When the roar of the crowd fades and the lights of NRG Stadium dim, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud knows the real game is still being played—off the field, in the homes, classrooms, and communities of Greater Houston. Now, thanks to a multi-year partnership between Stroud’s namesake foundation and TDECU, that game just got a whole lot stronger.
This powerhouse alliance positions Stroud not only as a force on the gridiron but also as a brand ambassador for Texas’ largest credit union—championing a shared mission to equip Houstonians with the tools, education, and resources needed to achieve lasting financial stability.
“Partnering with TDECU felt like the right move,” Stroud said. “Managing finances is a big part of life off the field, and I’ve learned how critical it is to make smart decisions early. This partnership isn’t just about business—it’s about helping others gain access to the tools and support they need. I’m excited to work with a team that values long-term planning and doing things the right way.”
A Win for the Community
Under this agreement, TDECU
will integrate Stroud into its new brand campaign—launching during the NFL preseason—while also delivering direct impact to Houston families. The TDECU Cares Foundation is committing $30,000 to the C.J. Stroud Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering single mothers, uplifting low-income families, and giving youth in sports the chance to shine.
For Stroud, this mission is personal. His mother, Kimberly Stroud, who serves as president of the foundation, sees firsthand the challenges faced by single parents trying to build stability for their families.
“When you empower a mother, you uplift an entire family,” Kimberly explained. “This partnership with TDECU Cares allows us to provide critical financial education and resources to single mothers across Greater Houston—helping them gain confidence, stability, and brighter futures for themselves and their children.”
Shared Values, Stronger Results
Isaac Johnson , President and CEO of TDECU, called the partnership “a significant next step” for the credit union’s commitment to the Houston community.
“We are dedicated to empower-
ing our members and fostering growth,” Johnson said. “Our work with C.J. Stroud strengthens our connection to the people we serve and deepens our commitment to excellence, leadership, and positive community impact. Go Texans!”
The partnership reflects more than just sponsorship—it’s a strategic alignment of values. TDECU’s focus on financial literacy, health and well-being programs, and removing barriers to economic growth mirrors Stroud’s vision for longterm community empowerment.
From the Field to the Future
For Houston Style Magazine readers, this partnership is an inspiring example of how celebrity influence, corporate resources, and community commitment can intersect to create lasting change. In a city as diverse and dynamic as Houston, investments in financial education and youth opportunity don’t just change lives—they reshape futures.
With TDECU and C.J. Stroud now on the same team, Greater Houston has more than just a star quarterback—it has a committed advocate for the next generation.
Pictured (L to R): TDECU Chief Growth Officer Josh Brian, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, TDECU President and CEO Isaac Johnson, C.J. Stroud Foundation President Kimberly Stroud, TDECU VP – Executive Director of the TDECU Cares Foundation Crystal Harris, and TDECU SVP – Marketing and Brand Laura Whitley. (Photo Courtesy: TDECU / TDECU)
IFEDERAL LAWSUIT CHALLENGES RACIST TRUMP CONGRESSIONAL MAP: DEMOCRACY STRIKES BACK AT GOP GERRYMANDERING IN TEXAS
n the latest chapter of Texas’s ongoing battle over democracy, a coalition of citizen plaintiffs is demanding that federal courts finally take action against what many are calling the most brazen racial gerrymander of our time—a congressional map demanded by Donald Trump and obediently delivered by Texas Republicans.
The motion, filed in the Western District Federal Court in El Paso, calls for an expedited preliminary injunction hearing this September. The plaintiffs argue the new map is not just flawed but “egregiously unconstitutional”—a blunt assessment that echoes the frustration of millions of Texans who have seen their voices diluted, election after election.
A Map Built on Discrimination
The Trump-backed map is a masterclass in political manipulation through racial suppression. Although over 60% of Texans are minorities , the map slashes minority opportunity districts from 13 of 38 down to just 8. In plain English: communities of color are being deliberately stripped of their power to elect leaders who represent them.
This is not new. For decades, Texas Republicans—under the watch of Governor Greg Abbott and now turbocharged by Trump’s pressure—have perfected the art of silencing Black, Latino, and Asian American voters. Their strategy? Draw maps that fracture neighborhoods, split communities, and concentrate minority voices into as few
By Francis Page, Jr.
districts as possible. The result is a legislature and congressional delegation grossly unrepresentative of Texas’s true face
Four Years of Delay, Too Much Silence
The plaintiffs’ motion also shines a spotlight on another injustice: the courts’ four-year delay in ruling on challenges to the Texas State House and State Senate maps. These maps, too, are among the nation’s most notorious racial gerrymanders.
