Bio

Transformational Speaker | Minister | Entrepreneur | Corporate Leadership Educator | Social Media Influencer

Corporate Leadership Educator

In corporate settings, Gina equips professionals with the tools to overcome insecurity, build authentic confidence, and lead with purpose. Her sessions empower teams to communicate more effectively, grow in emotional intelligence, and develop everyday leadership skills that create lasting impact both at work and in life. Through her confidence-driven, results-oriented approach, Gina has helped turn caterpillars into butterflies—transforming hesitant individuals into courageous, competent leaders.

Gina is deeply committed to empowering women to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose in both their personal and professional lives. Through mentorship, strategic coaching, and leadership development, she helps women identify their strengths, navigate challenges, and break through barriers that have historically limited their growth. Her mission is to create space for women to thrive—whether that means shattering glass ceilings, launching businesses, or excelling in executive roles. She believes in equipping women not just to succeed but to lead with integrity, authenticity, and vision.

Who I Am

From the stylist's chair to the boardroom and the pulpit, Gina Wright Taylor turns every stage into a launchpad for purpose. Raised in Port Arthur, Texas after an early childhood in Gary, Indiana, Gina developed resilience as the eldest of five in a single-parent home—a strength that now fuels her mission to help others rise above limitations and lead with bold integrity.

A licensed cosmetologist and co-owner of De Luxe Cheveux Salon, owner of Forever Young Collection, and founder/visionary leader of Grow Ministries and Grow Academy, Gina leads two platforms dedicated to spiritual growth, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation.

Gina is an award-winning hairstylist (Houston Hair Awards "Best Hairstylist" of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur News "Best Hairstylist", multiple national show honors). Yet her deepest impact comes through service: she provides complimentary makeovers for women in crisis, organizes holiday toy drives for children, adopts local high schools through community outreach programs, and has hosted a Back to School Explosion where she provided students with supplies, entertainment, and Bible lessons.

She mentors youth and churches in the Golden Triangle, spends time ministering in nursing homes, hospitals, and the homeless community. In addition, she ministers in halfway houses and behind bars—leading Bible studies and worship services, providing spiritual nourishment to those often overlooked by society, building relationships with them personally, and even doing hair care.

Academic Background

Gina holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from Lamar University, a Master's degree in Theology, is a 2017 graduate of Leadership Beaumont, and a 2023 graduate of Lamar University's Executive MBA program. She is also a certified John Maxwell Team Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. A native of Port Arthur, Texas, she is a licensed and ordained Minister and Prophetess.

Social Links

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@i_am_ginataylor

• FB: https://www.facebook.com/gina.taylor.416934

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gina-taylor-639219234/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_am_ginataylor/

Session Description

When life shifts, you have two choices: resist it or own it. This workshop is your guide to doing the latter. Learn how to lean on what you know, what you do best, and who you know to make intentional, impactful moves. You will leave ready to pivot on purpose, not by accident.

Bio

Kimberly Dellafosse is a purpose-driven executive with more than 25 years of experience leading initiatives that strengthen local economies, elevate organizational performance, and foster community engagement. She is the Founder and CEO of Crimson Media Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in small business development, economic development, and strategic growth. Through Crimson Media Enterprises, she partners with schools, municipalities, and organizations to deliver leadership development, economic and workforce solutions, and cultural programming that create measurable impact. For eight years, Kimberly served as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Lake Charles, where she oversaw strategies that attracted more than $100 million in new investments and advanced key programs to expand small business growth and civic engagement. Her earlier career includes serving as Director of Quality Improvement and Case Management at a regional hospital and launching a luxury boutique day spa, where she combined hospitality, wellness, and experiential branding to deliver a distinctive client experience.

Her leadership and impact have earned Kimberly recognition such as “Thriving Thirty-

Something” by Thrive Magazine, Community “She-ro” by Top Ladies of Distinction, and RN of the Year by the VA Medical Center.

Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys mentoring youth, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Social Links

www.Linkedin.com/in/kimberly-dellafosse

Session Description

Are you saving your best ideas, talents, or dreams for “someday”? In this interactive breakout session, wealth strategist and CHAMPION coach Jeanna Bumpas invites you to stop playing small and start leading your life with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Through her signature CHAMPION Strategy, you’ll identify where you’re holding back, gain a fresh perspective on what’s next, and walk away with powerful steps to start showing up fully—in life, business, and legacy.

It’s your world. Use the good China. Wear the pajamas. And stop waiting for permission to live boldly.

Bio 

Jeanna Bumpas is a wealth strategist, leadership coach, and creator of the CHAMPION Strategy—a powerful framework helping women gain clarity, grow their confidence, and take control of their future. With over three decades of experience in business, insurance, and financial strategy, Jeanna empowers women to stop playing small and start building a life and legacy they love.

As the CEO of Profitable Success Solutions, she blends mindset, money, and motivation to help high-achieving women lead with purpose and step fully into the next chapter of their success. Whether through her signature events, breakout sessions, or one-on-one coaching, Jeanna’s mission is clear: to help women become the CHAMPION of their own lives.

Social Media platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/jbumpas  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannabumpas/

Session Description

Your brand is more than a look — it’s a powerful business tool. While most businesses settle for surface-level branding, this workshop takes you into the strategy that transforms a brand into a driver of loyalty, growth, and long-term success. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll uncover the core elements of your positioning, customer promise, and brand values. Expect to leave with a framework that is both clear and actionable — so your brand becomes unforgettable to customers and unstoppable in your market!

Bio

Dani Nicholson is a marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Lumiere Strategic Marketing, where she partners with organizations to build powerful brands that outperform. With more than 17 years of experience in marketing — from creative roles to executive leadership — she has scaled brands from start-up to industry leader, crafted digital experiences that converted millions and drove sustained revenue, and developed campaigns that created enduring connections between brands and their audiences. Dani also leads the Social Media and Digital Communications program at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, equipping future digital marketers to think critically and creatively, make data-informed decisions that drive businesses forward, and deliver strategies that endure in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Session Description

In today’s evolving workplace, supporting women requires more than good intentions - it demands strategic action. Discover how allyship, advocacy, and mentorship can drive meaningful career growth and leadership opportunities for women. This session offers actionable strategies to help professionals support one another and build inclusive, empowered workplaces.

Bio

Katie Celli serves as the Chief Communications and Development Officer for the Industrial Safety Training Council (ISTC), a nonprofit organization providing onboarding, safety training, and compliance services to the petrochemical and construction industries across Beaumont, Baytown, and surrounding areas. In this role, she leads business development, course creation, and public relations efforts.

She also holds the distinction of being the first female Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Business Round Table (GTBR), a Texas nonprofit trade association that connects industrial owners and contractors throughout Southeast Texas. Under her leadership, GTBR fosters collaboration between petrochemical, energy, and refining facilities and the contractors who form a vital part of their workforce.

Katie is the co-founder and Executive Director of Southeast Texas Women in Industry, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to introducing high school girls in the Golden Triangle to the wide range of career opportunities available in industry.

Together with her husband, Frank, Katie owns and operates the Flagship Mail Room & Emporium, a long-standing family business offering shipping, bulk mail, and packaging services, alongside a curated gift, home décor, and lifestyle boutique.

A proud graduate of Lamar University, Katie is deeply involved in the Southeast Texas community. She and Frank reside in Beaumont with their 8-year-old daughter, who is the center of their world.

Affiliations & Community Involvement

· Board Member, Texas Chemical Association

· Board Member, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

· Volunteer & Mistress of Ceremonies, Neches River Festival

· Volunteer & Mistress of Ceremonies, Symphony League of Beaumont

· Volunteer, St. Anne’s Catholic School

Bio

Vanessa Turcios, M.Ed., LPC-Associate, from Port Arthur is a bilingual Latina therapist and the founder of SimplyHer Counseling Services. With background in nursing and education, she is passionate about helping women, teens and first-generation clients find confidence, manage stress, and set healthy boundaries. Vanessa integrates culturally affirming practices with practical coping tools to help clients build confidence and resilience. Her mission is to remind women, “Soy suficiente” (I am enough). Through counseling, workshops, and community connections, she creates safe spaces where women and teens can heal, grow, and thrive. 

