THE CURATED LIFE: ANDY MORAN'S COLLECTION Illuminates the Pearl Fincher Museum
Of
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts has positioned itself as a cultural heartbeat for Greater Houston with the opening of its highly anticipated fall exhibition, A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran. Running through Saturday, January 10, 2026, this showcase is more than an exhibition—it is a love story between art, history, and community.
A Legacy Rooted in Love and Vision
Andy Moran and his late wife, Mary Lou Chester, first crossed paths at Texas Southern University on the steps of Hannah Hall. She was an artist, he a business student. Together, they crafted a marriage— and later, a collection—that would redefine how African American art is celebrated in Houston. After their 1971 marriage and move to Wall Street, the Moran’s began collecting works that reflected not only their shared passion but also their commitment to uplifting voices often overlooked in the mainstream art world.
Even after Mary Lou’s passing in 2004, Andy continued their journey, acquiring pieces that honored her influence and amplified the stories of Black artists. His private collection became a vibrant archive of artists connected to TSU, Houston, and beyond—each canvas, photograph, and
sculpture breathing with history and pride.
The Artists and Their Stories
The exhibition at the Pearl brings together 50 masterful works from Moran’s private collection. Visitors will encounter the genius of Dr. John Biggers, the visionary power of Kermit Oliver, the cultural narratives of Carroll Simms, and the evocative photography of Earlie Hudnall, Jr. The list continues with Joseph A. Moran, Edsel Cramer, Julian Joseph Kyle, Linda Hinojos, Jade Cooper, and Oliver Parsons — artists whose works transcend walls and speak directly to Houston’s richly diverse community.
This lineup represents more than names; it represents Houston’s artistic lineage—students mentored by legends, creators embedding social commentary into brushstrokes, and innovators building bridges between academia, culture, and everyday life.
The Maker’s Muse Joins the Conversation
Running alongside Moran’s exhibition is The Maker’s Muse: Contemporary Photography from the Artists of the American Society of Photographers in the Cole Gallery. Together, the two shows create a powerful dialogue: one highlighting Houston’s African American art movement, the other spotlighting cutting-edge photographic innovation.
More Than an Exhibit—A Cultural Experience
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts, affectionately known as “The Pearl,” has made this exhibition free to the public. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CT, the museum invites art lovers, students, families, and lifelong learners to experience a living narrative of art as a connector of generations. Donations and memberships are encouraged, ensuring the Pearl continues its mission of art, education, and community.
A private reception for Patron Members, held on Friday, September 19, 2025, allowed guests to engage directly with Andy Moran as he reflected on the personal journey behind his collection. The evening
revealed that this exhibition is not merely about paintings and sculptures—it is about resilience, memory, and cultural pride.
Why It Matters Now
In a time when Houston defines itself as a global city of creativity and diversity, Moran’s collection underscores a critical truth: art is not an accessory; it is a legacy. A Curated Life bridges Houston’s past with its present, ensuring that pioneering contributions of African American artists are not only remembered but celebrated with reverence.
Visit
the Exhibition
A Curated Life: Selections from the Collection of Andy Moran �� Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts 6815 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379 �� Now through Saturday, January 10, 2026 �� Hours: Tuesday–Sat., 10 AM–5 PM CT
�� Admission: FREE
For more information, memberships, or donations, visit www.pearlmfa.org or call (281) 376-6322.
✨ At Houston Style Magazine, we proudly celebrate Andy Moran’s enduring legacy and the Pearl’s ongoing role as a cultural cornerstone. This exhibition is a reminder that art is not just what hangs on a wall—it’s the heartbeat of a community.
Andy Moran - ART Collector
Kathy Wortham & ART Collector - Andy Moran
COMMENTARY FEARING A SECOND BLACKLIST?
THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON SHOWS HOW ARTISTS – THROUGH SOLIDARITY AND COURAGEOUS LOVE – HELPED BRING THE LAST ONE TO AN END
Everywhere I go lately, people whisper the same question: are we sliding into another blacklist era? They point to what happened to Stephen Colbert. They point to what happened to Jimmy Kimmel. They point to other entertainers whose shows, jokes, or politics suddenly seemed to cost them work.
The fear is real. The memory of Hollywood’s first blacklist — when actors, writers, and directors were cast out of their professions under suspicion of disloyalty or mere association with the left — has never entirely faded. Now, in an age of hyper-partisan media and culture-war politics, it feels dangerously relevant again.
So, what do we do about it?
Part of the answer will, as always in America, involve lawsuits. John Henry Faulk’s case against AWARE, Inc. in the 1950s proved that in a courtroom, lies can be punished and reputations can be restored. That victory helped to collapse the blacklist. But legal action, powerful as it can be, has never been the whole story.
The final, cultural death knell of the blacklist came not from a judge’s gavel, but from a march. On August 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The headliners were Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and A. Philip Randolph. But scattered throughout the crowd — and seated in solidarity near the stage — were some of the biggest stars in Hollywood: Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, Charlton Heston, Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, James Garner, Burt Lancaster, Diahann Carroll, and more.
And I say this as someone who has studied and lived these movements: Virgil Frye was there too — and he helped organize them to get there. Frye, later remembered for his role in Easy Rider, was a working actor whose career was scarred by the blacklist, forcing him to shift into directing. Yet he still took enormous risks to support the
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
movement. As a white man traveling to places like Gadsden, Alabama, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Black organizers at a time when “race traitors” were often punished more brutally by white Southern police — and in some cases, feared more by segregationists than the Black activists themselves. His courage was echoed decades later by his daughter, Soleil Moon Frye — Punky Brewster to a generation — who was arrested with me outside the
White House protesting for voting rights. That’s what solidarity across generations looks like.
