Staff

Brittany Hebert Franklin

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Brittany Hebert Franklin never met a challenge she wasn’t prepared to face head-on. Her early years in Louisiana produced hardships from her parents’ divorce, mother’s drug addiction, father’s depression, and her family’s home burning to the ground. Through adversity, she clung to her rallying cry, “do things bigger than yourself” and has continued to raise the bar for herself each year.

At 21, Brittany was approached to raise $10,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Brittany remembered her life-changing trip only five years prior. Inspired by the challenge, Franklin contacted a few friends and hosted a sporting clay tournament in hopes of raising the $10,000. That day, they raised $50,000.

For 13 years, Brittany excelled in the Oil and Gas industry while building Sky High for Kids in her personal time. She utilized her contacts and resources within the industry to build events throughout Texas and Louisiana–raising millions of dollars to fund research projects. Sky High for Kids was officially founded in 2007 and successfully operated as a volunteer-run organization until 2014. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide comfort, fund research and save the lives of those fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

In 2018, Brittany became the foundation’s full-time CEO. Today, she is leading a team raising millions of dollars to help fund pediatric cancer research. Sky High funds projects at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center and The Ronald McDonald House Charities, Memphis among others. Brittany’s leadership and passion has led Sky for High Kids to donate more than $14 million to research institutions and causes, including $4 million in 2019 alone. In 2018, Sky High for Kids ambitiously pledged to raise $40 million over the next 15 years for Texas Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ($20 per institution).Twenty million of the commitment benefits Texas Children’s Cancer Center projects Global HOPE initiative and the first immunotherapy center solely dedicated to pediatric cancer in the U.S. In addition, Sky High has committed to a $20 million pledge to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to fund a research floor within the new 625,000-square-foot Advanced Research Center (ARC). Research conducted throughout the ARC will help move pediatric cancer survival rates forward.

Brittany is a member of the Entrepreneurship Organization of Houston and Houston Pipeliners Association. She also serves on the Texas Children’s Cancer Center Advisory Board, Global Hope Campaign Executive Committee and Leadership Committee for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, Memphis. Recognitions include Houston Business Journal’s 2016 40 Under 40 and Women to Watch in Business, St. Jude Houston Region Guest of Honor as well as one of Houston Modern Luxury’s 2017 Most Dynamic Women. Through her company, BMH Performance, LLC, she consults other nonprofit organizations, oil and gas service companies, and shares her story as a keynote speaker.

Brittany lives in Houston with her husband, James Robert, and two dogs.

SHAUNTAE CENTERS

Chief Operating Officer

Shauntae was born and raised in Fargo, ND and moved to Houston in 2008. She joined the Sky High Team in 2017 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO and believes her mission in life is to help find the cure for pediatric cancer. When not working, Shauntae enjoys spending time with her family, finding new recipes and staying active. The Sky High Team has become her second family as she continues to live the mission as Chief Operating Officer.

Noel Jones

Marketing Manager

Noel Jones is a skilled marketing professional and native Houstonian who graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Visualization and a minor in Communication. In her time at Sky High for Kids, she has quickly risen through the ranks and now serves as the organization’s Marketing Manager.

During her time at Texas A&M, Noel focused on interactive media and honed her skills in graphic design and UI/UX design. Outside of her studies, she was the Director of the only improv troupe on campus and hosted her own radio show on KANM: The College Station of College Station.

She currently resides in Houston, Texas. When she’s not busy with work, Noel enjoys painting, attending concerts, and spoiling her cat, Ringo with treats and affection.

Carly Onorato

Event Coordinator

Carly Owen is a Houston native who discovered her passion for volunteering and ministry during her year-long journey around the world in 2017. She collaborated with various non-profits, churches, and ministries during her travels to 3 different continents. She always knew her place in the world was working to make it a little bit better than she found it.

In 2023, Carly decided to make a career out of her dedication and joined Sky High for Kids. She now serves as an Assistant Event Coordinator, working closely with her team to organize events that raise funds to fight and END Pediatric Cancer.

Outside of work, Carly finds joy in local and international travel, trying out new restaurants, cooking for her family and soon-to-be husband, and spoiling her three cats.