Reservations/Events

We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month:
Big Horn BBQ
2300 Smith Ranch Rd, Pearland, TX 77584

Upcoming Event

The Benefits of ABWA with the Incoming Board

Presented by Ann Strouhal, Human Resources Consultant Strouhal & Associates, LLC

Thursday, August 8, 2024 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association as we celebrate the outgoing board and install the new board. We will discuss the benefits of this organization and guide you in learning one of our many features called APEX, an online learning platform. You’ll discover the features of this unique benefit and what your membership has to offer with one of our members, Ann Strouhal. Ann is the owner of Strouhal & Associates, LLC, is a certified Human Resources consultant who partners with business owners and executives to provide customized solutions for their HR infrastructure. She is passionate about ABWA, in particular the South East Express Network (SEEN), and sharing with others all the benefits that membership has to offer. Ann will be reviewing ABWA benefits including the online classroom APEX Campus. In addition, Kim Stengel, current District 2 President of the American Business Women’s Association will have the honor of installing the new board.

While building relationships locally with other business women at SEEN meetings, the benefits of ABWA membership reach far beyond the local league. Including in her presentation you’ll learn “how to register” for the many APEX online courses.

Know local business women? Want to join forces with like-minded women? Join us to discover how you can grow both personally and professionally in our organization.

BBQ, Benefits, and a NEW Board!

Past Events

KristinaPerez_headshot_Cropped

Presented by Kristina Perez, CEO, Volunteer, Women of Excellence Member

Thursday, May 9, 2024 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the Southeast Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association in welcoming Kristina Perez.

Kristina is an experienced, relational executive with a demonstrated history of designing programs, fostering development opportunities, and taking concepts from inception to implementation. For over 20 years, Kristina has served her community from non-profit leadership to school district administration to serving as CEO of an educational company, and she currently works for the Houston Community College Foundation. Kristina has four children from ages 14 to 25 and has lived in Houston since 2010. She loves to volunteer, gives generously of her time and talents, loves to read, attends community events, and is a rescue cat mom. Kristina holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Special Education and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology, all from Texas A&M University. Kristina is currently enrolled in Capella University Online and working on a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Kristina has served with the American Business Women’s Association since 2015, along with the Federation of Houston Professional Women. She also is a member of Latinas-N-Heels, the Daughters of Abraham, the Anti-Defamation League and SIOP (the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology). Kristina serves on the board for the local YMCA and Shield-Bearer Counseling Centers. Kristina dedicates herself to making the world better, as her strength is relational intelligence. She contributes to the community through volunteerism and serves as a community connector. Kristina was honored as a 2022 FHPW Woman of Excellence and is one of the 2024 Top Ten American Business Women for ABWA. She is past president of the CyFair Express Network of ABWA.

The South East Express Network (SEEN) of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) seeks to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Join us for this business lunch to network and grow your business!

KimStengel_headshot

Presented by Kim Stengel, Public Speaker, Business Owner and Actress

Thursday, April 11, 2024 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Please join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association in welcoming Kim Stengel.

Kim Stengel has enjoyed a 45-year career as a professional actress, singer, international speaker, publisher, trainer and sommelier. She is the owner of DIAD (Do It All Diva!) Enterprises and is the publisher of the local magazine, Kingwood Neighbors. On stage, Kim was thelongest running Diva in the history of The Phantom of the Opera, having performed the role of Carlotta over 5,500 times on Broadway and Internationally. She was co-host of “Daytime” morning show in Toronto and can be seen as Bianca Castafiore in Steven Spielberg’s The Adventure of Tintin. She has appeared in Houston – Theater Under the Stars, in Ragtime as Emma Goldman, and Sister Act as Sister Mary Theresa. She is currently the District 2 Vice President of the American Business Women’s Association, President of Kingwood Toastmasters and past Chair of the Houston Area Council for the American Business Women’s Association. She was recognized in recent years as a two-time Woman of the Year for ABWA, a Woman of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award with the Federation of Houston Professional Women and a 2022 “Top Ten Business Women in America” by the American Business Women’s Association. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and speaking champion, loving her mission to help people find their voice! For over 25 years as a motivational speaker and trainer, Kim has led workshops and training on personal success, growth and leadership. Her first book, “Unleash Your Inner Diva – Owning Your Passion and Power” is in development. However, as a single Mom, her proudest production to date is her 24 year old daughter Kendra.

The South East Express Network (SEEN) of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) seeks to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Join us for this business lunch to network and grow your business!

