Nancy Almodovar, 2022 Houston Woman of the Year

Nancy Almodovar, President & CEO of Nan and Company Properties, thrives in the world of luxury real estate through innovation, professionalism, and ambition.

She has been recognized as Houston Business Journal’s #1 Luxury Real Estate Agent in 2017, National Winner of Enterprising Women of the Year in 2018, and recipient of HBJ’s Houston’s Top 48 Most Admired CEOs of 2018.

Her company is the sole Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in Houston and won Christie’s Affiliate of The Year in 2019. Almodovar was also named Managing Broker of The Year in 2020 by Houston Agent Magazine and made the Dallas Business Journals list of Top 100 Influential Texans to know in 2022.

MEET OUR PANEL OF WOMEN

Nancy Almodovar

Nancy Almodovar, President & CEO of Nan and Company Properties, thrives in the world of luxury real estate through innovation, professionalism, and ambition.

She has been recognized as Houston Business Journal’s #1 Luxury Real Estate Agent in 2017, National Winner of Enterprising Women of the Year in 2018, and recipient of HBJ’s Houston’s Top 48 Most Admired CEOs of 2018.

Her company is the sole Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in Houston and won Christie’s Affiliate of The Year in 2019. Almodovar was also named Managing Broker of The Year in 2020 by Houston Agent Magazine and made the Dallas Business Journals list of Top 100 Influential Texans to know in 2022.

Sarah Pappas

Sarah Pappas is a former All-American and Professional Pole Vaulter for USA. She was ranked Top 10 in the world and Top 3 in the USA jumping 15ft. Sarah now works now in the medical field for the past 7 years as a Top Producer for a Fortune 5 company. Her passions are philanthropy and managing her digital media platform that helps provide education/inspiration in health and fitness, business, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship to ladies all across the globe.

Elise Banks

Elise Banks is a clinical psychotherapist in the Houston area serving both a private school and in private practice. Her work specializes in depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and addiction. She completed her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and finished her graduate degree, with honors, from the University of Houston. Elise’s passion for mental health extends beyond her offices. Elise serves as Vice President for the Board of Directors for NAMI Texas. She also serves on the Foundation Board for Menninger Clinic, one of the nation’s top psychiatric facilities. She serves as a National Ambassador for NAMI and travels extensively to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Elise spends her time tackling legislative issues at the Texas state capitol and our nation’s capitol. She has raised tens of thousands of dollars in order to support those who need financial support in obtaining mental health services. In 2016, Elise won the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award for her efforts to help individuals get the help they need for their mental health. Elise is a sought-after speaker who most recently spoke for companies Dentsu and Merkle. Elise uses her social media to advocate for mental health, women empowerment, and positive social change.

Elise attributes her successful career, in part, to the lessons learned from her years in pageantry. Elise won the titles of Miss Waco 2007, Miss Bay Area 2012, and in the top 5 of Miss Houston in 2006 and 2013. Elise went on to win Miss Texas International in 2015 and won the title of Miss International after competing with 75 young women from across the world. Although her competing days are over, Elise continues to judge and emcee pageants. Elise is excited to now be the owner and director of the Miss Houston USA and Miss Houston Teen USA pageants!

Randa Carraba

Randa Carrabba is first generation college graduation from Texas A&M University. She graduated with honors in 2009 as one of the 9 candidates for the Brown Rudder Award, the highest honor bestowed to only one graduating senior of the entire University.

Randa is currently the owner and founder of PowHer.fit, an online women’s full body strength training and macro counting lifestyle with a strong emphasis in the power of uplifting community support. In only 3 years of business, there have been over 23,000 women go through the PowHer.fit program. Randa knows that no single approach is right for everyone, so she designed PowHer.fit to be tailorable to her client’s skill set, available time and location to exercise as well as their individual goals. Currently the program has over 310 affiliates and now 12 Empowerment Coaches, building their own small businesses and success stories within the company.

