Andrea Texada
Andrea Texada founded Builders Without Borders to address the long-term effects of past building practices and their influence on daily life. Having experienced neighborhood displacement firsthand and witnessing the aftermath of severe regional storms, she brings both personal insight and technical training to her work. Her background in journalism and digital media, followed by a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston, shaped her ability to connect complex ideas and build clear pathways for action.
Through BWB, Andrea works to advance housing models that offer dignity, long-term stability, and forward-looking design. Her vision includes homes that draw from time-tested building traditions, reintroduce vegetation to reduce heat, and incorporate modern tools that can lower living costs. Informed by global case studies, she focuses on efficient, multi-purpose design approaches that strengthen neighborhoods and support residents who face rising pressures.
Her goal is to encourage broader participation in shaping the built environment. By combining architectural knowledge with strong storytelling skills, she invites partners, residents, and supporters to help create homes that function as anchors of opportunity and renewal. She is involved with the Houston chapters of AIA and NOMA. Outside her professional commitments, she volunteers with Citizens for Animal Protection, where she adopted her dog, Buddy.
Jai Winston
Jai Winston is a certified life coach and licensed massage therapist with a background in sports rehabilitation therapy. She has centered her career on supporting others and helping them build stronger pathways in their personal and professional lives. Her service work began at age 19 when she joined the Los Angeles Homeless Coalition, where she first encountered the severe housing shortages faced by many families which was an experience that shaped her long-term dedication to meaningful public service.
In 2005, she volunteered to assist families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, deepening her understanding of the lasting effects of major storms and housing disruption. Witnessing these conditions persist nearly two decades later strengthened her belief that steady housing plays a key role in economic mobility and individual stability. Jai is committed to advancing practical housing solutions that reduce costs, strengthen local economies, and expand opportunities for residents.
Her guiding motto is: “Wake up daily with the intention to better yourself and those around you.” She lives in Spring, Texas, and is the proud parent of two sons and a new baby girl.
Robert “RueRob” Jackson
Robert Jackson is a 5th generation Houstonian, 3rd Ward resident, a passionate leader dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for long-standing residents. His work centers on guiding teams, coordinating projects across multiple metro regions, and building effective relationships with organizations working to improve local living conditions.
His experience includes fundraising, strategic planning, financial management, with a passion for advocating and developing creative, sustainable strategies, along with guiding programs from early concept through final delivery. Robert excels at turning research into clear summaries for decision-makers and identifying practical steps that help neighborhoods remain steady as they evolve.
His background in communications, analysis, and public-facing engagement brings a steady hand to our organizational operations and team coordination. He is committed to supporting emerging talent, increasing local participation in planning efforts, and helping neighborhoods strengthen their economic and social foundations.
Rashida Crosswaite
Rashida Crosswaite, a Louisiana native, has long understood the challenges faced by families recovering from major storms. Although she relocated to Houston after Hurricane Katrina and did not personally endure the event, she witnessed the long-term strain it placed on households across the region. These experiences shaped her dedication to helping others navigate periods of disruption and rebuilding.
Rashida holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Global E-Learning from Texas A&M Commerce and a Bachelor’s in Health Promotion/Public Health from the University of New Orleans. As a business owner, she focuses on developing educational programs that are clear, approachable, and easy to use. Her work reflects a belief that learning tools should be within reach for anyone seeking to improve their circumstances.
Through her service in post-disaster efforts, Rashida has seen how reliable housing provides the stability needed for families to regroup, plan ahead, and regain momentum. These experiences reinforced her conviction that strong housing options support progress in every aspect of life, from education to long-term economic mobility.
Now based in Houston, Rashida continues to support efforts that strengthen housing outcomes across the region. She brings practical insight, compassion, and professional expertise to every role she takes on, encouraging others to participate in long-range solutions that help neighborhoods flourish.
Alvaro Lozada
Alvaro Lozada, AIA, is a licensed architect and urban designer serving as a Project Architect at Moody Nolan in Houston. His work spans civic, cultural, and park-focused developments, with a strong emphasis on design quality, technical coordination, and long-term neighborhood benefit.
Drawing from a heritage rooted in generations of skilled builders and material artisans, Alvaro brings a deep appreciation for structures that respond to their setting. His approach is shaped by a commitment to designs that feel grounded in local conditions via materials, layouts, and spatial patterns that reflect the character and climate of the region. This perspective, influenced by traditions of brickwork, courtyard systems, and craft-based construction methods, guides his goal of shaping places that serve both present needs and future growth.
Alvaro serves as Co-Chair of the Urban Design Committee at AIA Houston, contributing thought leadership on how cities can strengthen their physical environments through clear design frameworks and collaborative planning. He holds a European Master in Urbanism from UPC Barcelona and KU Leuven, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá.
Across all his work, Alvaro aims to create built environments that encourage connection, support daily life, and reflect the values of the communities they serve.