Vanessa Turcios, M.Ed., LPC-Associate, originaria de Port Arthur, es una terapeuta latina bilingüe y fundadora de SimplyHer Counseling Services. Con formación en enfermería y educación, siente una profunda pasión por ayudar a mujeres, adolescentes y clientes de primera generación a encontrar confianza, manejar el estrés y establecer límites saludables. Vanessa integra prácticas culturalmente afirmativas con herramientas prácticas de afrontamiento para ayudar a sus clientes a desarrollar confianza y resiliencia. Su misión es recordarles a las mujeres: “Soy suficiente”. A través de la consejería, talleres y conexiones comunitarias, crea espacios seguros donde mujeres y adolescentes pueden sanar, crecer y prosperar.

Bio

Gay-Lynne Jones is the Regional Director of the Baptist Regional Cancer Network. The Baptist Regional Cancer Network (BRCN) is comprised of three campuses - the BRCN Julie and Ben Rogers campus (Beaumont), BRCN Altus Cancer Center (Beaumont) and the BRCN Cancer Center of Southeast Texas (Port Arthur). Gay-Lynne has more than 30 years of experience in oncology services and an outstanding reputation among local and national cancer organizations. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, she moved to Beaumont at the age of 20 to pursue a career in nursing and has since developed an exceptional career in healthcare. Her volunteerism and leadership efforts in Southeast Texas have been recognized as exemplary, and she has been the recipient of the following awards:

• American Cancer Society Lane W. Adams National Quality of Life Award

• Inaugural Inductee into the American Cancer Society High Plains Division Relay For Life Hall of Fame

• American Cancer Society St. George National Award Medal

• Julie Rogers Gift of Life Volunteer of the Year Award

• American Cancer Society Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award

Gay-Lynne continues to volunteer for the American Cancer Society locally and regionally. She participates with Relay For Life, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and the Cattle Baron’s Ball events.

Gay-Lynne is excited about the services that the Baptist Regional Cancer Network can provide locally to the Southeast Texas community, hoping to keep cancer care closest to patients’ family and friends. She is very passionate about the care provided being patient centric. She believes that having a cancer diagnosis is life-altering and that the patient journey should be a positive experience.  Being the only local accredited facility by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer means that cancer care is taken to another level and the care is delivered is through a holistic approach that looks after the mind, body and spirit.

Session Description

In a world where first impressions are formed in seconds, what you wear speaks before you do. In this session, you’ll discover how strategic color choices can enhance your visibility, credibility and confidence. Whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching a client or networking with purpose, learn how personalized color analysis can help you look the part and own the moment.

Bio

Emily Lopez is a proud Port Arthur native and a 2005 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, she began her career as a bilingual educator before stepping boldly into motherhood and entrepreneurship in 2009.

Today, Emily is the owner of Beyoutiful Color Analysis + Makeup, where she helps women (and men!) discover their most flattering colors and authentic style through the power of seasonal color analysis. She’s passionate about helping others radiate confidence from the inside out—whether they’re stepping into a new season of life, rebranding, or simply ready to feel seen.

Emily also serves as a Director Consultant for BNI Greater Golden Triangle and is an active member of Redemption Church. She lives in Beaumont with her husband, Charlie, and their three children—Phoenix, Maverick, and Trinity.

Social Links

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575018995225

• Instagram - @coloranalysistx

Session Description

Learn how King Cake Fest grew through purposeful collaboration with city leaders, Mardi Gras krewes, schools, and local businesses—all while supporting the Lafourche Education Foundation. We’ll share real examples of building partnerships that benefit everyone involved, from food vendors to teachers to families, and how those connections help create a truly community-driven event.

