2025 Awards Celebration
HONORING 2025 EAST END LEGEND AWARD WINNERS
Donna began working in the industry at the age of 23 at Gold King Chemical. Due to her hard work, honesty, and desire to meet customers’ quality requirements, as VP of Sales and 26 percent owner of Del Rey Chemical at the insistence of purchasing personnel at Shell, DuPont, Monsanto, and Exxon, Donna started her own business. She made a serious commitment to grows the business, put assets in the ground, hiring minorities and women and giving back to the community. Forty-five years later, Donna still has those initial clients and many more thanks to a commitment to competitive prices , innovation and round-the-clock personal service. Cole Chemical continues to provide industrial and process chemicals to the aerospace, automotive, chemical, energy, refineries and utility industries.
Demetrius’s East End roots began as a child in the 60s, during a time of massive economic growth and expansion throughout Houston. At a very young age, Demetrius and his two sisters were adopted by their grandparents, Wilfredo “Willie” and Petra “Betty” Navarro. They were raised with heavy focus on education, strong work ethics, to give high importance to family and community involvement. From the food they ate, schooling, activities & entertainment, shopping and more - it all happened in Houston’s epicenter at the time, the East End.
Willie, at the age of 20, opened an auto repair shop, Navarro’s Garage, that served Houston for 60 years. A prominent role model for Demetrius, Willie’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to putting in the hard work to succeed, with integrity & honesty became the foundation for who he is today. His uncle, Wilfredo Navarro, Jr. served HPD for 60 years yet still volunteered to manage traffic at Our Lady of Guadalupe every Sunday engrained in Demetrius the value of serving the community with no expectations in return. Assisting then enjoying the tortillas from his aunt’s tortilla factory, La Nacional, or sharing meals with close family friends, Ninfa Laurenzo and family, permanently instilled the importance of family and in preserving his Hispanic Heritage.
Demetrius’s first jobs were in East End, first one at an electrical warehouse and second job as CenterPoint Energy’s Navigation location. He started his insurance career in 1984, married his lovely wife in 1985 and since 1999 has successfully run a boutique insurance consulting firm, serving small businesses and entrepreneurs, such as himself, as well as larger employers, public and education entities. An advocate for entrepreneurs and local businesses, Demetrius is an active member of local chambers of commerce and professional development organizations. A true philanthropist and committed to his community; he not only contributes but also dedicates his time and efforts to many non-profit organizations.
Alongside his two sons and several highly dedicated staff members, embedded with a culture embracing service to others and high integrity, the firm has experienced continued growth which will continue for years to come.
2025 AWARDS CELEBRATION WINNERS
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Houston’s historic East End, Tejano Center is a multifaceted community development nonprofit organization dedicated to its mission of educating, empowering, and transforming lives. Over the past three decades, Tejano Center has grown from a single-site community hub into a regional leader with multiple campuses and service sites across Greater Houston, now reaching more than 30,000 children, youth, and families each year.
Through its broad and interconnected family of programs, Tejano Center works toward its vision of creating a success story for every individual and community it impacts. Anchored in four pillars—housing, health, education, and social services—its initiatives work in concert to strengthen families, build resilience, and expand opportunity across generations.
Across Greater Houston, Tejano Center leads with innovation—developing affordable housing and supportive communities like Sunrise Lofts, a first-of-its-kind model for youth aging out of foster care; OST Lofts, an affordable housing development with an on-site RYSS Early Childhood Academy; and Nueva Vida, a senior living community providing safety, stability, and belonging for older adults. These efforts are complemented by homebuyer education, financial empowerment, and disaster recovery programs that help families rebuild and regain stability.
At the heart of Tejano Center’s work is an enduring commitment to lifelong learning and opportunity. Through the RYSS Texas Public Schools, GRADcafé, and NOVA Academy for Adult Education, Tejano Center equips individuals of all ages with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue higher education, strengthen the workforce, and achieve economic independence.
Its commitment to healing and human connection extends through programs like Resolve, which provides compassionate support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, criminal violence, and human trafficking; La Tiendita, advancing food access and health equity; and the Child Placing Agency, uniting children and families through foster care and adoption.
