The American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region brought together elected officials, faith leaders, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders for a collaborative discussion on strengthening disaster preparedness in Fort Bend County.

Hosted at the Red Cross Rosenberg office, Regional Chief Executive Officer Carmen Watkins and Chief Operating Officer Vondell Brown convened the gathering to emphasize the importance of partnerships in building resilient communities before disasters occur.

Leaders from across Fort Bend County were in attendance, including State Representative Ron Reynolds, Fort Bend County Attorney Bridgette Smith-Lawson, representatives from Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy’s office and County Judge Daniel Wong’s office, Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Missouri City elected officials, and additional community leaders dedicated to serving local residents.

A highlight of the event was a special presentation from State Representative Ron Reynolds, who honored Watkins with a Texas flag flown over the State Capitol. The gesture recognized her leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the Red Cross mission across the Texas Gulf Coast Region.

The gathering also included key community partners such as Bishop Kenneth Murray, Executive Director of the National Spiritual Council Coalition (NSCC), leaders from the Greater Houston Area NAACP, and representatives from faith-based and community organizations from throughout the region.

Throughout the discussion, Watkins reinforced a central message: disasters are local, and effective response begins with prepared communities working together. She encouraged attendees to continue strengthening relationships, expanding preparedness initiatives, and ensuring every neighborhood has access to resources and support before emergencies arise.

One powerful example of this collaboration is the ongoing partnership between the American Red Cross and the National Spiritual Council Coalition. Red Cross Coastal Plains Board Member Jacob Balderas and Bishop Murray highlighted the success of this effort, which has helped train and prepare more than 300 churches across the Texas Gulf Coast Region to play a role in disaster preparedness and response.

The convening reflected Watkins’ vision of uniting government agencies, faith-based organizations, nonprofit partners, and community advocates to build a more connected and resilient preparedness network. Through these partnerships, the American Red Cross continues to expand its reach and ability to serve communities in times of crisis.

As the Texas Gulf Coast Region remains vulnerable to hurricanes, flooding, severe storms, and other emergencies, collaborations like this are critical to ensuring communities are equipped to respond, recover, and support one another when it matters most.

Learn how you can help by signing up today at redcross.org/Texas. See photos from the event here.

Story by Jacob Balderas