Bio

Michelle Evans is a fundraising, sales, and event professional with over 18 years of experience.She started her career in sales, eventually shifting into nonprofit fundraising and event coordination, combining her skills with a passion for community. In 2022, what began as a “should we do this?” conversation with her best friend turned into Amplify Events, where Michelle is co-owner, helping bring events to life that support local nonprofits and create lasting community connections. She also serves as Executive Director of Upside Downs, a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Michelle wears many hats as a business owner, nonprofit leader, wife, and mom of two amazing boys, with days full of planning events, growing programs, and supporting her boys at swim meets, football games, musical theater performances, piano recitals, and more!

Social Links

https://www.facebook.com/amplifyeventsandpromotions

https://www.instagram.com/amplifyeventsandpromo/

Session Description

Women in leadership are often tasked with having difficult conversations that call into question her femininity, compassion, character and competence. Perceptions are either passive or aggressive leaning. This session will discuss how to have the hard conversations from the middle.

Bio

Pearl R, Nelson, Ph.D., LPC-S, NCC

Dr. Pearl Nelson is a psychologist and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with over 25 years of experience providing mental health services in Texas and Louisiana. She is the CEO of Resolutions Counseling Services, LLC, where she serves as CEO and therapist.  Dr. Pearl is also a national trainer, speaker, consultant and vendor, known for delivering impactful educational and professional development sessions across the country.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pearl has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing mental wellness, clinical supervision, and counselor education. Her areas of expertise include trauma focused therapeutic interventions, leadership training, and organizational consulting within both community and professional settings. Her dynamic approach and deep understanding of mental health and professional development have earned her recognition and respect within the industry.

Dr. Pearl’s commitment to excellence and her passion for empowering others are evident in her leadership at Resolutions Counseling Services, where she continues to inspire, change and promote resilience through innovative counseling and training solutions.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Nelson enjoys music, sporting events, exploring nature, and movies. She has been married for 24 years and is the proud mother of two children.

Session Description

Now more than ever, people are craving real connections, and that starts with authenticity. Join this session to discover how staying true to your values and building genuine relationships can turn your brand into one that inspires loyalty and trust.

Bio

Juliet Hayes is the co-owner and office manager of Hayes Electrical, where she and her husband live out their company motto: “We’re just here to help.” Whether serving customers, supporting the community, or collaborating with fellow small business owners, Juliet believes business is at its best when it’s rooted in service.

A dedicated community advocate, she is a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles, a CASA volunteer, and an active volunteer with Second Harvest Food Bank. Known for her approachable style and online presence built on vulnerability and relatability, Juliet has a passion for creating meaningful connections and providing value in every interaction.

Above all, Juliet is most proud of her roles as a wife and mother, which inspire her commitment to leading with authenticity, in business and in life.

Social Links

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/15saTTn19c/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/juju_renee?igsh=NjgzOGlvNmEzdWUx&utm_source=qr

Website Link: https://hayeselectricalservice.com/

Session Description

Descubre tu poder interior. Aprende a usar tu voz, tu presencia y tu historia para inspirar, influir y liderar. Habla con confianza, aduéñate de cada espacio y convierte tu historia en oportunidades. Desarrolla la habilidad de comunicar con claridad, proyectar tu presencia y abrir puertas hacia el crecimiento y el éxito. Saldrás con energía, empoderamiento y lista para tomar acciones audaces en cada área de tu vida.

Step into your power. Discover how to use your voice, presence, and story to inspire, influence, and lead. Speak with confidence, own every room, and turn your story into opportunities. Learn to communicate with clarity, project your presence, and open doors to growth and success. Leave energized, empowered, and ready to take bold action in every area of your life.

Bio

Tracy Ramirez is a lifestyle correspondent for KFDM Channel 6. She is the host and producer of Daytime, a lifestyle and entertainment show that airs weekdays on FOX, where she delivers engaging and informative content to Southeast Texas audiences. Tracy is also the founder of TR Media LLC, a company specializing in social media strategy, personal branding, and digital marketing for professionals. A graduate of Lamar University with a degree in Communication Broadcasting, she combines formal education with real-world media experience. Tracy teaches professionals how to confidently convey their ideas, own their space, and tell their story with impact. 