Before devoting her work to PowHerFit, Randa was an accomplished 10-year boutique owner of Southern Jewlz. She was featured in USA Today for her use of social media in the Boutique industry, as well as making the 11th spot on the Aggie 100 in 2014, the top 100 fastest growing Aggie Owned companies in the world.

After marrying Grant Carrabba in 2017, she launched her own lifestyle blog at RandaCarrabba.com as well as became a social media influencer. Randa and her Husband Grant are reside in Bryan, Texas with their 18 month old son Croix, and two miniature English bulldogs – Bucky and Barbie Love.

MEET OUR SPECIAL HOSTS

April M. Salazar

April M. Salazar is a first generation graduate from St. Mary’s University in Speech Communications, and trained in broadcast journalism. She founded RAZALAS Publishing LLC, where she’s published three amazing children’s books and is currently working on an array of novels. April is a proud mother of four, plus three step kiddos, who motivate her drive to provide great works for children. April’s natural creative genius, and passion for creating change, aid her philanthropic and volunteer efforts of numerous organizations and committees throughout Houston.

Logan Lester

Logan Lester is a top producing Houston Real Estate Agent, HAR’S 20 under 40, and Miss Texas USA 2018.

Event Photos

MEET OUR SPONSORS

Precise Dental of Houston


Pippa & Pearl

Suzanne is a Houston-based fashionista, girl mom and small business owner. Having spent her formative years in the US and overseas, she developed an aesthetic that incorporates her international upbringing. She first applied her artistry in the field of graphic design before joining the fashion scene. Suzanne grew Pippa & Pearl from a small e-commerce hobby to one that has a client base from all over the world. She has curated a beautiful boutique space in the Galleria that features the Pippa & Pearl brand—all while caring for three beautiful girls under 7! Pippa & Pearl was built on Suzanne’s core value of helping other women reach their Pippa or Pearl identities. She continues to work as a graphic designer in her spare time, helping other women and small business owners refine their brand identities through graphic design. A true girl’s girl, Suzanne is constantly looking for opportunities to collaborate with and empower other small, women-owned businesses while growing her own.

Katie Givens – The Close Team

Katie has been with The Close Team @ Cornerstone Home Lending for 5 years. She works alongside her dad Bret & her amazing teammates. This past year her team was a top producing team nationwide. Last year The Close Team alone closed 67 MILLION in home loans totaling 275 families. Katie is passionate about helping realtors that partner with her team shine and dominate the market. She is ready to grow with real estate agents who are wanting to help more families achieve their dreams & goals of homeownership.


Elisa Salazar & Paola Velazquez

Elisa Salazar is a partner at Salazar & Velazquez, PC. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2006 and obtained her Master of Laws degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2014. She has vast experience in the area of personal injury and has brought thousands of cases to a successful resolution. Elisa’s success can be attributed to the dedication and commitment to each client and their case. She prides herself in vigorously representing her clients and providing them with the personal attention they deserve. Elisa and her partner founded Salazar & Velazquez, P.C. in 2013, and continue their success in seeking justice for the injured.

Nancy Almodovar, President & CEO of Nan and Company Properties, thrives in the world of luxury real estate through innovation, professionalism, and ambition.

She has been recognized as Houston Business Journal’s #1 Luxury Real Estate Agent in 2017, National Winner of Enterprising Women of the Year in 2018, and recipient of HBJ’s Houston’s Top 48 Most Admired CEOs of 2018.

Her company is the sole Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in Houston and won Christie’s Affiliate of The Year in 2019. Almodovar was also named Managing Broker of The Year in 2020 by Houston Agent Magazine and made the Dallas Business Journals list of Top 100 Influential Texans to know in 2022.


