Interfaith Blessings

A brand new name sets the tone for Houston nonprofit's gala

The annual IM Houston Tapestry Gala, aptly themed "A Brand New Day," marked a bold new chapter for the organization formerly known as Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, now under the leadership of Sheroo Mukhtiar.

Rather than opening with fanfare, the night began with intentional calm: Mellow music courtesy of Divisi Strings, a gallery of art created by youth in the IM Houston Refugee Program, and a parked Meals on Wheels truck.

The organization's impact was made visible — up close and personal. Event chairs Miya Shay and Rep. Gene Wu and Nihala and Shaukat Zakaria had something to do with that.

Emcee Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media guided the evening, inviting Sonya Vial of presenting sponsor Shell USA, Inc. to reflect on IM Houston's renewed mission. Then came a moment of unity both intimate and profound: children from Houston’s Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Baháʼí, and Buddhist communities offered interfaith blessings, closing together with a moving invocation.

A tribute to former Houston mayor Sylvester Turner honored his legacy with a reverent pause before the spotlight turned to powerhouse vocalist Christina Wells. Her version of “Hallelujah” stunned the room into silence, before IM Houston board chair Henry Florsheim and newly appointed Mukhtiar expressed gratitude and outlined a future focused on sustainability, compassion, and shared belief.

Wells returned with “A Million Dreams,” just ahead of the Spirit of Respect Award presented to the Right Reverend C. Andrew Doyle for his decades of faith-led service. Pipa virtuoso Changlu Wu debuted an original composition in honor of 2025 Tapestry Honoree Charlene Chuang, introduced by Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan.

More than 500 supporters attended the gala, helping to raise $650,000 to unite diverse faiths in service and understanding.

Showing up were Gerald Seidl, Phillip Berkowitz, Vitallii Tarasiuk, Astrid Marklund, Catarina Gonzalez, Susan Boggio, Nadia Tajalli, Shahin Tavackoli, Karen Labat, David Leebron and Sun Y. Ping, Gracie and Bob Cavnar, Gordan Quan, Lily and Charles Foster, Sandra Smith-Cooper, Brigitte Kalai, Farida Abjani, Doe and Henry Florsheim, Lisa Helfman and Lee Haverman, Susanne and Randall Evans, Kristyn and Francis Page Jr., Philamena Baird, Paula Sutton and Bill Gross, Ann and Ron Kaesermann, Mandy Kao, Christina Zhou, Terri Wang, Alice Mao, and Robert Sakowitz.

Photo by Hung L. Truong

Henry Florsheim, Rep Gene Wu, Miya Shay, Charlene Chuang, Sheroo Mukhtiar, Nihala Zakaria, and Shaukat Zakaria.

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.

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