Members

Kara Levy

Chair

Kara is a loving wife and mother of three beautiful children. Her dedication to her family is unwavering, and she takes pride in instilling values of empathy, kindness, and curiosity in her children. Professionally, Kara is a freelancer and a small business owner in the domestic industry. She has proven her entrepreneurial spirit, with a knack for turning her ideas into successful ventures. In addition to her family and career, Kara finds time to give back to her community. She is a dedicated volunteer, actively involved in community service initiatives. Her commitment to making her community a better place is truly admirable, and she serves as an inspiration to those around her.

Rixi Castillo

Vice-Chair

Rixi, born and raised in Santa Barbara, Honduras to Honduran parents earned a teaching degree after high school. She held various jobs prior to immigrating to Houston, Texas but her most impactful experience was working in industrial coatings for the construction industry. This particular trade led her to her union, where she eventually became the Director of Organizing for her current region.

Being a part of the labor movement inspired new responsibilities that in turn motivated her to become a member of the Essential Workers Board. Rixi is passionate about representing and advocating for construction workers and contributing to positive changes that can ensure all workers are treated with dignity and respect.

Angel Flores

Secretary

Angel was born and raised in Harris County. She spent her formative years in Northeast Harris County and gained a deep appreciation for its rich cultural heritage and dynamic spirit. She attended MacArthur High School in the East Aldine District, where she thrived academically and embraced the values of hard work and perseverance.

Angel pursued higher education at the University of Houston. Embarking on her professional journey as an educator, she immersed herself in various communities across Harris County, imparting knowledge and guidance to students from diverse backgrounds. Angel became involved with the University of Houston Hispanic Alumni Association, contributing to fundraising efforts to support aspiring scholars pursuing their educational aspirations.

Angel pursued a master's degree in School Counseling and Human Development from Lamar University and is dedicated to championing the cause of education and childcare, advocating for inclusive and equitable practices that accommodate the ever-evolving dynamics of our society.

Maynor Álvarez

Former Vice Chair of the HCEWB / Radio Host / Producer / Public Speaker / Journalist / Voice-Over Artist / Vlogger/ Marketing / Founder & Director of Radio7Houston / International Nominee for the Águila Award / Commercial Construction / Immigrant workers rights

Maynor Alvarez, was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. CA

He moved to Houston, TX, in 2005 in search of better opportunities.

Maynor Alvarez joined the HCEWB because he believes that his experience, knowledge, leadership, and strong commitment to his community are critical to bringing solutions and changes to the various essential work industries. He is also a leader and active member of the Organization Workers Defense for more than 8 years, where he has attended countless workshops and training sessions and has participated in various public panels and interviews, both in print and on television. His participation has focused on immigrant workers rights, wage theft, and heat safety. Additionally, he has been nominated twice for the international award for excellence in communication, the Premio Águila, in the 2024 and 2025 editions with the station Radio7Houston

Dionne Davis

Dionne Davis is a proud Houston native and a devoted mother of three whose life reflects strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith.
She dedicated over 25 years to the healthcare field as a Senior Patient Care Technician at Memorial Hermann Hospital, where she became known for her compassion, skill, and commitment to excellence. Throughout her career, Dionne consistently went above and beyond to care for others in their most vulnerable moments, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on countless patients and families.
A woman of resilience, Dionne has faced life’s challenges with courage and grace, emerging stronger and more determined. Her journey is a testament to her inner strength, her deep love for her family, and her commitment to living with purpose.
Through her role as a mother, her service to others, and her appreciation for life’s simple blessings, Dionne continues to inspire those around her. Her life stands as a reflection of compassion, perseverance, and a spirit that refuses to be shaken.

Ken Hoskins

Ken is a 5-year City of Houston Supervisor with an extensive background in customer service and Human Resources. Outside of work his passion is music and all things music entertainment. Ken is a trained musician and songwriter who’s had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things musically. He values family and faith, and embraces his role as a father. Ken has a heart for people and a heart for community. His goal is to be a voice for those who feel they don’t have one, and to advocate for every walk of life.

Claudia Sosa

Claudia Sosa graduated as a lawyer in Mexico and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work online at Loyola University of Chicago. She has had the opportunity to work in immigration where she has been able to help people to have legal immigration status in this country. Claudia has been an active member of the Workers Defense Project since 2019, and she belongs to many Committees such as Legislative, Immigration, etc. She currently works with immigrant youth and is honored to belong to the Essential Workers Board, where she has the opportunity to represent workers in the Education industry.

Mercedes Taylor

Mercedes is a transplant to Harris County from Palm Beach County, Florida. She has been a resident of Houston since 1997. Mercedes was formerly a security officer for TSA at Hobby Airport, where she worked for 6 years. Prior to Hobby, she worked with at-risk high school students for over 8 years. Helping people has been a lifelong mission. It is a privilege for Mercedes to serve on the Harris County Essential Workers Board to assist employees to be recognized, respected, and honored as vibrant members of our community. Each and every occupation is vital to the effective and smooth operation of any successful community.