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The Influentials

Texas has long been a place that attracts people who want to make a difference. It doesn’t matter who your parents are or how little money you have, if you possess a great idea and want to achieve great things, the Lone Star state welcomes you with no questions asked.

In this editorial series, CultureMap highlights those individuals who impact Houston in a big way. These leaders help shape our city with new — and often bold — ideas. Some are powerful household names; others fly under the radar and work tirelessly behind the scenes without recognition.

With the sheer force of persuasion and determination, the Houston Influentials are molding the economy, enhancing the culture and creating a blueprint for the 21st century — making our hometown a better place to live.

LYNN WYATT

As fashion icon, BFF with Elton John and international swan, this lady is Houston's best ambassador

By Shelby Hodge

May 13th, 2013 at 10:39 AM

Just home from New York where she attended the Princess Grace Foundation board meeting as a founding trustee, she was able to catch a performance of Tristan & Isolde at Houston ...


HIRAM BUTLER

Houston arts pioneer shoots straight on gallery growth, a happy marriage and closeted gay Republicans

By Shelby Hodge

Apr 17th, 2013 at 7:04 AM

When Hiram Butler opened his gallery in 1984, there was no Menil Collection, there were only three curators at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (today there are a dozen ...


Y. PING SUN

This rare homecoming queen/attorney is a rock star at Rice University

By Shelby Hodge

Mar 19th, 2013 at 7:06 AM

It's almost impossible to walk across the Rice University campus with Y. Ping Sun, wife of Rice president David Leebron, without her being stopped by admiring students and faculty ...


TONY CHASE

Barack Obama's friend is getting things done in H-Town with strong business moves and Harvard pluck

By Shelby Hodge

Mar 4th, 2013 at 1:14 PM

Little more than two weeks ago, Tony Chase was on the golf course in Florida with his close friend President Barack Obama, Tiger Woods and Houston Astros owner Jim Crane ...


PHOEBE TUDOR

Dynamo of community service leads the charge for a better Houston

By Shelby Hodge

Feb 19th, 2013 at 6:00 AM

Could there be anyone more community-oriented than Phoebe Tudor? A mother of three, she currently serves on 13 boards or advisory boards. Since 2009, she has chaired or co-chaired with ...


JANIECE LONGORIA

A power player in designer threads: New Houston Port Commission leader channels Margaret Thatcher

By Shelby Hodge

Jan 28th, 2013 at 12:20 PM

We dare say that Janiece Longoria is the first chairman of the Houston Port Commission to be sworn in wearing a suit by Valentino. After all, she is the first ...


SCOTT MCCLELLAND

From corporate leader to TV commercial star, Mr. H-E-B shares valuable life lessons

By Shelby Hodge

Jan 14th, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Editor’s note: CultureMap is proud to introduce a new series called The Influentials, in which we highlight the people who help to shape Houston. First up is Scott McClelland ...


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