“Trinidad” Trini Mendenhall is an esteemed businesswoman and philanthropist, currently serving as President of Fulton Shopping Center.  Her notable background includes having been a Principal of Fiesta Mart, Inc., a company founded by her late husband, Mr. O.C. Mendenhall and Mr. Donald Bonham.  Her successful ventures in business have allowed her to establish the Trini and O.C. Mendenhall Foundation, where she holds the position of Chairman.  Her dedication to philanthropy has left a lasting impact on numerous organizations, their boards, staff and clients.

Trini’s love for children has led her to be a longtime proponent of Houston Children Charity’s mission, and she is continuously inspired by the meaningful work of her dear friend Laura Ward and her dedicated team. 

Trini’s contributions to education include serving on the Board of the University of St. Thomas for six years and providing the largest Legacy gift by an individual in the University’s history!  This established the Mendenhall Achievement Center, the Mendenhall Summer Institute and a need-based scholarship fund.  Beyond education, Trini has made significant contributions to the medical field including funding the Cardiometabolic Disease Center, the Global Health | Maternal and Infant Health Program in Gambia (Africa), the Mendenhall Asthma Research Laboratory and the “Sugar, heart and Life” Program- all at Baylor College of Medicine where she has served as a Trustee for nearly 20 years.  She served on the Harris County Child Protective Services Board and was instrumental in the opening of the Chimney Rock Center, a 24-hour intake facility for young people between the ages of 10 and 16 in need of counseling, crisis intervention and | or emergency shelter.  In 2011, she completed 4 years of service as a METRO Board Member.  At Catholic Charities, she served on the Board of Directors, served as Board Chair and sponsored the creation of “Trini’s Corner Market”, a self-service food pantry aiding low-income seniors and families.

Trini’s service to the community has not gone unnoticed.  She has received many awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions, including the prestigious Maurice Hirsch Award for Philanthropy from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  She has also been celebrated by Catholic Charities, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, The Mission of Yahweh, Latin Women’s Initiative, The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Houston Children’s Charity, Legacy Community Health Services, The Bryan Museum, Junior Achievement, the University of St. Thomas, and many more!

Originally from San Antonio, Trini has called Houston home for five decades.  She is a proud mother to her son, O’Neil Mendenhall, and a loving grandmother to Ava and Jake.  A newlywed, Trini enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband Phillip Royalty, landscape painting and golf.