Rena Menard

One of my greatest accomplishments was founding Parent Advocates of Texas (PAT) in the early 2000s. PAT was created as a free resource dedicated to advocating for parents, students, and children with disabilities or behavioral challenges who were not receiving the support and accommodations they needed through their IEPs. Our mission was to challenge schools and the state to do better by ensuring every child had a fair opportunity to learn in the way they learned best, rather than forcing them into systems that did not meet their needs.

Through this work, we helped countless families navigate the education system, especially students who were being disproportionately disciplined or expelled instead of receiving the proper educational and behavioral support. I often spent 14 to 15 hours in school meetings advocating for children and families, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights were protected. Every service we provided was completely free because the mission was always about helping families and changing lives.

This advocacy work led me to collaborate with the United States Department of Education under former Secretary Arne Duncan and his team. We participated in discussions surrounding education and disability advocacy, helped organize opportunities for students to visit the White House, and facilitated question-and-answer sessions with Secretary Duncan. I also worked with the Department of Education’s disability divisions and traveled to Dallas to work alongside the Civil Rights Division on education-related cases involving students and families.

The experience was both eye-opening and life-changing. It reinforced the urgent need for advocacy within public education, especially for children who are often overlooked or underserved. Helping students graduate, walk across the stage, and successfully participate in their educational environments while also empowering their parents remains one of the most meaningful achievements of my life. It was not just about education—it was about changing lives, restoring hope, and breaking generational barriers.

Another major milestone in my journey was receiving the call to serve as part of President Barack Obama’s inauguration efforts connected to African American policy initiatives. During that season, I also had a memorable meeting with Lisa Osteen Comes, sister of Joel Osteen, who spoke words of encouragement and purpose over my life—many of which later came to fruition. Those experiences further affirmed my commitment to service, advocacy, and leadership.

Stay humble and alert!

One of the greatest lessons I can share is to stay humble, remain ready for opportunity, and surround yourself with good mentors. For me personally, faith and prayer played a major role in my journey. I understand everyone may not share the same faith walk, but prayer grounded me during some of the most uncertain moments of my life and career.

When I was first starting my business, I did not have the resources people would assume you need to launch a company successfully. If I am being honest, I did not have money for a building, furniture, or even the basics. I was driving downtown one day on my way to court when I saw a “For Lease” sign on a building. Something deep inside me — what I believe was God — kept telling me to call. I remember thinking, “I’m not calling because I don’t even have the money.” But the feeling would not leave me alone, so I finally made the call.

A young man named Brian answered the phone. I asked him about the building, and he invited me to come see it. I told him I was headed to court but would call him afterward. The entire drive, fear and doubt kept filling my mind because I knew my financial situation. Still, I went to look at the building.

After showing me the space, Brian handed me the key and said, “Keep it. Show it to your husband and let me know what you think.” I came back later with my husband and the mother of my church. Brian looked at me and said, “You really like this building?” I finally admitted, “Brian, I’m not ready. I’m just trying to get my company started. I don’t have money for lease or anything right now.”

His response changed my life. He simply said, “It’s okay. Come on in and get started, and we’ll talk about the rent and everything else later.”

At the time, I did not even have a desk. Later, I learned that Brian worked for his mother, Carol Faulk. , who was one of the lifetime vice presidents of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Her kindness and belief in me were extraordinary. She promised me that my rent would remain affordable and that I would never have to pay a light bill in the building. To this day, she has honored that commitment and supported my growth over the years.

That experience taught me that one moment can truly change your life. Someone believed in me before I fully believed in myself. If I could tell young women or aspiring entrepreneurs anything, it would be this: remain humble, stay in a spirit of expectation, and do not allow fear to stop you from answering opportunities when they come. Sometimes the doors that change your life open before you feel fully prepared.

Key challenges today include economic instability, disparities in access to resources, and systemic issues within public education and community development that often overlook the real needs of individuals and families. Many communities continue to face barriers in education, workforce readiness, and economic mobility, particularly among underserved populations. These gaps can limit opportunities for long-term success and stability if they are not addressed through intentional policy, advocacy, and community engagement.

At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities for growth and innovation. Expanding vocational education and job-readiness programs can help equip individuals with practical skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce. There is also significant potential in supporting alternative monetization pathways, including NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities, which are creating new avenues for young athletes and creators to build financial independence and long-term careers.

Additionally, preparing entrepreneurs and small businesses to adapt through strong business structuring, financial literacy, and the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence will be essential for future success. Communities thrive when people are given the tools, education, and support necessary to evolve with changing industries and economic landscapes. By investing in people, innovation, and equitable opportunities, we can create stronger communities and a more sustainable future for the next generation.

I value humility, faith, service to my community, mentorship, and empowering others in meaningful ways that uplift and encourage growth without seeking personal gain or unfair benefit in return. I believe true leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and the willingness to create opportunities for others while remaining grounded and compassionate. Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate challenges, discover their potential, and build pathways toward lasting success and positive change.