SURE! AND RACHEL NOERDLINGER TO BE HONORED DURING ESSENCE FEST
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
In a week when Black brilliance floods the streets of New Orleans for ESSENCE Festival of Culture, two bold voices in health equity are being celebrated for rewriting the narrative around organ transplantation. Al B. Sure! and Rachel Noerdlinger, leaders of the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), are set to receive the Cultural Catalyst Award at the Future of Health Dinner, hosted by the Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF).
This prestigious honor, which will be presented Thursday, July 3rd at The Misi in the heart of the French Quarter, recognizes HEiTC’s groundbreaking advocacy in ensuring equity in transplant access for Black and Brown communities.
“We share this award not only with those who have walked the transplant journey but with the nearly 100,000 still waiting for that gift of life,” said Rachel Noerdlinger, HEiTC Co-Founder, alongside Al B. Sure!, Executive Chairman of the coalition. “This recognition fuels our mission to dismantle systemic barriers and champion lifesaving change.”
From the Stage to the Senate
Formed in November 2023, HEiTC’s impact has been swift and significant. From pushing federal policy reforms to state-level legislation, the coalition has become a galvanizing force for fairness in organ transplantation. In August 2024, after relentless advocacy, HEiTC succeeded in urging the Centers for Medicare and Med-
icaid Services (CMS) to reinstate Medicare coverage for non-invasive blood tests that detect early organ rejection — a lifeline for transplant recipients.
Earlier this year, Al B. Sure! co-authored state legislation with Texas State Rep. Josey Garcia to incentivize employer support for living donors — a move that caught the attention of the Texas Black Legislative Caucus, which honored him as an Outstanding Texan for health equity efforts.
A Fireside Chat That Matters
On Friday, July 4th at 1 PM, the momentum continues with a powerful fireside chat at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center featuring Rev. Al Sharpton, Rachel Noerdlinger, and Al B. Sure!. The conversation will explore how grassroots activism, coalition-building, and advocacy intersect to change lives — particularly as the nation braces for proposed cuts exceeding $600 billion to Medicaid, potentially devastating access to care across the U.S.
The stakes are real, and the voices speaking up are fearless.
“This is about more than just transplantation. It’s about who gets to live, who gets to heal, and who gets to dream,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, Senior Advisor to HEiTC. “Health equity is the civil rights issue of our time.”
More Than a Moment
It's A Movement
As the ESSENCE Fest celebrates Black excellence in music, culture, and business, the Global Black Economic Forum ensures that health remains front and center in the conversation on justice and opportunity. Featured speakers at the Future of Health Summit include Maryland Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and SEIU President April Verrett, among others.
“Standing together for our health — it’s about time,” Noerdlinger emphasized. “Because when we organize, we save lives.”
EVENT DETAILS
Future of Health Dinner
�� Thursday, July 3, 2025 |�� 7:30 PM
CST
�� The Misi – 600 Decatur Street, Suite 350, New Orleans, LA ��Honoring Al B. Sure! and Rachel Noerdlinger Standing Together for Our Health – Fireside Chat �� Friday, July 4, 2025 | �� 1:00 PM
CST �� Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA
Retraction Statement Regarding June 18, 2025, Article by Burt Levine
Issued by Francis Page, Jr., Editor of Houston Style
Magazine – June 27, 2025
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Houston Style Magazine published an article written by contributing writer Burt Levine that incorrectly attributed several statements to Houston City Council Member At-Large Dr. Letitia Plummer regarding her intentions to run for Harris County Judge. The article, titled “Letitia Plummer: A Bold New Chapter in Harris County’s Leadership Legacy,” has since been removed from our website and content syndication platforms.
We wish to clarify and formally retract specific quotations and assertions from that article, which were inaccurately presented as direct statements from Council Member Plummer. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
“Now, I want to lead Harris County — because I know what it means to fight for every neighborhood, every voice, and every future.”
“I’m already serving the entire city. Now, I’m ready to serve the entire county.”
Council Member Plummer has publicly stated that she did not make these remarks to Mr. Levine at any time. After a thorough internal review, we acknowledge that the inclusion of these statements did not meet the editorial standards of accuracy and attribution required by Houston Style Magazine. Mr. Levine’s quotes were neither recorded nor verified and thus do not reflect any confirmed public position or statement made by Dr. Plummer.
Additionally, the article gave the impression that Council Member Plummer had officially declared her candidacy for Harris County Judge. As of this statement’s release, no such announcement has been made, and no campaign filing for the office has occurred, per official Harris County records.
