William S. Matthews

✨Exposure changes trajectories. ✨

Yesterday, I had the privilege of taking 30 high school juniors and seniors from NextGen Gents to Frost for far more than a field trip.

This was about access.

Too many young people are preparing to enter adulthood without ever receiving practical education around budgeting, credit, banking, and money management. While financial literacy is still too often absent from traditional curricula, we are committed to helping fill that gap.

Our young men participated in a financial literacy Jeopardy challenge (and yes—they were fiercely competitive), engaged bank leaders, explored internship pathways, and experienced a professional corporate environment many had never seen firsthand.

A special thank you to Richard Mann for personally spending time with our students, answering thoughtful questions, and modeling leadership in a way that mattered.

And special appreciation to Erika Jones and the entire Frost team for opening your doors, feeding our students, sharing career pathways, and reminding these young men they belong in rooms like these.

This is why mentorship matters.
This is why exposure matters.
This is how pipelines are built.

Proud of our NextGen Gents scholars, and grateful to our board members Ashley Johnson Hill, Alphonso Anderson, and partners who showed up to support them.

Last month, I had the opportunity to sit down with Marcus Texada on The Truvix Podcast, and it turned into one of the most honest conversations I’ve had about business, leadership, and family.

As a third-generation real estate investor, I share the journey of joining the family business (not entirely by choice at first!) and eventually helping lead the modernization of a company that started four decades ago.

If you’ve ever worked in a family business or thought about legacy leadership, this conversation may resonate.

🎧 Listen to the Podcast https://youtu.be/c8OwCNfsbpo?si=YVuoIT4BxwO3Ozc9

Last week, I was able to give 40 young men I mentor something special: access.

At Houston City Hall, they were recognized during the Black History Program, proudly wearing commemorative shirts sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Thomas. They were joined for a group photo by Comptroller Chris Hollins and Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans — a moment that affirmed visibility and possibility.

The day continued at Pillsbury, where Adam Weaver and his team hosted our students on the 20th floor for a thoughtful panel discussion and lunch. The format encouraged meaningful dialogue about career paths, education, and leadership — not just what these young men can become, but who they already are.

Exposure changes trajectory.

Grateful to our civic and corporate partners who understand that representation, proximity, and preparation matter.

Rodeo Season Loading. . . 🤠✨

Honored to attend the Houston Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Boots & Bling Scholarship Fundraiser — an incredible evening supporting education and opportunity for deserving students.

An incredible evening centered on scholarships, service, and legacy — because access to education is always worth investing in.

Special shoutout to the lady in red, Tiffany Thomas — table host, Link, and connector extraordinaire — for the invitation. This makes the third community event we’ve attended together this week. When purpose-driven leaders stay active, impact multiplies.

Grateful to show up in spaces where culture, philanthropy, and opportunity intersect.

Still riding the momentum from Leadership Houston Inspire Luncheon 2026.

Represented Class # # well and had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible alumni and civic leaders.

Special thanks to Claudia Gonzales for always looking out and keeping me in the mix.

Proud to be part of a network committed to shaping the future of our city.

Ran into my good friend, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, at today’s Greater Houston Partnership State of the City.

Fun fact: back in 2017, we were part of a supper club crew — laughter, long dinners, and big dreams.

Look at us now.

Relationships you nurture today often become the networks that shape tomorrow.

Proud of you, Teneshia. Houston is in good hands.

Kicked off 2026 the right way at the Greater Houston Partnership's Annual Meeting. Ran into two of my former BakerRipley colleagues who were mentors early in my career.

Popped in for the luncheon, then headed straight to the airport to catch a flight — one meeting, two missions.

✨Another powerful day of exposure and opportunity. ✨

Our young men toured the Port Houston, heard directly from leadership about the maritime industry, and learned how the ship channel fuels billions in economic impact across our region. Big thank you to Devan Short for coordinating the visit and Kerrick Henny for giving an executive welcome that set the tone for the day.

Even with a busy morning of meetings, I made sure to be there to greet them as they arrived. One student even texted me at 6:30 a.m. asking if I could bring him a tie so he could look his best. That kind of drive is exactly why this work matters.

Grateful for partners who pour into our young men and help broaden their vision for what’s possible.
Exposure. Access. Confidence. That’s the mission.

Congratulations to my good friend Ashley Small and the incredible team at Medley Inc. — named a finalist and winner of the Pinnacle Award, the highest honor presented by the Greater Houston Black Chamber at their 28th Annual Pinnacle Awards & Gala.

Ashley and I have been friends for over a decade — supporting each other personally and professionally through the highs, the lessons, and the growth that comes with leadership. Watching her and Medley, Inc. take home this award was truly a full-circle moment.

Honored to have been there to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her hard work, vision, and impact.

This week hit different.

Last year, I helped launch a life skills program at Elsik High — teaching young men things like financial literacy, etiquette, how to tie a tie, and how to prepare for life after high school.

It made such an impact that Elsik invited us back again this year to train a new group of seniors.

Big shoutout to Alphonso and Joel for showing up and pouring into these young men — the next generation of leaders.

One student said this program is helping him become “the man I aspire to be.” That’s what it’s all about — showing them what’s possible.

Grateful for the opportunity to keep building, mentoring, and creating space for growth.

Today, I had the incredible opportunity to support my friends Justin Goodman and Adam Weaver during their Leadership Houston "This is Houston" program day at Buffalo Bayou Partnership. A huge shoutout to Vannessa Wade, who co-chaired this remarkable day with Justin!

Leadership Houston continues to be an extraordinary platform for developing community-minded professionals, and it's always inspiring to see passionate leaders like Justin and Adam making a difference in our city.