In conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month 2021, which occurs each year from September 15 through October 15, Comcast is honoring 8 Hispanic community volunteers who have demonstrated their commitment to Houston, its community organizations, and more. We’ve partnered with Comcast to highlight all 8 honorees and share a little bit about them, living in Houston, and giving back, all in their own words.
Now in its sixth year, Comcast’s Hispanic Hero Awards recognizes individuals who have served as forces for change in the community and also helps to celebrate Houston’s renowned diversity.
“We are inspired by the accomplishments and passion of each of these honorees and honored to be able to shine a light on all they do to make a difference to so many,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region.
Today, we’re pleased to partner with Comcast to spotlight Juliet Stipeche.
Nominated by Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, Juliet Stipeche is a shareholder at Nagorny & Stipeche, P.C and works at EBS Benefit Advisors. She provides employee benefit and develops creative programs and collaborations to support local educational and workforce efforts.
Born and raised in Houston, she’s the daughter of immigrant parents from Argentina and Mexico. She graduated valedictorian of the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice and earned a scholarship to Rice, graduating with a B.A., magna cum laude, in Political Science, Policy Studies and Religious Studies in 1996 and was awarded the Joseph Cooper Prize as the most outstanding Policy Studies student in her class. Stipeche then attended The University of Texas School of Law and received her law degree in 1999.
In 2013, Stipeche joined Rice as the Associate Director for the Richard Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity. On February 1, 2016, Mayor Sylvester Turner selected Ms. Stipeche to serve as the Director of Education for the Mayor’s Office of Education (MOE), a new position and office within the mayor’s administration. She developed a new office focused on educational equity and opportunity for all ages in Houston by promoting city-wide collaboration, communication, and coordination. Juliet worked on education and workforce issues from cradle to career developing city-wide programs from Hire Houston Youth to Be Well, Be Connected.
Learn more about Stipeche’s career, community engagement, and work to help end domestic and sexual violence on Comcast’s local Houston website and in the video below.
In Her Own Words: Juliet Stipeche
We also asked Stipeche to share some additional thoughts on her community involvement and life in Houston.
On her biggest inspiration…
“My mom and dad are my greatest inspiration because they took the risk to come to this country in search for a better life. They also taught me to love learning, serve others, fight for justice, and never forget my roots.”
On the habit that has contributed most to her success…
“I love to read and learn new things. I believe that listening to others has also taught me such wonderful lessons in life, and it’s hard to learn how to listen to others in a caring, respectful, and responsible manner.”
On how she spends her free time…
“I enjoy gardening and remaining engaged in community and political activities. We just started a new organization called the Latinas United PAC to support competent, capable, and qualified candidates to serve our community.”
Advice to young and young-at-heart Houstonians who want to get involved in their communities…
“Your participation, voice and involvement are critical to the success of our community. Don’t be afraid to take risks and put yourself in uncomfortable situations to grow as a person. Remember to live your life authentically with love and exuberance toward all that life presents. And, do not be afraid to ask for help from others and to build your network. The greatest joys in life, in my opinion, come from learning and spending time with those we love and in service of others.”
Finally, on her favorite Houston restaurant…
“My favorite small business in Houston is Dona Maria’s restaurant in Second Ward. Juan and Ana Hernandez are amazing, and the restaurant is so convivial and full of community discussions. If you want a good feel for a family run restaurant, please stop at Dona Maria’s. The environment is eclectic and joyful, and the food is absolutely delicious and tastes like home cooking!”
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