We extend our sincere apologies to
Council Member Letitia Plummer, her staff, and our readers for this error. We are taking this matter seriously and implementing additional editorial review processes to ensure greater accountability and fact-checking in future political reporting.
The views expressed in the June 18th article were solely those of the contributor and should not be interpreted as the official position or reporting standard of Houston Style Magazine.
For further inquiries, corrections, or concerns, please contact: Francis Page, Jr. – Editor-in-Chief fpagejr@stylemagazine.vom Houston Style Magazine www.stylemagazine.com
COMMENTARY
Itold my son recently that we’re descendants of the youngest combatant in the battle of Lexington and Concord. Our ancestor’s teenage ears were among the first to hear “the shot heard ‘round the world.”
Then I reminded him of something he already knew. That on the other side of his family tree are men and women who were enslaved. Who risked everything to get free and to free others. Who fought for their own rights and those of their communities after emancipation.
“You see,” I told him, “we come from freedom fighters. On both sides. Black and white. We fought back against monarchy. We fought back against slavery. And now we are being called to fight back against oligarchy. And just like before, we will win.”
This is our story. It is also America’s.
There is nothing as definitively American as fighting back – against injustice, the denial of fundamental rights, and the exclusion of vast swaths of people from the American promise.
This country has never been perfect. But it has always been capable of profound change.
It has risen time and again to advance the cause of freedom and human dignity – because people stood up and demanded it. That is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July. Not just our independence from a king. But our ongoing willingness to push this nation toward liberty and justice for all.
It is not a straight line. Progress has always been followed by backlash. Reconstruction gave way to Jim Crow. The civil rights era gave way to mass incarceration. Each new expansion of democracy has been met by those determined to hoard power for themselves.
Today, the threat is oligarchy – a government run for the rich and powerful, by the rich and powerful, at the expense of everyone else.
You do not need a Ph.D. in political science to see what is happening. The same politicians trying to gut voting rights are
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
pushing laws that make billionaires richer and the rest of us poorer. The same leaders who talk about “freedom” taking away basic rights from workers, women, and families. The fossil fuel industry is being handed billions in subsidies and incentives to pollute the air our children breathe. Public lands are under threat. So are public schools, public libraries, and even public information and history.
When the Trump administration took down the government website hosting congressionally mandated research and data about climate change and its impacts on the US, could it really be seen as anything other than a gift to fossil fuel oligarchs?
Climate scientist Peter Gleick, who coauthored the first National Climate Assessment in 2000, called it "scientific censorship at its worst" and "the modern version of book burning."
And what about Senate Republicans’ attempts to give massive handouts to fossil fuel interests – including the forced sale of millions of acres of our cherished public lands – while trying to deal a death blow to the clean energy transition with new taxes on wind and solar projects? All of that hurts everyday Americans in so many ways: the health impacts of all the added pollution, the cost of those health impacts on working
families, the higher energy bills, the end of the good green economy manufacturing jobs boom, and the ceding of global economic leadership for the next century to the Chinese government – just to name a few!
That was a gift to fossil fuel oligarchs so egregious it even helped reignite the public tiff between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, who lamented the "utterly insane and destructive handouts to industries of the past while severely damaging industries of the future."
And now, they are trying to rewrite the very idea of America.
This Orwellian-named “America First” agenda is not patriotic. It is predatory. It is not about preserving American greatness. It is about protecting corporate greed. It is about shielding the few from accountability.
It is about convincing us to turn on each other while they loot the country.
But the good news is Americans are fighting back. As we always have.
The public backlash to attempts to sell off our public lands was swift and fierce, from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike. And we got it pulled from the Senate's massive budget bill.
The resistance to smash-and-grab policies that enrich oligarchs and harm
the rest of us will only continue to grow. That is because – and it is crucial that we remember this on Independence Day – we are a country built not on fear, but on hope. Not on exclusion, but on inclusion. Not on silence, but on speech. We are the America of Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth and Susan B. Anthony and Cesar Chavez. Of Harriet Tubman, who led people to freedom through forests and fields that are now public lands. And of my great-great-greatgreat-great-great-grandfather who fought on a battlefield that 250 years later is also now a national park.
The America that keeps fighting, even when the odds seem long.
As I told my son, we are part of that tradition. And this Fourth of July, we recommit to it. That is what it means to be American.
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania You can write to Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by website at:
THE HARRIS COUNTY TOLL ROAD AUTHORITY MAKES IT EZ
No one likes traffic.
