Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Chief of Staff Danielle Bartz and Education Foundation and Partnerships Director Trina Silva attended the East End Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Exchange networking event June 25 at TXRX Labs, connecting with community partners. As part of the event, the two delivered a 60-second “commercial” highlighting HCDE services, the impact of the Education Foundation of Harris County and how to join Choice Partners, HCDE’s purchasing cooperative.

Bartz and Silva met representatives with TXRX Labs and The Pursuit Center, which both align with HCDE’s efforts to expand access to high-quality education to Harris County learners and real-world opportunities for unique populations. TXRX Labs is a nonprofit makerspace that offers workforce development and hands-on learning. The Pursuit Center programs create pathways for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore interests and develop skills that lead to employment opportunities and residential support.

Silva also attended other events and held partnership meetings in recent weeks.

On June 23, she toured the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston and met with the organization’s chief development officer and education manager to explore partnership opportunities. The next day, she attended the Greater Houston Community Foundation Scholarship Review Committee Thank You Breakfast – Silva served on the committee this year to choose scholarship recipients.

On June 26, Silva attended the Leadership Houston annual meeting and alumni networking event. Silva is a 2023 Leadership Houston alumnae, while HCDE Trustee Andrea Duhon is a member of the 2025 cohort.