Shelby's Social Diary

Good chemistry between two scientists means high Welch honors & sexy advances

Welch Foundation board chair Ernie Cockrell and wife Janet, from left, joinedAnne and Charles Duncan at the black-tie dinner.
Photo by Kaye Marvins
Welch Foundation president Norbert Dittrich and wife Rebecca, from left, visitedwith Mary Ann Rankin, dean of the College of Natural Sciences at the Universityof Texas in Austin.
Photo by Kaye Marvins

Basic research in chemistry — it just doesn't have much sex appeal. But what it does have are the keys to certain aspects of our future, which is why the Houston-based Welch Foundation, each year, presents the Welch Award in Chemistry to talented researchers.

The honors went to JoAnne Stubbe of MIT and Christopher T. Walsh of Harvard Medical School at a black-tie dinner held earlier this week at the Hilton Post Oak. More than 300 scientific, academic and civic leaders gathered to salute the work of these brilliant scientists.

Their studies, according to the Welch Foundation website, "helped explain how enzymes, proteins that act as catalysts to speed up reactions millions-fold, have evolved to carry out difficult and ingenious chemistry critical to life. Their basic research has laid the groundwork for therapeutic advances in medicine, particularly the treatment of cancer."

The heavy-hitter intelligentsia and Welch Foundation supporters dressing up and stepping out included Yuan T. Lee, president of the International Council for Science and foundation advisory board member; Mary Ann Rankin, dean of the College of Natural Science at the University of Texas in Austin; Bill Butler, chairman emeritus of Baylor College of Medicine; Harris County Judge Ed Emmett; new University of Houston board of regents chair Carroll Robertson Ray; Janet and Ernie Cockrell, Anne and Charles Duncan, Rebecca and Norbert Dittrich, Judy Tate and Liz Ghrist.

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Unapologetically Strong

Powerhouse women bloom at Houston nonprofit’s rockin' celebration

Women’s Fund 15th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon

Photo by Johnny Than

Bella, Joanna, and Lexa Vargas.

A sea of florals, fizz, and fierce spirit took over the Royal Sonesta as guests gathered for The Women’s Fund’s 15th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon. This year’s theme, “Bloom Beyond Limits,” turned the afternoon into a vibrant celebration while empowering adolescent girls and women to lead happier lives.

Co-chairs Paula Sutton and Nadia Tajalli, along with emcee ABC13’s Gina Gaston, welcomed supporters into a lush shopping garden buzzing with 20 local vendors and a lively silent auction. From designer bags and jewels to gourmet getaways and self-care baskets, bidding was brisk — and occasionally a little cutthroat.

The stage bloomed with performances that hit all the right notes. Ogechi Nwachukwu of Partnerschools set the tone with a solo of “Astonishing” from Little Women, while later, Elizabeth Hanje of Houston Grand Opera (HGO) stunned with “Summertime” following an inspiring keynote from HGO’s Khori Dastoor, who spoke candidly about the arts and authenticity.

Before lunch, more than 100 girls attended a powerful education session titled “Unapologetically Me,” moderated by Casey Curry and featuring panelists Shruti Mohanty, Leslie Aileen, and Kimeya Courts-Chapman.

Event highlights included awards for longtime supporter Philamena Baird and pediatric hematology leader Dr. Lakshmi Srivaths, plus remarks from Praveena Lakshmanan and a matching challenge led by Jackie Macha. Cancer researcher Dr. Elizabeth Grimm was recognized as the Lifetime Member Spotlight.

More than 350 guests helped raise $250,000 for the organization.

On the scene were Stephanie Hill, Linda Rhodes, Jackie Macha, Lisa Rogers, Natalie Mohtashami, Erin Cummings, Abby Alford, Tahirih Baker, Alyssa Fox, Ann Cook, Gina Gaston Elie, MaryBeth Robinson, Kathryn Tees, Tina Wrotenbery, Kimberly Young, Vanessa Ames, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, Dr. Mary Aitken, Dr. Victor Simms, Dr. Nicholas Ro, Julie Roberts, Claire Liu, Liz Travis, Krista Calaway, Charlene Chuang, Lindsey Duhon, Meredith Marshall, Jackie Hugele, Meghan Hughes, Lauren Sotomayor, Emily Posey, Shavonnah Roberts Schreiber, and April McGee.

$Women\u2019s Fund 15th Annual Rockin\u2019 Resiliency Luncheon$

Photo by Johnny Than

Bella, Joanna, and Lexa Vargas.

fundraisers