ALEXANDRA & JEFFREY BUTT Co-Chairs
Alexandra and Jeffrey Butt inspire impactful collaboration and drive meaningful change for public education.
2025 Good reason houston
ConnectED Luncheon
ConnectED is Houston’s premier public education convening – where bold ideas and big voices come together to shape the future of our schools and our city.
On October 29, 2025, the Hilton Americas-Houston buzzed with urgency and optimism as more than 1,000 Houston leaders gathered for Good Reason Houston’s annual connectED convening. The message was clear: Houston’s future depends on ensuring every student has a path to economic mobility.
Special Guests & Speakers
DR. LATONYA GOFFNEY, Honorary Co-Chair
Dr. LaTonya Goffney is the Aldine ISD superintendent and has led the district in improving student outcomes.
PROFESSOR RAJ CHETTY Keynote Speaker
Raj Chetty is a Harvard professor and one of the world’s leading experts on economic opportunity and mobility.
Insights from Raj Chetty
Economist Raj Chetty, whose groundbreaking research on economic mobility has shaped education policy nationwide, delivered the keynote address. His message resonated throughout the ballroom: “Education is the most powerful tool we have to expand economic mobility.”
Chetty emphasized that where students grow up and the schools they attend can fundamentally change their life trajectories. His research demonstrates that high-quality education doesn’t just improve test scores—it transforms lifetime earnings, health outcomes, and opportunities for the next generation.
“Who you’re connected to, the broader environment you’re exposed to, the neighborhood you’re growing up in all contribute to economic mobility,” said Chetty.
Panel discussion
Education as an Economic Strategy
This mainstage panel brought together education, business, and civic leaders to tackle a critical question: What will it take to ensure Houston students graduate prepared not just for the next grade — but for a life of real opportunity?
Moderated by Good Reason Houston CEO Cary Wright, this conversation surfaced bold ideas, cross-sector solutions, and the urgent need for regional coordination.
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Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher
Chancellor, Houston City College -
Steve Kean
CEO, Greater Houston Partnership -
Amanda McMillian
CEO, United Way of Greater Houston -
Mike Miles
Superintendent, Houston ISD
The Data: Progress is Happening
You can catch up on all the vital discussions and encouraging data from Good Reason Houston’s connectED 2025 convening by watching the official recap!
Discover the latest progress in student achievement and hear directly from economist Raj Chetty about the link between quality education and economic mobility for Houston’s future workforce.
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