Congratulations to LIFE Board Member

Michele Fraga!!!

HOUSTON—August 17, 2011 — As the weather heats up in Houston, Michele Fraga of Tejas Office Products is again intensifying her involvement in the local business community with three new opportunities. Fraga is the customer service manager at Tejas Office Products. 

First, the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) has chosen Fraga to serve as an Ambassador for the GHP’s 2011-2012 campaign. GHP ambassadors are member volunteers, who are dedicated to retaining companies in their second year of membership and beyond.

Ambassadors represent GHP and provide regular communications and motivation for members to get involved with GHP and the Houston business community by showcasing GHP benefits and resources.

"Michele Fraga was chosen based on her enthusiasm for GHP and her experience and involvement in the Houston region,” said Lindsay Hammond, coordinator of member services with the Greater Houston Partnership. She will volunteer as one of 47 Ambassadors for the 2011-2012 campaign, Hammond said. 

Additionally, the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) awarded Fraga the 2011 HMSDC MBE Business Executive Scholarship. This scholarship is one of the ways that HMSDC helps minority businesses increase access to opportunity and growth. Evident by Fraga’s involvement in both HMSDC and the Houston community, Fraga was an obvious winner. She plans to apply the scholarship to attend the 2012 American Office Products Distributors (AOPD) annual conference in La Quinta, California, February 20-24, 2012.

“Michele mentors others and is a hands-on person, volunteering at our monthly luncheons and elsewhere,” HMSDC President Richard Huebner said. “Her willingness to share multiplies the value of the scholarship and education.”

Fraga was also named to the SPARK School Park Program Board, which discusses the yearly audit and finances of the non-profit’s program, selects schools to participate in the park program and now, publicizes a partnership with retailer Charming Charlie to promote student art by recycling their damaged, otherwise unusable jewelry.

“Michele, as part of a longtime Houston family business, brings a keen awareness of the city,” Kathleen Ownby, executive director of the SPARK School Park Program, said.

“I’m excited about each of these opportunities. They present great ways to meet others and impact the local community,” Fraga said. “Houston is an amazing city to live and work in. Volunteering allows me to make a difference, while building my business network.”