Viva la Moda

Havana flair fills the runway at Latin Women’s Initiative fashion fête

Welcome to a Havana-kissed fantasia.

Photo by Jacob Power

Rochelle Deiso, Ashlee Rubbo, Naimeh Salem, and Samantha Werber.

The 24th Annual Latin Women’s Initiative Fashion Show and Luncheon, themes Viva la Comunidad, Viva la Moda, unfolded at the Hilton Americas in a whirl of style and unapologetic Latin flair. More than 900 guests slipped into the scene for an afternoon where the stilettos were sharp, the tequila flowed, and the energy never dipped below high-decibel mode.

Luncheon committee chairman Julie Garza and Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI) president Vicky Dominguez welcomed guests into a space transformed by Johanna Terry Events. The marketplace opened early and quickly turned into its own social runway as shoppers browsed, mingled, and paused for Titanium Tequila tastings. Then came the mariachis, weaving through the ballroom to enthusiastic applause.

The fashion show, presented with Tootsies, delivered exactly what the city’s fashion faithful came for: drama, movement, and Latin designers who understand that clothing should enter a room before you do. Under the creative direction of Fady Armanious and production by Lenny Matuszewski, models swept past towering LED visuals in looks accented with jewelry by Brazilian designer Claudia Lobao, while menswear by Festari added a polished counterpoint. Telemundo Houston produced the event videos, and KPRC’s Daniella Guzman emceed the afternoon.

Nearby, an electric Porsche gleamed beside the stage like a very expensive plus-one.

The luncheon honored María Moncada Alaoui, recognized for her generosity and longstanding commitment to Houston’s community causes.

The event raised more than $550,000 benefiting Sunshine Kids, The Rose, Prelude Music Foundation, Finca Tres Robles, A Small Place Farm, and BridgeYear.

Supporting the cause were April Fabre, Lisa Flores, Lisset Garza Ceron, Omar Alaoui, Patricia Herrera, Rosi Hernandez, Gloria Luna Bounds, Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, Becky Reyes, Maritza Gonzales, Vicki Luna-Lerma and Horacio Lerma, Chree Boydstun, Patricia Garcia, Jolene Treviño, Mari Salazar, Leanne Schneider, Hoda Sana, Xochitl Ljuboja, Cathryn Martinez, Monica Alvarez, Cyndya Garza Roberts, Estela Cockrell, Cinthya Reade, Maria Morales, Jovanny and Samuel Orellana, Anna Reger, Hallie Vanderhider, Debbie Festari, Ally Shell, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Zinat Ahmed, Nora Jarrard, Stephanie Tsuru, Laurie Sanders, and Chelsea Collmer.

fundraisers latin women’s initiative

Hats and Hearts

Houston charity races ahead with stylish Derby-day fundraiser

Bo's Place Kentucky Derby fundraiser 2026

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

Consider this Houston’s annual parade of fascinators, florals, and fast horses.

Photo by Wilson Parrish

Elia Gabbannelli, Michelle Torino, and Kim Scheffler.

The 10th annual Hats, Hearts and Horseshoes delivered all the Derby-day drama short of a photo finish courtesy of more than 350 guests who gathered at The Revaire on May 2 for Bo’s Place’s milestone celebration.

Chairs Libby and Mattison May, alongside Shelby and Matthew Seligmann, led the fête with a roster of honorary chairs that read like a who’s who of Houston philanthropy scene.

Guests lingered around the ice bar sponsored by Lowenberg Law Firm, sipping Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne from Sire Spirits — yes, the one associated with 50 Cent — while keeping one eye on the growing auction action.

Bo’s Place executive director Lisa Iparrea presented the Champion of Hope Award to the National Charity League Heart of Texas Chapter, accepted by chapter president Julie Gibson. The afternoon also took a heartfelt turn when Shelby Seligmann shared reflections on her family’s grief journey following the loss of her sister.

Emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo kept the crowd energized through live and silent auctions, heads-or-tails competitions, and cheers erupting from every corner once the Kentucky Derby finally began. When surprise winner Golden Tempo crossed the finish line, one lucky racing wall participant trotted home with a Houston Texans package courtesy of Hannah and Cal McNair.

The event raised $330,000 to support Bo’s Place and its grief support programs for children, families, and adults navigating loss.

On the scene were Jennifer Allison, Jennifer Brown, Tiffany and Brian Burgher, Elia Gabbannelli, Mari and Bryan Glass, Lauren and Rob Gray, Laura Laux, Julia and Harvin Lawhon, Debbie Leder and Bruce Orr, Kirby and David Lodholz, Gwyn Richardson, Cindy Seligmann and John Knox, David Shine, Tracy and John McNath, Daphne Savva, Elizabeth Martin, Gretchen Gilliam and George Lane, Suzie Johnson, and Nina and Clint Rand.

fundraisers bo's place