Meet Our Board
Kimberley Barnes-Henson
Chair of the Board of Directors
Kimberley Barnes-Henson, Broker/Owner of KBH Signature Realty Group and President of the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers, has over 25 years of experience. Known for her motto "Everything I Touch Turns to Sold," she has earned awards like the 2022 Emerging Leaders Award and 2021 National Realtist of the Year. Kimberley is a mentor, advocate for affordable housing, and holds multiple real estate certifications.
Mark D. Sonnier
Attorney
Mark D. Sonnier is a Houston-based attorney and real estate professional. He founded MDS Law, PLLC in 2019, specializing in real estate, estate planning, probate, and civil litigation. With a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law and a Bachelor’s in Public Affairs from Texas Southern University, he has over two decades of real estate experience. Mark also teaches real estate courses as an adjunct professor at Houston Community College and has been a licensed Texas Real Estate Salesperson for over 25 years.
Dr. Juan Zane Crawford
Real Estate Department Professor
Dr. Juan Crawford is a dynamic leader in workforce education. As Department Chair, he oversees five programs and has significantly impacted the field through his innovative teaching methods and curriculum development. Dr. Crawford's dedication to student success and his expertise in program management have led to significant improvements in the programs he oversees. His contributions positively influence the entire college.
Shannon Higgins
Secretary
Shannon Higgins has been a Real Estate Professional for 13 years. She served on the board as Secretary of the Houston Black Real Estate Association for 4 years and Secretary of the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers for 2 years. Besides secretary of the CDC, she currently serves on the Board of the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers (TAREB) and serves as the HBREA Faith Based Committee Chair. She received several HBREA awards and was chosen as the NAREB and TAREB Realtist of the Year in 2023. She is passionate about making sure those in BIPOC Communities get the education and assistance they need and not be left behind.
Marla Lewis
Vice Chair of the Board
Marla Lewis is Broker/Owner of Entourage Real Estate LLC. With over 20 years in the industry, she is an active leader in the real estate community. She has served as the President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association and currently holds the position of 1st Vice President of the Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers. Her Designations, Affiliations & Awards include the following: National Association of Real Estate Brokers, National Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Houston Black Real Estate Association, Houston Association of Realtors Next Gen Realtor. "Homeownership is the foundation on which families, communities, and businesses thrive. While personal success is rewarding, it is the opportunity to help others achieve their dreams that truly fulfills me. That’s why I’m so passionate about real estate."
