Renu Khator holds the dual titles of chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston. She is the UH System’s first woman chancellor and the first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the U.S. She assumed her post in January 2008.

Nelda Luce Blair is not a mayor, or even a councilmember, although she has many of the same responsibilities in her role as chairman of The Woodlands Township Board of Directors.

“The Woodlands Township is not a city at this time, yet our board operates much like a city council and my position functions somewhat like a mayor,” she admits. “For many people, it’s difficult to understand what we are if we’re not a city.”

Never underestimate the power of a turtle. Just ask Titan Management co-owner, community leader and philanthropist Mandy Kao.

Born in Hong Kong, the self-described “mischievous prankster” sneaked out of her parents’ condo to meet friends on the building’s rooftop and started her first business.

Global leader Chevron has a commanding presence. The oil and gas giant is the country’s second-largest integrated energy company and among the world’s largest corporations. It holds the number three spot on the Fortune 500 list with more than 62,000 employees conducting business in more than 100 countries.

The Third Annual Nominate HER Awards Luncheon was held June 25 at the Hotel Icon in downtown Houston. The big event, sponsored by Houston Woman Magazine, honored seven women in seven different categories. Each was deemed an Excellent Role Model for the way she lives her life — day in and day out — and for the positive way her actions impact others.

After six years of service, Elsie Huang is retiring as president of the Asian Chamber of Commerce of Houston. Her successor will be Rogene Calvert who takes over June 15.

Huang joined the Chamber as executive director shortly after retiring as a elementary school principal. But, shortly after taking on the job, the Chamber’s board realized the incredible work she was doing and changed her title to president.

Chaotic expression drifts into harmony and peace. Discordant black and white squares slowly blossom into geometric patterns tinted with muted ochre and pinks, emblazoned with soft-petal roses and gentle green leaves. And, according to the artist who created this collage-painting, it’s an artwork that contrasts the turmoil and inner solitude – through a churning range of emotions – that women face daily.

Houston Woman Magazine has declared 2009 the Year of No More Excuses and challenged readers to make the next 12 months the best and most empowering time of their lives. We asked readers to tell us about their goals and good intentions. Some of their comments are printed here. Others will be included in Houston Woman Magazine over the next 12 months.

With a spirited personality and a thirst for closing the deal, Lois Konnos, president and CEO of Carnival Booking, Inc. has created the largest independent carnival booking agency in the country. Founded in the early 1990s, Carnival Booking, Inc. has earned an enviable reputation – one that’s dedicated to excellence and the highest of standards. In this issue, you will read about Lois Konnos and how she took a once-shady industry to a whole new level respectability.

The Granduca Hotel was the scene recently of Houston Woman Magazine's Second Annual Nominate HER Awards Luncheon, when eight amazing women were honored for being excellent role models. All were nominated in different categories by readers of Houston Woman Magazine and selected by members of our staff. Honorees and the awards they received include: Chris Hook, Broad Shoulders; Lisa Wang, Community Angel; Suzan Deison, Guty Gal; Nicolette Hardwicke, Evolving Eve; Tracy Case, Maximum Mom; Mimi Dinh, Savvy Sister; Saakshi Chowdhary, Tomorrow's Woman; and Nancy Rutledge, Wise Woman. The stories of all eight women are told in this issue.

Baylor College of Medicine is building a new hospital, and Donna Sollenberger has returned to Houston to serve as CEO. She's excited about the opportunity to plan a hospital from the ground up - one that is embedding personalized care for patients into its delivery system. Read about Sollenberger and the new Baylor Hospital in this issue.

When it comes to stepping up its business, one company – Prudential – is looking for a few good men and women! And, leading the local recruiting effort for new financial planners and licensed sales professionals is Jo A. Casady, a take-charge woman with 22 years experience in wealth management needs. When hiring applicants Prudential recruiters look for candidates who are involved and respected in the community and who have had a previous history of success, whether in a professional or an educational environment.

Pamela Wright combines her passion and expertise in designing jewelry with her savvy in appraising valuables and estate property. And for Wright, an accredited appraiser of personal property through the International Society of Appraisers, it’s a talent she puts to use every day at one of Houston's most successful pawn shops. But, the mother of two, who co-owns The Wright Pawn and Jewelry Co., with her husband with her husband, Jack, has taken the pawn business to a whole new level. She heads a separate company under the same roof, Pamela Wright Collections, which specialize in jewelry design and manufacturing.

Georgianna Nichols looks back upon her career with a broad smile. What started with an unnerving move to Houston in the 1970s, a resume in hand and an unbridled work ethic resulted in her reaching the top of the corporate ladder in a "real man's world." But now, Nichols, President and Chief Operating Officer of CenterPoint Energy's division that delivers electric power to all of Houston, has decided to say goodbye to those she has considered as family. Nichols is retiring. Read Nichols' amazing story of success and her advice to women wanting to follow in her footsteps.