Founded in 2019 by Dr. Marie Alcazar during the global pandemic and economic downturn, Built4Agility emerged as a response to deepening inequities in Houston's most vulnerable communities. Today, we champion social justice and civic engagement in Houston's industrial corridor, with a clear mission: dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline by tackling systemic inequities in communities along the Houston Ship Channel, from East Houston to Baytown. We serve predominantly Hispanic/Latino and African American communities facing environmental and economic challenges unique to this petrochemical hub.

Our vision, born from Dr. Alcazar's commitment to community resilience during crisis, is to forge a new generation of leaders who bridge the gap between community needs and industry realities. Through our imNXT program, we develop champions of equity who combine technical expertise with innovative leadership to drive lasting change in their communities.

​

Our work extends beyond traditional workforce development. By integrating mental health support and wellness practices into our programs, we empower participants to thrive both professionally and personally. We partner with community organizations, local businesses, and civic leaders to co-create solutions that tackle complex challenges at their roots.

​

Born during a time of unprecedented global challenges, Built4Agility has evolved from a bold response to crisis into a movement for transformative change. Join us in building a future where innovation drives equity, inclusion creates opportunity, and community action leads to lasting impact.

​

Together, we're not just preparing the workforce of tomorrow—we're creating a more just and prosperous Houston, today.