Education Foundation and Partnerships Director Trina Silva represented Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and its philanthropic arm at a number of recent community events, supporting local initiatives and continuing to build relationships to best serve county learners and their families.

On Dec. 3, Silva and HCDE Chief of Staff Danielle Bartz attended the Texas Executive Women’s annual Women on the Move luncheon. A network of professional women from different professions and industries since 1985, Texas Executive Women also supports programs to recognize and develop future generations through mentorship and scholarship programs. The luncheon recognizes 10 women – Bartz is a 2023 honoree, while Leisa Holland-Nelson, who will join Shavonnah Roberts-Scheiber as emcees for the 2026 EFHC Heart of Education Luncheon in May, is among the 2025 honorees.

The Rice University Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium hosted a community event (“Working Collaboratively to Understand Student and Family Needs”) at HCDE on Dec. 4, with select divisions hosting tables to share resources to attendees.

The same day, Silva joined representatives from the Spring Independent School District Education Foundation for its Grant Express bus to surprise teachers with news that their grant projects were funded.  Since the 2020 fiscal year, EFHC has contributed nearly $80,000 in grants to Spring ISD Education Foundation, including 2025 fiscal year award for Flip Form Risers at Hirsch Elementary to support safe, elevated platforms for music rehearsals and performances.