David A. Brown

Founder, THE CHANGE LAB
Strategist | Storyteller | Civic Designer

David A. Brown is a civic strategist and storyteller with over 20 years of experience helping people connect across lines of difference. As the founder of The Change Lab, he leads the vision to build stronger communities through trust, conversation, and shared action.

His background blends community organizing, nonprofit leadership, and cultural design. David’s work centers on expanding civic participation through empathy, listening, and practical tools that anyone can use. He launched The Change Lab to meet a growing need: making it easier for everyday people to get involved, feel seen, and shape their communities.

David lives in Houston and believes the future is something we build together — one conversation at a time.

Michael Crowder

Board Secretary, THE CHANGE LAB
Artist | Activist | Preparator

Michael Crowder is a Houston-based mixed media sculptor whose work blends historical craft with contemporary themes. Using a modern adaptation of the ancient pâte de verre technique, he creates fragile, glass-based sculptures that resemble museum artifacts—exploring ideas of memory, loss, and transformation. His critically acclaimed series, including Mariposa Mori and L’heure bleue, have been exhibited internationally and are held in permanent collections such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Museum of American Glass.

In addition to his studio practice, Michael has worked as a Senior Preparator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, for over 15 years, supporting exhibitions and collection care with his deep expertise in material and form.

Christa M Forster

Board Treasurer, THE CHANGE LAB
Writer | Educator | Performer

Christa M. Forster is a writer, educator, and performer based in Houston, Texas. She has been teaching Upper School English at The Kinkaid School since 2010. An advocate for mindfulness, Forster co-teaches the course "The Art and Science of Mindfulness," integrating practices like journaling and meditation into her curriculum. She earned her MFA from the University of Houston’s Creative Writing Program and has received multiple Individual Artist Grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance. Forster's interdisciplinary performance piece, Californio, explores themes of race, identity, and kinship through a transmedia narrative spanning 200 years.

We’re a brand new organization focused on connection, civic participation, and shared understanding. This is our temporary website while we build out a full online platform to better serve our community. In the meantime, we’d love your support and input as we grow. You can support our work or schedule a conversation to learn more and get involved.