From gridlock to potholes, and a noticeable lack of turn signal use, commuting in the Houston region can be a challenge.
Lucky for us, the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has a system of toll ways that make getting from “point A” to “point B” safe and convenient.
It starts with an EZ Tag.
An EZ Tag has always made traveling throughout the Houston region quick and easy, and now, your tag works throughout Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida and Colorado. Take your summer road trip and never have to worry about paying for missed tolls from out of state. HCTRA has it handled.
And when you use your EZ Tag, you receive a 10% discount on tolls. Not only are you saving your car from treacherous Houston potholes, but you save money every time you use the tag. Harris County
Commissioners put the discount in place in 2023, understanding that convenient and safe travel is of the utmost importance to the people in our community.
The more people who have EZ Tags, the less slowdowns in lanes, the safer the ride for every toll road passenger and the more money you can save.
You can receive up to eight free tags per account, giving you the flexibility to monitor payments for multiple people and / or vehicles. Everyone in your household can take advantage of great savings and a promise that safety will always be HCTRA’s number one priority.
HCTRA has always been at the forefront of safety-driven technology, starting with the Westpark Tollway - the first all-electronic and barrier / toll booth-free toll road in the nation.
Barrier-free Lane enhancements are moving forward on the Sam Houston
Tollway while other roads in the HCTRA system already take advantage of totally electronic tolling. With an EZ Tag, there aren’t any slow downs in the lanes and no fumbling for money on the road. And HCTRA accepts cash EZ Tag payments at retailers like Walmart, H-E-B and more throughout the Houston region, letting you pay the way you want while still taking advantage of the convenience of “drive and go” payment while on the road.
Even managing your EZ Tag account is convenient. Download the EZ Tag app from the Google or Apple app stores for free to get started. It’s just a $10 prepaid deposit to get started with an account – a fraction of what it used to be. Monitor your account activity, add or delete a vehicle and even add temporary plates to your account
while you’re waiting for your official set. You can even “nickname” each vehicle – we promise we won’t tell anyone you refer to your car as “Beep Beep”.
Getting your EZ Tag is also simple. Request your tag(s) online at HCTRA. org or visit an area HCTRA EZ Tag Store located throughout the Houston region (find locations at HCTRA.org/StoreLocator). Our Customer Service team is also available to help by calling 281-875-EASY (3279). We’re even open Saturdays.
With HCTRA’s system of toll roads, connecting and commuting have never been easier. You can always rely on HCTRA to provide you with safe and convenient mobility solutions that make your life easier.
Keep it moving with HCTRA.
H Grand Marshall’s – Nakita Bowman, Hayden Cohen, Josephine Jones, Lane Lewis, Brandon Mack, Ana Sachez, Jon Rosenthal, Daron Yanes & Tony’s Place H
Photography By #TeamStyleMag
Houston Mayor - John Whitmire
Congressman Al Green
Councilperson - Dr. Letitia Plummer
Texas State REP - Ann Johnson
Harris County Judge - Lina Hidalgo Chris Hollins, Jim Rosenthal & Gene Wu
In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Pasadena has crowned its newest City Council member not through a recount, not through litigation—but with a coin toss. And not just any council member: meet Bianca Valerio, the city’s first-ever Latina to win a seat on the Pasadena City Council, sealing the victory in a moment that electrified a standing-room-only chamber and left the community inspired.
After a razor-thin June 7 runoff that ended in a dead-even 272 to 272 tie with longtime resident Bruce Leamon, 74, the race came down to chance. But fate—and a well-practiced coin toss—was on Valerio’s side. On Monday morning, surrounded by family, supporters, and city officials, the 34-year-old Pasadena native called “heads,” and history responded in kind.
“This is a meaningful moment for me, my family, and my city,” Valerio said, her voice filled with emotion and triumph. “I’m third-generation Pasadena. This has been a long journey and a yearlong campaign. I’m thrilled to have won—even if I wish it had come down to more voters instead of a coin. Still, this shows every vote counts, and democracy truly matters.”
The Power of Persistence—and Practice
Valerio’s journey to this milestone
BIANCA VALERIO MAKES HISTORY IN PASADENA WITH A COIN TOSS VICTORY THAT SIGNALS
A NEW ERA OF REPRESENTATION
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
was anything but luck driven. After placing first in the May 3 election with 40% of the vote to Leamon’s 37%, she continued to hit the pavement—literally—walking the neighborhoods of Harris County’s second-largest city. Known for its Tex-Mex flavor, country music charm, and chemical plant skyline, Pasadena is now also known for breaking barriers.
