Chris L. Chambers, is native west Texan. He moved to Lubbock in 1993 to attend Texas Tech and has been here since. Chris started working in the construction industry as a consulting engineer in 1994. He transitioned to an Owner of Chambers Engineering, LLC in 2002. Chris is the father of twin college freshmen (Kaden and Kyrie) that are currently attending South Plains College. He is member at New Dimensions Tabernacle where Cory Powell is the pastor. He currently is a member of the 100 Black Men of West Texas and serving on the board of directors for the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce and the South Plains Workforce Solutions.

Qualimetra Chapman is a seasoned educator with over twenty years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media and Communications with a minor in English and a Master's Degree in Counseling, both from Texas Tech University. Since 2003, Qualimetra has dedicated her career to proactively approaching mental health with elementary students, passionately working to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families.

She serves as a school counselor for Frenship ISD, a role she has grown in since 2012. In this capacity, she provides vital support to students, helping them navigate academic, social, and emotional challenges. Before her tenure at Frenship ISD, Qualimetra spent several years teaching at Rise Academy, a charter school in East Lubbock.

Qualimetra is known for her communication skills, creative problem-solving, and collaboration ability. Her approach is characterized by thinking outside the box, always striving to create environments where all people and peers feel included and valued. Additionally, she is adept at content creation, graphic design, and producing engaging newsletters that keep organizations informed and connected.

Beyond her professional life, Qualimetra is involved in the Lubbock community. She is the first Vice President of the Lubbock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she leads initiatives in program planning and development, journalism and publication. She also serves as a board member for One Voice Home, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sex trafficking on their healing journey, and as the Vice President of the Southwest Aqua Sports booster board, where she advocates for youth sports and wellness.

A lover of game shows, Qualimetra’s quick wit and dynamic personality have led to notable appearances on television, including a family appearance on Family Feud. Her talents also earned her a spot in the final casting stages for a $100,000 Pyramid and an invitation to shoot a pilot for a virtual game show. She especially enjoys playing along with game shows from the comfort of her couch as a home contestant.

On a personal level, Qualimetra has been happily married to Duane Chapman since 2004. Together, they take great joy in raising their children and embracing the joys of grandparenthood. Whether at home with her family, engaging with her community, or working with students, Qualimetra's mission remains to affirm, inspire, and empower those around her.

Ed Espinoza is the dedicated and accomplished Manager of Public Affairs for Atmos Energy in Lubbock, TX. With a wealth of experience in the field, Ed has been excelling in this role since 2020. As the face of the company, Ed takes great pride in representing Atmos Energy in a positive light and fostering meaningful connections with the communities they serve. Collaborating closely with state, county, and city leaders, Ed plays a pivotal role in driving positive change and helping communities build a better future for all. By forging strong partnerships with various organizations and nonprofits, Ed actively contributes to making a difference and enhancing the well-being of the community. With an unwavering commitment to public service and community engagement, Ed consistently strives to create a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy. Through their exceptional leadership and dedication, Ed is instrumental in shaping a brighter future for the residents of Lubbock, TX.

Monique Garrett is a native of Sweetwater, Texas and relocated to Lubbock in 2003 to attend South Plains College then later Wayland Baptist University to attain a Bachelor’s degree. Monique has worked for Covenant Health System for 19 years and most recently as a Business Operations Manager to serve the Texas-New Mexico region. In her tenure at Covenant Health, Monique has represented the health system in many capacities including an Immersion Pilgrimage to El Salvador, Mission & Mentoring, Mission Leadership Institute, and Leadership Lubbock. She has also chaired and been a part of many councils and committees, including, the Emergency Management committee, Covenant Cares Campaign Chair, Black Caregiver Resource Group, No One Dies Alone, Leadership Academy, Leadership Formation, Leadership Excellence & Development, and the Professional Development Council.

Monique is a faithful Christian and an active member of Greater Works Church of God in Christ where she serves as the church Administrative Assistant under the leadership of Pastor Billy Moore. Monique enjoys being active in the community through volunteer work and social councils and committees. Monique serves as a board member for the Women of the 100, YWCA of Lubbock, March of Dimes, and East Lubbock Community Alliance. Of all activities and achievements, Monique’s greatest accomplishment is being a mother to her son, Braxton Garrett, and two goldendoodle babies, Coco-Chanel and Saint-Laurent. In her spare time, Monique enjoys spending time with family and friends, serving the community, attending her son’s sporting events, and traveling.

