The Ultimate Guide to Houston’s Top 50 Socialites of 2024

Houston Sociallite-whitney-lawson-fady-armanious-and-alicia-smith-

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.

Influencer
Houston Young Professionals

Houston Young Professionals

Freddy Goerges CEO and Founder of Houston Young Professionals Chamber of Commerce and Editor / Publisher of Events in Houston a Business Directory and Events Publication Website