Ion District

Impact Hub Houston: Leading Through AI Disruption
2025-10-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/leading-through-ai-disruption-tickets-1618860618689
Rise and Reignite Your Digital Leadership Now! Join us for new vision, resilience, job and business reinvention for leading the disruption.
Rise and Reignite Your Digital Leadership Now.
Leadership has leveled up in the digital era. Leaders must move beyond traditional management and basic efficiency.
Digital leadership cultivates resilience, innovative vision, agility, and creativity in the face of automation and AI-driven disruption.
Join Impact Hub at the Ion for this event, bringing together business managers, leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers, from private and public institutions and various sectors.
Space is limited, secure your place and your book. Register now!

Today Is Day One - A conversation with John (JR) Reale
2025-10-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Today is Day One.
Join us at the Ion for a casual conversation between John (JR) Reale, our new Managing Director for Startup and Investor Engagement at Rice Alliance, and Heath Butler of Mercury. Together, they’ll explore the vision behind building a founder-centric redesign of Houston’s economy and their thoughts on shaping the ecosystem in Houston.
Drawing on learnings from mentors, crucible moments, and decades of startup experience, JR will share why he believes the Ion must become more than a building and how he thinks advantages will come from the new game of innovation districts, creating and defining a new category of modern venture acceleration infrastructure. They’ll also discuss the Ion’s focus on building a Founder Advantage Platform designed to remove friction, compress time, and compound outcomes at its core.
This event is an invitation to founders, investors, corporations, accelerators, and community partners who believe that when we serve founders, we pull the future forward.
Come ready to listen, learn, and engage in a dialogue about what it means to build together…for Houston, for founders, and for the decades to come.

Greater Houston Business Procurement Breakfast
2025-10-21 08:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://b2gvictory.com/event/ghbp-october-2/
Join the B2G Victory Team and come by our table at the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBP) October.
Breakfast Served: 8:00AM- 9:00AM
The GHBP is excited to:

Provide a venue that “Makes Business Happen” for Houston’s small and minority business community and the community at large.
Connects key contacts that lead to contracts and financing
Facilitate management and technical assistance
Assist in the growth and development of the Houston Community
Generates real business Success Stories

For more information about the Greater Houston Business Procurement (GHBP) Forum, visit: https://ghbpf.org/contact/#calendar-fe92efaa-617b-4a09-bd7f-7e198bdab716-event-m681n7cz

Houston Methodist Office Hours
2025-10-17 10:30 - 12:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houston-methodist-office-hours-at-ion-tickets-1333326739169
Join us at the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at Ion on select Friday mornings for Office Hours to meet with the Center for Innovation team.
Do you have an idea for an innovative healthcare solution? Do you work on technology in another industry that could be applicable to healthcare? Do you want to learn more about how hospital systems work with innovators? Come meet with us!
NOTE: Due to limited availability, please only sign-up for one session. Each time slot is assigned so please respect your specific timed session. If you are on the waitlist, we will inform you prior to the session if a spot is available. Thank you for your understanding.

SCORE + Methodist Office Hours
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors. Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs start, grow, or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources, and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories.
Office Hours with SCORE take place each Friday morning. Additional partners will be on-site the second Friday of each month (excluding holidays)

Mapping Houston's Ecosystem
2025-10-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion – Conference Room 027, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, Ion’s Mentor in Residence
Houston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself, full of opportunities, resources, and talent. Yet, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, educator, student, community leader or curious professional, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it.
Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s Flow
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management, community building, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration.
The heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps, sharing knowledge, and adding their insights.
This session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks, support systems, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth.
Ion’s Vision
Helping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections, creating opportunities, and sharing perspectives, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey.
From forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation, attract talent, and build a vibrant ecosystem.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s resources.
Investors curious about the local startup landscape.
Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation community.
Anyone passionate about Houston’s growth as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local scene.
Community leaders and service providers that support (or want to support) the innovation ecosystem.

