Houston’s Best

The Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards recognizes young professionals who have excelled in the Houston business world as executives, innovators and entrepreneurs. Among the 2025 list were six leaders who are affiliated with Bauer College as alumni, students and a previous Bauer Advisory Board member.

These professionals are recognized for making an impact in their companies, communities and business industry.

Nishadi Davis

Wood Strategic Advisory Director
MBA Candidate

“I’ve truly enjoyed my time at Bauer and the Gutierrez Energy Management Institute. The real-world expertise my professors bring to the energy space has been invaluable to me as a student. Already, my experience at Bauer has strengthened my skills and made me a more effective business leader in the energy industry.”

Davis helps companies navigate the complex and fast-evolving energy landscape through strategic advisory focused on market positioning, infrastructure planning and policy-aligned growth. With a background in engineering and deep knowledge of energy systems, she supports clients in developing resilient strategies that align with emerging market dynamics and long-term value creation.

Zainub Noor

Halliburton Low Carbon Solutions Senior Director
Bauer Advisory Board (2021 – 2024)

“One of my most meaningful memories at the University of Houston was working with its vibrant international community. Bauer College fosters a community that brings together students from across the globe, each contributing unique cultural and professional perspectives.

The conversations we had about energy, business and global challenges were not only academic, but they were also deeply enriching... It shaped the way I approach collaboration today, with curiosity, openness and a commitment to connecting people and ideas to move both energy and education forward.”

Noor is the Senior Director of Low Carbon Solutions, where she leads strategies to accelerate the adoption of technologies that reduce emissions and enable a cleaner energy future. She works across the energy value chain to identify, evaluate, and deploy innovative solutions that balance energy security, affordability, and reliability while minimizing environmental impact.

Patrick Rumph

Legacy Community Health Clinical Operations Director
Executive DBA Candidate

“I chose Bauer’s Executive DBA Program at the University of Houston for its renowned research excellence and deep community connection. Through the program, I want to strengthen my research-driven decision-making and become a thought leader in strategic management, mentoring and leadership development.

I’m inspired by the faculty’s commitment to education. I see this as an opportunity to broaden my influence and build a network of leaders dedicated to improving Houston for future generations.”

Rumph is a seasoned healthcare executive and community advocate, currently serving as a Clinical Operations Director at Legacy Community Health, where he manages operations and reporting for two clinics with a combined million-dollar operational budget. His leadership has been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and patient-centered care.

Julie Tran

Norton Rose Fulbright Chief People and Development Officer
BBA Marketing and Management (‘07)

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the relationships I developed at Bauer.

One of my favorite professors taught a pricing elective where he made learning engaging through role-play and the Socratic method. He also took a personal interest in his students’ success and remained a trusted advisor for me years after graduation. I’ll never forget his greatest piece of advice, ‘Julie, you have a lot of integrity — never stop living with it.’ That encouragement has shaped how I lead and reinforced my commitment to always doing the right thing.

I am also grateful for a management classmate who connected me to an internship in law firm recruiting. Nearly 20 years later, that introduction has grown into a fulfilling career in legal talent and development. It’s incredible to reflect on how much of my professional journey began with these special Bauer connections.”

Tran serves as Chief People and Development Officer for Norton Rose Fulbright in the United States, bringing nearly 20 years of strategic talent leadership and change management experience in global law firms. She leads a team of 85 professionals in supporting more than 1,800 lawyers and business services professionals nationwide.

Maryellen Bumbera (BBA ‘08)

PCL Construction Procurement Manager

Lidiya Deane (MBA Finance)

Stout Valuation Advisory and Transaction Opinions Director