Nonprofit Organization

Poppi Z Melera
President

Poppi Z Melera’s background is geologically varied, professionally diverse, and filled with moments of both crisis and conviction—factors all leading to the creation of her entertaining and energizing self-help manual Psychological Warfare: The Power of Mental Strength and the Formula for Victory. With nearly two decades of corporate experience under her belt, Poppi turned her attention to aggregating the lessons she learned into an engaging, accessible manual.

Poppi is the founder and managing partner of The Z Firm, an oil and gas recruiting and staffing firm that specializes in the permanent placement of professionals in various sectors of the energy business. Prior to founding her own business, Poppi worked in energy operations spanning multiple commodities including natural gas, power, coal, and petroleum products. Her operational expertise was developed working at a combination of energy companies as a result, she has a strong understanding of the nuances of corporate culture, as well as significant psychological insight into conflict management and resolution, and often draws on these strengths in her writing.

Poppi holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and a minor in Marketing from the University of Houston. She is an active supporter of several professional organizations and charities serving women in business, military and veterans, and youth advocacy.

John M. Wartes
CFO

John M. Wartes graduated with a BBA in Finance from The University of Texas in 1994. Immediately after graduation, John aggressively began interviewing with several well-known organizations including Anderson Consulting, AT&T, Hallmark, and Enron, of which he received offers from all four. John accepted the rotational trading program offer at Enron, where he began in Risk Controls and was quickly moved into a trading role as a Real Time Power Trader. John went on to have a successful Power Trading career at Williams in Houston and London, as Director European Power Trading, where he opened their London office, Oxy in Houston as Manager of Power Trading, Ritchie Capital in Chicago as a Financial Trader, Ronin Capital in Chicago as a Proprietary Trader and The Scoular Company in Kansas City as Manager Fuel Trading, where he built out an Ethanol desk from scratch. In 2009, John was recruited by IVG Energy in Houston, as an Energy Broker to help build out an Ethanol desk where he has been for the last nine years.

Stephanie M. Baker
Chief Development Officer

Stephanie M. Baker is the Marketing Manager for the Greater-Houston region of one of the world’s foremost forensic engineering and consulting firms. Prior to her current role which focuses on marketing and business development, Stephanie began her career in the education not-for-profit space. During her tenure in not-for-profit work, she gained a better understanding of grant management and operational transparency, as well as developing a heart for helping others.

In 2011, Stephanie was introduced to the recruiting and business development industry where she was charged with recruiting and building community relations as the Director of Recruiting for a Houston-based financial services firm. From there, Stephanie continued to grow her network by leading recruitment efforts in the energy trade industry, focusing on professionals in front, middle, and back offices roles.

Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Creative Writing with a minor in Advertising from the University of Houston. Stephanie is a member of the board of Houston Young Professionals, and actively participates in Houston Young Professionals for the Arts, Young Professionals in Energy, and the Menil Contemporaries. Additionally, she is involved with Houston Habitat for Humanity— providing energy-efficient homes to Houston’s lower income communities, The Beacon – providing essential next-step services to restore hope and help end homelessness in Houston, as well as a sponsor and supporter of Night Court – Houston’s All Lawyer Charity, and the Tahirih Justice Center which through direct services, policy advocacy, and training and education, protects immigrant women and girls, and promotes a world where women and girls enjoy equality, live in safety and dignity.
Contact

Heidi Braun
executive director

Heidi Braun is a certified Physician Assistant (PA) who works with geriatric and spinal cord injury veterans to keep them healthy and living their best lives. Heidi understands the importance of caring for others in all stages of life and giving back to the community, which has led her to actively mentor upcoming professionals.

Heidi has a unique multi-career background. She started her career in restaurants in 1995 where she ultimately became a corporate trainer for an international restaurant chain. In 2003, a rare opportunity to switch careers presented itself and she successfully transitioned to the energy industry where she held multiple roles working in strategic planning, long-term marketing, and regulatory compliance for a natural gas pipeline.

In 2011, Heidi’s passion for serving others drove her to seek a career in the medical field. While continuing to work at the pipeline, she began working part-time as a nerve conduction studies technologist and EMT while simultaneously attending night school to complete prerequisites to enter a PA program. In 2014, she began her training to become a PA and upon graduation, entered a one-year post-graduate PA residency program in geriatrics offered by the Baylor College of Medicine and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where she continues to work today.

Heidi holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a minor in Marketing from the University of Houston. Additionally, she holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She serves as a mentor for pre-PA students and preceptor for current PA students, and is an active supporter of several professional medical groups.