Jerry Joplin has been in ministry for over 35 years. Jerry’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Human Relations with a Minor in Bible from Hardin Simmons University and, three years later, a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development from the same college. Continuing his passion for Ministry, Jerry received a Master of Divinity and, six years later, a Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

As a Lubbock local, Jerry has been the Director of the Lubbock Area Baptist Association since 2014 and currently serves on the Boards of Lubbock Impact and Legacy Home for Women. In his free time, Jerry enjoys spending time with his wife, Karla, and three adult children.

Elizabeth L. Lara is a native West Texan who grew up in El Paso and relocated to the Permian Basin in 2011. She lived there until 2021, spent a year in South Texas and then relocated to Lubbock to accept a position at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

She is currently the Director of Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Lubbock and enjoys working with and serving those who keep the city running. Elizabeth is working toward her Public Management Certification through Texas Tech University. She holds two Master's Degrees: an MBA (University of Phoenix) and an MEd (New Mexico State University).

Elizabeth is the mother of three young adults, Desiree, Arianna and Jimmie, who settled in West Texas. She also has a fur baby named Patron and four fur grandbabies. Elizabeth is a Church on the Rock member and serves as a greeter in their Connect Ministry.

She also enjoys being physically active by attending local martial arts training and being an avid runner. Elizabeth looks forward to continuing to serve the community that she has grown to love by being an active member of an organization that assists families in their time of need.

Steven Maddux is the Senior Vice President of Finance for the UMC Health System. Steven was born and raised in Lubbock and earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Science of Accounting from Texas Tech University. He has been a CPA licensed in the state of Texas since July of 2022.

Prior to joining UMC 13 years ago, he worked for Tyler Technologies for over 9 years and Ernst & Young for around 2 years.

He is married to Jill, and together, they have a daughter, Addie, who attends Lubbock Christian School. He enjoys attending Addie’s various volleyball activities, traveling, hiking, and dove hunting, and he is an avid Texas Tech sports fan. His family is active at Live Oak Community Church.

Matt Mathias has been in the financial services industry since 2000, after graduating from West Texas A&M. Over the past 24 years, he has served in many facets of the industry, providing a wealth of knowledge he uses today to advise his clients.

Matt has been with FirstBank Southwest since 2018 after he and his family moved back from the Texas Hill Country. In that time, he has fully devoted himself to serving Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle through his involvement and leadership in many of our local non-profit organizations.

Matt is currently serving as Amarillo President and managing the commercial lending team. He specializes in commercial real estate and residential construction loans. Matt resides in Canyon with his wife and 12-year-old daughter.

Dr. Shirley M. Matteson is the Associate Dean for Research and Staff/Faculty Development and an Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for the College of Education at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Matteson, a former public-school teacher, knows the importance of community and school partnerships and embraces a servant leadership style. In her administrative role, she promotes faculty and community outreach and engagement activities within the college and across the University. Dr. Matteson has taught undergraduate mathematics and science education methods courses, numerous graduate-level courses, including introductory and intermediate qualitative research methods, and supervised advanced practicums on community-engaged scholarship.

Doug is the Senior Vice President at Amarillo Economic Development Corporation.  In this capacity, he is responsible for the administration of the Texas Panhandle Regional Development Corporation and the City of Amarillo Community Development Micro Loan Program along with playing a supporting role in the business development, recruitment, project management, and business retention and expansion program of work for the Amarillo EDC.

Prior to joining AEDC in 2011, Doug spent the previous 20 years at Panhandle Regional Planning Commission.  Doug has experience in small business lending, government contracting, economic development grant writing, and project administration. 

Doug earned his bachelor’s degree, a B.B.A. in Management, from Texas A & M University. He is a married, father of two and is involved in various community, church, youth sports, and school activities.

Graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in elementary education/phycology. Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Currently support several boards in Amarillo and Canyon. Love to volunteer with various non profit agencies. Huge fan of the arts. Voted one of the five Outstanding Women in Women of Excellence in Lubbock, Texas and Outstanding Women in Beta Sigma Phi. Graduate of Leadership Amarillo and Canyon. My favourite Bible verse is John 3:16.