Event Details
📅 Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00am
📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX
Register today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem, uncover its flow, and help shape its future.

TXRX Office Hours
2025-10-17 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
TXRX is Houston’s non-profit makerspace.

Join the Ion’s Engineer-in-Residence, Larry Ciscon, for TXRX Office Hours every Friday at the Ion.
TXRX has a diverse network of creators, artist, and inventors coupled with tools and knowledge, enable dreams to become reality.
They teach people of all ages and backgrounds the skills they need to build a future full of novelty and inspiration.

For more information about TXRX – be sure to check out their website and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected! TXRX offers various classes/workshops throughout the month – be sure to check out their calendar to register.
Interested in signing up for a membership? Click here

⭕️Cybersecurity Circle⭕️
2025-10-17 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
A networking meetup welcoming cybersecurity enthusiasts of all experience levels.
Our mission is to DEFEAT CYBER CRIMINALS by making cybersecurity knowledge accessible and relatable to everyone. This event creates a supportive environment for individuals starting their cybersecurity journey, those transitioning into the field, and professionals navigating job transitions—including those rebuilding confidence after layoffs. Together, we strengthen our collective defense against cyber threats while fostering career growth and community connections.
The Cybersecurity Circle unites practitioners of all levels in an inclusive community committed to defeating cybercrime through shared knowledge, collaboration, and continuous learning. Together, we’re securing our digital world—one hack at a time

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2025-10-17 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community.
So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it!
At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together.
The future is only a cup away.
Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

Impact Hub Open Project Night Houston: Responsible Consumption and Production
2025-10-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Elevation Studio, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002
Register here: https://houston.impacthub.net/events/open-project-night-houston-responsible-consumption-and-production/
Open Project Night Houston is a monthly event convening Houston’s changemakers and collaborators around ideas for improving Houston.

Impact Hub Houston brings you Open Project Night, a monthly opportunity to come together to work on solutions for some of Houston’s most pressing issues. Our city is full of changemakers across all ages, cultures, skillsets, and industries. This is your chance to connect and collaborate for the greater good.
Here’s how it works:

New theme each month in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
For the month of June we’ll be focusing on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Anyone can sign up to participate (whether you have an idea/project or just want to provide feedback, advice, or support)
1-2 guest speakers will kick-off project presentations
Open Mic for anyone else to pitch will follow (2 min max per pitch)
Everyone moves around the room for open networking & collaboration

Open Mic Format:

Brief personal introduction + What is your project/idea?
What stage are you currently at? (idea/testing/implementation etc)
What are your next series of steps?
What are you currently looking for in the way of talent/skills from the community?

**No slides. Just verbal with large post-it paper visual. They will provided materials.**
The Global Goals can only be met if we work together. Investments and support is needed to ensure innovative technological development, fair trade, and market access in Houston. To build a better world, we need to be supportive, empathetic, inventive, passionate, and above all, cooperative.

Impact Hub Houston Celebrates 7 Years in Community!
2025-10-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Elevation Studio, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002
Register here: https://houston.impacthub.net/events/impact-hub-houston-celebrates-7-years-in-community/
Come celebrate Impact Hub’s 7 years of impact and learn how to host meaningful, action-driven gatherings that strengthen community and spark change.

Save the Date!
🎉You’re invited to join Impact Hub Houston as they celebrate 7 years of impact!
Impact Hub’s work has always been rooted in community. To mark this milestone, they’re hosting a hands-on learning experience focused on one of their superpowers: Hosting meaningful, inclusive, and action-oriented conversations that spark real change.
This event is their way of giving back to their members, partners, and community by sharing the tools, practices, and hosting frameworks that have helped Impact Hub build community, support local changemakers, and co-create impact since they opened their doors in Fall 2018.
Who Should Attend:

Impact Hub Houston Members, Alumni, and Partners
Community Builders
Aspiring Impact Driven Conveners & Hosts

Whether you’re a longtime collaborator or new to their network, this day will leave you feeling more equipped (and more inspired!) to host with heart and purpose.
What to Bring:

An open mind and open heart
Your stories and lessons learned (because we’ll be learning from each other, too)
A notebook or device for capturing insights and ideas
(Optional) A small item that represents your work or community to share during group exercises

RSVP & Support:
Their team is giving back by making this event free and open to the community!

