Women Who Win: Houston Women Leaders Share Lessons on Leadership, Visibility and Impact

The University of Houston’s women’s basketball hosts a panel on what it takes to succeed in sports and business

Winning is about more than reaching the top. It’s about understanding your value, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for others along the way.

That was a central message at Women Who Win, an event hosted by the University of Houston women’s basketball program at the Fertitta Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

The gathering brought together women leaders from sports, business and entertainment to share career lessons and encourage the next generation of women professionals. The evening featured a panel discussion, networking opportunities, light bites and drinks, and a pop-up marketplace showcasing local vendors.

Head Coach Matthew Mitchell said the event reflected the program’s broader effort to build community among women in sports, student-athletes, and small-business owners.

"Winning is outstanding. But more than winning is having a great impact,” he said.

Women Who Win Know Their Value

The panel explored the qualities that help women navigate professional environments, build influence, and sustain successful careers.

University of Houston President Renu Khator said women who win understand the context and reality of a situation, know who they are, refuse to define themselves as victims of their circumstances, and recognize when to lean on others.

Khator briefly joined the gathering to welcome attendees and wish the women’s basketball team success this season. The team is scheduled to open its season Nov. 2 against Hampton University.

Diane Maben, chief operating officer at Houston-based Amegy Bank, emphasized the importance of staying curious, remaining accountable, and maintaining a strong work ethic.

She also encouraged relationship-building beyond formal networking, offering lunch as a way to continue conversations and make connections.

Her advice reinforced a recurring theme throughout the discussion: career growth requires both a clear understanding of your strengths and a willingness to learn from others.

Visibility Matters as Much as Connections

One of the evening’s most memorable observations came from La’Torria Lemon, who emphasized the importance of being recognized for your work and contributions.

“It’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you,” said Lemon, who is a Clark Atlanta University graduate and the owner of Lemon-Lime Light Media, a public relations firm serving clients in Houston and Atlanta.

Her statement underscored a critical distinction for women building careers and businesses: networking is not simply about collecting contacts. It is about establishing credibility, developing meaningful relationships, and ensuring that people understand the value you

bring to the table.

Nina Jackson, director of marketing and public relations at NRG Park, highlighted the importance of creativity and personality in helping professionals stand out in competitive industries.

Jackson emphasised the importance of everyday interactions. She encouraged attendees to smile, treat people with the respect you expect in return, and never overlook an opportunity to make a meaningful impression.

Laura Meyer brought extensive experience in professional basketball to the conversation. She spent nearly two decades with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx before joining the Houston Rockets and the Houston Comets as senior vice president of performance marketing & business intelligence.

Her team works at the intersection of marketing, analytics, and business strategy, using data to better understand their audiences, evaluate marketing, and identify opportunities to strengthen fan engagement and business outcomes.

Meyer emphasized the importance of tenacity, problem-solving, and thinking ahead — skills that translate across sports, marketing, and business leadership. However, she added that advocating for change and bringing the next generation into the room starts with getting into the room yourself.

With women still navigating barriers to leadership in sports, Meyer shared her personal philosophy: “Play the game. Win the game. Change the game."