CULTIVATING GROWTH:
A LEGACY OF LEARNING AND COMMUNITY
HOUSTON
Dear Friends,
Thank you for being part of this incredible milestone and for making brighter futures possible. Your generosity fuels this joyful work, and we are grateful to have you by our side.
For three decades, Breakthrough Houston has been changing lives—student by student, family by family, and community by community. As we gather to celebrate 30 years of transformational impact, we honor both the visionaries who helped build this organization and those who are now carrying that vision forward.
Breakthrough’s model works—because of your support. Together, we continue to expand access to transformational opportunities that allow Breakthrough students and Teaching Fellows to become well-rounded leaders one by one as they step into their futures as leaders.
This milestone is not only a celebration of the past but a call to invest in the future. With the continued commitment of our supporters, partners, and volunteers, Breakthrough Houston is poised to grow even deeper roots and reach even greater heights in the decades ahead.
Thank you for being part of our community and our story. Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure are helping to shape Houston’s future—one student at a time.
Let’s celebrate what we’ve accomplished and look forward to the bright future ahead.
With gratitude,
Angie Wedlick Executive Director
DEAR FRIENDS,
It is our great honor to welcome you to Breakthrough Houston’s 2025 Cultivating Growth Luncheon—a special celebration marking 30 years of transforming lives through education, partnership, and opportunity.
We are thrilled to serve as this year’s event chairs and to gather with so many dedicated supporters, advocates, and friends for this milestone occasion. Today, we celebrate the students, families, educators, and community partners who have shaped Breakthrough Houston’s legacy and continue to propel its mission forward.
As longtime champions of Breakthrough’s work, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing its impact firsthand—from classrooms and summer sessions to inspiring young leaders and jumpstarting careers. This organization is proof of what’s possible when talented students are given the support and access they deserve, and when communities come together to invest in equitable education.
It is especially meaningful to recognize St. John’s School for its foundational partnership and unwavering support over the past three decades. Their commitment has opened doors for countless students and provided a home for the growth, discovery, and relationships that define the Breakthrough experience.
On behalf of the entire Breakthrough Houston team, thank you for joining us today and for being part of this incredible journey. Your presence and support fuel the bright future ahead.
With gratitude, Emily and Josh Schaffer
WELCOME
Angie Wedlick, Executive Director
EVENT PROGRAM
LUNCH
HONOREE PRESENTATION
Emily and Josh Schaffer
St. John’s School
BREAKTHROUGH HOUSTON STUDENT SPEAKER
Karina Sapon
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Bobby Tudor, Founder and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners
SPECIAL REMARKS
Bill Boyce, Breakthrough Houston Board Chair
CLOSING REMARKS
Angie Wedlick, Executive Director
HONOREE
St. John’s School
St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school presenting a 13-year sequence of college preparatory training. A non-profit institution, it was founded in 1946 to provide the community with a school of exacting standards in the development of individual, spiritual, ethical, intellectual, social, and physical growth. While the means to achieve that purpose may change, it remains the basic mission of the School.
The School seeks to develop the whole person in preparation for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and contribution to society. In particular, it is dedicated to the enhancement and the expansion of future leadership for Houston and the country. The School offers talented, motivated, and energetic students a genuine challenge for academic accomplishment and for development of a sense of self-worth and of personal responsibility. The School in turn holds itself responsible for providing that challenge.
For 30 years, St. John’s School has been an instrumental supporter of Breakthrough Houston. In 1995, St. John’s opened its campus to what was then known as Summerbridge, welcoming a small group of rising 7th grade students and a handful of dedicated teachers. The program, built on a students-teaching-students model, saw immediate success and pledged to support students for six years—from middle school through high school graduation.
Soon after, the program became Breakthrough Houston and joined the national Breakthrough Collaborative, which was originally founded in 1978. Over time, Breakthrough Houston expanded its model to a 10-year commitment, now supporting students from 6th grade all the way through college graduation.
St. John’s has remained a committed partner throughout, helping Breakthrough Houston serve over 800 students and shaping the blueprint for expanding educational opportunities across Houston. Breakthrough Houston is proud to honor and celebrate this enduring partnership and the foundational role St. John’s has played in our mission and growth.
BOBBY TUDOR Philanthropist,
CEO
and Founder of Artemis Energy Partners
Bobby Tudor is the founder and CEO of Artemis Energy Partners, an Investing and Advisory platform focused on companies involved in the Global Energy Markets.
Mr. Tudor is also a Retired Founder and CEO of Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. TPH is a leading Energy Investment Bank formed in 2007 with over 100 employees in five offices in the US, Canada and UK. It is widely recognized for its industry leading position in Energy securities research and Energy investment banking advisory transactions. TPH merged with Perella Weinberg Partners in 2016. Prior to forming TPH, Mr. Tudor was a Partner at Goldman Sachs and a leader of its worldwide Energy practice.