As the motion argues, allowing another election cycle to pass without a ruling is “highly prejudicial” and erodes faith in the
courts’ ability to protect fundamental rights. Every election held under these maps is another blow to democratic integrity. Every delay rewards those who cheat democracy.
Voices Rising Against Suppression
Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project, minced no words:
“The single most important factor in Republicans gaining and holding one-party control in Texas over the past two decades has been their relentless attacks on minority voting strength. The strong move now by
the Brooks Plaintiffs is not only fair, but also an essential response to repeated acts of intentional discrimination.”
Angle, who has spent decades fighting for fair representation, underscores what’s at stake: the very soul of democracy in Texas.
A Test for Courts—and for America
This lawsuit isn’t just about Texas. It’s about whether America will allow democracy to be hijacked by those willing to use racism as a political weapon. It’s about whether minority communities, who already drive much of Texas’s growth and cultural vitality, will be allowed to help shape its future.
For Texans, the court’s decision could determine whether the 2026 elections will be conducted under maps that reflect the people—or maps that continue to entrench a shrinking white Republican minority.
The Path Forward
This lawsuit is a clarion call: the fight for democracy is alive, and it is urgent. Texans deserve maps that honor their voices, not silence them. Federal courts must act swiftly—not with more delay, not with half measures, but with the courage to declare what is plainly true: racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional, un-American, and unsustainable.
Democracy is not a gift—it is a fight. And in Texas, the fight is far from over.
In the high-stakes chess match of American democracy, Texas Republicans aren’t just moving the pawns—they’re flipping the board. Former President Barack Obama stepped into the fray this week, delivering a rallying cry to Texas House Democrats in a private Zoom call, warning against what he called a “systematic assault on democracy.” At the heart of the battle? A GOP-led redistricting scheme designed to twist congressional maps like a pretzel—stacking the odds in favor of Republicans and silencing the voices of millions of Texans.
Obama’s Praise for Texas Democrats: Courage in Action
Obama didn’t mince words in praising the Texas Democrats who left the state to block the Republicans’ special session shenanigans. “We can’t just stand by while democracy is under attack,” he said, applauding their “courage” in taking the fight national.
He pointed to their actions as a spark for others—California, for example, has already started taking steps to counteract mid-decade gerrymandering efforts. “My hope,” Obama added, “is that we don’t race to the bottom where every district is rigged before the election even begins.”
Abbott’s Texas: Gerrymander First,
OBAMA RALLIES TEXAS DEMOCRATS AGAINST GOP’S GERRYMANDERING POWER GRAB
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Democracy Later
Let’s be clear—Governor Greg Abbott and his Republican allies know their ideas won’t win on merit alone. So they’re stacking the deck, slicing up Democratic-leaning communities, and packing voters into as few districts as possible.
Obama called it what it is: unfair, un-American, and a betrayal of democratic values. “That’s not how democracy is supposed to work,” he stressed, joined by former Attorney General Eric Holder, who chairs the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
The Trump-Backed Blueprint for Power
While Obama never mentioned Donald Trump by name, the shadow of Trump’s influence looms large over Texas politics. The proposed maps carry the Trump stamp—engineered to consolidate Republican power, undermine minority voting strength, and sideline dissent.
And the power grab doesn’t stop at the ballot box. Obama warned of voter suppression, the militarization of cities, and politicization of justice under the current GOP leadership. “This precious democracy isn’t self-executing,” he said. “It requires us to fight for it.”
Democrats’ Long Game: Fair Maps, Fair Elections
Obama reminded the group that when voting rights are protected and districts are drawn fairly, everyone wins—not just one party. He urged Democrats to see this fight as part of a larger, long-term movement to ensure that rules are fair for all, and that political competition is decided by voters—not by a governor’s pen or a party’s backroom map-drawing.
“You’ve helped set the tone for a long struggle,” Obama told the Texas delegation. “And I’m grateful for it.”
The Stakes for 2025 and Beyond
Houston Style Magazine readers, with Texas poised to add multiple congressional seats due to population growth, fair maps are not just a procedural issue—they are the difference between representation and disenfranchisement for millions.
Democrats know the truth: if Abbott and Trump’s allies succeed here, the ripple effect will embolden similar schemes nationwide. Texas is not just a battleground; it’s the front line in the war for American democracy.