Biografía
Tracy Ramírez es corresponsal de estilo de vida en KFDM Canal 6. Es conductora y productora de Daytime, un programa de estilo de vida y entretenimiento que se transmite de lunes a viernes por FOX, donde ofrece contenido atractivo e informativo a las audiencias del sureste de Texas. Tracy también es fundadora de TR Media LLC, una empresa especializada en estrategia de redes sociales, marca personal y marketing digital para profesionales. Graduada de la Universidad de Lamar con una licenciatura en Comunicación y Radiodifusión, combina la educación formal con la experiencia práctica en medios de comunicación. Tracy enseña a los profesionales cómo transmitir sus ideas con confianza, adueñarse de su espacio y contar su historia con impacto.

Session Description

From TV to tourism, Candy Rodriguez has built her career on the power of storytelling. A former television journalist and now director of communications at Visit Lake Charles, she understands what it takes to captivate an audience. In this session, Candy shares approachable strategies to overcome fear, speak with clarity, and connect with your audience through storytelling. Whether you’re looking to get more comfortable speaking up at work or preparing for a presentation, you’ll gain practical tools to own your voice and show up with confidence. 

Bio

Candy Rodriguez is the director of communications at Visit Lake Charles, where she leads media relations, partner engagement and storytelling efforts to elevate Southwest Louisiana. With nearly a decade of experience as a multimedia journalist in Texas and Louisiana, she has covered major historical events and built a reputation for connecting with diverse audiences through compelling storytelling. Now in tourism, Candy brings a deep passion for community, authentic communication and a genuine love for the region. They say her zest for life is as refreshing as the lime on her margaritas.

Social Links

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CandyRodriguezNews 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candyrodrigueztv/

Session Description

This interactive workshop is designed to energize and empower women professionals by showing how AI can be a game-changer for productivity. Through live demos, group challenges, and playful exploration, attendees will discover AI tools that help them work smarter—not harder. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or juggling multiple roles, this session will leave you inspired and equipped.

Bio

Arianna Mace is the Founder and CEO of Propel Consulting, LLC, a strategic advisory firm based in Beaumont, Texas, dedicated to empowering mission-driven organizations. Since launching Propel in 2020, Arianna has helped nonprofits and community organizations unlock their full potential through tailored strategic planning, innovative fundraising, and impactful program development.

With more than 15 years of experience spanning education and nonprofit leadership, Arianna brings a powerful blend of operational insight and community-centered thinking to every engagement. Her consulting work focuses on building sustainable growth models, enhancing donor engagement, and designing staff development initiatives that elevate team performance.

Arianna is known for her ability to translate complex challenges into actionable strategies, guiding organizations from vision to execution with clarity and purpose. Her hands-on approach has led to successful campaigns, thriving programs, and stronger organizational cultures across the sector.

Whether she’s facilitating workshops, leading strategic retreats, or crafting long-term development plans, Arianna brings contagious energy, deep expertise, and a genuine passion for helping others grow with intention.

Social Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-mace-731896197/

https://www.instagram.com/propel.consulting.llc/

https://www.facebook.com/propelcllc

https://propel.llc/

Session Description

Government (local, county, state and federal) contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses. The local, county, state and federal governments are the largest customers in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and on the federal level, it is required by law to consider buying from small businesses.

These governments want to buy from small businesses for several reasons, including:

• To ensure that large businesses don’t “muscle out” small businesses
• To gain access to the new ideas that small businesses provide
• To support small businesses as engines of economic development and job creation
• To offer opportunities to disadvantaged socio-economic groups

Bio

Dana M. Espinal serves as Director of the Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center (LSCPA SBDC) in Port Arthur, Texas. In this role, she leads initiatives to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners through strategic advising, business planning, training, and community engagement. Her responsibilities include providing expert guidance on business planning, loan and grant applications, marketing strategies, and compliance with industry-specific regulations. She also designs and delivers workshops, represents the SBDC at public and private events, and fosters strong relationships between the center and the community. She also founded and successfully operated a minority woman-owned company for a decade.

