About Us

Kim de la Peña is a lifelong advocate for community, marketing, and local news.

Kim began her career in news media in her 20s, at Hearst Newspapers, she created and led the Outside Employment Department, specializing in employment marketing and community job fairs. She launched Hearst's first ever job fair.

Her success led to training staff at major metro papers, including the Houston, San Antonio Express-News, and San Francisco Chronicle, on events.

Kim was one of only two individuals across three DMA's certified to sell Yahoo! HotJobs, helping integrate one of the earliest digital job boards into print and online recruiting—earning her awards. Yahoo HotJobs then sold to Monster- Becoming the Monsterous- Job Fairs.

 Kim founded and led Job Fairs Now for 15 years, a national company specializing in job fairs, recruiting marketing, and selective recruiting. The company supported global employers—including Nabors Drilling, Schlumberger, Halliburton, and others—in meeting their hiring needs. 

She sold the business in 2023 to focus on nonprofit work with Prosperity Employment Outreach. Linking employment resources and employment networking to help individuals overcome employment barriers.

Kim also serves as Operations Director for Midland Times and continues to support Nabors Drilling and other companies with onshore and offshore recruiting services. 

Dedi Rountree is a seasoned radio professional with a career spanning over three decades in the Midland-Odessa market. 

She began her journey in broadcasting in 1995 and has since become a prominent and respected figure in the local radio industry.

Her passion for radio, strong work ethic, and commitment to serving her listeners and clients have been evident throughout her career. 

Known for building lasting relationships, Dedi has consistently demonstrated her ability to connect with the community while helping businesses grow through effective on-air marketing strategies.

In her current role as a Senior Account Executive for the West Texas Radio Group, Dedi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, working closely with clients across several stations, including:

• KQRX-FM “95X”
   
• KHKX-FM “KICKS 99.1”
   
• KMCM-FM “97 Gold”
   

The West Texas Radio Group is locally owned and operated by longtime media professional John Moesch, and continues to be a cornerstone of regional broadcasting.

Dedi’s enduring dedication to the radio industry and her community has solidified her reputation as a trusted voice and marketing expert in West Texas. 

 Elizabeth "Liz" Ford is a seasoned hospitality management professional and dedicated advocate for second-chance employment opportunities. 

As the General Manager of Homewood Suites by Hilton in Midland, Texas, Liz brings over six years of experience with the Hilton organization, where she has consistently emphasized mentorship, cultural respect, and leadership development among her staff. Her management style reflects a deep commitment to both hospitality excellence and the personal growth of her team.

Throughout her career, Liz has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences while fostering inclusive, supportive workplace environments. 

She is especially passionate about helping individuals rebuild their lives through meaningful employment opportunities. Her commitment to supporting second-chance employees—those who may be overcoming past challenges such as incarceration or addiction—reflects her belief in the transformative power of work, structure, and community support.

Beyond her professional role, Liz is married to a dedicated law enforcement officer, a connection that further informs her understanding of community dynamics, public safety, and the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration. 

Liz remains actively engaged in creating opportunities for individuals who are striving to make a fresh start, using her platform and position to open doors for those who often need it most. 

 Melissa "Mel" Mosier, SPHRi, SHRM-SCP, is a seasoned human resources and health, safety, and environment (HSE) professional with a robust background in leadership and organizational development. 

As the HR/HSE Director at BP Pump & Supply, Inc. in Odessa, Texas, Mel oversees comprehensive HR and HSE functions, ensuring compliance, safety, and employee well-being. 

In addition to her role at BP Supply, Mel serves as the President and Conference Director of the Permian Basin Society for Human Resource Management (PBSHRM) for 2025. Her areas of expertise include leadership development, employee relations, cultural effectiveness, communication, HSE compliance, business acumen, ethical practice, and strategic planning. 

Mel holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources – International (SPHRi) and the Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence. 

 She is also the host of the "Unplug with Mel" podcast and the author of "ShiFt Happens," showcasing her dedication to sharing knowledge and experiences in the HR field. 

Currently, Mel is pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Resources, further enhancing her expertise and staying abreast of evolving industry trends.  Her multifaceted career underscores her passion for fostering inclusive workplace environments and advocating for employee development and organizational success.

Angela Joiner is a seasoned banking professional with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, currently serving as Vice President of Professional Development at SouthWest Bank in Odessa, Texas. 

Since joining the bank in August 2014, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization's professional development initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning. 

In her role, Angela has been instrumental in designing and implementing training programs that align with the bank's strategic goals, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of clients and the industry. 

Her commitment to excellence and employee growth has contributed significantly to the bank's reputation for outstanding customer service and operational efficiency.

Beyond her responsibilities at SouthWest Bank, Angela is actively involved in community outreach and financial education. She has contributed to initiatives like "Money Matters," a series aimed at bringing financial literacy to a broader audience, including those who access information through audio formats. 

Angela's dedication to both her profession and community underscores her role as a leader committed to fostering growth, education, and empowerment within the banking sector and beyond.

Officer Steve Ford is a respected law enforcement professional serving with the Ector County Independent School District (ECISD) Police Department in Odessa, Texas. 

With a well-rounded background that includes both law enforcement and corporate leadership—as a former national distribution account executive for AT&T—Officer Ford brings a unique blend of professional insight, leadership, and community awareness to his role.