President Barack Obama
In Missouri City, history is never far from the present—it’s in the traditions families uphold, the values passed down through generations, and the leaders who continue to carry the torch of service. Few embody this connection between legacy and progress more fully than Councilwoman Lynn Clouser, who is now seeking re-election this Tuesday, November 4, 2025
For Clouser, public service is not a campaign slogan—it is a family tradition. Her father, Joel Clouser, Sr., dedicated nearly 30 years as Justice of the Peace, becoming one of Missouri City’s most trusted leaders and one of the earliest to serve in the community. Before his judicial service, he was known as a businessman whose integrity and hard work earned the respect of neighbors. Her mother shaped young lives as an elementary school educator, instilling values of education and care that remain central to Clouser’s work today.
This legacy stretches even deeper into American history. Clouser’s great uncle was a Montfort Point Marine, one of the first African Americans to break barriers in the U.S. Marine Corps, while her brother continues the tradition of service as a Navy Petty Officer.
“I love this country and those who selflessly served and serve it,” Clouser reflects. “That legacy is part of who I am, and
LYNN CLOUSER: Honoring Missouri City's Legacy While Building Its Future
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
why I believe service before self – matters.”
A Councilwoman With Heart and Vision
Since joining the Missouri City Council, Clouser has worked side by side with Mayor Robin Elackatt, Mayor ProTem Sonya Brown Marshall, and her fellow council members to achieve what she describes as “unparalleled milestones.” Together, they’ve built bridges across Missouri City’s four districts—from Texas Parkway to Highway 6—to strengthen economic growth, welcome new families, and attract fast-growing businesses, all while maintaining a sharp focus on public safety and fiscal responsibility.
Her pledge has remained steady: “The people of Missouri City will always be my first priority.”
Championing Small Businesses, Supporting Families
At the heart of Clouser’s leadership is her advocacy for small businesses. Recognizing their importance to the city’s economy, she established the Small Business Advisory Committee to ensure local entrepreneurs have a voice at City Hall. She continues to listen with empathy and push for policies that nurture new business ventures, sustain existing ones, and ensure long-term success for Missouri City’s en-
trepreneurs.
Equally important is her commitment to families. Having grown up in Missouri City schools—EA Jones Elementary, Missouri City Junior High, and the High School for Health Professions—Clouser knows firsthand the value of strong educational foundations. After graduating from Hampton University and building a 25-year career in healthcare sales, she has stayed deeply engaged in her community through organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill, Fort Bend Women’s Center, FBISD committees, and as a dedicated member of Fort Bend Church
Service Rooted in History, Focused on Tomorrow From celebrating holidays with
Missouri City veterans and their families alongside VFW Post 4010 Commander Danny Montemayor to engaging residents at the local Farmers Market, Clouser demonstrates that civic leadership is not just about policy—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up, year after year, for the people who make Missouri City home.
Houston Style Magazine readers, her re-election campaign is more than a bid for another term—it is a continuation of her family’s legacy of service and a commitment to building a future where Missouri City remains one of Texas’s most vibrant, inclusive, and thriving communities.
Election Day Details
• Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, October 6, 2025
• Early Voting Begins: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
“Local elections matter. They shape our neighborhoods, our schools, and our future. I am proud to stand on the shoulders of those who came before me and to serve this city with heart, humility, and hope,” Clouser says.
Lynn Clouser - Councilwoman
Houston Style Magazine is proud to spotlight an upcoming event that promises to cut through the noise and deliver the clarity our community deserves. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce will host its rescheduled Community Conversations Luncheon at the. Hilton Garden Inn / Home2Suites Medical Center (6840 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030)
This isn’t just another luncheon— it’s an opportunity to get the inside scoop on what’s happening in Austin, straight from the decision-makers themselves. With legislative sessions moving fast and furious—covering everything from redistricting to special session showdowns—this timely discussion will help Houstonians connect the dots between policy, business, and community impact.
A Front-Row Seat to Texas Politics
From 11:30 AM networking to the 12:00–1:30 PM program, attendees will hear directly from Texas State Legislators and policy leaders about what passed, what stalled, and what’s coming next. Expect candid insights on:
• The highs and lows of the regular legislative session
• The rapid developments shaping the
WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING IN AUSTIN?