ShellyHarvill

Presented by Genice Hall-Fowler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Thursday, March 14, 2024 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association in welcoming Genice Hall-Fowler.

Genice embraces life from a positive perspective. She is appreciative that God placed in her life a loving husband and two beautiful daughters, Robyn and Regan.

Mrs. Hall-Fowler is a licensed clinical social worker and the owner of Grateful Guidance Life Counseling, LLC where she specializes in helping others discover their ‘happy.’ Genice is a presenter in the Blue Cross Blue Shield’s “Ask a therapist” online series. Other career highlights include professor at the University of South Carolina- College of Social Work; as well as service in foster care, addictions, and clinical trainer on trauma informed care and healing.

Genice is a three-times published author, and her works include “If She Can;” “Happiness Diary-Discovering Your Happy;” and “Grandma B- Biggest Cheerleader for Me” a tribute to her mother.

In addition to all of this, Genice and her husband established Ponderosa Kennels where teacup yorkies are born and matched with a forever and loving home.

Genice is a 2020 Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA. She has been a member of ABWA since 2007 having served in the Columbia Triad Chapter as 2019-2020 President, 2009 Business Association of the Year, and 2010 Woman of the Year. Genice’s motto is work hard to play harder but most importantly Be You, Be Happy.

The South East Express Network (SEEN) of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) seeks to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Join us for this business lunch to network and grow your business!

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Presented by Carey Worrell, Attorney at Law

Thursday, February 8, 2024 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association in welcoming Carey Worrell, Attorney at Law.

Having excelled at University of Houston and Harvard Law School, Carey embarked on her legal career while raising a family, accumulating nearly two decades of expertise in both law and parenting. She has served clients and the public across various legal settings, from big firms to the federal government, while instilling mindful values in her children to become responsible citizens. If you value intelligence, a relaxed demeanor and a focus on straightforward solutions, she and her firm are an ideal match.

Today, Carey is going to share her knowledge and experience she has working with small businesses. She will share valuable advice on what you, an Entrepreneur needs to know when seeking legal expertise. Carey will go over business law and simplify our understanding for our own businesses.

The South East Express Network (SEEN) of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) seeks to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Join us for this business lunch to network and grow your business!

Presented by Kristena Hackett

Thursday, January 11, 2024
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association for a few rounds of SPEED NETWORKING given by business professionals.

Speed networking derives from speed dating. It has been used to expand both social and professional networks. The goal is to meet and have brief but meaningful exchanges with as many fellow participants as possible during timed intervals.

Normal principles of networking still apply:

– Be genuine and approachable.
– Focus on giving rather than getting.
– Prioritize quality over quantity.
– Approach the event with the goal of creating long-term, mutually beneficial business and social relationships.

Remember to bring your business cards, and your best 30 second elevator pitch!

The South East Express Network (SEEN) of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) seeks to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. Join us for this business lunch to network and grow your business!

KristenaHackett

Presented by Kristena Hackett

Thursday, November 9, 2023 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’sAssociation as we welcome Kristena Hackett.

Kristena Hackett is a speaker, business owner, and tech wiz who helps amplifythe communication, connection, and confidence of individuals andorganizations, empowering them to have a positive impact on themselves andthe world. As a mentor, she draws on her passion to enable people tostrengthen and elevate their leadership vision.

Bringing over ten years of videography, technical skills, an insatiable appetitefor helping others amplify their potential, and an uncanny ability to connectwith a crowd, Kristena knows how to rock a platform, engage a crowd, andprovide training so that others can do the same. And today she is going toshare some of her expertise in the tech world along with her awesome stagepresence when speaking in front of a group of people.

It’s Kristena’s humorous approach that makes audiences laugh while learning.Kristena is committed to working with people, leading businesses, andachieving success.

Kristena’s honors included being named 2017 Women of Excellence, 2018Woman of the Year, Distinguished Toastmaster, 2020 Woman of the Year, and2021 Top Ten Business Woman.

ShellyHarvill

Presented by Shelly Harvill

Thursday, October 12, 2023 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association as we welcome Shelly Harvill. – CyberSecurity Expert with Leviathan Security Group.

Shelly is a Cyber security risk advisor and sales leader with over 20 years of experience in helping organizations navigate the security and compliance requirements facing business leaders today. As Global Head of Sales and Business Development at Leviathan Security Group, a worldclass provider of cybersecurity, compliance, and security program solutions, she interacts daily with and entrusted by many of the leading technology, service providers and emerging start-ups to provide the services and guidance necessary to protect the integrity of their digital assets and systems.

