Patra Brannon-Isaac
Lecturer in Communication
Patra Brannon-Isaac has a passion for entrepreneurship and has used her business skills in unconventional spaces to launch several initiatives and personal ventures.
Most recently, Patra launched Leadership ISD in Houston, an advocacy and civic capacity building nonprofit focused on informing and connecting diverse citizens to shape policy, lead strategically, and champion change towards more equity in public education. The organization actively trains and engages business and community leaders living within Harris County’s 24 school districts serving over 1 million students.
Previously, Patra served as General Manager Talent Acquisition for HISD where she launched a groundbreaking teacher pipeline partnership with the University of Houston, benefitting approximately 100 high school students with free tuition and program supports to study urban education and return to HISD’s most disadvantaged communities as teachers. In addition to launching community based ventures and volunteering her time with several organizations focused on education and economic empowerment, Patra is also the owner of My- Handler, a personal concierge and executive assistant service supporting small business owners and working professionals. Her business was fortunate to have been selected among other small business owners across Houston as a preferred provider of services for Super Bowl LI in Houston in 2017.
Patra earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Iowa State University, and an MBA from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. She has worked for notable companies including ExxonMobil, BMC Software, Wells Fargo, Merck & Co and Coca-Cola and currently serves on the boards of the Houston chapter of National Black MBA Association, and Rice University’s Business School Alumni Association. She is the recipient of the Rice University Black Business Student Association Emerging Leader Award and is a 2017 award finalist for the Center for Houston’s Future Impact Award. Patra resides in Pearland, TX with her husband.