Meet Martesha Haynes-Lagard | CEO/Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martesha Haynes-Lagard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martesha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
“TEXAS SIZE IMPACT”- Martesha Haynes-Lagard ” An Employee in the Aldine Independent School District, an Austin, Texas native, and Martesha Haynes-Lagard is also the CEO/founder of the Houston-based Social Good In Action Incorporated. Martesha grew up with a family that gave to anyone and everyone in the neighborhood. Her grandmother, and grandfather (Winnie & Robert Haynes) grew their own vegetables and cooked a massive amount of food, and fed all the kids in the neighborhood, and those that attended the same school as did. I will always cherish them in my heart forever, because they are the reason why I am the person I am today. My mother, Sheila Mims, and family continue to do the same thing by keeping their legacy alive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“TEXAS SIZE IMPACT”- Martesha Haynes-Lagard ” An Employee in the Aldine Independent School District, an Austin, Texas native, and Martesha Haynes-Lagard is also the CEO/founder of the Houston-based Social Good In Action Incorporated.

A 501c3 non-profit organization that was established in 2009, Social Good In Action, Inc (or SGIA) is an up-and-coming community-based establishment in which it boasts the primary vision of being dedicated to connecting with issues within the community, world and various causes that are in need of more notice than others. You may have seen, read, or heard her awesome stories, via television news, radio, and magazines.

Haynes is on the front-line of service deliveries all across Houston, her efforts in helping hundreds of families get rescued while working with Coast Guard rescue teams and the Houston Police Department. Afterward, she has continuously volunteered in several capacities and countless hours assisting families with needs including the seniors and homeless, still to this day Martesha continues to deliver much-needed support, clothing, hygiene items, food and supplies with the Houston Food Bank directly to our communities!

We want to ensure that her efforts go unnoticed. She’s received many awards/certificates from the city of Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner and 18th Congressional District Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, the U.S. House of Representatives from Congressman Ted Poe, a Certificate signed by President Barack Obama and Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee…etc.

Make no mistake, upon crossing paths with Martesha C. Haynes-Lagard for the very first time, amongst the lasting impressions one would grasp is that she is undoubtedly a woman with a vision.

A notable vision.

An exceptional vision.

It’s a life-enhancing, extraordinary vision, one that gives her an immeasurable track record as an educational professional and figure to change lives.
One person at a time, regardless of their race, creed, or color.
In 2016, Martesha also took the lead in 100,000 cases for the Flint, Michigan project, along with Mr. OVIDE DUNCANTELL, founder of the country’s first Martin Luther King Jr. parade in 1978 and the Black Heritage Society, and ended up collecting over 100,000 bottles instead. A few of the drop-off locations were at Rusk Elementary School and Sonrise Community Church.

In 2017, Haynes birthed “A Vision Into Reality” Empowering women from all walks of life to participate in a mass photo shoot across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women, men, families, and communities. She honors our Congressional leaders, judges, police officers, pastors, organizations, artists, chefs, community activists, filmmakers, writers, women, and brands who inspire women to be inspired. Haynes continues to build the world she wishes to see, one piece at a time. Her vision continues to grow each year with the addition of adding men to her program. The more of us who participate, the greater the impact.

“People and children in this world go through a lot, and sometimes they need a little encouragement or inspiration to keep pushing forward,” Haynes said with such motivation and optimism.
That, after all, is no secret.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I really don’t have any favorite spots because I spend so much time giving back.

What are some more of your accolades?

August 14, 2022- Harris County MUD District # 304 Back To School Barber Bash Award

December 18, 2021 6th Annual Christmas “Surprise Home Visits” Drive-through Holiday Experience Award

November 12, 2021 2nd Annual Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

November 21, 2020 Support and Distribution of Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes Award

October 28, 2018 the GWW Bridging the Gap Community Leaders advocate 2018 honoree Award

August 2, 2014 Feeding and Clothing The Less Fortunate Award

October 1, 2019 Sunnyside Original National Night Out Award

July 17, 2021 Help & Hope Blessing the Homeless Award

March 30, 2019 Community Leadership Award

December 29, 2020 Service To The Community Award

July 20, 2019 Men & Women of Empowerment Day Award

July 9, 2022 Back To School Donation Drive Award

October 16, 2021 George Floyd Community Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Award

August 6, 2022 Community Food and School Supply Distribution Award

On July 20, 2019 Martesha C. Haynes Day was proclaimed by the City of Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner Proclamation

On October 15, 2022 At “I’m The Biggest Boss Conference” awarded the Global Humanitarian Award

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize my entire team (my husband Rodney Lagard, Executive Director, Freddie Jackson, Board members Tracey Griffin, Ereka Holmes, Barbie Smith, and Michael Garrett.

Website: https://www.socialgoodinaction.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialgoodinaction/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/socical-good-in-action-inc-0216711b5/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/socialgoodinact

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialgoodinactionhtx

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdzL3Cy8FPbTVFDhNAE4euw

Other: http://voyagehouston.com/interview/meet-martesha-haynes-social-good-action-inc-north-part-houston/ https://canvasrebel.com/meet-martesha-haynes-lagard/ https://myhoustonmajic.com/3294988/black-history-month-martesha-c-haynes/ https://www.click2houston.com/news/2018/05/01/volunteers-help-thousands-by-distributing-free-supplies-at-hurricane-harvey-relief-drive/

Image Credits
Image Credits Martesha Haynes-Lagard founder of Social Good in Action, Inc. -Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee -Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner -HCSO – Harris County Sheriff’s Department- HPD – Houston Police Department