Houston Investor Spotlight: Staci LaToison, Former Longtime Chevron Exec and Her Journey to Women Leadership & Financial Empowerment

We interviewed Staci LaToison, founding Partner of Dream Big Ventures, and venture capitalist leader in innovation and strategy. Staci leverages her 22-year energy industry experience with Chevron, which includes expatriate assignments in China and Angola. This experience has enabled her to shape and influence energy transition goals and fuel her passion for empowering others. Read more and connect with Staci via her website here.

What have been some of the best career highlights in your journey as an investor?

Leaving my corporate job and embarking on my career in entrepreneurship and investing has taken me places I never dreamed possible. The people I have connected with are absolutely incredible and I can’t say enough about the culture we have built at Dream Big Ventures, supporting women entrepreneurs; we have assembled the most amazing Dream Team who is just as passionate about our mission to level the playing field.

In just one year, I was afforded the unique opportunity to visit the NYSE, NASDAQ, White House, and speak at SXSW, PGA of America and Women in Tech Texas. I contributed to articles in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and GoBanking and was featured in the Hispanic Executive, Houston City Bookand Houston Luxury magazine. I literally pinch myself everyday with gratitude for the doors that have opened in the last year. 

Yet, the most rewarding aspect has been witnessing the tangible impact on other people’s lives. A poignant moment was when a woman shared how my words inspired her to leap into a more fulfilling career, leading her to earn 50% more and purchase her first home. These stories fuel my drive and commitment. 

And the best part is my 11-year-old daughter Sofia being a part of this journey with me. She’s a regular at pitch competitions and speaking engagements I have participated in at Rice University, and she brushes shoulders with all the incredible Her Money Moves Podcast guests.

For career day at school, she dressed up like me and I received a text from my nephew saying that he hopes my niece turns out to be just like me one day! Those are the best compliments EVER! It is so important for our kids to have role models in the community who generally care and are taking action to uplift others and see a community that thrives. My journey in investing and entrepreneurship is about more than just financial success; it's about creating a legacy of empowerment and community betterment. 

NYSE Inspiring FinTech Females: connect, empower and promote women in FinTech

You have a new podcast, congratulations on the recent launch! The focus of your work is an inspiring way to story tell for women. Please share more about why you decided to do that.

Thank you, Her Money Moves is a project that fills me with immense pride! There’s no other podcast out there like it. It truly stands out in the landscape of storytelling, specifically designed to amplify the voices of women who are not just trailblazers in their fields but are also willing to share the wealth of their knowledge in an engaging and accessible manner. 

What sets this podcast apart is its groundbreaking journey into the heart of female entrepreneurship, financial independence, and the power of dreaming bigger. Each episode is designed to inspire, educate, and empower women across the globe to make bold, informed financial decisions and to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence.

Featuring a spectrum of extraordinary women, from a bestselling author who transformed her startup into a billion-dollar enterprise, to venture capitalists orchestrating $100 million fundraises, and a trailblazing Director at NASDAQ. Our podcast illuminates the paths of women who shape the boards of Fortune 100 companies, innovate in beauty, film, winemaking, and sustainability, and pioneer investments in FemTechand healthcare.

With insights from a Columbia Law professor deeply vested in women's health ventures, to a Harvard lecturer guiding the world's most influential family offices, "Her Money Moves" is dedicated to broadcasting these pivotal narratives. These women, who defy the conventional, offer more than inspiration—they provide a blueprint for success in realms where female voices are often unheard.

The catalyst for this podcast was a personal revelation at the HACR Latina EmpowerHer Summit, where I encountered a level of representation and inspiration that had been notably absent in my 22-year tenure at Chevron. Meeting the Vice President of PepsiCo, a Puerto Rican woman, underscored the stark contrast in representation within corporate America and lit a fire within me to amplify such empowering narratives.

Working with our podcast producers Speakerbox Media has been a joy, and their expertise has been instrumental in bringing "Her Money Moves" to life with exceptional quality.

Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business in Energy Award honoree

Though it’s still early beginnings, there been any key learnings along the way? Any highlights and challenges you could share and how can the community help you? 

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster ride, the best advice I can give is “dream bigger,” invest in yourself, surround yourself with the right people and be very strategic with your time and your money. 

I warmly invite you to join this journey by subscribing to "Her Money Moves" and helping spread the word within your networks. Your support could truly make a difference in empowering more women to unlock their potential. www.stacilatoison.com and www.dreambigventuresllc.com

What do you like to invest in? 

My investment philosophy is deeply rooted in strategy and intentionality and driven by compelling data that highlights the superior performance of companies led by women CEOs. These companies not only outperform their male-led counterparts but also exhibit a remarkable efficiency in utilizing limited funds—a reflection of women's resilience and innovative spirit, often underestimated and underfunded.

