Executive Director
Jennifer Johnson
Executive Director
Jennifer first became passionate about this issue of the inaccessibility of early childhood care after seeing its tragic effects during her time as an ad litem attorney in CPS court. Witnessing these cases prompted her to initiate meetings with over 70 child care and welfare services leaders in and around Houston that she might better understand the problem and find a solution. Jennifer is married and a mother of 3 children. Within her church she regularly serves in children’s ministry as a 2nd grade Sunday School teacher. She loves Houston, a place she’s lived in 10 years, and is passionate about sharing the Gospel with those who do not know Christ.
Education: Texas A&M University, BBA in Management; Texas Tech, JD
Board of Directors
Margaret Henry
President
After a successful career in Advertising and Marketing, Margaret decided to utilize her formal education in early childhood development and communications to help underprivileged children. She became involved with Project One Day from it’s inception, both with her time and finances. Margaret is married and a mother of 3 boys, and involves them in her passion for the organization. Her oldest son completed his Eagle Scout project for POD and serves as a handy man. She has lived in Houston for more than 20 years, and believes that God placed her on this earth to share the love of Jesus Christ with others – wherever that may be.
Education: University of Texas, BS in Education & Communications
Wendy Badgwell, MD, FAAP
Vice President
Dr. Badgwell has 17 years of experience in pediatrics practicing in Ohio, Arkansas and Texas in hospitals and office settings. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Currently, she practices at VIP Pediatrics in Houston. Dr. Badgwells’s passion for Project One Day is rooted in her desire to educate and equip both parents and children, alike. She is a mother of 3 herself and actively involved in her church community where she serves as a dedicated 1st grade teacher.
Education: Texas A&M Medical School, MD; Residency at Ohio State
Evelyn Smith, SPHR
Secretary, Human Resources Director
Evelyn is a Human Resources leader with over 30 years of experience leading energy, consumer product, and non-profit organizations. She was a staff recruiter for Star of Hope Mission for eight years. Prior to this she was the onboarding and benefits coordinator for Antioch Partners, a missions organization. The bulk of her career, however, was spent as the Human Resource Director for United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. Evelyn first learned about Project One Day through her church, First Presbyterian where she is an active member who serves in leadership.
Education: Texas A&M University, BA, Political Science and History; Houston Christian University, MA, Human Resources
Benigna Cortés Leiss
Director of Fundraising
Benigna Cortés Leiss is the former general director of Chevron Energía de México. Before her retirement in 2017, she held numerous leadership positions during a more than 20-year tenure with Chevron and its predecessor companies. She was an active participant in the design of Mexico’s energy reform. Jointly with other industry colleagues, she identified the need to formalize their association to be more productive in providing feedback to the government and related agencies. Benigna first became introduced to Project One Day at her church, Houston’s First Presbyterian (FPC). There, she served as a POD’s navigator in Project Flourish, a faith-based competition for ideas to improve the city.
Education: Universidad de Chile, BS in Economics; University of Surrey in Guildford, England, MA in International Economics