Guided by its strategic blueprint, Impact 2030, Tejano Center transforms lives at the intersection of housing, health, education, and social services—strengthening communities through opportunity, belonging, and shared progress. Rooted in collaboration and driven by compassion, Tejano Center lives by its mantra: “Making It Happen Together.”
CONCISE PROFILE
Founded in 1992 in Houston’s historic East End, Tejano Center is a multifaceted community development nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, empowering, and transforming lives. Over three decades, it has grown from a single community hub into a regional leader serving more than 30,000 children, youth, and families annually across Greater Houston.
Guided by its vision of creating a success story for every individual and community it impacts, Tejano Center operates through four interconnected pillars—housing, health, education, and social services—to strengthen families, build resilience, and expand opportunity.
Its housing initiatives include Sunrise Lofts, supporting youth aging out of foster care; OST Lofts, featuring on-site early childhood education; and Nueva Vida, providing affordable senior living. In education, Tejano Center advances lifelong learning through RYSS Texas Public Schools, GRADcafé, and NOVA Academy for Adult Education. In health and social services, programs such as Resolve, La Tiendita, and the Child Placing Agency deliver safety, healing, and empowerment for those most in need.
Anchored in its Impact 2030 Strategic Plan, Tejano Center transforms lives at the intersection of housing, health, education, and social services—living its mantra: “Making It Happen Together.”
Sara Lujan Donatto serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Assistant Vice President for Local Relations and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Houston System. In this role, she leads both the operational strategy, local government relations and community relations efforts for the Department of Government and Community Relations. With over 13 years on the team, Sara brings nearly 16 years of experience in higher education and two decades in leadership roles.
During her tenure, Sara has been instrumental in the department’s growth and impact. Under her leadership, the department expanded its physical footprint in Houston and successfully launched its Washington, D.C. office, strengthening the University’s presence and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. These achievements reflect her strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep commitment to advancing the University’s mission.
Sara oversees the department’s operations across offices in Houston, Austin, and Washington, D.C., collaborating closely with community relations leaders throughout the UH System. She is recognized for her ability to balance operational precision with relationship-building, ensuring the University remains deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Believing that successful partnerships are rooted in reciprocity, Sara founded the Community Relations Alliance (CRA) in 2022, an initiative that unites community-engaged faculty and staff across UH to share best practices, exchange ideas, and coordinate outreach. CRA has become a cornerstone for collective impact and strengthened collaboration across the institution.
Sara’s leadership extends well beyond her department. She has spearheaded multiple university-wide initiatives, consistently guided by a commitment to excellence, service, and community impact. Her professional accomplishments are complemented by her dedication to lifelong learning. She is a graduate of Leadership Houston (Class XLI) and the Governor’s Executive Development Program at the University of Texas LBJ School. In 2024, Texas Executive Women recognized her as a Woman on the Move for her leadership and civic engagement.
Active in the community, Sara serves on the Board of Directors for the East End Chamber of Commerce and the Wesley Community Center. She is also a longstanding member of the Junior League of Houston, a volunteer with Child Advocates, and a mentor to emerging leaders through various university and nonprofit programs.
A proud first-generation immigrant, Sara emigrated from Honduras at age three and grew up in Conroe, Texas. She earned both her BBA and Executive MBA from Sam Houston State University and proudly considers herself an honorary UH alumna after more than a decade of service to the UH System.
Sara and her husband, Adam Donatto, live in Houston with their two energetic sons, Alec and Amir, and their beloved boxer, Juan Carlos. Deeply rooted in the Houston community, Sara finds purpose in service, connection, and the belief that meaningful change begins with authentic collaboration.
Dr. Martin L. Perez has dedicated more than 24 years to advancing student success in higher education. He currently serves as Dean of Student Success at Houston Community College Southeast. A proud U.S. Navy and Air National Guard veteran, Dr. Perez is a first-generation college graduate who earned his Doctorate in Education from Texas Southern University, along with degrees from the University of Houston Clear Lake.