💌 Reserve your spot today to ensure your seat at the table. (Limited seating available during the workshop portion.)
💚 If you believe in this work, they invite you to make a donation to support Impact Hub Houston’s mission and help them continue empowering changemakers for years to come. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference! Donate here.

Why It Matters:
They believe in radical collaboration and shared leadership. When more people know how to host intentionally, more powerful conversations can happen, and more inclusive solutions can emerge. This is your invitation to be part of that movement.
Come celebrate, learn, and co-create with them!

C3 AI & Microsoft - AI that Delivers
2025-10-15 08:30 - 14:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs + Plaza, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/swh0wS8rc8
In today’s dynamic business landscape, harnessing the potential of AI isn’t just an advantage; it’s become a necessity for staying competitive and driving sustained growth.
Join us for an exclusive event hosted by C3 AI and Microsoft, where we’ll explore how AI can propel your organization forward. This executive-focused event provides a strategic roadmap for leveraging AI to drive business transformation and unlock new sources of value. Executive speakers from Microsoft and C3 AI teams will present case studies and talk through a practical and strategic roadmap to leverage AI to drive operations transformation. Through engaging keynotes, practical workshops, insightful panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain the knowledge and confidence to unlock value with AI.
Who Should Attend
This event is tailored for C-suite executives, business leaders, and decision-makers in asset performance, supply chain, strategy, and sustainability who are driving digital transformation and seeking to unlock the full potential of AI within their organizations.
Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or seeking to scale initiatives, this event is your guide to AI-driven success.

Speakers (subject to change):

Carlos M. Gomez, Vice-President, Global Partners and Strategic Alliances, Baker Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmg1127/
Brian Burgio, Global Technology Pre-Sales Leader, KBC, a Yokogawa group Company
Clark Dressen, CTO, MxD https://www.linkedin.com/in/clark-dressen/
Van Barclay, Sr Director of Technology, Jonell Systems, a Filtration Group Company https://www.linkedin.com/in/van-barclay-a3b5549/

Perfecting Your Pitch
2025-10-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck.
About the Speakers
Dr. Doug Franklin
“Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST.
Derrell Noris
With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further.
Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr.
Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.

Buying and Selling Businesses
2025-10-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Lenny Saizan, Business Broker and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, for an informative presentation on selling and buying businesses.
The process of selling and buying a business includes many steps and involves collaboration and coordination of professionals across various disciplines. Quite often, sellers and buyers in the market are going through the process for the very first time.
Business owners typically have most of their wealth tied to their business; therefore, it is important that they maximize the value of the business and properly plan their exit strategy. For buyers, entrepreneurship through business acquisition is a less risky path to business ownership that increases the probability of success and generates positive cash flow on day one. Business acquisition is also a good strategy for business owners to grow their existing business. Lenny Saizan will discuss the process of selling and buying a business, highlight challenges and mistakes to avoid, and present the benefits of working with an intermediary. If you are a business owner, prospective buyer, or small business service provider, this event will be beneficial to you.
During the session, you can expect discussion on the following:

Market overview,
When to prepare to sell or buy,
What makes a company valuable,
How companies are valued,
Overview on how to recast financial statements,
The sales process,
The deal team,
Taxes and insurance considerations.