“I freak out when I lose $20. Losing an election? That’s on another lev-
el,” Valerio quipped, admitting she even practiced coin tosses with her family in anticipation of Monday’s tiebreaker. “But I work to earn what I achieve. I want to be the voice for the taxpayers in my district.”
A City with Latino Roots Now Represented
Pasadena, home to more than 151,000 residents, is 68% Hispanic, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Yet until now, no Latina had ever been elected to its City Council. Valerio’s win is a major step forward in bringing reflective representation to a community whose identity and culture are deeply rooted in Hispanic heritage.
Mayor Pro-Tem Ruben Villareal, who chaired the special meeting, emphasized the importance of civic participation: “If one more person had voted—just one— we wouldn't be here. Let that be a lesson to us all: local elections matter.”
Even her opponent, Leamon, echoed this sentiment: “In a district with thousands of registered voters and under 10% turnout, it’s clear how critical each voice is.”
From Pasadena Pride to Civic Leadership
As Mayor, McCutcheon has prom-
ised to lValerio is no stranger to community engagement. A graduate of Pasadena High School’s Class of 2009 and a top-tier student, she earned scholarships that took her to Simmons University before embarking on a successful career in business and management nationwide. But her heart never left Houston.
“I’ve been a Rodeo kid, a theater student, an athlete—and now, a council member,” she said. “My roots here are deep, and so is my love for this city.”
Her priorities are grounded in public safety, infrastructure, and environmental equity. From fixing sidewalks to championing flood mitigation, Valerio is especially passionate about Pasadena’s green spaces, pledging her continued support for public parks and community gardens.
With her election, McCutcheon joins the ranks of modern-day pioneers who turn personal achievement into community impact. Her story echoes the great Texas legends—Sam Houston, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett—who also journeyed from Tennessee to transform Texas. But in 2025, it’s Mayor Carol McCutcheon who is carving out a legacy of her own.
Sandra Levine, Bianca Valerio, & Burt Levine
SANTIAGO OSORIO: KEEPING HOUSTON METRO
Safe, Secure, and Built for the Future
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
When Santiago Osorio walks the halls of Houston METRO's and maintenance facilities, Transit Centers and conference rooms, he brings more than three decades of transit experience and executive leadership to every decision he makes—he brings a deeply personal journey of resilience, purpose, and unwavering dedication to public service.
As Executive Vice President of Facility Maintenance, Safety, and Security at METRO, Osorio is a mission-driven leader. A former bus operator who worked his way up from entry-level to executive status, Osorio now oversees the systems that keep millions of riders moving safely across the Bayou City every year.
“Safety Is Not a Buzzword.
It’s a Daily Promise.”
“In every transit decision, the rider comes first,” says Osorio. “We actively monitor our entire system to ensure customers enjoy safe, clean, and reliable service every day.”
That promise is more than talk— it’s backed by a robust network of safety officers, security inspectors, comprehensive surveillance, and rapid-response cleaning teams deployed during peak hours. Riders have noticed the difference across bus, rail, and park-and-ride routes.
“Thanks to the combined efforts of our teams, we’ve made measurable strides in strengthening safety and cleanliness across the board,” Osorio adds.
Facility Upgrades You Can’t Always See But You Definitely Feel
While new buses and railcars often steal the spotlight, it’s the behindthe-scenes facility upgrades that help transform public transit into a premium experience. “We’re upgrading lighting, tightening access controls, and expanding security systems,” Osorio shares. “Each improvement makes our spaces more welcoming, safer, and more accessible.”
From escalator overhauls and new maintenance lifts to smarter infrastructure design and better rider visibility at stations, METRO is building for the present with an eye on the future.
A Leader Shaped by Grit—and Gratitude
Born in El Salvador and raised between South America and Los Angeles, Osorio knows firsthand the importance of dependable public transportation. “Transit was how I got to school, work, and ultimately how I discovered my calling,” he reflects. “Being a child of immigrants instilled in me a hands-on approach, a humility, and a deep drive to serve.”
That global perspective—and local commitment—fuels Osorio’s passion for inclusive infrastructure. “We’re not just building rail lines or repairing bridges. We’re creating pathways to jobs, education, and opportunity.”
Tackling Tomorrow’s Challenges, Today
Osorio is clear-eyed about what lies ahead for METRO: modernizing aging infrastructure, keeping pace with population growth, and attracting a new generation of transit professionals.
