Extraordinary Women Making History Gala
The inaugural Extraordinary Women Making History Awards Gala marks a milestone for the She Said Foundation and sets a new standard for how women’s leadership and impact are recognized. We will bring together founders, executives, creators, and decision makers who understand that success carries weight when it creates access and opportunity for others.
The evening unfolds at Hotel ZaZa Museum District, one of Houston’s most iconic landmarks, celebrating 100 years. That legacy makes this inaugural gala both historic and meaningful. It is a fitting place to begin a tradition dedicated to honoring women who are building legacies of their own through their work and leadership.
.jpg)
Honoring Women Who Do the Work
Every year, the She Said Foundation uplifts women who lead and serve their communities, grounding our mission in real impact and lasting change. We celebrate women making history through their leadership, influence, and commitment to excellence. During National Women’s History Month, we are reminded that progress continues because women continue to lead, build, and create change. The EWMH Gala extends that commitment by honoring women whose work is transforming industries, strengthening communities, and shaping the world around them.
EWMH Honorees are industry leaders, community builders, culture shapers, and change makers who lead with vision and follow through with execution. Their leadership is used in service of something greater.
_edited.png)
2025 Honorees
past Honorees
City of Houston Council Member District A, Amy Peck
City of Houston Council Member District C, Abbie Kamin
Council Member At-Large Position 4, Letitia Plummer
Council Member At-Large Position 5, Sallie Alcorn
Harris County Clerk, Teneshia Hudspeth
Houston Medical Forum, Dr. Kathy Flanagan
JLOS, LLC, Dr. Joanne Oakes
Memorial Hermann Health System, Tawanna McInnis-Cole
Healthsource, Deidra Dunbar RN
River Oaks Hospital and Clinics, Kennetta Evans, RN
River Oaks Hospital and Clinics, Patricia Washington
Houston Independent School District, Alexis Licata
Shell, Ana Moreno Kopf
Fluor, Annie Lidge
Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, April Day
NASA Johnson Space Center, Debra L. Johnson
Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Ingrid Robinson
CenterPoint Energy, Jewel Smith
METRO, Karen Hudson
BP America Inc. Kimberly Duck
United Airlines, Layle McKelvey
MD Anderson Cancer Center, Marian Nimon
University of Houston ,Maya P. Thornton
City of Missouri City, Shannon Pleasant
NRG Energy, Inc. Tiffany Peay
Houston Community College, Veronica Douglas
Port of Houston Authority, Yvette Camel-Smith
City of Houston Council Member District A, Brenda Stardig
City of Houston Council Member District C, Ellen Cohen
City of Houston Council Member District H, Karla Cisneros
Council Member At-Large Position 4, Amanda Edwards
Harris County Administration of Justice District Attorney, Kim Ogg
Harris County Fiscal Services Tax Assessor-Col., Ann Harris Bennett
Administration & Regulatory Affairs Director, Tina Paez
City Secretary at City Secretary's Office, Anna Russell
Interim Director, Finance Department, Tantri Emo
Human Resources Department Director, Jane Cheeks
Information Technology Director, Lisa Kent
Houston Public Library Director, Rhea Brown Lawson
Presiding Judge of Municipal Courts, J. Elaine Marshall
Department of Neighborhoods Director, TaKasha L. Francis
Office of Business Opportunity Director, Carlecia D. Wright
Houston Public Works Director, Carol Haddock,
Mayor’s Office Chief of Staff, Marvalette Hunter
Mayor’s Office Special Events, Susan Christian
METRO Board Chair, Carrin Patman
Port Houston Port Commission Chairman, Janiece M. Longoria
Houston First Corporation President & CEO, Brenda Bazan
Extraordinary Women Making History Gala
Hotel ZaZa Museum District | Black Tie
April 20, 2026 | VIP Reception 6:00 PM |
Dinner 7:00 PM
The EWMH Awards Gala calls for formal elegance, with floor-length gowns, sophisticated evening wear, tuxedos, and impeccably tailored formal suits. Dress with intention, confidence, and a sense of occasion.
