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Leondria Thompson

Leondria R. Thompson is the Founder, Chairwoman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce (TCRBCC); established in Texas on February 11, 2005.

The mission of Tri-County Regional Black Chamber of Commerce “is to acquire and disseminate valuable business information, resources and tools, for Member Firms to achieve Entrepreneurial Parity and Economic Prosperity in the Regional and International.”

Under Leondria’s leadership, TCRBCC has expanded its chamber level services to meet the business needs of small and medium underserved businesses in nine (9) counties in the Southern District of Texas.  Leondria’s business background is incorporated within the Chamber service programs offered to small and medium businesses in the United States of America and International.

Leondria has organized and coordinated over 50 successful international trade missions since 2003, to Jamaica, Belize and Haiti.  Her career focus is to seek international partnerships for economic empowerment in Central America, South America, Caribbean, and Africa.

Leondria was appointed Special Trade Envoy by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize in 2009; to strengthen trade ties and promote foreign direct investments between Belize and the U.S.

Leondria has served on three (3) Houston Mayors’ Department of International Trade & Affairs Committee since 2006.   In 2015, Leondria was Chair Elect of Central & South Americas and Caribbean under former Mayor Annise Parker.

A native Houstonian, Leondria is currently active in promoting Houston and TCRBCC throughout the Americas, Caribbean and Africa.

Statement of Interest

I am running for a Board position because I have gained worthwhile knowledge, connections, and influence, over the last 15 plus years in the international arena to be an asset for the mission and work of Sister Cities International.

I was introduced to Sister Cities International in 2003, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Houston Commercial Center, when I was asked by a supporting organization to coordinate a trade mission to Jamaica.

Since then, I have followed the work of Sister Cities International, and desired to be involved with the Sister City Program.  On several occasions I attempted to apply for a Sister City Coordinator.  I was informed there were no opening in my area at the time, so I continued to work in connecting Cities here in Texas with Cities in Belize.

I look forward to serving with the Members of the Board of Directors of Sister Cities International.

Skills and Assets

  1. Understanding of Board Procedures and Commitments
  2. Understanding of International Protocols
  3. Understanding of Government Relations
  4. Worked 15 years in the International Arena with the Private Sector & Member of the Mayors of Houston International Affairs Committees
  5. Coordinated International City to Local City Working/Trade Arrangements
  6. Working with Elected Officials in International Invitations/Protocols
  7. Strategic Partnerships with U.S. International Trade Administration