Jenny Castañeda

With more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications and market research, Jenny Castañeda brings deep professional expertise and a lifelong background in community service to Compassionate Houston.

A Houston-based communications professional with strong ties to the Latin American community, Castañeda has worked across a wide range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, nutrition, education, medical products, emerging technologies, and holistic wellness. Her career includes supporting multiple initial public offerings (IPOs) and advising organizations on market positioning, growth, and cross-cultural engagement.

She currently leads the Market Research Division at a Houston-area consultancy, where she assists Latin American businesses in successfully entering the U.S. market.

In addition to her professional work, Castañeda has devoted decades to civic and nonprofit leadership.

She was a co-founder, past president, and longtime board member of the Houston Hispanic Forum, and has served on the boards of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA), among others. Her service has also included public relations leadership roles and extensive volunteer support for organizations focused on education, workforce development, the arts, mental health, and community well-being.

Her leadership and service have been acclaimed through numerous honors, including the Willie Velasquez Hispanic Excellence Award and recognition as one of America’s Top 100 Hispanic Women in Communications.

An “almost native” Houstonian, Castañeda studied languages and fine arts in Switzerland and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Houston. While her professional career has evolved over time, her commitment to kindness, compassion, and inclusion remains central to her life. She was drawn to Compassionate Houston for its mission to foster a more caring and respectful community.

In her free time, Jenny enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, exercising, exploring Houston’s diverse dining scene, and reading books focused on personal growth. She is an active member and volunteer at Unity of Houston church.