Houston is a great city because of the people that pour into daily to make it so. From the many residents that have chosen this as the place to raise their families to those who make and uphold our laws to those who put the city on the map for forward thinking, Houston’s people are our best kept secrets. Two people contributing greatly to keeping Houston’s future bright are Vera Bumpers and Carlecia D. Wright who enhance Houston’s safety and economic growth.

Bumpers came to Houston in 1981 straight out of college after a friend asked her if she wanted to work at METRO. Initially, Bumpers’ first job in Houston was only supposed to be for short while. Well, forty years later she is still here.

Before her heart fell in love with law enforcement, her goal was to have a career in social work. She just really wanted to help people. But life worked out in that she would help people in a different capacity. Throughout her career, she held multiple positions and have advanced to be the current METRO Chief of Police. In this role, she is still following her passion of helping others and really pours into those who wear the badge as she does by making sure they are doing the job that they were called to do with professionalism and respect. “I want to make sure I have an impact on those who wear this badge,” said Chief Bumpers.

As a woman in leadership, Chief Bumpers thinks she and women in general as natural nurturers bring sensitivity to the workforce that man don’t bring. “We understand that you don’t have to be heavy handed or hard to get your point across,” said Chief Bumpers. “We look at the big picture and are not narrowed focused. And we understand it goes beyond what you see.”

What the general public might not see is that METRO PD does. The department is very similar to that of the Houston Police Department in that they go through the same training and they have the same state requirements. The real line in the sand between the two is based on jurisdiction. METRO PD makes anywhere METRO travels safe. That includes 1300 square miles, 4 counties, and 10,000 bus stops, “We go wherever METRO goes. If there is a crime committed, that is where we go,” said Chief Bumpers. On any typical day at work, one can find Chief Bumpers multitasking. Whether she is addressing some of many complaints and concerns that make it to her desk, answering countless emails or just interacting with her staff, Chief Bumpers is always communicating to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Keeping all the moving parts in line seems like a huge job but is not something too tough for Chief Bumpers to handle. However, what she finds difficult might shock you. The most difficult part of her job is the very thing she is doing with me…speaking with the media. “I don’t like the media spotlight,” said Chief Bumpers. “I am just not an out front person. I have never been.” She does admit the best part of her job is when she touches someone in a positive way. And that is the goal for all of METRO PD. They want to support the community in a positive way and make an impact. That is why you see them hosting backpack drives, speaking at schools, partnering with the Salvation Army and really giving back to the community they love to protect and serve.

Giving back into another way is Carlecia D. Wright through the Office of Business Opportunity. Like Chief Bumpers, Wright is not a native Houstonian. She moved here six years ago. Coming from the fast pace city of New York, she thought Houston was a slow pace but quickly learned that is wasn’t and it was very assertive and aggressive, especially when it came to business. “You really can come here and brand yourself and be successful in whatever industry, particularly in small business, “ said Wright.

The operation of small businesses is Wright’s specialty. As the Director of the OBO for the city, her office certifies companies and monitors diversity numbers, participation goals, and contracts. And over the years has evolved to offer businesses financial assistance through such partnerships as they have with Capital One and provide workshops on how to do business with the city. “Under Mayor Turner, there has really been a different shift with his complete community initiative. He has charged OBO with working within different communities to work on main street initiatives and to working in communities where there is a need for commercial revitalization and supporting the small business infrastructure.” In addition, her office supports entrepreneurship development and trying to connect employers to job seekers through small businesses.

During her six years in office Wright has made a lot of progress and what she is most proud of is her office focus on “transformation through transparency.” This has allowed her to be transparent about where the city stands. Since her appointment, the city has awarded over $2.5 billion to certified minority and women owned businesses. A great deal of that has been awarded to African American owned businesses and this makes her proud. Wright said, “I am proud because it really shows and demonstrates that the city is committed to the economic impact of our historically underutilized businesses.”

Chief Bumpers and Wright are just two the many who help Houston to flourish as one of the most looked at cities to model. Their work will have a lasting impact on generations to come for the good it’s doing today and will forever keep Houston’s future bright.

Share the stories of others like Bumpers and Wright with our staff by dropping us a line at editorial@stylemagazine.com.