LGBTQ+ CHAMBER CONVERSATIONS LUNCHEON BRINGS POLICY, POWER, AND PERSPECTIVE TO HOUSTON
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
special session
• The redistricting fights that could reshape political representation for years to come
• Policy impacts on LGBTQ+ communities, small businesses, and underserved populations
• How citizens and business leaders can stay engaged beyond the legislative season
Powerhouse Panelists
The panel will feature an inspiring lineup of leaders who know Austin’s ins and outs:
• Senator Molly Cook (District 15)
• State Representative Ann Johnson (District 134)
• State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons (District 146)
• Sharon Jones, Director of Civic Business Engagement & Texas Lead, Senior Advisor to the Texas Business Leader Alliance
Guiding the conversation will be Nancy Sims (she/her), Owner of Nancy Sims LLC, a seasoned political strategist who knows how to keep the discussion lively and laser-focused.
Why This Conversation Matters
At a time when legislative decisions are shaping not only Texas’s political landscape but also its economic and cultural fabric, this luncheon offers an invaluable chance for community members, entrepreneurs, and advocates to understand where things stand—and where they’re headed.
The Texas Business Leader Alliance will also weigh in, highlighting how businesses can stay at the table when policy decisions ripple through the economy. Their message is clear: civic engagement doesn’t end when the gavel falls.
Be Part of the Conversation
Whether you’re a policy junkie, a small business owner, or simply a concerned Texan, this event is your chance to plug in, get informed, and leave with actionable ways to make your voice heard.
Reserve your seat now: https:// business.houstonlgbtchamber.com/ap/ Events/Register/kgFyYdYCzCVC1
Nancy Sims, Community Conversations Luncheon Moderator
KIDS, KICKS AND CONNECTIVITY: Xfinity Makes Soccer A Shared Experience
For soccer mom Lana Chase, weekends were a whirlwind of cleats, carpooling, and cheering from the sidelines. Now that her daughter Miah graduated high school in May, the Chase Family’s love for the game hasn’t stopped. It’s shifted to their living room, where Comcast’s new Xfinity streaming platform brings the global game home.
“We’re a soccer family through and through,” said Chase. “Miah played soccer from about age 8 until 16, and we love the World Cup! Xfinity makes it easy for all of us to watch what we love together.”
One Platform, Every Goal
Xfinity’s new World Soccer Ticket package eliminates the chaos of juggling apps, subscriptions, or subpar streams. Families can now enjoy more than 1500 matches from across the globe.
With parental controls, age-appropriate content, and smart recommendations, Xfinity turns soccer into family-friendly entertainment. Whether it’s a weekend watch party or a quiet school night, the platform adapts to every household’s rhythm.
“Figuring out where to watch your favorite team or match is often a painful game of chance. Now, with World Soccer Ticket, there’s no better way to watch the beautiful game than with Xfinity,” said Jon Gieselman,
forms, Comcast. “It’s easy, we did the work for our customers and pulled together the most coveted leagues and tournaments – from Premier League, LALIGA and Champions League to the World Cup – and put them in one place. We added some magic to the experience with innovations like Multiview, 4K and Sports Zone all easily accessible with one simple click
World Cup in Houston
The timing couldn’t have been better with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon. The world tournament will be the largest Spanish-language coverage ever offered by Telemundo, powered by Comcast NBCUniversal’s technology, storytelling, and scale.
Spanish language rights to “el Mundial,” including all 104 matches streaming live on Peacock, with 92 matches airing on Telemundo and 12 on Universo. Live crews will cover every event in all 16 host cities, including Houston. Xfinity customers will have access to pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage with unprecedented immersive experiences. The 2026 World Cup will be the most exciting event of the summer.
“We know other soccer families who watch matches with their little brothers and sisters. It’s not just a game, it’s family time. It’s an even bigger deal with the tournament being just down the road in Houston next year, ” Chase added.
Comcast’s AI-powered platform personalizes the viewing experience, recommending matches and highlights based on each family member’s preferences. World Soccer Ticket is available for an all-in monthly price of $85. It includes nearly 60 broadcast, cable news, and English- and Spanish-language sports channels and a subscription to Peacock Premium so customers can enjoy a huge collection of movies, shows, news and other live sports alongside all their favorite soccer programming.
To subscribe to World Soccer Ticket, customers can visit: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/digital-cable-tv/
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, shining a spotlight on the innovators, job creators, and community anchors that keep America moving. With 36 million small businesses powering 99% of U.S. enterprises, creating two out of every three new jobs, and employing about half of the nation’s workforce, this recognition is more than a plaque—it’s a platform. NSBW 2026 runs May 3–9, 2026. Nominations are open now.
