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    Light Up The Night

    Bollywood star wows crowd at record-breaking Pratham Gala with mix of glam and heartfelt moments

    Heather Staible
    Heather Staible
    Apr 4, 2017 | 2:07 pm

    Of all the ballrooms across the city Saturday night, certainly none was more colorful than the Pratham Gala at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The packed space was awash in bold and beautiful hues thanks to the sold-out crowd of Pratham supporters who raised more than $1.4 million dollars for the organization dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children, youth, and women in India through education.

    The sold-out event was a mix of glam and truly heartfelt moments, thanks to the impressive women featured at the gala.

    Bollywood star and former Miss Universe Sushmita Senwowed the crowd, many of whom clamored around her taking selfies along the way. She encouraged guests to follow her on Instagram for glimpses of her everyday life while stressing the importance of education for all. “Education is a birthright for every single life. None of us live in isolation,” Sen said. “If you want to understand compassion you have to have empathy.”

    Sen took her own advice and acted as impromptu translator for Sanjana Das, a young woman who attended Pratham schools and was able help support her family while working in the hospitality industry. Her testimony brought many in the room to tears, prompting shouts of “You Go Girl!” while she was speaking.

    “Pratham gave me wings and a backbone,” Das said.

    Before the evening began, both the United States and Indian national anthems were sung and the Rice Rasikas dance troupe performed. KTRK Channel 13 meteorologist Casey Curry served as the evening's mistress of ceremonies.

    Those spotted in the crowd included Consul General Anupam Ray, Pratham USA chairman Deepak Raj, Pratham Houston president Ash Shah, vice president Asha Dhume, Pratham USA CEO Rukmini Banerji., Dr. Aashish Shah and Roseann Rogers with their son Nikil Shah, Carl Hahn, Sharan Gahunia, Ruchi Mukerjee, Smita Singh, Pankaj and Asha Dhume, Rukmini Banerji, Riya Varadhachary, Pooja Vettical, Mini V, Simran Kapoor, and Sandhay Ayyar.

    Indian film actress, model and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.

    Pratham Gala, Sushmita Sen
      
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
    Indian film actress, model and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen.
    galas
    news/society

    Power and Style

    Fashion show and tequila toasts light up Latin Women’s Initiative lunch

    Joel Luks
    Jun 13, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
    Photo by Dave Rossman
    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    Houtson's Latin Women’s Initiative pulled off a tres chic triple threat — style, celebration, and serious giving — during its 30th anniversary luncheon and fashion show, drawing more than 850 supporters to the Hilton Americas-Houston ballroom. The event blended culture, community, and catwalks into one spectacular midday affair.

    Event chairs April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza, alongside board president Jovanny Orellana, welcomed guests to a ballroom teeming with fashionistas, philanthropists, and a whole lot of Latin sass. The annual luncheon, show, and bustling marketplace marked a major milestone for the nonprofit, which has supported Houston’s Latin community for more than two decades. This year’s honorees, Lisset Garza and Naimeh Salem, were recognized for their years of dedicated support to the organization and beyond.

    Festivities kicked off early with a shopping marketplace that opened in the morning and quickly became standing room only. Stylish attendees sipped tequila samples from local brand Titanium Tequila while browsing vendors. A specialty cocktail bar and music from DJ Freddy B kept the energy festive. Event designer Johanna Terry delivered an elegant setting, infusing the ballroom with rich emerald green tones, a nod to the organization’s 30th anniversary, paired with lush florals.

    The program began with Orellana welcoming the crowd from a dramatic Y-shaped runway, as Mariachi Reyes de Mexico filled the room with music that hushed the crowd for a heartfelt invocation.

    Then came the moment every fashion lover waited for: Lo Mejor de Saks Primavera 2025 (The Best of Spring Saks 2025), a luxe runway show presented in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, led by Heidi Turney and Hasina Starks. Applause echoed as models and a few brave Houston firefighters showed off the season’s must-haves. But the true showstopper? Actor and TV host Julián Gil, who surprised the audience by strutting the runway himself, earning whoops and cheers from the crowd. His appearance was generously sponsored by Salem.

    The catwalk came alive with Latin beats and massive LED screens flashing colorful visuals, thanks to a production team led by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar. Behind-the-scenes storytelling and videos, created by exclusive media partner Telemundo Houston, added a poignant layer to the spectacle.

    As guests settled in for lunch, anticipation built for the raffle, which included a dazzling diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers. Helene Zadok herself took the stage to crown the lucky winner. All that excitement translated into impact: the event raised more than $500,000 to benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

    And what’s a Latin party without a proper toast?

    Guests clinked glasses in a tequila-fueled cheers to three decades of fashion for a cause, then danced the afternoon away to live music from Grupo Kache. The grand finale included more marketplace shopping and lite bites, with plans already announced for next year’s fête on May 1, 2026.

    Houston’s Latin glitterati showed up, including Ceron, Patricia Herrera, Leticia Fallick, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Vicky Dominguez, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna, Chree Boydstun, David Cordua, Frances Castañeda Dyess, Patricia Garcia, Alba Huerta, Daisy Mendoza, Arcy Muñoz Marshall, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Jackie Garcia, Cathryn Martinez, Mariangeles Orti, Vanessa Ramirez, Matty Restivo, Lisa Flores, Susan Dray, Marilu Garza, Conchita Reyes, Lorena Gomez, Lucia and Michael Cordua, and Leisa Holland-Nelson.

    Latin Women's Initiative gala luncheon 2025
      

    Photo by Dave Rossman

    Jessica Perez, Vicky Nehme, Raquel Thomas, and Alejandra Elizondo.

    fundraiserslatin women’s initiative
    news/society
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