I focus on supporting women-led and underrepresented founders, understanding that access to capital remains a significant barrier. My engagement spans several key networks and ventures:

Angeles Investors: I am deeply involved as a board member and the Regional Lead for Texas and New Mexico, championing the cause of Latino entrepreneurs.

Mendoza Ventures: As an LP, I invest in sectors where innovation is critical—AI, Cybersecurity, and FinTech.

Portfolia: This unique platform allows women investors to directly support women-led startups and companies, fostering a cycle of empowerment and success.

Angeles Ventures: Here, I contribute as an LP and Advisory Board member, focusing on the most promising Latino-led startups.

Local Ecosystem Support: My commitment extends to Softeq and Urban Capital Network as an LP and advisory board member, underlining my dedication to nurturing the Houston innovation landscape.

Teneral Cellars and Wilderotter Vineyard: Investing in women-owned enterprises like this 40 acre wineryand luxury inn showcases the power of supporting women entrepreneurs while offering an exceptional venue for corporate meetings, LP retreats, getaways, and more.

Agility Bank: As an investor in this pioneering women-owned minority depository bank, I stand by the incredible achievements possible when women unite their resources and vision. 

Tell us about your 20+ years at Chevron, and how was the experience something that maybe had played into your investing experience?

My two decades at Chevron, combined with my MBA in International Business, laid the foundation for my investment journey. Serving as an expatriate in China for five years and Angola, I gained invaluable experience overseeing billion-dollar, multi-year projects across international borders. The responsibility of managing global teams and ensuring the success of complex projects, from fabrication yards in China to offshore platforms in Angola, has been a monumental part of my career.

Chevron Offshore platform in Angola 

The depth of this experience—securing international funding, engaging stakeholders, conducting risk assessments, and presenting to CEOs and high-level government officials—has been profound. I've collaborated with cross-functional teams, delved into strategic business planning and analysis, and worked alongside Chevron Tech Ventures to spearhead technological innovations that boost operational efficiency and profitability.

Balancing these responsibilities while raising two children as a single mother has only reinforced my resilience and determination. Those who doubted me only fueled my resolve. Embracing my strength and independence, I've become an unstoppable force in shaping my destiny and making impactful investment decisions.

Tell us about the Houston venture scene and what are the pros and cons of the ecosystem. 

Houston is often underestimated on the national stage, yet it's a dynamic economic force extending far beyond its renowned energy sector. The city thrives as a hub for the Texas Medical Center, biotechnology, life sciences, space exploration, manufacturing, and sports, supported by top-tier universities, community colleges, and a richly diverse population—44% Latino—fueling a robust talent pipeline.

Fireside chat at the Rice University Liu Idea Lab for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Lilie)

While tech companies find a fertile ground for customer bases here, one challenge remains: the traditional investment mindset. Despite the presence of ample capital and high-net-worth individuals, there's a hesitation to venture into alternative investments like venture capital. This tide is expected to turn as Houston celebrates more success stories, normalizing venture investments in the local ecosystem.

Another critical area for growth is in women's leadership and financial empowerment. Houston's philanthropic scene is vibrant, but there's a pressing need for more women to step into roles as CEOs, investors, and owners. Financial wellness and empowerment for women aren't just about independence; they're about survival. Many women will outlive their spouses, and understanding personal finances is crucial to navigating life's uncertainties, including the sad realities of domestic violence which is on the rise. Financial independence offers a pathway out of dangerous situations and into safety and freedom.

Houston's venture scene is poised for transformation, with the potential to lead in innovation. As we celebrate our strengths and address our challenges, the future looks promising for this dynamic city.

You’re an accomplished investor, and more recently recognized in a lot of awards from different organizations! Congratulations! Could you share more about that and what that means to you? 

If you see her, you can be her! I'm both humbled and honored by the recent recognitions. My greatest hope is that these achievements motivate other women to wholeheartedly believe that anything is possiblewhen they pursue their dreams with relentless fervor. While accolades are deeply appreciated, my true passion lies in inspiring and equipping other women with the financial acumen necessary to navigate their finances wisely and invest confidently.

Furthermore, I'm thrilled about the opportunity to contribute directly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by awarding the “Dream Big” $25k prize to the most promising Latino-led startup at this year's Rice Business Plan Competition. It's also incredibly exciting to grow our community on the Dreaming Bigger platform aiming to provide women with an entrepreneurial mindsetwith the crucial access to capital and resources required for their growth and scaling. 

Additionally, we're broadening the reach of the Her Money Moves podcast through strategic partnerships with distribution networks, amplifying our message and ensuring that our empowering voices resonate across the globe. This journey is about lifting others as we climb, ensuring that the path to financial empowerment and entrepreneurial success is accessible to all.

Speaking at the JPMorgan Chase Inclusive Growth Capital Summit at the JPM Headquarters in New York