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The Currents We Created

Lily Portales, President

The Currents We Created Together

Together, our waves of wisdom create currents of change greater than any of us could create alone.

It is hard to believe that this is my final President’s Letter. What a journey!

When I began this journey nearly a year ago with our theme, Waves of Wisdom, Currents of Change, I knew I wanted our year to be about connection, community, careers, and making a difference. What I could not have known was just how much we would accomplish together or how much this experience would mean to me personally.

This year, EWI of Houston raised more than $100,000 at Executive Night, awarded 17 scholarships to deserving students and adults, expanded our literacy and community outreach, provided professional development and networking opportunities, welcomed new members, strengthened relationships with our member firms, and made some wonderful memories along the way.

September brought our final Business Meeting and the important work of preparing our chapter for its next year of leadership. Then came LCAM in Mobile and wow! What an incredible way to celebrate our year! EWI of Houston returned home with five honors: the Literacy Grant, Large Firm of the Year, Communications Award, Membership Growth Award, and Chapter of Excellence.

Together, those honors tell the story of our year. We served our community. We strengthened our chapter. We told our story. We grew. I could not have been prouder to celebrate what we accomplished together.

This week, I gathered with our Board of Directors and committee chairs for our Board Appreciation Dinner, and it was the perfect way to bring our year full circle. Looking around the table, I was reminded of just how much we experienced, accomplished, and celebrated together.

This year stretched me, taught me, and gave me more than I ever expected when I stepped into this role. And as I reached the finish line, I felt something very simple: a deep sense of accomplishment. I finished what I started; the chapter had an incredible year, and I could finally take a moment to appreciate everything we accomplished together.

To my Board, committee chairs, members, member firms, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters: thank you. So many people played a part in making this year what it was, and I will always be grateful.

One of the greatest lessons this year has taught me is that leadership is never about one person. We inherit the wisdom of those who came before us, add our own contribution, and then make room for the next person to lead. Celebrating our Past Presidents at Sea the Legacy of Leadership in June was a beautiful reminder of that.

And now, a new current begins.

As I pass the presidency to Elisa Garcia, I do so with tremendous pride in what we accomplished and excitement for what comes next. I know she will bring her own ideas, leadership, and passion to EWI of Houston, and I hope each of you will give Elisa and the incoming Board the same support and encouragement you have given me.

Serving as President of EWI of Houston has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional and personal life. I leave this role grateful for your trust, the friendships that grew stronger, the people who stood beside me, and everything we accomplished together.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your Chapter President. What a ride it has been!

2025-2026 Board Appreciation Dinner, Downtown Aquarium

Leadership Caucus and Annual Meeting (LCAM)

Date: September 16 - 19, 2026

Mobile, AL

Written by: Amanda Billstone

Dear EWI Houston,

I want to sincerely thank you again for selecting me to attend the EWI Conference. It truly meant so much to me to have the opportunity to serve as a delegate and represent our Houston Chapter.

The conference was such a wonderful and meaningful experience. I truly enjoyed the sessions and the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired. One session that particularly stood out to me was “Seven Characteristics of Legacy Leadership.” I found it especially meaningful to explore the seven characteristics of effective legacy leadership: Purpose-Driven, Character-Centered, People-Focused, Courageous, Resilient, Collaborative, and Future-Focused. Each characteristic provided valuable insight into what it means to lead with intention, integrity, courage, and a commitment to making a lasting impact. It gave me a lot to reflect on personally and professionally, and I look forward to applying these principles as I continue to grow as a leader and serve our chapter.

Another session I particularly enjoyed was “Listening Advantages.” I found the topic both insightful and practical, and it reinforced how important intentional listening is in building stronger relationships and effective leadership. I would love the opportunity to have the speaker present this topic at one of our monthly Houston Chapter meetings. I believe our members would find the session valuable, and it would be a wonderful way to bring some of the learning and inspiration from the conference back to our chapter.

Beyond the sessions, I treasured the opportunity to connect with other members, create special memories, and build new friendships. Those personal connections and conversations were truly one of the highlights of the conference and made the experience even more special and memorable for me.

I am truly grateful for your confidence in me and for allowing me to represent our chapter. It was an honor, and I am so thankful to have been part of such a wonderful experience.

Thank you again for this incredible opportunity and for making it possible for me to be a part of the EWI Conference. I will always cherish the memories, connections, and friendships I made along the way, and I look forward to bringing the knowledge and inspiration I gained back to our chapter.

I also look forward to serving on the 2026–2027 Board and continuing to contribute to our chapter in the year ahead.

Top Row, L-R, Amy Herod, Jessica Bryant, Cindy Baker, Barbara Stokes, Amanda Billstone, Shari Schiffman

Bottom Row, L-R: Anna Bryant, Jennifer Bryant, Carole Pitts, Lily Portales, Elisa Garcia, Victoria Maldonado, Cristina Barron

Made with Love: Pillowcases for Child Advocates

Written by: Lily Portales

213 Pillowcases | 28 Volunteers | 18 EWI Members | 1 Wonderful Day of Service

Our annual Pillowcase Project was another wonderful success! Twenty-eight volunteers, including 18 EWI of Houston members, came together at The Ballroom at Tanglewood to create 213 handmade pillowcases for Child Advocates Houston, exceeding last year’s total of 207 while staying under budget.

These pillowcases provide more than comfort. Each becomes a child’s personal pillowcase and can also be used to carry belongings when moving from one home to another, giving them something special that is truly their own.

The day was filled with sewing, teamwork, laughter, and plenty of conversation as EWI members, family, friends, and community volunteers worked side by side. Generous fabric donations from members, family, local quilters, and quilt shops also helped make it possible to stretch our resources even further.

A special thank you to Patti Strawther for leading the project, everyone who donated fabric, volunteered their time and talents, traveled to Houston to help, and to The Ballroom at Tanglewood for providing the space. 213 pillowcases made with love and 213 opportunities to provide a little comfort to a child who needs it.