About Connie

About Connie

About Linda

Linda is the Market Executive for LiftFund, a non-profit lender operating across 15 states, specializing in providing capital and business support services to small businesses unable to secure funding from traditional sources. Her primary focus is on the Houston and Dallas markets, where she plays a crucial role in establishing strategic partnerships, leading community development initiatives, and crafting effective fundraising strategies. Linda is dedicated to amplifying the support and impact that LiftFund offers to the small businesses it champions.

An ardent advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurship, Linda has strategically led the Asian Chamber, providing member opportunities to foster business growth. She has successfully established fundable programs and national relationships that continue to thrive. Linda is widely recognized for her contributions, holding titles such as Woman of Influence, Leadership Houston Luminary honoree, and diversity champion.

In addition to her professional achievements, Linda was appointed to the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity Advisory Board and is actively involved in the Texas Southern University business school advisory council, the American Jewish Committee Community of Conscience, and the Texas Advisory Council of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Committed to community service, she volunteers for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and United Way Project Blueprint. Linda is an alumna of the University of Houston, Leadership Houston, and the Center for Houston’s Future.

About Jackie

With 20+ years of experience in public relations, Jackie Wallace has primarily worked with large attractions, building the relationship between guest and destination, as a publicist and marketer at SeaWorld Orlando and chief publicist for the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida. Jackie also has served as the vice president of Orlando-based marketing and public relations agency, True North, where she managed the development of strategic plans, crisis training and media preparation for clients that included SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, LEGOLAND® Florida, General Motors, and Community Based Care of Central Florida. She joined the Houston Zoo – one of the world’s preeminent zoological-based wildlife conservation organizations – in 2014 and is focused on developing a conservation-minded messaging platform to educate the public while promoting visitation. Jackie is an advertising/PR graduate of the University of Central Florida.

Meet Saba

As Deputy Director of the Houston Airport System, Saba manages the External Affairs division for Global Industry Relations, Government Affairs and Community Engagement. She leads a variety of Business Development initiatives that together, provide a vital support network for new and expanded air service in Houston. These initiatives provide a greater level of connectivity for millions of Houstonians, driving economic growth. Saba actively participates in efforts to retain, expand, and relocate international and domestic business to Houston, to fuel the local economy and increase traffic through Houston Airports.

With expertise in developing and strengthening alliances with global business leaders and federal and state governments, Saba also serves as Executive Officer for the Mayor of Houston in foreign affairs and business development initiatives, fostering economic vitality for both the Houston Airport System and the greater Houston region.  Her efforts position and reinforce Houston as a “global gateway” destination to international leaders.  

Saba serves on the boards of the Houston Hospitality Alliance and the Houston World Affairs Council and is an active member of numerous civic and professional organizations as well as key DHS and DOT committees. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in international finance and business, both from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. 

Meet Imran

More about Imran coming soon.

Meet Peter

Peter is a native Houstonian, who has been involved in the hospitality industry for almost 50 years and has the privilege of working his professional career in Houston.  

Peter serves as the chief strategic planning officer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of, if not the most recognizable brands in Houston and oversees strategic planning of the organization with emphasis on long-term land use. 

Prior to joining the Show, Peter served as chief development officer for Houston First Corporation overseeing major real estate projects developed for Super Bowls hosted by Houston in 2004 and 2017, and also was intimately involved in the recovery of the Theater District damaged by the floods from Hurricane Harvey.

Over the years, Peter has volunteered his time for various organizations and has previously served on the boards of St. Agnes Academy, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Arts Foundation and the Houston Botanic Garden and currently serves on the board of Houston Hospitality Alliance.

Away from work, Peter stays busy with farm activities and spending time with family. 

Meet Hasu

Hasu Patel is an accomplished hotelier of the Greater Houston area owning several small businesses in the community. He is also accomplished in the banking industry and serves on the Board of Directors of Southwestern National Bank. He is an active participant in the Houston community as well as in the local Indo-American community. Mr. Patel is past president of the Leuva Patidar Samaj of USA and past Board of Director of the Asian American Hotel Owner's Association. In addition, Mr. Patel is the founder and current President of the Small Independent Motel Association of Houston and past president of the Indo-American Political Action Committee of Greater Houston. In addition to the local Indo-American organizations that Mr. Patel serves, he is also involved in the local Houston community currently serving on the Boards of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Hotel and Lodging Association of Greater Houston. He also previously served on the 2017 Super Bowl Host Committee as well as on the Board of the Houston First Corporation, which oversees the management of the George R Brown Convention Center, the Hilton Americas Houston hotel, and many other large scale facilities in downtown Houston.

Meet

More about ....

Meet Rosa

Rosa is a seasoned professional with 30-year tenure in the dynamic realm of the hospitality industry. For the past 25 years, Rosa has been an integral part of the Marriott International family, primarily serving as the Director of Finance in hotel operations.

Born in Taiwan and raised in the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica, Rosa embodies a rich cultural background and a global perspective. Her journey in hospitality started at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston, where she laid the foundation for her career.

Prior to her current position, Rosa was one of the key opening team members of the Marriott Marquis Houston, a pivotal chapter that deepened her appreciation for the role of hospitality in the local economy. This experience instilled in her a profound understanding of the positive impact that hospitality can have on a city and its community.

Houston has become more than just a location on the map for Rosa; it's a place she proudly calls home. Currently serving as the General Manager of the Rotary House Hotel, Rosa has dedicated herself to passionately serving patients and their families affiliated with M.D. Anderson. Her commitment to providing a comforting and welcoming environment aligns seamlessly with the ethos of Rotary House.

Beyond her role as a General Manager, Rosa is an active member of the community. Recently joining the Rotary Club of Houston, she now serves as Treasurer for the Hotel & Lodging Association of the Greater Houston Chapter, showcasing her dedication to both the hospitality industry and the community she serves.

Outside the realm of her professional life, Rosa finds joy in seeking travel adventures with her husband and two high-school aged kids. This globetrotting spirit, combined with a genuine passion for creating positive experiences, reflects Rosa's holistic approach to life and work in the world of hospitality. 

Meet Oscar

Oscar D. Taylor was born in the river-road community of Vacherie, Louisiana.  He spent the early years of his childhood globetrotting with his family as an Air Force dependent.  His parents retired to Edgard, Louisiana a bedroom community of New Orleans where he formed a life-long love for hunting and fishing.

Oscar graduated from West St. John Senior High School with a focus towards collegiate studies.  He received a scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M University where he received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics and was selected for two foreign exchange assignments as an undergraduate.  Oscar completed his M.S. degree following two years in industry with Cargill.  

He accepted a position with American Cyanamid (BASF) and gained extensive training in marketing and personal effectiveness.  The position in the Herbicide Division soon grew into an opportunity within the Specialty Products Group.  Following a year of intense training in New Jersey he was promoted to the field sales team responsible for east Texas, north Louisiana and southwest Arkansas.  

During this 10 years he became the key legislative contact for the state of Texas and was selected into the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program that featured trade visits to the countries of Mexico and the People's Republic of China.

The pharmaceutical industry had been calling for many years and a opportunity to grow was accepted.  After nearly 14 years in the bio-pharmaceutical industry it was time to focus on his ever growing restaurant concept, Bonfire Wings.

Oscar’s aspirations are to grow the fast casual restaurant concept across multiple states.  His commitment to the TEAM concept has been recognized with various awards over the years for the brand.  The drive and ambition he exhibits in all endeavors are key professional qualities for bringing products into a heavily competitive marketplace.
Supporting solid community organizations that hold true visionary goals are one of the key attributes that motivates Bonfire Wings leadership.