Unveiling Houston’s Elite: The Top 50 Socialites of 2024
Discover Who’s Who Among Houston’s Most Influential Socialites, Philanthropists, and Influencers
Houston, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and diverse community, is home to some of the nation’s most influential figures. From philanthropists to influencers, these individuals shape the city’s social landscape with their contributions to arts, culture, and charity. Our comprehensive list of the top 50 socialites in Houston for 2024 highlights the crème de la crème, showcasing those who make the city sparkle with their presence.
The Top Houston Socialites Making Waves in 2024
1. Lynn Wyatt
Description: Renowned philanthropist and cultural ambassador, Lynn Wyatt is a legendary figure in Houston. She is celebrated for her extensive charity work, fashion sense, and connections with the global elite. She has hosted countless high-profile events and is known for her contributions to the arts and culture scene in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Lynn Wyatt Profile
2. Bun B (Bernard James Freeman)
Description: A legendary rapper and entrepreneur, Bun B is known for his community contributions and the success of his Trill Burgers brand. He remains a prominent figure in the music industry and is deeply involved in charitable efforts.
Website/Social Media: Instagram
3. Whitney Lawson
Description: Whitney Lawson is notable for her significant involvement in charity events and cancer survivor advocacy. Her commitment to helping others and raising awareness has made her a beloved figure in the community.
Website/Social Media: Houston CityBook
4. Fady Armanious
Description: As the creative director of Tootsies, Fady Armanious is influential in the fashion industry. He is known for his eye for design and his role in curating fashion events in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Tootsies
5. Alicia Smith
Description: Alicia Smith is an active philanthropist, participating in various charity events and supporting numerous causes in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Houston Style Magazine
6. Catterina
Description: The indie-pop singer-songwriter known as Catterina brings a unique Brooklyn coolness to Houston’s music scene. She has gained attention for her tours and performances, including a notable group show at New York’s Lincoln Center.
Website/Social Media: Catterina on Instagram
7. Leonard Botello
Description: The pitmaster behind Truth BBQ, Leonard Botello is recognized for his culinary excellence and dedication to preserving traditional BBQ methods. He has been featured in top foodie publications.
Website/Social Media: Truth BBQ
8. Gin Braverman
Description: As the head of Gin Design Group, Gin Braverman has made a significant impact on Houston’s restaurant scene by designing some of the most eye-catching and popular dining spots.
Website/Social Media: Gin Design Group
9. Aaron Bludorn
Description: Chef Aaron Bludorn is the proprietor of several successful restaurants in Houston. His culinary talents and ventures have made him a notable figure in the local food scene.
Website/Social Media: Bludorn Restaurant
10. Benji Cooksey
Description: Owner of ComedySportz, Houston’s longest-running comedy show, and leader of Houston Methodist’s Arts & Empathy program, Benji Cooksey is known for his contributions to both entertainment and healthcare.
Website/Social Media: ComedySportz
11. Kellen Sampson
Description: Assistant coach of the UH basketball team, Kellen Sampson has played a pivotal role in the team’s successes, including a No. 1 seed in the March Madness tournament.
Website/Social Media: UH Cougars
12. Casey Barbles
Description: Founder of The Feel Good Group, Casey Barbles is known for organizing vibrant events across Houston, including upscale boutique farmers markets and family-friendly festivals.
Website/Social Media: The Feel Good Group
13. Trae Tha Truth
Description: A rapper and hometown hero, Trae Tha Truth is known for his community activism and support during crises, providing assistance and raising awareness for various causes.
Website/Social Media: Trae Tha Truth on Instagram
14. Brian Ellison
Description: An artist and founder of The Black Man Project, Brian Ellison advocates for the mental health of Black men and collaborates with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Website/Social Media: The Black Man Project
15. Monica Gomez
Description: A first soloist at the Houston Ballet and entrepreneur, Monica Gomez is celebrated for her contributions to dance and her successful dancewear brand, Habanza.
Website/Social Media: Houston Ballet
16. Lyndsey Zorich
Description: The influencer behind The Avenue boutique, Lyndsey Zorich is known for her fashion sense and charitable work, hosting events to support various causes.
Website/Social Media: Lyndsey Zorich on Instagram
17. Andrew Geisel
Description: Cofounder of Australian café chain Citizens, Andrew Geisel has brought a new dining experience to Houston, selecting the city for the chain’s first Texas outpost.
Website/Social Media: Citizens
18. Hunter Bell
Description: A fashion designer and winner of NBC’s Fashion Star, Hunter Bell has established her eponymous line in Houston, expanding to include swimwear and other collections.
Website/Social Media: Hunter Bell NYC
19. Nina Magon
Description: Renowned for her design work, Nina Magon has created glam spaces worldwide and collaborated with various brands. Her latest masterpiece, Cocody, showcases her design prowess.
Website/Social Media: Nina Magon Studio
20. Donald Johnson
Description: Drummer of the band Khruangbin, Donald Johnson is a key figure in Houston’s music scene, known for his trance-like drumming and the band’s international success.
Website/Social Media: Khruangbin
21. Jennifer Mathieu
Description: Author of several young-adult novels, including the smash-hit “Moxie,” Jennifer Mathieu continues to make waves in the literary world with her new adult debut.
Website/Social Media: Jennifer Mathieu
22. Tina Knowles-Lawson
Description: Fashion designer and mother of Beyoncé, Tina Knowles-Lawson is influential in the fashion and entertainment industries and is known for her philanthropic efforts.
Website/Social Media: Tina Knowles-Lawson on Instagram
23. Jim Crane
Description: Owner of the Houston Astros, Jim Crane has been instrumental in the team’s successes, including their World Series victories.