Why this matters for Houston
From Third Ward makers to Gulfton grocers, from East End logistics to Katy tech startups, Houston’s small-business ecosystem fuels our region’s resilience and cultural flavor. NSBW honors that spirit— celebrating growth, innovation, and the grit it takes to serve customers, hire neighbors, and reinvest locally.
SBA leaders note that National Small Business Week highlights the incredible achievements of American entrepreneurs—and Houston’s track record speaks for itself. This is the moment to elevate the owners and teams who kept doors open, created jobs, and turned big ideas into lasting opportunity.
NOMINATE NOW: SBA HOUSTON OPENS 2026 NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Key dates & how to nominate
• Nomination portal: sba.gov/nsbw
• Deadline: 6:00 AM CT, December 8, 2025 (electronic submissions only)
• Ceremonies: Local celebrations in May 2026
• Local help: See the Houston District Office Awards page for contacts, forms, and criteria
Award categories (a sample)
• Small Businessperson of the Year
• Small Business Exporter
• Disaster Recovery (resilience & rebuilding)
• Federal Procurement (success in government contracting)
…and additional honors recognizing lead-
ership, impact, and growth.
Who should be nominated?
• Founders and family businesses that create jobs and give back
• Firms that expanded exports, entered federal contracting, or pivoted to meet new market needs
• Entrepreneurs who led recovery efforts after disasters and kept employees working
• Community-minded enterprises making measurable equity and inclusion gains
Make your nomination Shine (editor’s tips)
1. Lead with outcomes: Growth in jobs, revenue, export volume, new contracts—put numbers to your impact.
2. Tell the Houston story: Neighborhood roots, local hires, supplier diversity, and community partnerships matter.
3. Show resilience: Describe obstacles (supply chain, disasters, financing) and how you adapted.
4. Document excellence: Upload certifications, testimonials, media coverage, and awards.
5. Mind the checklist: Use the SBA forms and criteria exactly as requested and submit before the deadline.
Houston Style Magazine’s take Small businesses are where the American Dream gets clocked in, shift after shift. They’re the pop-up that became a landmark, the garage idea that built a payroll, the family shop that sponsors the local team. If that’s you—or someone you admire—nominate now. Recognition at NSBW can open doors to new customers, partnerships, and growth capital.
Quick Reference (shareable)
What: SBA 2026 National Small Business Week Awards
When: Nominate by 6:00 AM CT, Dec. 8, 2025 | NSBW: May 3–9, 2026
In nearly two years of war, experts warn that Gaza’s hunger crisis is not simply the result of conflict—it is the product of deliberate policy choices. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 18,000 children (UNICEF). Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents are displaced, many living without safe water, adequate food, or functioning medical care.
At the recent American Community Media Weekly National Briefing, three experts with first-hand insight called for urgent, coordinated action.
• Alex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation, traced Gaza’s rapid descent from relative food stability to the edge of famine. After October 2023, Israel imposed a total siege, then a partial one, cutting food, fuel, and medicine while bombing “objects indispensable to survival”—water systems, hospitals, housing, and farmland. International monitors say aid was allowed in just enough to avoid an official famine declaration, but never enough to end starvation.
• Budour Hassan, Amnesty International researcher on Israel and Palestine, said the destruction of cropland, restrictions on aid, and mass displacement orders fit the Genocide Convention’s definition of “deliberately inflicting conditions of life” to destroy a
GAZA'S CHILDREN CAN’T WAIT
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
population in whole or in part. She urged journalists to use precise terms—starvation, not “shortages”—and to report with dignity, noting that famine will persist without rebuilding Gaza’s devastated health sector and water infrastructure.
• Afeef Nessouli, journalist and aid volunteer, described nine weeks on the ground as community kitchens closed, market prices skyrocketed, and people survived on one meal a day—or less. He said replacing hundreds of local UN aid points with a handful of distant militarized sites made distribution dangerous, favored the strongest, and left the
The panel’s call to action:
1. Ceasefire and civilian protections so aid convoys can move freely and safely.
2. Reinstate UN-led community distribution at scale, targeting children and the poorest families.
3. Open Gaza to independent journalists and humanitarian investigators to ensure transparency.
4. Medical and infrastructure surge—from pediatric malnutrition treatment and trauma care to repairing water, sanitation, housing,
croplands, and fishing fleets.
Why this matters to Houston
Our city has a global reputation for disaster response, advanced medical care, and refugee resettlement. We know the stakes when vital infrastructure collapses. Supporting reputable aid agencies like UNICEF, WFP, ICRC, and Doctors Without Borders—and urging lawmakers to back expanded humanitarian access and a sustained ceasefire—can help protect lives now.