Throughout his career, Dr. Perez has led initiatives in enrollment, retention, and student support, and has served on key boards including the East End Chamber and AAMA, while partnering with the Port of Houston in maritime education. He also devoted over 15 years to volunteer service teaching Sunday school. Married for more than 25 years, Dr. Perez values time with his family—especially his granddaughter—reflecting his belief that true success is measured by the impact we leave on future generations.
Calpine Corporation, is one of the nation’s leading independent power producers, delivering reliable, lower-carbon electricity through a diverse fleet of modern generation facilities. With a strong operational presence across Texas and deep roots in the Houston community, Calpine is committed to supporting the region’s future through meaningful investment in education, workforce development, and STEM-focused initiatives. From partnering with local schools to supporting training programs that prepare the next generation of energy professionals, Calpine works to strengthen both the local economy and the talent pipeline that will power Houston for decades to come. The Corporate Citizens Award is presented to the corporate business that works within the community, initiating, and completing community enhancing projects, outstanding employee relations and exemplary corporate practices and policies including environmental protection and safety.
CenterPoint Energy has been a trusted utilities provider for more than a century, delivering safe, reliable, and efficient energy services to millions of customers across the Greater Houston Region. Their commitment goes far beyond service delivery, they invest in education, safety programs, workforce development, and community initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and support future generations. Through innovation and a strong dedication to community partnership, CenterPoint Energy continues to play an essential role in powering the success of our region.
L-K Industries has been a trusted manufacturer of precision petroleum testing equipment since 1930, known for our durable centrifuges, high-quality laboratory sample heaters, and hand-crafted glassware. Through our Miller-Weber of Texas division, we produce and individually calibrate premium thermometers and hydrometers, maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and traceability. With over nine decades of experience, L-K continues to deliver dependable tools that support reliable testing across the petroleum and industrial markets.
810 Entertainment, a Ten-unit emerging franchise out of South Carolina, is a classic bowling alley with an upscale twist. In its expansive space, 810 offers its customers multiple bowling lanes, billiard tables, full-service bars, an arcade, classic board games, mini-golf and so much more! The menu boasts soul-satisfying foods serving lunch and dinner.
810 Entertainment is growing a reputation as a premier entertainment venue perfect for corporate and group events. Its various amenities, including arcade games, axe-throwing, bowling, billiards, krazy darts, laser tag, go-karts, golf simulator, mini-golf, and even roller blading and more with every location hosting some of its own unique gaming options, guaranteeing that your group will never have a dull moment.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
THANK YOU TO OUR SILENT AUCTION DONORS
810 Entertainment
Alley Theatre
Anheuser-Busch
AT&T
Axelrad
Bloom Handcrafted Beauty Products
Chamberlain Hrdlicka Attorneys at Law
Cidercade
Club Car Wash
Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc.
Comcast Business
Dignity Memorial
Eduardo Elizondo
EECOC Board
El Tiempo Cantina
Fairytale Photography Studio
Fleet Feet
Frost Bank
Giant Texas Distillery
Goff Financial Group
Gorjana Fine Jewelry
Goya Foods
Gringo’s Tex Mex
H-E-B Gulfgate Center
Houston Astros
Houston Botanic Garden
Houston Marriott South by Hobby Airport
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Pilots
Houston Rockets
Houston Sports Authority
Houston Texans
IBC Bank
Jentry Kelley Cosmetics
J.L. Proler Iron & Steel Company
Kacal’s Auto & Truck Service
Kendra Scott - Heights Mercantile
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
Logical Innovations, Inc.
LyondellBasell
MIMO
Museum of Fine Art Houston
Navarro Insurance Group
Ninfa’s on Navigation Restaurant
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Paula Mendoza
Patrick Bradley
Plucker’s Wing Bar
Raising Cane’s
Representative Christina Morales, District 145
Representative Mary Ann Perez, District 144
Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Spanky’s Pizza
Stubbs Harley-Davidson
Tellepsen
The Gents Place
Trina Silva
Uchi
United Airlines
University of Houston System
Valero Houston Refinery
Villa Arcos
Watson Wealth Management