Presenter:
Lenny Saizan is the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network (UCN), an investment firm dedicated to democratizing premium investment opportunities for a wider range of investors. In addition, he owns and operates Murphy Business Brokerage – Southwest Houston, where he assists business owners with exit planning, value maximization, and the sale of their businesses. He also supports buyers interested in business acquisitions or franchises.
Before establishing UCN and his business brokerage, Lenny worked for 10 years as an Electrical Engineer, specializing in automation, controls, and systems integration. He then transitioned to the oil and gas industry, where he spent another decade leading teams in financial and operational controls, as well as audit.
Lenny holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional, a Six Sigma Green Belt, and a Project Management Professional. In 2023, he was honored as an Outstanding Diversity Champion by the Houston Business Journal.

Software Day at the Ion
2025-10-14 15:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Welcome to “Software Day at the Ion” – a program series hosted by the Ion and Mercury, where software founders can connect with mentorship at Houston’s HQ for innovation.
What is it: Software Day is a monthly series driving the support, inspiration, and connections needed to help startups on their path to rapid, sustainable growth. Each month, Software Day will include office hours (by application), a keynote session, and networking.
Each month will include a new speaker and topic covering the latest trends and breakthroughs in software technology and practical advice for founders. From AI to blockchain and guidance on fundraising, explore topics that are relevant for your company’s journey.

Afterward, join us for a networking happy hour at Second Draught, brought to you by Gunderson Dettmer, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, forging connections that could shape the future of your venture.
Apply for Office Hours:
Prior to the fireside chat, a select group of early-stage software startups will participate in office hours. Over the course of 2-hours, first-time entrepreneurs looking for guidance or seasoned founders needing help tackling tough challenges will have access to a group of curated mentors from the Mercury network and gain insights and guidance tailored to their needs. Startups are invited to apply to participate here.

“Software Day at the Ion” isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of Houston’s thriving tech ecosystem. Join us as we bring together leading mentors, promising startups, and like-minded Houstonians focused on transformative software innovations.

NASA Stories at the Ion: Dina Contella, Deputy Manager, NASA’s International Space Station Program
2025-10-14 08:30 - 10:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
The community is invited to “NASA Stories at the Ion”—a dynamic morning series capturing the personal side of space exploration.

On Tuesday, October 14, the series welcomes Dina Contella, Deputy Manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program. As a leader at the forefront of human spaceflight, Contella offers insights from her career overseeing International Space Station operations, shaping Artemis missions, and guiding real-time decisions in Mission Control.
Each session brings the lived experiences of astronauts and NASA’s top talent to center stage, with stories of inspiring missions, unexpected challenges, and teamwork in orbit. Past speakers include Astronaut Tracy C. Dyson and NASA Flight Director Anthony Vareha. This event promises another powerful, can’t-miss conversation.

SCORE Office Hours
2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Social Media Breakfast
2025-10-10 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Impact Hub at the Social Media Breakfast and learn how to maximize the power of social media for your business! Expand your reach, connect with your audience, and boost your brand’s online presence. Don’t miss out! http://smbhou.com/

Founders Live Houston
2025-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.founderslive.com/events-list/houston-2025-10
Join Founders Live for an incredible evening…
Founders Live is an unforgettable competition sweeping the globe where five handpicked companies take the hot seat, with only 99 seconds to pitch their company and describe their value proposition in front of an eager audience.
5 Founders
99 second each
4 minutes of audience Q&A
YOUR VOTES decide the winner!
So bring your friends and coworkers, grab some food and drink, get to know your local entrepreneurs, and vote for what you think will be the next big thing… built in Texas.
Know someone who should attend? Open The Door
Starring
Mick Rudskyi as the city leader!
Competing Founders and Startups
TBA
Interested in pitching at this or a future event? Apply here!
Winners
The Founders Live winners package includes:

The Professional Boost membership with over $1,000,000 in cash savings on 100+ essential apps and services for startups
An appearance in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers with a chance to advance to our Prime Time global event in the fall.