Protect Those Assets – our discussion around Cybersecurity Awareness will explore many of the security and compliance challenges business leaders and emerging companies come face to face with daily. We will discuss security concerns from internal and external threats, roadblocks to doing business, vendor security requirements and regulations and ways to secure your business

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Presented by Dawn Lawless

Thursday, September 14, 2023 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association as we welcome Dawn Lawless. She graduated from UT Arlington with a Masters of Social Work.

“Learn to do what is right. Promote justice. Give the oppressed reason to celebrate. Take up the cause of the orphan. Defend the rights of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

With over two decades of unwavering commitment to mental health and community wellbeing, Ms. Lawless stands as a beacon of compassion, resilience, and change within the field of social work. As a dedicated advocate and practitioner, she has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to foster positive transformations in individuals’ lives and empower communities to prioritize mental health.

Today she will discuss the following topics as they relate to the workplace:

  • The truth about mental health in the workplace
  • Practical solutions for relating in the workplace
  • Self-care strategies to keep you focused on the prize

As a founding member of Counseling Connections for Change, Inc., a nonprofit Christian counseling center, Ms. Lawless’ visionary leadership unashamedly positioned their agency to “LOVE, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 She is passionate about people and her purpose is to serve her neighbors in need by breaking through barriers that prevent access to critical mental healthcare services.

As a speaker, Ms. Lawless possesses a rare gift for articulating complex topics in relatable and accessible ways. Her engaging presentation style has graced countless conferences, seminars, and community gatherings, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with a deeper understanding of self and the mental health challenges we face as a society.

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Presented by Myrleen Knott

Thursday, August 10, 2023 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’sAssociation as we welcome Myrleen Knott. She graduated from Texas TechUniversity with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.

Myrleen has served American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) on thenational level as 1991 District II Vice President and 1992 National Secretary-Treasurer. In 1997, she was selected as a Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA. Sheis the co-founder of the South East Express Network in Pearland.

She is active in the Houston community having served as the 1999 President ofthe Federation of Houston Professional Women. She also served as a boardmember of the Federation of Houston Professional Women EducationalFoundation from January, 1999 until December, 2013. She served as boardPresident from January, 2001 until December, 2004.

Myrleen has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of The Rose.TheRose is a non-profit breast health-care organization whose mission is Saving livesthrough quality breast health services, advocacy and access to care for all.

Myrleen is an avid traveler and has been part of several of the Federation’s annualtrips. Through FHPW she has visited Canada, Hong Kong, Russia, Argentina,Sweden, Germany, Turkey and many other countries with other FHPW veterantravelers. She also plays the ukulele and attended the Lone Star Ukulele Festival inDallas and a ukulele festival in Nova Scotia.

Honors:
• 2015 National Organization of Women Business Owners Women BusinessOwner of the Year
• 2005 ABWA Vision Award awarded at 2005 National Women’s Leadership Conference in Grapevine, Texas
• February 1, 2005 proclaimed as Myrleen P. Knott day by Harris County Judge Echols

Strouhal headshot1

Presented by Ann Strouhal, Human Resources Consultant, Strouhal & Associates, LLC

Thursday, July 13, 2023 
11:15am – 1:15pm
Networking  |  Professional Development  

Cost: $25 for Members / $30 for Guests. Meeting fee includes lunch.

Guests are always welcome!  

Join the South East Express Network of the American Business Women’s Association as welcome our very own Ann Strouhal. We will discuss the benefits of ABWA and guide you in learning one of our many features called APEX, an online learning platform. You’ll discover the features of this unique benefit and what your membership has to offer with one of our members, Ann Strouhal! Ann is the owner of Strouhal & Associates, LLC, is a certified HumanResources consultant who partners with business owners and executives to provide customized solutions for their HR infrastructure. She is passionate about ABWA, in particular theSouth East Express Network (SEEN), and sharing with others all the benefits that membership has to offer. Ann will be reviewing and guiding attendees through many of the vast and valuable ABWA benefits including the online classroom APEX Campus.

While building relationships locally with other business women at SEEN meetings, the benefits of ABWA membership reach far beyond the local league. Included in her presentation you’ll learn“how to register” for the many APEX online courses.

Know local business women? Want to join forces with like-minded women? Join us to discover how you can grow both personally and professionally in our organization.

BBQ, Benefits, and MORE!