Over his 35-plus year career in Investment Banking, he has worked on many of the defining transactions of the period, across most energy subsectors and geographies. Mr. Tudor is currently the Chairman of the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, a consortium of Houston’s leading energy companies working to shape the region’s Energy Transition Strategy. Mr. Tudor is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Greentown Labs. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Murphy Oil Corporation, Puloli, Inc., an earlystage methane detection and measurement company, New ASEAN Energy, a US-based company involved in the Petrochemicals industry in Asia, as well as P6 Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of product life cycle assessment software. Mr. Tudor is the Past Chair of the Greater Houston Partnership and of the Rice University Board of Trustees. He serves on the Board of Advisors for Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, the National Petroleum Council, the Jones School of Business at Rice, and the National Advisory Board for the Tulane Center for Energy Law. Mr. Tudor also serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Symphony, Good Reason Houston, the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors, and the Rice Management Company.
Mr. Tudor holds a BA in English and Legal Studies from Rice University, and a JD from Tulane Law School.
KARINA SAPON
Breakthrough Houston Student, Class of 2025
Karina Sapon joined Breakthrough Houston as a shy 7th grader and has grown into a confident leader and academic standout. Now a senior at KIPP Connect High School and class valedictorian, Karina will attend the University of Notre Dame this fall to study accounting in the College of Business.
A passionate entrepreneur at heart, Karina dreams of opening both a barbershop and a dog rescue—drawing on skills taught by her uncle and her deep love for animals. She’s also been a standout employee, dedicated soccer player, and a supportive Teaching Assistant.
Karina is the fourth of five siblings and the only girl in her family. As the first U.S.-born child on both sides of her family, with roots in Guatemala, she carries her identity with pride. One of her most powerful reflections came from her college essay, where she described learning English as a young student with the help of a Spanish-English dictionary—her “lifeline in the deep end.”
Karina embodies Breakthrough Houston’s mission with resilience, heart, and vision, and we are proud to celebrate her journey as she prepares to take the next step toward her dreams.
MISSION
Breakthrough Houston has a unique dual mission of working with highly motivated students to achieve post-secondary success and empowering aspiring leaders to become the next generation of educational advocates.
VISION
At Breakthrough, we envision a day when all children have access to high-quality education, and teachers are committed to their success.
STUDENT SUCCESS
96% 77% 87%
of Breakthrough high school seniors are enrolled in college
of Breakthrough students grew in reading and/or math from pre- to postsummer
of Breakthrough students graduated from college in 4 years
Laura and John Arnold EVENT SPONSORS
CHAMPIONS
CATALYSTS
María and Bill Boyce Erin O’Leary Stewart and James Stewart, III
BUILDERS
Anonymous
Stan Marek
Randa and K.C Weiner
Janice and Rick Moore
Liz and Andy Stepanian
Bilger/Gunst/Kramer/Rider/Sabat/Sanchez/Stasney/Sultan
LEADERS
Anne Chao
Nancy Fischer
Jeri and Marc Shaprio
Kelly and Frank Hogan
Anita and James Major
Gisela and Igor Cherches
Jamie and Nolan Moullé
Patience and Adam Stern
The Awty International School
Megan and Jason Williams
April and Robert Eschweiler
Scottie and Christopher McCord
EVENT SPONSORS
ADVOCATES
St. John’s School
Dr. Jennifer Segal
Burger, Ringold, Sampson
Katie and Kevin Dalrymple
Roslyn Hakin, Ellyn Josef, & Jennifer Zach
Marsha and Charlie Parker, Dylan and Andy Parker
Beck Redden LLP
CHANGE MAKERS
Dr. Monica Williams
Carly and Darren Craig
Allison and Dan Connally
Carolyn and Chris Dorros
Josephine and Richard Smith
Mary and Charles Soderstrom
Dr. George and Dr. Lynette Van Buren II
BREAKTHROUGH
HOUSTON BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mrs. Allie Veselka
Mrs. Allison Miller
