Goodwill Houston congratulates Board Member Elexa Orrange-Allen, who is one of ten community volunteers to receive the first-ever Mayor’s History Makers Awards. Created by a partnership between Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Comcast to celebrate African-American History Month, these awards honor the contributions of Houstonians who have made a difference in the community through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and civic engagement.
“Elexa Orrange-Allen is a dedicated supporter of Goodwill Houston. She works tirelessly to spread the word about our mission and she offers excellent leadership in support of our goals,” said Kym King, Vice-President of Public Relations and Community Engagement. “She comes to this work as a former Olympian, West Point graduate and veteran, and she is particularly passionate about helping us focus on meeting the needs of veterans. We nominated her to receive this inaugural award because of her demonstrated commitment to our organization and her drive to help the people we serve,” added King.
Each award winner will be featured in a public service announcement and receive $1,000 to be donated in their honor to the non-profit group of their choice. Orrange-Allen has chosen Goodwill Houston to receive that donation and has asked that it go to help fund veterans services.
The awards ceremony was held on February 9, at the Houstonian Hotel. Emceed by Khambrel Marshall of NBC affiliate KPRC, the program opened with remarks from Ray Purser, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast Houston Region. The keynote address was given by Steven A. White, President, West Division, Comcast Cable Corporation. Mayor Sylvester Turner then took the podium to speak and present the awards. “The History Makers Awards give us the opportunity to recognize those who have played a vital role in positive change in their communities, while celebrating the diversity of this great city,” Turner explained.
“It’s truly exciting to be part of a community with such great partnerships that honor volunteer leadership,” stated Steve Lufburrow, President/CEO of Goodwill Houston. “We are very proud of Elexa and her accomplishments.”
About Goodwill Houston:
Goodwill Houston provides training, education and job opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, improving the lives of individuals, families and communities. Goodwill Houston strives to be the premier workforce development resource in the Greater Houston area, based on the excellence of our people and our career services. For more information about store locations, programs and services, visit goodwillhouston.org, facebook.com/GoodwillHoustonOrg or call 713-692-6221.
