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.

Cándido Batiz Álvarez

Originally from Honduras, Candido has lived in Houston and worked in construction since 2016. He serves on the Essential Workers Board to bring recommendations to the county from workers in the field of construction. Candido is committed to the community both inside and outside of the industry.

Maynor Álvarez

Maynor Alvarez was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala where he completed high school. He moved

to Houston in 2005 in search of better opportunities to help his family economically.

After high school, he studied marketing and took various courses in communication with a focus on radio. In Texas, Maynor entered seminary to study theology, which included various leadership courses. Maynor has been a leader and active member at Workers Defense for more than 5 years. His participation has focused on immigrant worker rights, wage theft, and heat safety. Maynor joined the Harris County Essential Workers Board because he believes that his experience, knowledge, leadership, and strong commitment to his community are critical to bringing solutions and changes to the different industries of essential work.

Estefania Ayala

Estefania Ayala is the Vice President of Teloloapan Meat Market and Co-Founder of Telomarket. She believes in the power of offering fresh products to the surrounding community. She began her journey in this field when her immigrant parents decided to open a supermarket in North Houston with the idea of offering the community fresh Hispanic products. Estefania attended Regis University where she graduated receiving Alpha Sigma Nu honors. Her biggest achievement has been receiving the City of Houston Goods and Services Prime Contractor of the Year Award in 2022. Estefania is a dynamic, result-driven entrepreneur.

Dionne Davis

Dionne Davis is a Houston native and a devoted mother of three. Professionally, Dionne has dedicated herself to the healthcare field, serving as a patient care technician. Her commitment to helping others in their times of need and her compassionate approach to patient care has made a positive impact on many lives.

Dionne Davis embodies strength, resilience, and a zest for life. Her role as a loving mother, her career in healthcare, and her love for life's simple pleasures are a testament to her remarkable spirit. She continues to inspire those around her with her grace and determination.

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 currently a security officer in the TSA area of Hobby Airport, where she has worked for the past 5 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.