, joined the event as the keynote speaker. She shared how mentorship from key individuals impacted her own career. Lisa credits her success to the relationships she made coupled with her own determination. Co-chairs Myrtle Jones, Senior VP of Tax at Halliburton, and Elisabeth Nash, Senior VP of Operations Services at SCI, lent their leadership skills allowing the luncheon to surpass its fundraising goal.

Prominent guests included Lisa Myrtle Jones, Senior VP of Tax, Halliburton (co-chair), Elisabeth Nash, Senior VP of Operations Services, Service Corporation International (co-chair), David Williams, CEO, Genesys Works, Katherine Taylor, Executive Director, Genesys Works Houston, Senior executives from Accenture, AIG, CenterPoint Energy, Halliburton, Hines, Houston Methodist, McKinsey & Co., SCI, and Walter P Moore.