A look back | wk25 LUNCHEON: panelist bios
ABOUT MAIDA
Maida Guillen is a born and bred Texan, growing up in the Rio Grande Valley. She spent 11 years as a stay-at-home mom raising her two sons and was active as a volunteer in her community. In 2017, she began working with KatyISD providing administrative support for several campuses. Maida harnessed her volunteering skills and community engagement when she began volunteering for the campaigns first for Judge and now County Commissioner Lesley Briones. As a trained musician, Maida is a singer and plays multiple instruments.
ABOUT CHEF LORI
Lori Pope founded Harvest Kitchen and Bakery in Katy, TX, in 2020 with a passion for bringing people together over delicious homemade meals. Starting with a small spot and just four tables, Lori’s dedication to hospitality and exceptional food has fueled the bakery’s growth into a larger space, allowing her to welcome even more guests.
Renowned for her culinary skills, Lori has been featured many times for her talent in the kitchen. What truly sets her apart is how she treats people, fostering a culture of loyalty and camaraderie among her staff that’s rare in the restaurant industry. Harvest Kitchen and Bakery isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a community where everyone feels at home.
ABOUT DR. CHRISTI
Dr. Christi Pramudji Dawe is a board-certified urologist in Houston, Texas, specializing in urogynecological health and longevity. After earning a Chemical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech, she pursued medicine at the University of Alabama and completed her urology residency at Baylor College of Medicine. In 2014, she opened her own private practice, focusing on women’s urological health and serving in leadership roles such as Chief of Urology at Memorial Hermann Memorial City and Chief of Staff at Methodist Hospital in West Houston starting January 2025.
As the founder of LifeSculpt™ by ChristiMD, Dr. Christi blends traditional medicine with cutting-edge biohacking techniques to optimize health and vitality. Through hormone recalibration, sexual health improvement, metabolic enhancement, and skin rejuvenation, she empowers clients to reclaim confidence and achieve their wellness goals, transforming the narrative around aging.
ABOUT FARRAH
Farrah Cauley founded Sonoma Wine & Cheese at just 28 years old, turning her dream into reality with determination and courage. Starting with a single wine bar on Richmond Avenue, financed with a loan from her mom for the first wine deliveries, Sonoma has grown over 18 years into multiple locations. Its mission remains steadfast: to showcase boutique wines from small, family-owned wineries worldwide.
Farrah’s hands-on approach and wealth of experience in restaurants, wine shops, and nightclubs across Maui, Florida, and Houston have shaped Sonoma into one of Houston’s premier wine destinations. She attributes her success to her husband, Thomas Cauley, and her talented team, many of whom have risen to prominence in the wine industry. Each Sonoma location reflects her passion for creating elegant, welcoming spaces while giving back to local schools and nonprofits in Houston and Katy. Farrah’s vision has transformed Sonoma into more than just a wine bar—it’s a cherished community experience.
ABOUT LARA
Lara Mautz is a registered nurse and the Executive Director of Christ Clinic, where she has spent over a decade ensuring access to healthcare for those in need. She joined the organization as Clinic Manager in 2012 and transitioned to Executive Director in 2017. In this role, Lara has guided Christ Clinic through numerous challenges, ensuring it remains a vital safety-net healthcare provider for vulnerable individuals and the broader community.
Overcoming the unique difficulties of running a nonprofit, Lara’s leadership has strengthened Christ Clinic’s ability to adapt to ever-changing needs. Her dedication to compassionate care and innovation has solidified its reputation as a trusted resource, making a profound impact on the lives of countless patients and their families.
ABOUT LILAC
Lilac Kennedy is a Registered Behavioral Technician at Action Behavioral Centers, where she provides behavioral support to individuals with special needs. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas (UNT), building on her Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). In addition to her professional and academic achievements, Lilac is committed to serving her community through volunteer work with homeschool sports programs, church camps, and various other initiatives. Her passion for both her career and education demonstrates her dedication to positively impacting others' lives.
ABOUT WOMEN OF KATY
The Women of Katy Program is committed to empowering all women in the Katy community through a series of quarterly events focused on business and personal development. Our mission is to offer resources and opportunities for women at various stages of their lives—whether they are seeking to change careers, advance in their current roles, start a new business, or embark on personal growth.
Our goal is to raise funds to provide sponsorships for leadership programs and other valuable opportunities that support women's advancement. By facilitating these connections and providing essential resources, we aim to help women prepare for and shape a successful and fulfilling future.
Women of Katy Visionaries and Program Leaders:
Stacy Jacobs, VP Business Development at Katy Area Chamber of Commerce
Olivia Martin, Owner, KTX Window Cleaning & Leadership Katy Alumni