Profile: Maconda Brown O'Connor and Ralph S. O'Connor

When George R. Brown died in 1983, he was one of the wealthiest men in Texas. He was also an icon in the state's business world, having turned a few mules and wagons into Brown & Root, the fourth-largest construction business in the world. But Brown never forgot his poor roots. And Brown impressed the lessons of poverty on his daughters.

In turn, Maconda Brown O'Connor has become a champion for poor children, especially troubled teens. And her political giving has been motivated by the same drives -- the determination to make a difference and to help those who need it.

A Houston social worker, O'Connor has been recognized for her work with children and her unflagging support for organizations that seek to help at-risk kids. But she remains a private person, little inclined to use her prominent family name or the influence that comes with her campaign largesse to take a public stand on partisan issues.