This METRONow Plan includes:
• Increasing visibility of uniformed personnel
• Enhancing surveillance and crime deterrence
• Expanding partnerships with local law enforcement
• Improving rider experience through better lighting and access control
“We’re laying the foundation for a stronger, safer transit network by addressing these issues now,” Osorio emphasizes.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Servants
From his first day behind the wheel of a METRO bus, to his current leadership seat, Osorio's career is a masterclass in growth, grit, and community impact. “You don’t have to settle,” he says. “Every role is a chance to learn, to advance, and to give back.” And that’s exactly the message he wants to share with Houston.
“Transit isn’t just my job—it’s been a thread through my entire life. It connects families, fuels local economies, and keeps our communities moving forward. I’m honored to help lead that mission.”
Houston Style Magazine readers, for more on METRO’s latest safety upgrades and leadership.
Santiago Osorio –Executive Vice President of Facility Maintenance, Safety, and Security at METRO
June 27, 2025
Photos By Linda Toyota, Francis Page, Lisa Valadez & Twice Media
Judson Robinson, III - HAUL President
Eric Goodie - HAUL E.V.P.
Dr. Magaret Ford Fisher - HCC Chancellor
Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock - METRO Chair
Annise Parker, Francis Page & Rodney Ellis
Ryan Phillips - NetPower Inc.
Amelia White & Judson Robinson
Elizabeth Brock & Jeffrey Campbell
Lisa Valadez & Clarence White
Sheroo Mukhtiar & Linda Toyota
Rodney Ellis & Eric Goodie
Photos By Linda Toyota, Francis Page, Lisa Valadez & Twice Media
Get ready, Houston—education, empowerment, and HBCU excellence are taking center stage once again!
The Houston HBCU Alumni Association (HHBCUAA) is set to host its highly anticipated 5th Annual “Counselors & Student Advocates Summit” on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Marriott South at Hobby Airport, located at 9100 Gulf Freeway, Houston, TX 77017.
This FREE community-driven event, complete with lunch and light snacks, promises to ignite passion, expand partnerships, and push forward the mission of empowering the next generation through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
�� Register now at www.hhbcuaa. org
✨ The 2025 Theme:
“The HBCU Experience: A Path to Empowerment, Excellence, and Identity”
This year’s summit aims to further solidify the vital role HBCUs play in shaping leaders, nurturing Black excellence, and preserving cultural identity. It’s not just a meeting—it’s a movement.
• Anyone passionate about HBCU representation and recruitment
This inspiring summit serves as a direct line between student influencers and the vast network of alumni from more than 50+ Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the United States. The purpose? Simple—but mighty:
�� Promote HBCUs to area students through partnerships with staff and student-focused organizations
�� Educate counselors on the latest HBCU admissions trends and recruitment updates
�� Position the Annual HBCU College Fair as a citywide field trip staple
for Houston-area schools
�� Why It Matters
While today’s students are bombarded with college options, the unique value of HBCUs must be front and center.
That’s where HHBCUAA steps in—acting as both a beacon of legacy and a launchpad for academic dreams. The Summit reinforces the critical role of HBCUs in offering not just an education, but an experience rooted in identity, cultural pride, and community uplift.
��
About HHBCUAA
The Houston HBCU Alumni Association, Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit powered by dedicated alumni and supporters.
This coalition champions the legacies of HBCUs, striving to:
Raise awareness within the Greater Houston community
Promote recruitment and enrollment in HBCUs
Celebrate the excellence of Black higher education
With unwavering commitment and grassroots passion, HHBCUAA continues to open doors, shatter barriers, and build bridges between young minds and historic Black institutions.
�� Final Call: Join the Movement
Whether you're a counselor seeking the best tools for your students, an advocate ready to champion equity in education, or simply a proud alum looking to pay it forward—this Summit is for YOU. Come connect, engage, and help shape futures.
In a resounding affirmation of dedication, innovation, and world-class care, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has once again proven why it stands among the elite in global health care. On June 24, 2025, MD Anderson achieved its sixth Magnet designation—and for the first time, received the coveted Magnet with Distinction honor from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), placing it among only 26 organizations worldwide to reach such a milestone.
This isn’t just another accolade. It’s a monumental recognition of a nursing culture that radiates excellence at every level—grounded in compassion, elevated by science, and driven by purpose.
What Is Magnet with Distinction?
Often described as the “gold standard” in nursing, Magnet status is awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous standards for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice.