Tech + Tequila Talk: Turning Your Tech Startup into Healthy Traction
2025-10-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register Here: https://luma.com/cefei1dc
​You have the vision. Maybe even an MVP and some early wins. But somewhere between the excitement of a great idea and real, repeatable traction, things start to get messy. Teams become misaligned, operations get chaotic, and founders begin to burn out.
​In this candid talk, serial founder, operator, angel investor, and EOS Implementer Craig Ceccanti shares what really happens after launch day—from the thrill of early validation to the challenges of scaling. Drawing from experience building and growing multiple startups, Craig unpacks what it takes to move from constant hustle to healthy growth.
​That includes crystal clear vision, laser focus, relentless accountability, smarter processes, and building a team that can run together with purpose.
​If you are a founder feeling stuck, growing in all the wrong directions, or just trying to turn your startup into something sustainable, this talk offers practical tools, honest insights, and a good old-fashioned chest bump to get you fired up to slay your dragon!

SGSF’s #SUPERGirlsInSTEM SUMMIT: The Intersection of AI & Workforce
2025-10-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sgsfs-supergirlsinstem-summit-the-intersection-of-ai-workforce-tickets-1099165466499
Join SGSF for their #SUPERGirlsInSTEM SUMMIT, The Interaction of AI & Workforce, Tuesday, Oct 7th. This event is open to the public, rising leadHERs in STEM & Allies!

You’ll Gain …

Open discussions
Networking
Interactive hands-on workshops
Skills to advance your college & workforce using AI
Access to Expert Industry Leaders, LUNCH, and so much more!

🪪Students with ID, tickets are only $5!

📩 Sponsorships Available! Email Grow@SUPERGirlsSHINE.com for details.
Be seen. Be valued. Create IMPACT. Grow your network.

4th Tejano Tech Summit Week 2025
2025-10-07 - 2025-10-09 | Ion – Forum Stairs, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/yso2xhsv
​Howdy Amigos!
​LSA Global is excited to be hosting their 4th Tejano Tech Summit Week 2025 and have a great line up this year! Join us for a week of great talks and engaging conversations at our strategic partner & host – the Ion located in the Ion District.
​Tuesday, October 7th
​3 PM to 5 PM – Welcome Happy Hour at The Lymbar
​5 PM to 7 PM – Tech & Tequila with our amigos, Blue People
​Wednesday, October 8th – Latina Equal Pay Day

​10 AM to 4 PM Official Programming Launch at the Ion
​9:50 AM to 10 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks
​10 AM to 10:30 AM – Latinas Leading Houston area Programs Panel
Halliburton Labs – Luly Castillo, Startup Success Manager
HCC Northewest & former West Houston Institute, an initiative of HCC – Connie Leon, Program Director
Cubio Innovation Lab – Ximena G. Magana, Director of Partnership & Operations
Energy Tech Nexus – Juliana Garaizar, Founding Partner
​10:30 AM to Noon – Latinas in Tech Houston Panel

