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Jill Assir is the director of development for the Baker Institute, where she collaborates with staff and board leadership to raise philanthropic funds that support the institute’s mission of providing expert perspectives and data-driven analysis on critical issues facing Texas, the U.S., and the world.

Before joining the Baker Institute, Assir served as the director of development at the Houston Community College Foundation. She has also worked as a fundraiser for Amigos de las Américas and the YMCA of Greater Houston and is a past president of the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Houston Chapter.

A native Houstonian, Assir earned a Master of Business Administration from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in international studies and Spanish from Austin College. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

Serena Storm serves as the events specialist at the Baker Institute. In this capacity, she works alongside the institute’s administrative and research staff to prepare for speakers, members, and guests partaking in each event. She regularly interacts with Baker Roundtable members and supports guest speakers to procure logistical arrangements. Storm expressly organizes Baker Institute Student Forum events, and typically coordinates department interns.

Storm holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Administration from the University of Oklahoma. While pursuing her studies, she participated in summer internships in western China and eastern Turkey.

Laura Hotze is the assistant director of events at the Baker Institute. In coordination with events and administration staff, she plans and executes receptions, lectures, conferences, and panel discussions that showcase research on public policy issues. She thrives on creating memorable moments and productive environments for Baker Institute staff, members, and esteemed guests. 

Hotze joined the institute in 2018 as a former wedding and events coordinator. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in event management from Conrad N. Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership at the University of Houston.