Earning Magnet with Distinction means MD Anderson not only met but exceeded the benchmarks that define the top tier of patient-focused institutions. In short, they didn’t just pass—they soared.
A Nursing Powerhouse in Action Home to more than 5,300 nurses,
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE: MD ANDERSON EARNS SIXTH MAGNET DESIGNATION
WITH DISTINCTION—SETTING A NEW GOLD STANDARD IN ONCOLOGY NURSING
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
MD Anderson has cultivated a team that is not only academically prepared but passionately engaged. The appraisal team spotlighted:
• A highly credentialed staff with a large percentage of board-certified nurses
• Exceptionally high levels of nurse engagement and satisfaction
• A remarkably low turnover rate of 8%—nearly unheard of in modern health care
“It’s a direct result of our collective dedication to advancing nursing practice, supporting professional growth, and promoting exceptional patient-centered outcomes,” said Kim Slusser, Chief Nursing Officer ad interim.
A Culture That Nurtures Innovation
Since its last Magnet designation in 2020, MD Anderson hasn’t just rested on its laurels—it’s innovated. The launch of the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing has transformed how nursing education, career development, and well-being are approached.
Programs like the Wheeler Nurse Leadership Academy are cultivating leaders who don’t just follow industry trends—they set them.
From leading-edge research administration to integrating emerging technologies into practice, MD Anderson nurses are at the center of transformational care.
Leadership That Champions Excellence
“Magnet designation exemplifies
sustained excellence in nursing practice and a culture of professional governance,” said Rosanna Morris, MD Anderson’s Chief Operating Officer. “As a nurse by training, I am continually amazed by our nurses’ commitment to our overall mission.”
And that mission is more than just treating cancer—it’s about healing people.
A Presidential Salute
Dr. Peter WT Pisters, President of MD Anderson, offered a message of deep gratitude:
“This tremendous honor reflects what we know to be true—MD Anderson nurses are among the best in the world. Maintaining the highest standards of care and practice affirms our abiding commitment to a culture where nursing excellence is a defining factor.”
Why This Matters to Houston and the World
For Houston Style Magazine readers and residents of the Gulf South region, this honor is more than symbolic. It means that right here at home, patients receive care guided by the best-trained, most compassionate, and forward-thinking nursing professionals in the world.
EVERYONE DESERVES
In, the heart of Missouri City, where ambition and academic dreams run as deep as Southern roots, something extraordinary is brewing at Fort Bend County Libraries’ Sienna Branch Library.
On Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the library will transform into a vibrant hub of higher education hope as it hosts its highly anticipated College Fair—a free, family-friendly event designed to connect students with the bright futures they deserve.
For many high school students in Fort Bend County, college can feel like a distant dream. This event aims to change that—bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. The College Fair welcomes students and their families to engage directly with representatives from a stellar lineup of academic institutions, including:
• Houston Community College – a launching pad for tech-savvy futures
Hosts College Fair to Empower Fort Bend’s Future Scholars
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
• Sam Houston State University – rooted in tradition, driven by innovation
• Texas A&M - Kingsville – excellence with a South Texas flair
• Texas A&M - RELLIS – cutting-edge education in the Brazos Valley
• University of Houston – Downtown –urban access to academic advancement
• Rider University – bringing East Coast excellence to Texas soil
Whether you're exploring bachelor’s programs, eyeing an associate degree, or considering trade certifications, this fair
is your one-stop shop for informed choices and inspired paths.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about pamphlets and pamphlets—it’s about power. The power to dream bigger. The power to chart your course. The power to sit at the table of opportunity, no matter your background.
Attendees can expect in-depth conversations about:
• Admissions Requirements
• Scholarship and Financial Aid
• On-Campus Housing
• Degree Programs & Career Pathways
And yes, there will be plenty of swag, smiles, and possibly even the kind of pep talks that stick with you for life.
A Community Committed to Growth
“This event is a celebration of community investment,” says Sienna Branch Manager Erin Petty Quijano. “Libraries are more than books—they’re bridges. This College Fair is one more way we’re helping our youth cross into a future of endless possibilities.”
It’s All Free—Just Bring Your Questions and Curiosity
Fort Bend County Libraries continues to lead with equity, access, and empowerment at its core. This College Fair is absolutely free and open to the public. No pre-registration required—just show up ready to be inspired.
For more information, call the Sienna Branch Library at 281-238-2900 or the Library System’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734. Or visit www.fortbend.lib. tx.us for event details and library programs that educate, uplift, and connect.