​Noon to 1 PM – Beyond Equal Pay: Redefining Career Design for the Next Generation of Latina Leaders Panel
Sarah York, Fractional CMO/CXO
Val Rupp, HR Consultant & Advisor for Tech Start-ups
Roselia Banuelos, CEO + Co-founder, CREATOPIA
Ludy Canales, BDM, Bridgepoint Consulting
​1 PM to 1:30 PM – Fireside Chat with the Latina Tech Founders of Ascenda
Melanie Rodriguez & Cindy Vasquez
​1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – Latin America Fellows: Global Vision Global Journeys, Local Impact
​A Fellowship program supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute for Training and Development
Raquel “Raqi” Flores, Social Media Director Brilliant Beam Media; Business Influencer For Impact, The Influencers’ Connection Corner
​Marcela Lemus Guinea, FUSAL | Fundación Salvadoreña para la Salud y Desarrollo Humano
​Juliette Marie Martínez Moreno, Martínez Servicios Legales; Directora de Relaciones Públicas Gobernación Departamental de Comayagua
​2 PM to 2:30 PM – Get to know AnitaB.org Houston
AnitaB.org, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the tech industry by challenging bias, expanding opportunity, and centering people—not just technology—at the heart of progress.
Monica Gordillo, AnitaB.org Houston area Community Leader, Cloud Engineer
​2:30 PM to 3 PM – A conversation with Latina Investors
Dr. Mariela Salas, Cofounder + Partner, Alma Fund; Former Executive Director, SomosVC
Veronica Juarez, Managing Partner, Dahlia VC
​3 PM – The Future of AI + Fireside Chat
Arnold Castro, Assistant Dean of AI, Mays Business School, Texas A&M
Sineria Ordóñez, National Hispanic Business Development Manager | Comerica Bank
​Thursday, October 9th
​2nd Day of Programming at the Ion
​10 AM to 10:10 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
​10:10 AM to 11 AM – A Conversation with Comerica
Jorge Peña-Carrizales, Relationship Manager Banker, Comerica
​11 AM to 11:30 AM – Latin America Fellows: Global Vision Global Journeys, Local Impact
A Fellowship program supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute for Training and Development
​11:30 AM to Noon – Learn about TXRX Labs at The East End Maker Hub
Michael Gutierrez, Workforce Director @ TXRX Labs
​Noon to 1 PM – Lunch Break
​1 PM to 2 PM – Networking on Ion Lobby Level
​2 PM to 3 PM – A Conversation with Comcast
​Nicolas Jimenez, Senior Director of Government Affairs & General Market Manager, Bryan-College Station
​3 PM to 3:45 PM – Blue People AI in Practice Panel
​3:45 PM to 4:15 PM – Cafecito Break
​4:15 PM to 5 PM – The Magnolia Fund – Transforming Vision into Reality; Turning Neighbors into Investors
Magnolia Fund set out to make it possible for locals to invest in the neighborhood they love. Come learn about their first property and how they are transforming it into an innovative shared kitchen for food entrepreneurs.

SCORE + LSA Global Office Hours
2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States

Welcome to the Ion: An Introduction and Tour
2025-10-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, Wade Pinder, for an engaging tour and introduction to the Ion, Houston’s dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, powered by Rice University. This event is designed for entrepreneurs, students, professionals, investors, community leaders, and anyone curious about what the Ion has to offer. For those new to Houston and eager to connect with the local innovation ecosystem, this event provides the perfect opportunity to get started.

The tour will begin in the lobby at 10:00 AM and conclude at 11:00 AM. During this time, participants will learn about the Ion’s resources, events, and facilities. Highlights of the tour include the technology showcases, coworking spaces, public areas, and the on-site restaurants and bars.
About Wade Pinder
Wade Pinder is a dedicated advocate for Houston’s innovation community, serving as the Ion’s Mentor in Residence. With a wealth of experience in product management, community building, and fostering entrepreneurial growth, Wade offers invaluable insights into how the Ion serves as a launchpad for ideas and innovation.
The Vision of the Ion
Powered by Rice University, the Ion is the epicenter of the 16-acre innovation district in the heart of Houston’s midtown. Committed to being the home for Houston’s innovation community, the Ion District propels the transformative culture of people, places, ideas, and experiences that build a better quality of life for all of Houston.

The Ion is a beautifully restored building at 4201 Main Street. It connects Houston’s talent, academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial communities in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and grow ideas. The Ion serves as a space where serendipitous collisions lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.
What to Expect

Coworking Spaces: Explore flexible work areas tailored for collaboration and creativity.
Public Spaces: Discover spaces designed for networking, inspiration, and community events.
Restaurants and Bars: Experience the on-site dining options that make the Ion a lively hub.

Through its programs and partnerships, the Ion empowers individuals and organizations to build, solve, and innovate. From prototyping to pitching, accelerating to sustaining, the Ion is Houston’s headquarters for turning ideas into reality.

Whether you have a promising product, an intriguing technology, a budding business idea, or are simply curious about the Ion and its offerings, this tour will provide valuable insights into how the Ion can help connect your “What-ifs” with “What now.” Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and be inspired by Houston’s innovation ecosystem.
