Houston Airports Chief Community Relations Officer Rhonda Arnold led efforts in the community in honor of Black History Month. Arnold was also featured in the Houston Chronicle’s Black History Month Successful Women feature.

Houston Airports participated in the Future of Black America Symposium held January 29. The purpose of the event is to ignite a public policy agenda that strengthens the educational and economic vitality of African American communities. The first panel focused on protecting voting rights and featured speakers like Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy and former New Jersey Secretary of State Regina Thomas, The second panel featured Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes (D-WI)  and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver (D-NJ) and Commissioner Rodney Ellis and focused on business growth and entrepreneurialism, STEM education and blue STEM workforce development.

Houston Airports also supported the Houston Black Leadership Institute (HBLI), an intentional development program for the next generation of African American leadership in the city of Houston.  HBLI aims to develop the City’s best and brightest young professionals, cultivating a cadre of individuals who are capable and willing to positively affect the social and economic problems facing our communities. Arnold was a panelist for the organization’s Business & Industries class day and spoke on the airport system’s importance to the city’s economy. Commissioner Theldon Branch was also featured.

In addition, Houston Airports staff were featured speakers at area schools to talk about careers in aviation.