We’re a resettlement city, a medical capital, and a newsroom committed to community. Our readers know disasters—from Harvey to heat domes—and how quickly life can be upended when water, power, and clinics fail. The voices in this briefing remind us that the measure of any society is how fast it moves when children are starving.
There’s nothing abstract about bread, clean water, and a safe clinic. There is everything human about making sure families can break bread—together—again.
Bread, clean water, and safe shelter are not political bargaining chips—they are the bare minimum of human dignity. The question is how quickly the world will act when children are starving.
most vulnerable without food.
Tn United Way of Galveston is setting the stage for another year of compassion, collaboration, and change as it kicks off its 102nd Annual Workplace Giving Campaign on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM. The iconic Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom will host this powerful gathering, with COMCAST leading the charge as the event’s proud title sponsor.
This isn’t just another luncheon— it’s the heartbeat of a century-old tradition that has transformed lives across Galveston County. With every ticket purchased, seat filled, and table hosted, the community moves one step closer to solving problems no single organization can tackle alone.
A
Legacy
102 Years Strong
For more than a century, the United Way of Galveston has been the bridge between those who can help and those who need it most. Their mission is simple yet profound: to connect community partners, mobilize resources, and strengthen the social fabric of Galveston.
Built on five unwavering core values—trustworthiness, collaboration, excellence, dynamism, and passion—the organization has proven time and again that when people Live United, the impossible becomes possible.
The Power of “Living United”
UNITED WAY OF GALVESTON LAUNCHES 102nd WORKPLACE GIVING CAMPAIGN WITH COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND PURPOSE
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
The 2025 campaign is more than a fundraising effort—it’s a rallying cry. The United Way of Galveston is on the front lines, fighting for health, education, and financial stability for every resident. Their impact is fueled by bold ideas, unexpected partnerships, and the kind of innovative problem-solving that comes from deeply understanding the community’s needs.
• Integrated Solutions: They don’t just address problems; they create lasting change by targeting the root causes.
• Local Focus, Global Reach: Part of a network with boots on the ground in 1,800 communities across 40+ countries, the United Way knows what works here at home.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Nonprofits, businesses, and government leaders work together to set—and achieve—shared goals.
An Invitation to Be Part of the Change
This year’s Kick-off Luncheon promises more than a great meal—it’s an opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
n
with community leaders, business owners, and advocates who believe in a stronger, healthier, and more connected Galveston.
Event Details:
• Thursday, August 28, 2025
• 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Moody Gardens Ballroom
• Pre-registration is required – Seats and tables available until August 18, 2025, or until sold out.
Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference, a business ready to empower employees to give back, or a
leader determined to be part of Galveston’s future, this is your moment.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
In an era of growing challenges—economic uncertainty, educational gaps, and health disparities—the United Way of Galveston remains a beacon of hope. Their work proves that change is not just possible, it’s inevitable when the community moves together with a shared vision.
Houston Style Magazine readers get your tickets, bring your colleagues, and come ready to be inspired. Because here in Galveston, when we Live United, we all win.
United Way of Galveston • https:// uwgalv.org • (409) 762-4357 • PO BOX 2250 • Galveston, TX 77553
The 16th Annual Gulf Coast Industry Forum (GCIF) arrives this September with the kind of momentum only the Houston Port Region can generate. From Port Houston’s supply-chain upgrades to fast-evolving carbon capture and sustainability projects, GCIF is where the Gulf Coast’s most influential voices connect ideas to action—and where the industry’s next year often takes shape. Innovation, safety, and sustainability take center stage as the region’s petrochemical, maritime, and logistics leaders gather on Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Pasadena.
Hosted by the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, GCIF is the Alliance’s largest gathering of the year, convening executives, government officials, community leaders, and educators to share intelligence that directly affects the world-class energy corridor we call home. What begins as a conversation in Pasadena has a way of echoing across the Gulf—and into global markets. Register Here
Why GCIF Matters (Right Now)
• Growth with guardrails: As freight volumes and downstream investments rise, safety and workers’ compensation best practices remain non-negotiable. Partners such as Texas Mutual help keep the focus on safer worksites and a stronger, more resilient workforce.
GULF COAST INDUSTRY FORUM 2025: WHERE HOUSTON’S ENERGY CORRIDOR SETS ITS NEXT BIG AGENDA
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
• Decarbonization at scale: From carbon capture and storage (CCS) to low-emission fuels, the Forum highlights how the Gulf Coast is leveraging infrastructure and engineering talent to meet net-zero targets without slowing commerce.
