Katy business leader and mental health advocate Deb Ambrosi will be honored with the Spirit of Hope Award at the upcoming Treasures of Texas Luncheon, benefiting Mental Health America of Greater Houston on May 15. This award honors an individual or organization in the Greater Houston community whose work and leadership demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advancing the mental well-being of Houstonians through their profession, volunteer service, and example to others.

Deb and her husband, Mark, began their mental health advocacy journey after adopting a high-risk, special-needs child with frontal lobe damage. The experience led Deb to step away from her professional career to homeschool and advocate for her daughter for eight years, shaping a lifelong commitment to service and mental health awareness.

When Deb returned to the workforce, she built a real estate career rooted in compassion and community. After five years as an agent, she opened her own brokerage in Katy, Ambrosi Realty, intentionally creating a culture focused on putting people before profit. Her leadership earned her special recognition as Top Real Estate Brokerage in Katy through the Best of Katy contest.

The years 2024 and 2025 brought deep loss to Deb’s community, including the deaths of sons of former colleagues and clients to suicide. These experiences reinforced the urgency of accessible mental health support and led Deb to partner with Mental Health America of Greater Houston. Despite a challenging real estate market, Deb and her team fulfilled a $25,000 pledge to support mental health services in 2025.

The Treasures of Texas Luncheon, to be held at the Briar Club at 11:30 a.m., brings together community and business leaders to raise funds and awareness for mental health programs serving the Greater Houston region, including Katy. The keynote speaker will be Nora McInerney; Dr. Esmaeil Porsa will be recognized as the Ima Hogg Award honoree.

For details about the event, head to: mhahouston.org/events/tot.