Friends of HAIS

Jennifer Kapral

Executive Director, Preservation Houston

Jennifer Kapral is a nonprofit executive and civic leader with extensive experience in global education, organizational leadership, and nonprofit management. She brings 13 years of experience working in Houston’s K–12 education system, with a focus on internationally oriented curriculum development, cross-cultural learning, and global exchange, plus 8 years of nonprofit management experience. 

Her global education work includes participation in a Fulbright-Hays seminar in Egypt focused on curriculum development, as well as professional travel to China and Japan centered on both in-person and virtual exchange models. In addition to her education background, Jennifer has senior nonprofit leadership experience, with expertise in strategic planning, governance, fundraising, and organizational management across education, arts and culture, and historic preservation organizations.

Jennifer is deeply committed to advancing global engagement, educational access, and institutional sustainability, and she brings a thoughtful, collaborative, and mission-driven approach to board service.

Dr. Brenda Rangel

Assistant Dean, Rice University- Glasscock School of Continuing Studies

Dr. Brenda A. Rangel is Assistant Dean in the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University and provides strategic leadership for the Rice University Center for Education. In this role, she leads the vision, design, and advancement of EC–12 outreach initiatives that promote educational equity, access, and excellence. She oversees cross-campus programs within the Center for College Readiness, School Literacy and Culture, Rice Education and Rice University School Mathematics Project, strengthening pathways that prepare and support learners, educators, and school leaders.
Dr. Rangel teaches and mentors emerging educators and leaders, serves on the Rice University Faculty Senate Committee on Teaching, and represents Rice on the EC–12 Council. She also co-leads Glasscock’s development efforts by cultivating external partnerships and advancing philanthropic and grant-funded initiatives aligned with the university’s mission.
Prior to joining Rice, Dr. Rangel spent 25 years in public education, including service as Chief Academic Officer and in senior district and campus leadership roles. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from The University of Texas at Austin.