C.J. Haynes

Haynes has also been a Conroe ISD Board Trustee since 2003. Her term will end in 2014.

"Being re-elected is the validation that you are doing a good job, that you are continuing to impact the people that will be making a difference in our future — our children," she said.

Haynes became involved in The Woodlands community nearly 20 years ago, when she moved from Houston with her husband, John. The two own and operate Investment Advisory Services Inc., a money management firm.

Haynes said she is rewarded by her work with the Executive Women's Alliance, a group of managerial level or higher business women who mentor girls attending Conroe High School. The group aims to increase opportunities for youth by teaching them skills such as etiquette, interviewing and opening and managing a checking account.

The students also become eligible for a college scholarship in their senior year. About 50 girls are involved in the group this year, said Tasha Smith, an assistant principal at Conroe High School. Meetings with the mentors are monthly.

"The girls look forward to C.J.," Smith said. "She is a good listener, outgoing, and is not a stranger to our young ladies. If the girls saw her every day, they would be on cloud nine."

Haynes is also passionate about her work at the Friendship Center, a nonprofit organization offering services for senior citizens age 65 and over. Resources include Meals on Wheels, transportation, dining and case management, for example.

"I have a heart for kids and senior citizens," Haynes said. "Both are groups that need advocates."

She said one of her goals is ensure that she has made a lasting difference in her community.

"I feel like most people when they go through life they want to know that they have made some sort of impact, they want to know they just did not exist," Haynes said. "I do think that it is important for me to place value on my existence here, and make the community I live in better. And some day, I can say, maybe I did make a difference."