Dana’s career is marked by her ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex projects from concept through completion, and serve as a catalyst for change in evolving environments. Her areas of expertise include startup development, business expansion, branding, construction contract management, and tribal government engagement.

Dana holds a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern State University and has earned numerous awards and certifications. She is an active community leader, serving as Past President of the Rotary Club of Port Arthur and currently as Rotary District 5910 District Governor Elect Designate. Deeply committed to service, Dana enjoys traveling, coastal living, and volunteering on community planning and development efforts throughout the Golden Triangle of southeast Texas.

Session Description

Simplify Your Spending and Saving Strategies Seminar is an educational program designed to help individuals sharpen their spending and saving strategy. Participants will learn about:

• Setting personal financial goals
• Balancing saving, spending, and borrowing to achieve goals
• Strategies for controlling debt and improving credit scores
• Practical savings options for now through retirement
• Market Update
• Q&A

Bio

Catherine Griffin is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, where she helps families and businesses align their financial decisions with what matters most to them. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, Catherine specializes in retirement strategies, legacy planning, and guiding clients through life's major transitions. She is passionate about making financial concepts approachable and empowering people to take confident steps toward their goals. Outside of the office, Catherine is active in her community, enjoys traveling, and spends time with her family. Today, she'll be sharing practical strategies to help you plan with clarity and confidence.

Session Description

"Envisioning the Life You Desire – A Vision Setting Experience" 

Join us for an empowering session designed to help you set meaningful intentions for your life. Whether you're seeking personal growth, new career directions, or space to rediscover yourself, this is a time to reflect, refocus, and envision the life you truly desire. 

You'll be guided to clarify your vision and reignite your inner purpose. No matter where you are on your journey, this session is a reminder that your goals are valid, your dreams are powerful,

and your future is worth claiming. Come with an open heart—and leave with renewed clarity, courage, and connection.

Spanish 

"Visualiza la Vida que Deseas – Una Experiencia de Intención y Propósito" Este es tu momento para hacer una pausa, respirar y reconectar con los sueños que te inspiran. 

Te invitamos a una sesión llena de empoderamiento, diseñada para ayudarte a establecer intenciones significativas para tu vida. Ya sea que estés buscando crecimiento personal, nuevas metas profesionales o simplemente un espacio para redescubrirte, este es el momento ideal para reflexionar, reenfocar y visualizar la vida que realmente deseas. Tendrás la oportunidad de aclarar tu visión y reconectar con tu propósito interior. No importa en qué etapa de tu camino te encuentres, esta experiencia es un recordatorio de que tus metas son válidas, tus sueños son poderosos y tu futuro merece ser reclamado. Ven con el corazón abierto—y sal con claridad, valentía y una nueva conexión contigo misma.

Bio

I’m Vanessa Iglesias, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Mexico City. I graduated in 2016 from Lamar University with a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and a Minor in Communication. Currently, I serve as a bilingual first-grade teacher at Beaumont ISD, where I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. In recognition of my commitment to education, I was honored to be named the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year at BISD Caldwood Elementary. 

Public art plays a vital role in shaping a city’s identity and strengthening community connections. It brings color, culture, and storytelling into everyday spaces, turning ordinary places into sources of inspiration and pride. Through public art, a city reflects its people, their history, struggles, dreams, and diversity. It's a visual way to say, “You belong here.” 

My contribution to the City of Beaumont’s beautification project was deeply personal. I wanted my art to speak to themes of womanhood, maternity, and transformation. By including monarch butterflies, I hoped to represent not just beauty, but hope, change, and renewal. The emotional impact I hope to create is one of encouragement and empowerment. I want someone walking by, especially a young girl, a mother, or anyone going through change, to feel seen, to feel strength rising within them. I want them to be reminded that no matter where they are in their journey, transformation is possible, and their story matters. 

