Meet Our Houstonian of the Year Finalists
Today is an exciting day. We are ready to share that for the first time ever, Houstonia will be announcing a Houstonian of the Year in 2024.
Houston has no shortage of amazing people who make the city better every day. Perhaps it’s through providing a vital service to our most vulnerable citizens, or bringing a piece of their culture to our world-class food scene. For the inaugural award, we chose five finalists who we’ve covered throughout the year and whose stories we just couldn’t shake.
But only one can be the Houstonian of the Year (#HOTY). And here’s the twist: You will choose who you think should win. Read about who made the cut and cast your vote below in the, err, second most important election of the year.
Voting is open until October 21 at 11:59pm.
Michelle Alozie
Houston Dash Player & Texas Children's researcher
Eric Berger and Matt Lanza
Space City Weather meteorologists
In the past decade, Eric Berger and Matt Lanza have become the most trusted weathermen in Houston. No matter if the forecast is calm or threatened by a far-away storm, Houstonians come to Space City Weather every day to get an honest, “no hype” look at what’s to come. And between the derecho and Hurricane Beryl, they’ve had a busy year.
Molly Cook
Texas State Senator
Molly Cook got her wish of winning John Whitmire’s state senate seat. Of course, it took him finally vacating it after 40 years to become Houston’s mayor. Her feat is no less impressive. The ER nurse and Stop TxDOT I-45 activist represents a new generation of Democratic politician in Texas—younger, more progressive, and dedicated to public service.
Benchawan Jabthong Painter
Street to Kitchen Chef-owner
Chef G, as she’s known by her peers, did not rest on her laurels after winning a James Beard Award in 2023. She moved her tiny restaurant to a much larger space in a popular East End development, keeping true to her authentic Thai cuisine while leveling up the dining experience. And when disaster strikes Houston, she’s quick to open her doors and feed those who need it.
Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy
Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project Cofounder
Long before this year’s presidential election elevated the immigration debate to a fever pitch, Chiqui Sanchez Kennedy worked with unaccompanied minors and detained adults on the Texas-Mexico border. There, her eyes were opened to both the struggles of her clients and the US’s broken system. This led her to cofound the Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project, which provides legal services to local immigrants and has grown to almost 40 employees today.