Website/Social Media: Houston Astros
24. Hannah McNair
Description: Chair of the Houston Texans Foundation, Hannah McNair is known for her philanthropic work and community involvement.
Website/Social Media: Houston Texans Foundation
25. Cynthia Woods Mitchell
Description: Patron of the arts and namesake of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, her contributions have significantly impacted Houston’s cultural landscape.
Website/Social Media: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
26. Tony Buzbee
Description: Prominent attorney and former mayoral candidate, Tony Buzbee is known for his legal acumen and involvement in high-profile cases.
Website/Social Media: Tony Buzbee Law Firm
27. Beto O’Rourke
Description: Politician and former U.S. Representative, Beto O’Rourke is a prominent figure in Texas politics, known for his advocacy and campaigns.
Website/Social Media: Beto O’Rourke
28. Simone Biles
Description: Olympic gymnast and Houston native, Simone Biles is a celebrated athlete and an advocate for mental health and gymnastics.
Website/Social Media: Simone Biles on Instagram
29. J.J. Watt
Description: NFL player and philanthropist, J.J. Watt is known for his charitable work, including raising millions for Hurricane Harvey relief.
Website/Social Media: J.J. Watt Foundation
30. Whitney Mercilus
Description: NFL player and community activist, Whitney Mercilus is involved in various charitable endeavors and supports numerous causes in Houston.
Website/Social Media: WithMerci Foundation
31. Sylvester Turner
Description: Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner is a prominent political figure, known for his leadership and efforts to improve the
public works of the city.
Website/Social Media: Sylvester Turner on Twitter
32. Jodie Jiles
Description: Prominent real estate developer, Jodie Jiles has played a key role in numerous development projects in Houston, significantly contributing to the city’s growth.
Website/Social Media: Jodie Jiles Profile
33. Tilman Fertitta
Description: Business magnate and owner of the Houston Rockets, Tilman Fertitta is a major figure in the hospitality industry, known for his investments and philanthropic efforts.
Website/Social Media: Tilman Fertitta on Twitter
34. Christina Wells
Description: Singer and performer, Christina Wells gained fame from her appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and continues to inspire with her performances and motivational speaking.
Website/Social Media: Christina Wells Official Site
35. Kristin Chenoweth
Description: Broadway star and actress, Kristin Chenoweth is celebrated for her performances and contributions to the arts, frequently appearing at major events in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Kristin Chenoweth on Instagram
36. Chloe Dao
Description: Fashion designer and winner of Project Runway, Chloe Dao is a prominent figure in Houston’s fashion scene, known for her innovative designs and boutique.
Website/Social Media: Dao Chloe Dao
37. Phillip Bailey
Description: Lead singer of Earth, Wind & Fire, Phillip Bailey is an influential musician known for his contributions to the music industry and his presence in the Houston community.
Website/Social Media: Earth, Wind & Fire
38. Chris Shepherd
Description: James Beard Award-winning chef, Chris Shepherd has made significant contributions to Houston’s culinary scene with his restaurants and charitable work.
Website/Social Media: Southern Smoke Foundation
39. Caroline Starry
Description: Founder of Houston’s fashion week, Caroline Starry has been instrumental in promoting local fashion designers and elevating Houston’s status in the fashion industry.
Website/Social Media: Houston Fashion Week
40. Milby Broussard
Description: Art collector and patron, Milby Broussard is known for his support of the arts and his extensive art collection that enriches Houston’s cultural landscape.
Website/Social Media: Houston Arts Alliance
41. Mauricio Gutierrez
Description: CEO of NRG Energy, Mauricio Gutierrez is a key figure in Houston’s energy sector, known for his leadership and contributions to sustainable energy solutions.
Website/Social Media: NRG Energy
42. Ric Campo
Description: Real estate developer and chairman of Houston First, Ric Campo has significantly impacted Houston’s development and economic growth through his projects.
Website/Social Media: Houston First Corporation
43. Phoebe Tudor
Description: Preservationist and philanthropist, Phoebe Tudor is known for her efforts to preserve Houston’s historic buildings and her involvement in various charitable causes.
Website/Social Media: Phoebe Tudor Profile
44. Bob McNair (late)
Description: Late owner of the Houston Texans, Bob McNair was known for his contributions to Houston’s sports scene and his philanthropic efforts.
Website/Social Media: Houston Texans
45. Annise Parker
Description: Former mayor of Houston, Annise Parker is known for her leadership and advocacy for various social issues, continuing to be an influential figure in the community.
Website/Social Media: Annise Parker on Twitter
46. Lee Majors
Description: Actor, Lee Majors is celebrated for his long career in television and film, frequently appearing at events in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Lee Majors Profile
47. Laura Spalding
Description: Co-founder of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Laura Spalding has significantly contributed to the arts and cultural scene in Houston.
Website/Social Media: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
48. Dominique Sachse
Description: News anchor and social media influencer, Dominique Sachse is a well-known personality in Houston, admired for her work in journalism and community involvement.
Website/Social Media: Dominique Sachse Official Site
49. David Peck
Description: Fashion designer, David Peck is known for his innovative designs and contributions to Houston’s fashion industry, including his eponymous line.
Website/Social Media: David Peck Official Site
50. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell
Description: Former U.S. Representative, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is recognized for her political work and advocacy for social issues, maintaining a strong presence in Houston’s community.
Website/Social Media: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Official Site
This list highlights the diverse and influential social figures in Houston, showcasing their contributions to various fields and their impact on the community.
