Houston Roundup 2026 Speakers
Cyndi C
Cyndi was raised in Vancouver, BC, in a household defined by rigid expectations, a violently alcoholic father, and an emotionally abusive mother. By thirteen, she turned to alcohol as her escape, setting in motion a consequential struggle with addiction. Years later - still drinking and with no intention of changing - she accompanied a friend in recovery to an AA meeting, assuming she was simply offering support. Instead, she encountered a spiritual shift that redirected the entire course of her life. For more than thirty-seven years, Cyndi has been wholeheartedly engaged in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. She embodies the Steps and Traditions; serves the fellowship at every level; and generously shares her experience, strength, and hope with sponsees and anyone who reaches out for help. Most importantly, she has always remained steadfast in her commitment to the Program. Today, she carries deep gratitude for a life that exceeds anything she once believed possible - one day at a time.
Gavin H
Cel Z.
Celso Zepeda III is a San Antonio native, LGBTQ+ recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and person in long-term recovery since July 20, 2007. His personal journey through recovery has become the foundation for a career dedicated to helping others find hope, connection, and community.
A graduate of the Bexar County Adult Felony Drug Court Program, Cel went on to earn a degree in counseling and psychology and has built a career in behavioral health, currently serving as a Clinical Liaison. His passion for recovery extends well beyond his professional work. He serves on the board of the Diversity Recovery Alliance Center and is the founder of Pride Recovery Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and expanding recovery resources for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization is preparing to open its first LGBTQ+ sober living home on December 1, 2026.
And then there’s Kryztal Vaporz.
Known affectionately as the “RuPaul of Sober Drag,” Cel has used his drag persona, Kryztal Vaporz, to bring humor, visibility, celebration, and a whole lot of sparkle to sober spaces. He is a proud drag mother to many and “Drag Aunty” to even more, demonstrating that recovery doesn’t mean giving up joy, authenticity, creativity, or fabulousness.
From Drug Court graduate to long-term recovery advocate, clinician, entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and drag mother, Cel’s story is ultimately about transformation—and the power of turning lived experience into purpose. His work is driven by a simple belief: recovery is about more than getting sober; it’s about building a life and a community where people can truly belong.