Ruby Sparkles

My name is Leslie Meyer. I am the Owner of Ruby Sparkles, as well as the Designer and Creator of all of our luxury-embellished cowboy boots. Based outside of San Antonio, TX, I created a blooming business from what started as a pet project for myself. I hand embellish high end cowboy boots with luxury crystals, to create stunning, one-of-a-kind, statement boots that will be sure to draw every eye in the house! My eye for fashion and my love for anything that sparkles come together in my classy creations, leaving everyone staring in awe. “Choose to Sparkle, because you were made to stand out!”

Roxana Borunda

Roxana was born and raised in the state of New Mexico. She attended NMSU, in Las Cruces, NM where she earned her B.A. in Marketing. While attending NMSU, she was president of HBSA (Hispanic Business Students Association) and involved in Chicano Programs. She is a shoe designer and an educator in Business Applications. She incorporates her prior work experience as an educator to aid students in the business world. In honor of her late mother, she launched her shoe brand, “Roxana Borunda” for women in September 2021. She cares for individuals, their needs and in the future she plans to open a foundation for the less fortunate to own a pair of shoes. She is a proud mother of two children and is greatly involved in their daily activities. Roxana seeks every opportunity to network with other women in business and empowers individuals alike!


SWEAT

@onesweat combines strength and cardio intervals in a fun and dynamic environment. The classes alternate between working out with weights on the floor and running on the @Technogym Skillrun treadmill. The intervals are short and intense; each one works a different muscle group for a full body workout each time. SWEAT stands for Specialized Weight Endurance Athletic Training. SWEAT is the most comprehensive, functional workout you will ever experience.

While SWEAT is a proven concept because of the unique and highly effective programming, co-founder @anabelstrouse knows that making a positive impact in your community and providing exceptional customer services is the key to loyalty and growth. Anabel’s goal is to create a place where everyone feels welcome and to empower and inspire the confidence within each client.

Savvy Chic Medspa

Savvy Chic Medspa’s Master Injector, Owner, Michelle Bogle Cosmetic Nurse Injector, with 20 years of nursing experience and 12 years of Esthetics. Michelle’s passion is creating a younger more youthful version of yourself with all the latest Injectable Services, and Advance Treatments available.
Michelle is a Top 25 Most Loved Injector and showcased on Realself.com

Savvy’s is a women’s owned business with the support staff of many talented and educated women. At Savvy Chic Medspa we believe in recreating a refreshed, and renewed version of you, when you look better, it’s a fact you feel better! We have so many talented women on our team. Michelle Bogle, Owner/Injector, Kylee Buckley, Nurse Practitioner, Aly Mock RN, BSN Clinical Support Manager, Dana Aguilar Certified Injector, Krissy McCann, Licensed Esthetician, and Lorena Toscano, Esthetic Concierge!

Savvy Chic Medspa is teamed up with Dr. Thomas McHugh and refer all of plastic surgery needs to our medical director at McHugh Plastic Surgery Center! We look forward to seeing and helping you with all your esthetic needs! Michelle has coached several women and local small business to help grow their client base, further their education, and encouraging entrepreneurship. www.savvychicmedspa.com


Kim Events

Kim started off as a student in the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Program at her medical school. Seeing critically ill patients everyday, she was extremely stressed and it saddened her day after day; she then determined to find a passion which creates “happiness tears” to cheer up everyone around including her. At first, she was creating designs for friends and families to enjoy this new lifestyle. Towards the end of 2019, she started to receive more and more inquiries about her design that she posted on her personal Social Media. Seeing her passion being appreciated, it pushed her to start learning more about the industry and following her dreams to create a business that she can honestly say “I love what I do”.

FlipCo Financial

FlipCo Financial is a Texas based, direct real estate lender that provides creative underwriting and borrower friendly short term loans to real estate investors. FlipCo was founded with the inspiration of providing a transparent and straightforward product in the alternative lending space while disrupting the common train of thought that hard money is hard to work with! A year later we are the preferred alterative lender in Texas and actively lending in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida.


