Baby Business

Miya Shay charitably gives it all away at baby shower for her second bundle of joy

It was supposed to have been a "baby sprinkle" when friends gathered to celebrate the upcoming birth of Miya Shay's second child, thus no need for a "baby shower." Instead, the festivities were welcomed by a downpour of torrential rains.

Nevertheless, the chichi group maneuvered the flooded streets to gather with enthusiasm in the Tanglewood home of Natalie Wall. She was joined by fellow hostesses Mandy Kao, Laurette Verers, Tammy Tran, Bridgett Lee, and Sonia Soto.

The KTRK Channel 13 newswoman and her husband, State Rep. Gene Wu, ready to welcome another son, decided that they had all the baby gear they needed. So what better way to celebrate their good fortune, than to suggest that instead of gifts for Wu number two, guests send baby items or make monetary donations to Interfaith Ministries, specifically for that non-profit's refugee program.

"I'm a big fan of Interfaith Ministries," Gene said via email. "Their Meals on Wheels, AniMeals, and of course, efforts to resettle refugees from war torn areas around the world truly impact lives in Houston every day."

A coterie of friends contributed to the festivities including Laura Louis who made the elegant baby cake, Tom Flynn (husband of Laurette) who took over catering duties, and meteorologist Casey Curry who kept guests updated on the deluge.

Helping celebrate with the expectant parents were other moms to-be Laura Max Rose, Erica Rose, and Courtney Haas.

Rounding out the party mix were Dr. Eric Haas, Dr. Michael Chang, Rose Chen, Edward Sanchez, Natalie Wall, Corbett Parker, Alice Mao, Tammy Nguyen, Cynthia Xue, Rob Todd, and Randy Sorrels and his fiancé, Alex Farias.

State Rep. Gene Wu, Miya Shay.

Miya Shay baby shower, 6/16 Genu Wu, Miya Shay

Photo by Quy Tran

State Rep. Gene Wu, Miya Shay.

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Party Watch

From flight to legacy: BRASS marks 30 years of research advocacy in Houston

Baylor Research Advocates BRASS 30th anniversary party

Photo by Wilson Parish

James Craig, Dr. Jacquie Baly, Ann Ayre, and Terri Wang.

What: BRASS 30th Anniversary Celebration

Where: Private residence, River Oaks

The Scoop: A swirl of scientific minds, seasoned mentors, and future biomedical stars filled a River Oaks residence as BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) toasted its 30th anniversary. The May 6 gathering of more than 100 supporters honored three decades of trailblazing mentorship and more than $9 million raised for student scientists at Baylor College of Medicine.

Underwritten by Edna Meyer Nelson and The Richland Companies, the event kicked off with remarks from Elsie Eckert and 2021 BRASS Scholar Sharon Bright, now a rising research force and recipient of the 2024 Don D. Jordan Outstanding Trailblazer Scientist award.

Honors flowed as smoothly as the champagne. Dr. James Bonar received the Angel of the Year Award, while Dr. Ben Deneen and Dr. Ganesh Rao were named Mentors of the Year. A standout presence was Dr. Huda Zoghbi, acclaimed neurologist and longtime BRASS advocate, whose appearance anchored the evening with gravitas and inspiration.

A poignant tribute was paid to one of BRASS’s earliest champions, the late Dr. Michael DeBakey, who helped launch the organization and remains its Honorary Lifetime Member.

Longtime partners like the David and Eula Wintermann Foundation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo were applauded for their multi-million dollar contributions. A moving moment came with the tribute to BRASS Founder Myra Branum Wilson, whose fateful in-flight chat with a Baylor researcher sparked what would become a legacy of scientific support.

Who: Ann Ayre, Tamara Klosz Bonar, Daniel Iron and Kirk Kveton, Dionne Bremen, Andy Delery, Ed McMahon, Hershey Grace, Jody Merritt, Francoise Marks, Peter VanDerlofske, Jacquie Baly and James Craig,, Terri Wang, Beth Wolff, Larry Burns, Cindy Burns,and Shelby Kibodeaux and Bruce Padilla.

Photo by Wilson Parish

James Craig, Dr. Jacquie Baly, Ann Ayre, and Terri Wang.