We’re so pumped about our conversation with The Honorable Jacquie Baly. Jacquie is a Media and Public Relations Advisor, Professor, Appointee of the Governor, Philanthropist, Mother and Wife and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with The Jacquie and her team below.
For folks who might have missed our initial interview, can you start by briefly introducing Jacquie?
Jacquie Baly, President of BalyProjects, has been a leader in the Texas business and policy communities for decades. She began her career as a city, and regional planner, then served as Vice President of the Greater Houston Partnership before her public service as Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on water and wastewater issues, then-Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Sugar Land. Twenty-three years ago, Ms. Baly founded BalyProjects in 1999 to provide public affairs, business development, and media relations services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, governments, and corporations. Additionally, she advises Governor Greg Abbott on Higher Education initiatives; serves as Vice Chair on Harris County Commissioner Court’s Women’s Commission dealing with economic development and business opportunities for women; and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, where she has taught public policy for over 15 years. Baly is a 2023 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee and was honored for her efforts and hard work in March.
Ms. Baly lectures on public policy at the University of Houston and served as a Faculty-In-Residence for the New Leadership Summer Institute at the University of Texas in Austin. She is a featured speaker at numerous conferences and summits.
Specialties: public affairs, public relations, and media relations
What interesting projects is Jacquie working on? Professionally or community-oriented?
Jacquie is currently chairing Cattle ‘s Ball in Houston, the American Cancer Society’s premier event. Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball and Dallas Cattle Baron’s Ball are the two most significant events for the American Cancer Society in the COUNTRY. Jacquie is the first Black person to chair this event.
Description of the Ball
The American Cancer Society’s iconic Cattle Baron’s Ball, a western-themed gala founded 50 years ago in Dallas, TX, thrives in 27 different cities across America that will collectively raise over $17 Million this year towards the ongoing pursuit of a cure for cancer. For the last 36 years, Houstonians and beyond have gathered for our Texas-sized ball to enjoy entertainment from top country artists, the night of event fun from gaming to pig races, and, most importantly, lifesaving mission moments. We invite you to learn more about how to get involved by reading below!
American Cancer Society’s mission
OUR MISSION
The American Cancer Society’s Mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, ensuring everyone can prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. In 2022 alone, your local American Cancer Society raised just under $6 million through the Houston Cattle Baron’s Ball, other local events, individual giving, and corporate initiatives. Still, we are investing over $25,720,000 back into the Houston community – almost 4X what is being raised locally.
$24.1 million is currently invested in innovative, Houston-based cancer research
$1.14 million annual investment in operating funds for the Houston Hope Lodge to provide a home away from home for those traveling to Houston for lifesaving cancer treatment
$320,000 in Local Prevention and Early Detection Grants to help address health disparities with cancer screenings, HPV vaccinations, and access to quality care
$155,000 invested in community transportation grants providing
Cattle Baron’s Ball Date September 9th
website https://cattlebaronsball.org/#leadership
You mentioned you were working on your Doctorate, Are any particular goals associated with the degree?
Getting my Doctorate is a personal goal. As a single mom who was/is financially responsible for my two sons (I recently remarried). I launched them properly before pursuing my personal goal of attaining my Doctorate. I applied to USC and was accepted. My doctorate will be in Public Policy and Higher Education Leadership. As an Adjunct Professor at UHD for over 15 years, I am interested in African American graduation rates and measures are taken into consideration to improve those numbers. My Dissertation will focus on this.
Given all that’s happened with you in your personal life over the last couple of years, how would you describe your new life goals as a woman in her 50s doing a lot of new things?
Not necessarily new life goals but life goals I am focused on and will make sure happens
1. Make a more significant positive impact in my community through my philanthropic work and community service.
2. Continue to be a shining and positive light to which my sons and Hubby are proud and admire.
3. Continue to mentor young men and women in their professional journeys
4. Continue to mentor young immigrants on their American journey
It was so great to reconnect. One last question – how can our readers connect with you, learn more or support you?
I already gave the website to Cattle Baron’s Ball. We would appreciate it if they can donate, no matter how small. Purchase tickets and attend. Our theme is Rhinestone Rodeo, our Community Honorees are Elsie Eckert, Judi McGee, Sidney Faust, and Scott Basinger. Our Medical Honoree is Dr. Susan Blaney, Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center. Pat Green is our entertainment Opener, and Entertainment Headliner is Midland.
2. Another new Board I’m on is the Harris County Women’s Commission. https://hcwc.harriscountytx.gov/
I was appointed and unanimously approved by Harris County Commissioners Court to serve on this Board and was elected Vice Chair by my Colleagues.
Purpose: The Harris County Women’s Commission (“Commission”) is to serve as an advisory body to the Commissioners Court. The Commission will conduct research, produce reports, engage with the community, and make recommendations to Commissioners Court related to economic opportunities and health outcomes of women, of all races and ethnicities, and income levels, in Harris County.
Activities:
Each year, the Commission shall focus on at least one issue relating to the economic opportunities and development for women, which may include: childcare infrastructure and its effect on women in the workforce, pay equity, equal access to advancement and promotion in the workplace, workplace discrimination, family-friendly workplace policies, and other relevant issue areas.
Each year, the Commission shall focus on at least one issue relating to the health outcomes for women, which may include: access to affordable and quality healthcare, maternal morbidity rates, menstrual policy equity, abortion access, gender-based violence, healthcare access, health insurance, and other relevant issue areas.
The Commission shall participate in community engagement at least once yearly through volunteerism, conducting and publishing surveys or public reports, and hosting community events and town halls.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.BalyProjects.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jacqueline.Baly.Chaumette
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-baly-2b11501/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JacquieBaly
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQnU1jvDJAQo9vCtKq6JHUA