Throughout his career, Officer Ford has been deeply involved in youth development and community engagement. He has led initiatives such as the Junior Police Program at Ireland Elementary, which recognizes and empowers student leaders while fostering trust between students and law enforcement. 

 In addition, Officer Ford plays a central role in "Operation Blue Santa," an annual program that delivers Christmas gifts to ECISD families in need, further demonstrating his heart for service and connection to under-served communities.

Officer Ford joins the Prosperity Employment Outreach Board of Directors to bring his firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing youth and families across West Texas. His insight into community safety, youth mentorship, and second-chance opportunities aligns with 

Prosperity’s mission to remove employment barriers and empower individuals toward lasting self-sufficiency. 

His presence on the board strengthens the organization’s ability to reach at-risk populations and support positive pathways for young adults, particularly those who may face obstacles due to their backgrounds or environment.

Miranda Lauderdale is a highly skilled Administrative Vice President & Regulatory Coordinator / Production Analyst with dual expertise in regulatory coordination and production analysis within the oil and gas industry. 

With more than a decade of hands-on experience, she played a critical role in drilling site planning, regulatory compliance, and operational execution.

As a Regulatory Coordinator, Miranda managed all filings and reporting with the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), ensuring full compliance and accuracy in a highly regulated environment. 

In her role as a Production Analyst, she oversaw the interpretation and reporting of production data, contributing to the strategic planning and performance tracking of active drilling operations.

She also maintained the company’s vendor records, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), W-9s, and insurance certificates, while managing office operations, executive support, and day-to-day administrative responsibilities. 

Her attention to detail and deep understanding of field and corporate processes make her a vital asset to all teams and our nonprofit.

Miranda is also a passionate volunteer, committed to giving back to her community. She is the proud mother of two grown daughters, one grown step-son, his devoted fiancée, and a loving dog mom to two pups. Her combination of industry expertise, organizational leadership, and heart-centered service defines her professional and personal legacy.

Trisha Rangel‑Lynn blends deep oilfield industry knowledge with a strategic focus on talent acquisition and organizational development. 

With a background that includes frontline roles in field operations and a professional transformation into HR leadership, she supports employees across their entire career lifecycle—fostering workforce readiness, engagement, and safety compliance 

Her areas of expertise span:

• Employee Health, Safety & Security
•  Employee Relations & Organizational Development 
• Talent Acquisition, Leadership Coaching & Veteran Support 
• HR Technology, Data Analysis & Consultation 

Trisha also serves as the Vice President of Membership & Conference Director‑Elect for the Permian Basin SHRM chapter, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ongoing learning.

A proud Western Governors University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business & HR Management, Trisha’s remarkable journey—from oilfields to corporate HR strategy—demonstrates her resilience, adaptability, and passion for supporting people at every level.

In her community, she is known as a dedicated mentor and volunteer, actively participating in initiatives that empower underrepresented professionals. Trisha lives in Midland, Texas, and embraces each day with a spirit of service, leadership, and personal growth.

Melissa Knott is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, with a strong focus on creating inclusive opportunities for those on the autism spectrum and others navigating developmental, cognitive, or physical challenges. 

Her work is grounded in both personal experience and years of active involvement in support networks, educational programming, and community inclusion initiatives.

Melissa brings a deep understanding of the barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals and is committed to reshaping what employment can look like for people with disabilities. 

She has been instrumental in advocating for access, visibility, and vocational readiness in schools, nonprofits, and regional advocacy groups across West Texas.

In 2025, Melissa joined the Board of Directors for Prosperity Employment Outreach, where she will lead the development of a new Disability Employment Program—focused on removing stigma, building employer partnerships, and ensuring that every individual, regardless of ability, has a path to meaningful, supported work.

Her voice is thoughtful, informed, and deeply compassionate. She is a powerful addition to the Prosperity team and a driving force behind more inclusive workforce solutions in the Permian Basin.

Rhonda Carlson is the passionate Volunteer Coordinator for Prosperity Employment Outreach, based in her hometown of Midland, Texas. 

With years of hands-on experience rallying community members around local causes, Rhonda has a special talent for matching volunteers with meaningful service opportunities that drive impact and foster connection.

Her warm, empathetic approach and thoughtful organization have helped build a reliable network of advocates, mentors, and supporters—ensuring that every program runs smoothly and every participant feels valued. 

Rhonda thrives at training teams, coordinating schedules, and providing on-the-ground leadership during events and service projects.

A natural connector, she understands that behind every successful program are volunteers who feel heard, supported, and inspired. Her work fuels Prosperity’s mission by amplifying its capacity to serve those overcoming employment barriers, one volunteer at a time.

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Jess Lujan is a dedicated Certified Public Accountant serving as the financial lead at Thriving United. 

With a keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to ethical stewardship, she oversees financial planning, budgeting, and compliance to ensure the organization’s programs continue to empower vulnerable populations.

In her role, Jess manages complex reporting, audit preparation, and financial strategy, helping drive Thriving United’s mission to foster recovery and community resilience. 

Her leadership ensures transparency and prudence in every dollar handled, maximizing impact and trust within the communities they serve.

Passionate about community wellness, Jess also volunteers with local nonprofits, offering financial literacy workshops and mentorship to young professionals pursuing careers in accounting and nonprofit management.