Mr. Bill Boyce
Dr. Heather Beck
Ms. Gayatri Garg
Mrs. Ganesa Collins
Mrs. Gisela Cherches
Mr. Grant Butkus
Mr. Jason Arnoldy
Mr. Joe Morrel
Mr. Josh Schaffer
Mr. Naveen Kharb
Mr. Nicholas Swyka
Ms. Nancy Fischer
Mr. Richard Moore
Mr. Robert Eschweiler
Mrs. Tameka Stegall
Mr. Todd Litton
Mrs. Josephine Smith
Mr. Daniel Alig
BREAKTHROUGH
HOUSTON
STAFF
Angie Wedlick
Anthony Edwards
Ashley Ojiemwen
Carlos Rodriguez
Chrissy Redmond
Chrystal Rivers
Eileen Wolfowicz
Erica Barnes
Faith Plaisance
Germán Aparicio
Grace Leuschner
Jackie Ferrufino
JB Makhani
Kiara Nolasco
Mayra Ortuño
Monica Tierrablanca
Nolan Julien
Rachel Soderstrom
Terrell Thomas
Twenewaa Adu-Oppong
THANK YOU TO THE 2025 CULTIVATING
GROWTH LUNCHEON HOST COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Dan & Jenine Alig
Laura & John Arnold
Jean-Pierre Baizan
Bill & María Boyce
Charlie & Courtney Burger
Igor & Gisela Cherches
Alan & Marina Christensen
Ashley & Scot Clinton
Allison & Dan Connally
Darren & Carly Craig
Katie & Kevin Dalrymple
Katie & Benjie Dillon
Robert & April Eschweiler
Nancy Fischer
Lauren & Rob Gray
Brooke & Jeff Gunst
Roslyn Haikin
George & Erica Hittner
Frank & Kelly Hogan
David & Laurel Isaak
Chris & Jenny Johnson
Coble & Jeff Jorgensen
Ellyn & Adam Josef
Rachel & Alex Kramer
Todd Leffler & Suzy Elmilady
Dr. Jennifer & Todd Litton
Kristen & Joe Lyons
Drs. Anita & James Major
Scottie & Christopher McCord
Allison & Patrick Miller
Ruthie & Adam Miller
Rick & Janice Moore
Jamie & Nolan Moullé
Evy Pappas
Dylan & Andy Parker
Marsha & Charlie Parker
Adrian and Erin Patterson
Colin & Dr. Sangita Pogge
Peyton & Alex Popp
Henry Richardson & Monsour Taghdisi
Melanie & Daniel Ringold
Carolyn & Jake Sabat
Philip & Sarah Sampson
Julie & Tony Sanchez
Vanessa & Eduardo Sanchez
Dr. Jennifer Segal
Jeri & Marc Shapiro
Jonathan & Ashley Sloan
Josephine Smith
Allison & Spencer Stasney
Patience & Adam Stern
Amira & Brad Staller
Payson & Susie Tucker
Drs. Lynette & George Van Buren
Leslie Viswanathan
Rachael and Jason Volz
Molly & Coert Voorhees
Jason & Megan Williams
Jennifer & Ron Zach
Celebrating 30 years of
Breakthroughs!
Congratulations, Breakthrough Houston, on three decades of supporting students, developing teachers, and transforming futures.
It is rare for someone to come into your life and give you hope for a better tomorrow. In all of the years that we’ve known them, Josh and his wife Emily make everything better than they found it - and bring optimism to places it didn’t exist before. On behalf of all of their friends and the countless others they’ve impacted, we’d like to recognize them for all they’ve done, and continue to do.
-Friends of Josh and Emily
Helping Texans
When Texans are in need, we lend a hand. We fight hunger, provide disaster relief, and honor our educators and military. We do this for one simple reason. We are from here, so we are helping here.
The Awty International School
St. Thomas Episcopal School
Etoile Academy Charter School
St. John’s School
Thank you Breakthrough Houston team for all the incredible work you guys do for students and families in Houston!
From Carolyn Sabat
In tribute to Kathy Heinzerling for her dedicated service to Breakthrough Houston for nearly 15 years.
From Karen Arnold
Congratulations Breakthrough Houston
from your partners at
500 Summer Program Backpacks
200 Graduated Student Care Packages
100 Teacher Appreciation Care Packages
50 Senior Gift Cards
20 Potato Battery Experiments
110 Constellation Volunteers
Over 200 Volunteer Hours
850 Letters of Encouragement
Congratulations on the many years of helping others.
Congratulations Breakthrough Houston on 3 Decades! From Randa & K.C. Weiner
Houston Rockets
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
ADOLESCENT DIAGNOSIS ASSESSMENT PREVENTION AND TREATMENT CENTER (ADAPT CENTER)
The ADAPT Center celebrates 8 years of partnership with Breakthrough Houston to provide students with free mental health counseling!
We’re committed to providing students with accessible evidencebased therapy to support their mental health and wellbeing as they navigate their teen years and look towards the future.
Thank you for your support as we continue to help Breakthrough students thrive!
In
honor of Josh and Emily Schaffer for being the best!
-Henry Richardson and Monsour Taghdisi