I Speak Boutique is a retail consulting company  that focuses on women-owned businesses. We work together to define the niche customer, develop the inventory, and build specific behaviors to grow the business, while deepening the financial knowledge of the business owner. I Speak Boutique also has a brick and mortar arm of the business, called Pop Up Shop Galleria. The shop currently hosts 12 women owned businesses.

Located in Houston, Texas, Petals to the Heart is a continuation of a family tradition. Mixing the old with the new, Petals to the Heart is a modern floral company. We pride ourselves in the quality of our work and by only using locally sourced products. Let us make your special days and grand events memorable with our florals.


Alchemy’s doors opened February 2020 and yes one month later shut down due to Covid restrictions. When it re-opened in May, other spas were raising prices trying to make back what they lost, instead “Nurse Heidi” created Houston’s very first Mini Lip Plump (Yahoo Entertainment 2021) an easy gateway into the aesthetic world without breaking the bank.

She has since been featured in Yahoo Entertainment, Yahoo Finance, Shoutout DFW, Houston Life KPRC, Voyage Houston, and Forbes Magazine. Her personal motto of RESULTS over BOTTOM LINE is why clients literally travel from around the world to sit in her chair.

Christine Morrison Photography

I’m Christine the owner of Christine Morrison Photography where we specialize in specializes in Newborn Photography. We also love helping you capture your budding bellies and growing babies to age one! Don’t worry, we’re still here after the first year!!! I love to take photos that will last a lifetime and freeze frame time!


Pop Social Events

Brittany is owner of POPSOCIALEVENTS

Serving as Houston’s Balloon and Fringe stylist.

She dedicates her time to being a full-time business owner, entrepreneur, and mother. POPSOCIAL began as an idea for her love of creativity and turned into a flourishing business! POPSOCIAL serves a unique and creative setup for any type of event, adding that special POP!

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PARTY!

Take your party up a notch!

We create balloons for any and every occasion so you can celebrate in style or choose from one of our luxury flower walls.

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PARTY!


LG Event Entertainment and Production

What started as weekend hobby in 2002, DJing for friend’s parties, events and eventually weddings, Lewis Grell, Owner of LG Event Entertainment and Production has since grown the business into a company that produces 1,500 events a year; specializing in weddings, quinceaneras, corporate meetings, galas and charity events.

Lewis Grell is the creative mastermind who is continually challenging the local industry to innovate, improve and overall, entertain. His mission to provide a unforgettable experience with a focus on creating WOW moments extends through to his other businesses, Ludicrous Media, a Social Media Marketing company and Leukos Lights, an interactive art show featuring neon lights.

Lewis and the team at LG bring the fun to any event

Your next event entertainment: leave your guest breathless. Entertainment is an experience. Entertainment House, offers top talent for all events. From 360 video Booth, aerialists, fire performers, models, stilt walkers, go-go dancers and more! If quality & style is what you are looking for, we have it covered! We bring all event affairs to life with eye catching details & beauty! Experience lively entertainment for your next event.

Cheers,

ISABEL FLORES

Creator & Founder


After over 15 years living in Asia, exploring global cuisines and cultures, Anna is now leading the CookingPal® brand building community from coast to coast through the delicious and healthy home made meals made by home chefs of all levels and age.

CookingPal is more than just smart kitchen appliances. It’s memorable cooking experiences, that empower, inspire and connect people. What’s for dinner? – is no longer a question. At CookingPal we know what it takes to get a meal on the table and we make sure to check all the boxes, bringing inspirations for the next quick and easy home cooked meal and tools to cook it.

Anna is leading the company’s branding, sales, marketing, event and communications efforts for its range of smart home cooking appliances. Her work has led to much positive buzz and media coverage around CookingPal including a segment on Live! with Kelly and Ryan and articles in Elle, Food Network, The New York Times and more.

Anna is seeking the opportunities to connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs, learn and leverage experience to grow and inspire one another.