Fashionable Fiesta Fetes Latin Women's Initiative's 30th Anny

Fashionable Fiesta Fetes Latin Women's Initiative's 30th Anny

Daisy Mendoza, Maritza Gonzales and Vicky Dominguez

ALWAYS AN ENERGETIC event, the Latin Women's Initiative Luncheon and Fashion Show did not disappoint. Held at the Hilton Americas, the day started, per usual, with a marketplace (and tequila-tasting!).


After they sipped and shopped, the 850-plus guests filed into the ballroom for the main event — the group’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Johanna Terry Events’ emerald-hued décor and florals were a beautiful nod to the milestone.

The fashion show was presented on a massive Y-shaped runway by Saks Fifth Avenue. Produced by Lenny Matuszewski and Tamara Bonar, it starred Houston firefighters among the models. Argentine-born Puerto Rican actor and TV host Julián Gil made a surprise appearance on the runway, too!

The ritzy raffle included items like a fabulous diamond tennis necklace from Zadok Jewelers, which contributed to the more than $500,000 raised that afternoon. Net proceeds will benefit Justice Forward, Rebuilding Together Houston, Segundo Barrio, El Centro de Corazon, and Naba Shoes for Kids.

After the program, the festivities continued with dancing to the music from Grupo Kache — and a tequila toast, of course.

April Ramirez Fabre and Julie Garza

Hasina Starks, Heidi Turney, April Ramirez Fabre, Lisset Garza, Jovanny Orellana, Jujlian Gil, Naimeh Salem, Julie Garza

Ceron

Jovanny Orellana and Julian Gil walking down runway

Fashion Show Presented by Saks

Lisset Garza, Chree Boydston, Mauricio Serrano, Rosi Hernandez

Vicki Luna, Horacio Lerma

Josie Doubet, Cathryn Martinez and Alex de Aguilar Reuter

Cyndy Garza Roberts and Edward Sanchez

Lucia and Michael Cordua


Parties
As Escape Spa Expands in 2025, Owner Has Advice on Personal Growth: ‘Focus on Intention Setting’

CHANGE IS A good thing, and with the start of a new year, I always like to reflect on how far I've come and start fresh by setting self-care goals for the coming months. Personal growth is a passion for me, and also something I enjoy. Guiding a business through growth and change is also one of my passions, so I am very pleased to announce that Escape Spa is going to be expanding in 2025! We’re honored that we’ve built such a loyal following since opening in Cypress in July of 2022, and we’re thrilled to be in a position to grow our wellness and recovery sanctuary just outside of Houston.

Keep Reading Show less

SUPPORTERS OF THE Houston organization BRASS (Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists) celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary at a beautiful River Oaks home. BRASS president Elsie Eckert and a former BRASS scholar Sharon Bright were among those who welcomed everyone to the event.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Late photographer Jhane Hoang (center) and some of her subjects, including fashion models and musicians

WHEN JHANE HOANG died late last month after a quiet, private battle with cancer, Houston lost one of its most talented and exacting photographers — and my colleagues at CityBook and I lost a beloved contributor and friend.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment