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Mary Benton
WPG welcomes Mary Benton in February
Mary Benton will be the guest speaker for our February 2025 luncheon. She is the Director of Communications to the Mayor’s Office as well as a member of the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Her office works to advance the priorities and accomplishments of Mayor John Whitmire’s Administration and promote transparent, timely, and accurate information to the media and public to help them better understand their municipal government.
Before joining the Mayor’s Office Ms. Benton worked for 20+ years as a TV news reporter, covering everything from hurricanes to city hall, political campaigns, and the Texas Legislature. With her experience in public policy, it was a natural transition for her to pursue a career in public service, encompassing communications and public affairs.
Teneshia Hudspeth is the County Clerk and Chief Election Official of the third-largest county in the nation and the largest county in the State of Texas. Harris County has a population of more than 4.9 million. She is also the first African-American woman to serve in this role.
Clerk Hudspeth has been with the County Clerk’s Office for 19 years and has served in many roles under four County Clerks. In January 2020, she was appointed Chief Deputy, responsible for office operations, and in less than a year, she was elected Harris County Clerk.
Clerk Hudspeth earned her degree in Communications at Texas Southern University. She is also a graduate of Leadership Houston (Class XXXIV) and the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University. Clerk Hudspeth is currently President of the International Association of Government Officials, which represents the finest clerks, recorders, election officials, and treasurers around the globe. Her innate desire to serve the community through volunteer work and leadership positions has taught her that service to the community is not a chore but a way of life.
Office awards include the NACo Achievement Award, iGo Innovator Award, and the Five Star Vital Registration Award. Personal awards include 50 Most Influential Women of 2020-2021, She Said. She Led. She is. Initiative, Top 30 Most Influential Women, Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce Mickey Leland Public Service Award, and the 2022 Faces of Fortitude.
As County Clerk, her primary goal is to serve the public with integrity and provide quality customer service. As Chief Election Official, Clerk Hudspeth is committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, efficiency, and accuracy and providing voters with the information, materials, and assistance they need to vote
This month’s community spotlight falls on Be a Resource for Kids, better known as BEAR, a 501(c)(3) organization that works directly with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults.
Outreach coordinator Rebecca Moran will bring us up to date on some of the latest initiatives and volunteer opportunities at this organization that provides basic needs and supportive services for abused and neglected children.
Monica Vallejo: A Heart for Service
Monica Vallejo is a passionate leader and the Community Outreach and Events Manager at AAMA, where she fosters connections that empower individuals and communities. Influenced by her mother, Maria Cristina Garza, Monica is committed to community engagement and was instrumental in the success of last yea
Monica Vallejo: A Heart for Service
Monica Vallejo is a passionate leader and the Community Outreach and Events Manager at AAMA, where she fosters connections that empower individuals and communities. Influenced by her mother, Maria Cristina Garza, Monica is committed to community engagement and was instrumental in the success of last year’s Illumine Gala.
As co-founder and president of The Cristina Project, a nonprofit dedicated to serving at-risk youth in Houston, she creates opportunities for volunteerism and provides scholarships to students. After losing her mother to ovarian cancer, Monica also leads initiatives like “Art for the Cure” to raise funds for those affected by the disease.
With a heart for service, Monica advocates for education and empowers individuals to create a brighter future, ensuring her mother’s legacy of compassion continues to thrive.
Nicole Pedersen is the Voter Protection Director for the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP). She began working with HCDP's Voter Protection program in 2018 and played a key role in Mayor Turner's 2019 re-election campaign. Under her leadership, the program has grown significantly, supporting poll watchers, a legal advisory team, a vote
Nicole Pedersen is the Voter Protection Director for the Harris County Democratic Party (HCDP). She began working with HCDP's Voter Protection program in 2018 and played a key role in Mayor Turner's 2019 re-election campaign. Under her leadership, the program has grown significantly, supporting poll watchers, a legal advisory team, a voter hotline, and additional training for election workers. Nicole holds a law degree from the University of Chicago and has a background in corporate litigation in New York City. She also manages an international trade compliance law practice.
This month’s community spotlight speaker is Dallana Camargo, Program Officer of Voter Services of the League of Women Voters - Houston. The League is dedicated to fostering a thriving democracy by engaging all members of the community in the political process. Through nonpartisan information sharing, passionate civic engagement, and offe
This month’s community spotlight speaker is Dallana Camargo, Program Officer of Voter Services of the League of Women Voters - Houston. The League is dedicated to fostering a thriving democracy by engaging all members of the community in the political process. Through nonpartisan information sharing, passionate civic engagement, and offering opportunities for active participation, the League empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the democratic process.