• Logistics that deliver: Ports, pipelines, rail, and road—GCIF connects the dots so supply chains stay competitive, transparent, and future-ready.
• Talent pipeline: The Student Breakfast— hosted with San Jacinto College’s LyondellBasell Petrochemical, Energy & Technology program—spotlights the next generation entering high-skill, high-wage careers that power our regional economy. What to Expect
• Executive briefings on petrochemical markets, maritime modernization, and logistics innovation.
• Policy insights on permitting, trade, and infrastructure funding that shape timelines and budgets.
• Tech spotlights on AI-enabled operations, emissions monitoring, and advanced manufacturing.
• Community impact conversations that align growth with workforce opportunity and environmental stewardship.
GCIF is also a uniquely network-dense room: decision-makers from plant floors to boardrooms, from city halls to the Capitol, all swapping notes in one place. It’s where partnerships are inked, timelines get real, and projects move from slide deck to shovel.
If You Go
When: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, Pasadena, Texas Morning schedule (typical):
• 7:00 AM – Registration, Networking & Breakfast
• 7:30 AM – Student Breakfast (San Jacinto College – LyondellBasell Petro-
chemical, Energy)
• 9:00 AM – Program Begins
Editor’s Note: Times and runof-show are based on the latest organizer guidance; please check the official GCIF agenda closer to the date for final details. Secure your seat, bring your team, and meet the partners shaping the next 12 months of energy, trade, and technology in Greater Houston. Register Here
Why This Forum Fits
Houston Style Magazine Readers Houston thrives where innovation meets inclusion. GCIF underscores both—showcasing capital investment and cutting-edge technology while elevating workforce development, student pathways, and safer workplaces. For our readers across business, public service, and higher education, this is the annual checkpoint for what’s next along the Gulf.
It had been eight years since Clariza Reyes fully finished a semester in college, and after one semester at Houston City College (HCC), the 28-year-old Interior Design student is now a Gucci Changemaker.
While taking part in HCC’s Interior Design program over the Spring 2025 semester, Reyes applied for the renowned fashion designer company’s Gucci Changemakers Scholarship and was selected as one of just 10 scholarship recipients – the only Gucci Changemaker from a community college.
“When applying for the scholarship, the initial prompt was ‘A Future Untold’,” she said. “I felt that the prompt resonated with me because of my focus on innovative design and sustainable materials.”
Reyes submitted three samples of her portfolio that represented connecting the new and old, technologically advanced and ancient, and using technology as a tool to connect people with nature instead of distancing apart.
“My art practice ranges from music, design, community connection and fabrication,” she said. “In everything that I do, I hope to reflect the wisdom of those who came before me, the people who originally came from this land and from my ancestral
CLARIZA REYES’ RETURN TO COLLEGE LANDS HER AS 2025 GUCCI CHANGEMAKER
heritage as a Filipina American.”
She praised HCC Interior Design faculty Jackie Berry, Shasta Beveridge and HCC West Houston Institute (WHI) Director Jordan Carswell for their support in her academic journey and for confirming the path she would like to take her education.
Her most recent project was through the summer SEED Program at the WHI. During the 5-week course, her team was given a prompt that revolved around community connection to nature through design, using 3D Concrete Printing technology and CNC (computer numerical control) fabrication.
“I designed a native plant senso-
By Donald Sparks
ry garden, filling a space with plants that engage the senses through sight, touch and smell,” Reyes said. “I also designed 3D Concrete printed pavers, a few CNC cut metal support structures and a trellis inspired by root systems. I titled this project ‘Rooted in Our Senses’ and designed the space with the intention to connect the community around it to nature through the senses.”
Berry mentioned it was a pleasure working with Reyes for the first time during this summer’s SEED class.
“Though I had not taught her previously, I was immediately impressed by her talent, maturity, and strong sense of design leadership,” Berry said. “Clariza brought a thoughtful, driven presence to her team and played a key role in guiding their sensory garden concept to a successful and creative outcome. What stood out most was her ability to think beyond the traditional boundaries of interior design, a quality we deeply value in our program.”
The 2025 Gucci Changemaker recipients were selected from thousands of applicants across the North American continent. The Changemakers program includes a multi-year $5 million Impact Fund for non-profit organizations and a $1.5 million scholarship program, demonstrating Gucci's commitment to creating lasting social impact in our communities and the fashion industry.
Reyes was both ecstatic and surprised upon notification she was selected as a Gucci Changemaker and earning a $20,000 scholarship.
