Marian Davenport ’75 has always volunteered, even when she was the single mother of two and working in high-profile positions in the corporate energy world. About a year ago, she decided to become more involved with nonprofit organizations, left the energy business, and became president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston.

“The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission of one-to-one mentoring to children was compelling to me. Having a significant, caring adult in your life other than a parent can hugely benefit a child,” she says.

She now heads an organization with a $2.2 million budget that serves 1,600 children in the Houston area. The program seeks to match promising children who can benefit from one-on-one attention provided by an adult. “These are special kids in our program, and as soon as they are matched up, magical things can happen,” Davenport says. “The power that Big Brothers Big Sisters has is the ability to transform the lives of children.”

Davenport, who also holds a law degree from the University of Denver, served as in-house counsel for several energy companies before holding a variety of executive roles. She says the transition from the corporate to the nonprofit world was challenging, but was made easier by her CC experience. When she became a dorm resident advisor, the training required her to attend an Outward Bound program. “That was way outside my comfort zone, and definitely something I wouldn’t have done on my own,” she says. “I graduated with a love of learning and the courage to try new things, which have helped me throughout my career.”

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