Photo by Brett Chisholm

Ryan Rice | Empowered

He is actively involved in a non-profit organization called SNAP (Spary-Neuter Assist Program), which was created to prevent animals from being unnecessarily euthanized. SNAP provides low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services to everyone and free services to those who truly need it most.  More than 200 animals are euthanized in Houston daily, and Ryan has made it his objective is to reinforce the fact that no birth is the first step to "no kill."

Currently, he is working to help organize our planning skills by working on the finishing touches of the Brett Chisholm and Chloe Dao fashion Calendar, SNAPshots. All proceeds will go toward supporting their mobile clinic and community outreach. The calendar features local notables like Sunny 99.1's Dana Tyson, handbag designer Elaine Turner and philanthropist Joanne King Herring modeling with Houston's cutest dogs, including Ryan's beloved sidekick Isabella (pictured in photo).  Trust that wherever Ryan goes, there will be an Isabella right there next to him!

Ryan not only helps SNAP, he is actively involved in many other organizations and professional groups including Heroes For Children, The Periwinkle Foundation and the Public Relations Society of America, to name a few. Ryan truly loves what he does and does what he loves!  He has met and been inpsired by people who have devastating diseases and find the will to drive on. Ryan is a firm believer that courage and laughter will get you through the day. The motto "the grass is always greener on the other side," is not true, because then it is Astroturf, which is artificial.

His life began in the Woodlands where he lived and went to school. Growing up, his role model was his grandmother who led a life full of obstacles that she learned to overcome.  He is inspired by the fact that women wear their skirts with a sassy attitude as they manage to do it all these days! Women are climbing up the corporate ladder while cutting off the crust of a peanut butter & jelly sandwich, multi-tasking at it's best!  

He graduated from Texas A&M in 1996 with a major in English. His career of writing to defend began by doing PR at The University of St. Thomas. Later moved on to the American Heart Association where he served as Senior Director of Communications, and his skills only got sharper.  He decided to go freelance, and the rest is history!  He looks to get involved in more pro-animal organizations, and yes he can do it all while wearing a skirt.

~Marylu Rodriguez