Sybil Friedenthal Roos and Ginger Bertrand believe in the importance of community and are dedicated to championing children and supporting the arts.

Ginger Bertrand is the founder of Bertrand Communications, which specializes in technical and nonprofit writing, editing, and proofreading. For the past 12 years plus, Ginger has worked for the Greater Northside Management District and performs marketing, communications, and a variety of other duties.

After graduating from the University of Louisiana Monroe with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Ginger moved to Houston. She joined Exxon Coal U.S.A. and wrote training programs for underground and surface coal miners. She later became a human resources specialist for Exxon Company, U.S.A., now ExxonMobil.

Ginger has served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Camp For All and the Houston Ear Research Foundation (now Cochlear Hearing Center). In 2022, she cochaired the Camp For All gala, raising over $1.1 million to help bring children and adults with challenging illnesses and special needs to this barrier-free camp. As a deaf individual, the Houston Ear Research Foundation enabled Ginger to benefit from cochlear implant surgery in each ear.

Ginger also has been president of Mothers Against Cancer, National Charity League (NCL) Livable Forest Chapter - Kingwood, Humble Area Assistance Ministries, Kingwood Panhellenic, International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Houston, and the Parents Club of the NU Beta Chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi (Ole Miss). As well, she has served on the national board of the National Charity League, Inc. and is a patron of the Junior League of Houston Tea Room.

Ginger’s honors from a grateful community include being named a FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center Woman of Distinction, an IABC Houston Volunteer of the Year, and an Easter Seals Greater Houston Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon honoree. She is a lifetime member of the National Charity League, a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, and has received several writing awards.

Ginger and her late husband, Byron, enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Their daughters are Aimee Bertrand (husband Colin Butler) and Rebecca Bertrand (husband Bill Adler). Ginger has five precious grandchildren: Benny, Abigail, Holt, Willy, and Susie. She cherishes her family and their fun vacations in Beaver Creek, as well as being chief babysitter when needed!
Sybil Friedenthal Roos began dedicating herself to community service throughout Houston upon moving to the city in 1975 with her late husband, Henry. She received her bachelor’s degree in music, with an emphasis on piano and composition, from Centenary College and her Master of Education in elementary and special education from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. During WWII, Sybil performed for British War Relief Society and American Red Cross audiences and was a proud member of the WAVES (the women’s branch of the United States Naval Reserve).

In Louisiana, Sybil taught mentally challenged students. During this time, she served on the Council for Exceptional Children, and was an area coordinator for the Special Olympics, a member of the Caddo Parish Teachers Association, and a member of the Louisiana Teachers Association.  After moving to Houston, Sybil became a first-grade teacher for Spring Branch ISD where she was selected as Spring Branch Elementary’s Teacher of the Year. During this time, she belonged to several educational associations, including the Spring Branch Educators Association, the Texas State Teachers Association, the National Teachers Association, and the Greater Houston Area Reading Council.  

Sybil remains a dedicated member of Spring Valley University Women, Spring Branch Retired Teachers Association, and Delta Kappa Gamma. She has been honored with life memberships in the Louisiana and Texas PTAs and the Jewella (Shreveport, Louisiana) Council of Girl Scouts. Sybil was named a Lifetime Achiever by Marquis Who’s Who and has been featured in several Who’s Who publications.

While she was president of the Houston Grand Opera Guild, Sybil wrote teachers’ guides for student presentations. She is a member of Phi Mu Fraternity, was nominated for their Outstanding Alumnae Achievement Award, and supports Houston Alumnae Panhellenic.
Among the many philanthropic organizations Sybil supports are: Camp For All, City ArtWorks, Easter Seals Greater Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo’s Asante Society, Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, The Mission of Yahweh, University of Houston Moores School of Music, and the Woman’s Club of Houston. As well, Sybil sponsors the principal trumpet of the Houston Symphony, Mark Hughes.

The first grand piano for the University of Houston Moores School of Music was purchased with help from Sybil, and she helped select the Houston Symphony’s new Steinway piano at the Steinway & Sons factory in New York City. The benefactress also funded the music room at The Mission of Yahweh.

Sybil has been honored by many organizations, including HGO, Moores School of Music, Easter Seals Greater Houston Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon, Texas Children’s Hospital Community Champion, Houston Symphony Ima Hogg Philanthropy Award, City ArtWorks - The Art of Conversation, Houston Junior Woman’s Club Holiday Happening, The Mission of Yahweh Woman of Substance and Houston Sweetheart, H Texas Magazine Most Beautiful, and Virtuosi of Houston Gala.

One of Sybil’s fondest pastimes is travel. She is mother to Cathey Cook, Betsy Garlinger, and Ginger Bertrand, and proud grandmother to Aimee Bertrand, Rebecca Adler, Kevin Cook, and Thomas Cook. Sybil also has 12 great grandchildren.  

Throughout their lives, Sybil Friedenthal Roos and Ginger Bertrand have served their family, their community, and their country, providing assistance and spreading hope wherever they are needed.

It is for all the reasons mentioned above, and many more, that Ginger Bertrand and Sybil Friedenthal Roos have been named a Top 20 Mother Daughter Impact Maker for 2023.