“I felt confident about my application, and I know that I put a lot of time and energy into my work, but I felt that being a community college student put me at a lower level than the others,” she said.” Despite this I still applied and was selected as the only community college student in my cohort!”
Reyes also was offered the chance to take part in the six-week Gucci Program for Scholars.
“During the Gucci Program for Scholars I have connected with professionals at Gucci, received mentorship, and am fulfilling a project that will be presented to Gucci Executives,” she said.
“I hope to be able to tell the story of heritage of my community and the earth in the same way, through thoughtful design, ethical fabrication and a soulful focus on sustainable innovation.”
Houston Style Magazine readers, with the scholarship, Reyes aims to build her skills in design and fabrication and move forward with her Interior Design Associate Arts degree.
HCC Interior Design student Clariza Reyes.
Photo by Donald Sparks
Cadillac has once again pushed the boundaries of luxury performance, unveiling the Elevated Velocity Crossover Concept—an all-electric, high-performance marvel that is as comfortable navigating downtown boulevards as it is conquering the open desert. Sleek, bold, and brimming with innovation, this 2+2 crossover fuses the adrenaline of Cadillac’s V-Series heritage with the limitless possibilities of electric mobility.
The Future of Ultra-Luxury Performance
In a world where the electric luxury crossover segment is accelerating fast, Cadillac is setting the pace. Following the introduction of the LYRIQ-V and OPTIQ-V, the Elevated Velocity Concept hints at what tomorrow’s Cadillac performance machines might look—and feel—like.
This isn’t just about speed. It’s about dual identities: a sanctuary of refined comfort inside, and a rugged, performance-tuned powerhouse outside. Imagine driving from a black-tie gala to a sand dune rally without missing a beat—Cadillac designed this vehicle for exactly that.
Tech That Feels Like Magic
The Elevated Velocity Concept comes alive with three signature experience modes:
CADILLAC’S ELEVATED VELOCITY CROSSOVER CONCEPT: WHERE ULTRA-LUXURY MEETS ELECTRIFIED ADVENTURE
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
• Welcome Mode: As you approach, the crossover greets you with soft white lighting, gull-wing doors rising in a cinematic flourish, and an interior welcome animation reminiscent of shifting desert sands.
• Elevate Mode: Your personal wellness retreat on wheels—pedals and steering wheel retract, cabin lighting turns to soothing red, infrared seatback illumination promotes recovery, and synchronized lighting guides your breathing.
• Velocity Mode: A pure driver’s cockpit—cool white tones, precision AR navigation, and real-time performance metrics displayed front and center.
These modes aren’t just features; they’re experiences, designed to make every journey—whether a serene cruise or a spirited sprint—uniquely Cadillac.
Performance Without Boundaries
Riding on 24-inch wheels with selectable driving modes, the Elevated Velocity is just as confident on a glass-smooth highway as it is in a sandstorm. Choose e-Velocity Mode for razor-sharp on-road driving, Terra Mode for peak off-road performance, or Sand Vision to cut through blinding desert conditions. An innovative Elements Defy system even shakes off dust and debris to keep the exterior pristine.
Exterior Drama, Interior Elegance
With a Vapor Blue body accented by glacial undertones, a fiery red interior, and Cadillac’s reimagined lighting choreography, this crossover is a showstopper. The gull-wing doors not only make a statement—they make getting in and out effortless. Every detail, from flax-fiber wheels to
precision patterning, tells a story of power, elegance, and craftsmanship.
Inside, deep Morello Red Nappa leather, Cerise performance fabric, and Garnet boucle create an atmosphere of movement and energy. Wellness is woven into the design, with cabin filtration, climate optimization, air purification, fragrance systems, and even red light therapy for recovery after high-energy adventures.
Luxury with a Pulse
The Elevated Velocity doesn’t just move—it inspires movement. From the bespoke polo set in the rear cargo compartment to the precision-crafted details in every surface, Cadillac has created a concept that turns the everyday drive into an extraordinary event.
Houston Style Magazine readers will get a closer look when the Elevated Velocity Concept makes its public debut, on August 15, 2025.
GREAT EDUCAT RS THE HEART OF LEARNING STARTS WITH
Nominate a deserving teacher, counselor, principal, early childhood learning center, school board or school district.
Created in 2002, the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards was designed to honor and thank outstanding public school professionals. Through this program, H‑E‑B awards over $780,000 annually to deserving educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and communities.
To submit a nomination or application, go to HEBLovesTeachers.com