Nowadays, there are numerous tireless advocates for women and girls who have paved the way for a new generation. Since I have been living in Beaumont, TX, I have met several women like Mary Simon and Nakisha Burns. These amazing women have been my mentors; through their encouragement, confidence, and knowledge have inspired me to improve my work. I believe that as women, we need to lift each other to keep growing, breaking down barriers, and accomplishing much more together. 

In August 2023, I was nominated as an honoree for Pioneering Women, a nonprofit organization devoted to recognizing women who positively impact our city with their contributions. I was additionally honored to be nominated as a Beaumont ISD Ambassador by BISD Superintendent, Dr. Shannon Allen. Ambassadors are identified as a prevailing voice of optimism and hope for Beaumont ISD and public schools across the state and the nation. 

Through my work as an ambassador, I worked with others in my cohort to strengthen public confidence in our educational system and strategies for restoring public pride and confidence in the teaching profession. 

Spanish 

Soy Vanessa Iglesias, originaria de Guadalajara, Jalisco, y criada en la Ciudad de México. Me gradué en 2016 de la Universidad de Lamar con una licenciatura en Lenguas Modernas y una especialización en Comunicación. Actualmente, trabajo como maestra bilingüe de primer grado en el distrito escolar de Beaumont (Beaumont ISD), donde me dedico a fomentar un ambiente de aprendizaje acogedor y dinámico. En reconocimiento a mi compromiso con la educación, tuve el honor de ser nombrada Maestra del Año 2023-2024 en la escuela primaria Caldwood de BISD. 

El arte público desempeña un papel fundamental en la formación de la identidad de una ciudad y en el fortalecimiento de los lazos comunitarios. Aporta color, cultura y narrativas a los espacios cotidianos, convirtiendo lugares ordinarios en fuentes de inspiración y orgullo. A través del arte público, una ciudad refleja a su gente, su historia, sus luchas, sus sueños y su diversidad. Es una forma visual de decir: “Tú perteneces aquí.” 

Mi contribución al proyecto de embellecimiento de la ciudad de Beaumont fue profundamente personal. Quise que mi arte hablara sobre los temas de la feminidad, la maternidad y la transformación. Al incluir mariposas monarca, quise representar no solo belleza, sino también esperanza, cambio y renovación. 

El impacto emocional que espero generar es de aliento y empoderamiento. Quiero que cualquier persona que pase por ahí —especialmente una niña, una madre, o alguien que esté atravesando un proceso de cambio— se sienta vista, sienta que una fuerza nace dentro de ella. Quiero que recuerden que, sin importar en qué parte de su camino se encuentren, la transformación es posible y su historia importa. 

Hoy en día, hay numerosas defensoras incansables de los derechos de las mujeres y las niñas que han allanado el camino para una nueva generación. Desde que vivo en Beaumont, TX, he tenido la fortuna de conocer a varias mujeres como Mary Simon y Nakisha Burns. Estas mujeres increíbles han sido mis mentoras; a través de su apoyo, confianza y conocimiento, me han inspirado a mejorar mi trabajo. Creo firmemente que, como mujeres, debemos impulsarnos unas a otras para seguir creciendo, derribando barreras y logrando mucho más juntas. 

En agosto de 2023, fui nominada como homenajeada por Pioneering Women, una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a reconocer a mujeres que impactan positivamente nuestra ciudad con sus contribuciones. Además, tuve el honor de ser nominada como Embajadora del distrito escolar de Beaumont (Beaumont ISD) por la Superintendente del BISD, la Dra. Shannon Allen. Las embajadoras son reconocidas como una voz representativa de optimismo y esperanza para el BISD y las escuelas públicas a nivel estatal y nacional.

A través de mi labor como embajadora, trabajé junto con otros miembros de mi cohorte para fortalecer la confianza del público en nuestro sistema educativo y en las estrategias para restaurar el orgullo y la confianza pública en la profesión docente.