The Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies hosted its annual one-day conference March 21 designed to help nonprofit board members and staff work together and lead more effectively.
The 2024 Best Boards Conference, administered by the Glasscock School’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, took place on Rice University’s campus at the Anderson-Clarke Center.
This year’s conference, titled “Reimagining Impact,” explored innovative approaches to defining, measuring and sharing nonprofit success. The keynote speaker for the event was Paula Harris, senior vice president of community affairs and executive director for the Astros Foundation.
“The Glasscock School’s Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is dedicated to serving and educating a vibrant philanthropic sector, helping nonprofits achieve their missions and inspiring individuals to be part of those missions through service and giving,” said Robert Bruce, dean of the Glasscock School. “In Best Boards, you see that vision realized as leaders from across the sector and the community gather here at Rice every spring for the past 23 years. They come here with ambitions and truly admirable goals, and they leave with tools and knowledge to help achieve them.”
Harris delved into the intricacies of nonprofit governance and board responsibilities during her keynote address, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, ethical decision making and accountability.
“Board service is rewarding, but to be impactful you must be passionate and dedicated,” Harris said. “You will need to offer your time, talents and treasures.
“This conference and training is valuable to so many, including people looking for board service, new board members looking to be successful on boards and for seasoned board members looking to reimagine, redesign and increase impact in the community.”
Harris was hired by the Astros Foundation in October 2021 and has recently completed her second successful season with the team. She is widely known for her 33-year global career in oil and gas and for being a community advocate.
Harris has extensive connections throughout the Houston community as she currently serves on the boards of Chart Industries, Helix, Hunting, The Houston Children’s Museum and the Petroleum Club of Houston. She is a founding board member of the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, an all-girls engineering school serving primarily minority communities in Houston with the goal to graduate girls prepared to attend top engineering universities. Harris has a particular passion for advancing STEM education and career opportunities for all communities but especially for women and underrepresented minorities.
The owner of her own energy consulting firm and her own publishing company, Harris has authored, published and distributed two books, including “When I Grow Up I Want to be an Engineer.” The book was translated into four languages, and over 150,000 copies have been distributed globally to schools, museums and nonprofit organizations.
The Glasscock School serves over 700 organizations on an annual basis with about 100 of those being represented at the Best Boards Conference. In addition to the keynote session, participants also had the option to attend three of nine breakout sessions covering everything from data storytelling to managing board meetings, each led by leaders in their field.
“Houston is home to more than 15,000 nonprofits, all contributing through their individual missions to our thriving community,” said Kristen Schlatre, assistant dean for professional and corporate programs at the Glasscock School. “Best Boards is an investment by Rice into those nonprofits and their leadership teams to provide strategic thought, best practices and the opportunity to apply them to each organization represented. We hope our participants leave today with a renewed sense of purpose and a roadmap for becoming even more impactful to our Houston-area community.”
To learn more about the Glasscock School and Best Boards, please visit glasscock.rice.edu.