Here’s the crucial point: those artists protected each other. One lone actor might have been blackballed. But when Brando, Poitier, Belafonte, Heston, Newman, Woodward, Garner, Lancaster, Carroll, Horne, Frye, and others all stood together, the studios couldn’t punish them all. Safety came in numbers. Their collective presence
made clear that the blacklist had lost its grip. The very next day, King and Randolph headlined a socialist convention — the kind of gathering that, a decade earlier, could have landed every participant on a blacklist. Two days later, the actors who had risked standing in Washington went back to work. Their phones still rang. The studios still hired them. Their careers were intact.
In short: they had gone to Washington to demand freedom for Black Americans, and they returned home with a renewed freedom of their own. By breaking the unwritten rule of silence — and by showing courageous love in standing with those most under attack — they showed the industry and the country that the blacklist no longer held.
That’s the deeper lesson for us now. Lawsuits may help. Court battles may chip away at injustices. But the true end of a blacklist comes when artists, workers, and citizens together refuse to play by its rules. When they stand up publicly — in solidarity, in courageous love — they rob the blacklist of its power.
If we are, in fact, drifting toward a second blacklist era, the way out will look familiar. Not only in the courtroom, but in the streets. Not only in legal victories, but in the collective courage of people willing to risk their own status to defend the dignity of others. The artists who marched in 1963 helped to liberate Black people. And they also helped free themselves.
Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania, the former head of the NAACP, and the son of two civil rights workers — one Black and one white — who both took great risks in the movement.
You can write to Ben Jealous incare of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) welcomed back a familiar and trusted leader: Addie Heyliger. Appointed to fill the vacancy left by former trustee Sonya Jones, now a candidate for Fort Bend County Clerk, Heyliger’s return marks a pivotal moment for the district as it continues to chart a course of progress, inclusion, and academic excellence. She will serve through May 2, 2026
“I am laser-focused on bridging achievement gaps, elevating excellence across all campuses, and ensuring every budget decision is made with accountability in mind,” Heyliger said moments after raising her right hand to take the oath for Position 5. “As a businesswoman and a mom, I know budgets determine everything. And as a community leader, I know partnerships fuel progress.”
A Legacy Rooted in Service and Education
Heyliger’s story is as inspiring as her leadership. Raised in Dunbar, West Virginia, where her father pastored a small church, she absorbed lessons on faith, responsibility, and education as a pathway to success. After graduating from South Charleston High School, she pursued higher education with determination, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and later an MBA
ADDIE HEYLIGER RETURNS TO FORT BEND ISD SCHOOL BOARD WITH RENEWED VISION
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
from Texas Woman’s University
“My father always preached that education is not only a steppingstone but a foundation. It’s how we change the trajectory for children, families, and entire communities,” she reflected.
Championing Texas’ Most Diverse School District
Fort Bend ISD is proudly recognized as Texas’ most diverse school district, serving more than 80,000 students across 85 campuses Its student body reflects the dynamic fabric of Fort Bend County: approximately 28% Black, 27% Asian, 27% Latino, and 14% White, with nearly 1 in 5 students learning English as a second language and 47% qualifying for free or reduced lunch
During her previous service from
2015 to 2021, Heyliger spearheaded reforms that transformed low-performing schools, advanced student achievement, expanded special education access, modernized discipline practices, and championed investments in fine arts and facilities. Under her leadership, the district also achieved cost-saving measures that allowed tax rate reductions—a win for both families and businesses.
Her vision remains clear: keep test scores rising, keep costs down, and keep families at the heart of every decision.
Awards, Recognition, and Community Impact
Heyliger’s service has been recognized at every level. She has been honored as:
• Outstanding Texan by the Texas Legislative Caucus
• Francis Williams Advocate by the Houston Lawyers Association
• Recipient of the Energized By You Award from CenterPoint Energy
• IT Professional of the Year from Methodist Hospital
• Top Producer Award from IBM
Yet, she humbly insists that her proudest achievements are raising her sons in Fort Bend and serving as a neighbor, advocate, and citizen in the community she loves.
Looking Ahead
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Fort Bend ISD continues to expand opportunities in academics, technology, and the arts, Heyliger is poised to strengthen partnerships and accountability across the district’s 170-square-mile footprint. Her return brings not only experience and proven leadership but also renewed energy for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
“I am excited to get back to work for the students, teachers, and taxpayers who make this district great,” Heyliger affirmed
With leaders like Addie Heyliger at the table, Fort Bend ISD’s future looks brighter than ever.
Meyerland Area Democrats Welcome Texas Rep. LAUREN ASHLEY SIMMONS For October 20th Meeting
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
The Meyerland Area Democrats are gearing up for an evening of inspiration, insight, and community engagement as they host Texas Representative Lauren
Ashley Simmons at their upcoming monthly meeting. Taking place on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM, the event will be held at Faith Lutheran Church – Mother’s Day
Out Gym, 6400 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401.
This special gathering will be chaired by Vice President Alex Villegas, with President Art Pronin leading the welcome. The meeting promises to energize members and guests alike, offering both grassroots activists and local residents an opportunity to connect with one of Texas’ rising voices in public service.
A Night with Rep. Lauren Ashley Rep. Simmons, known for her advocacy on education, healthcare access, and economic opportunity, continues to build momentum as a bold, solutions-driven legislator. Her presence at the Meyerland Area Democrats meeting underscores the group’s commitment to fostering civic dialogue and empowering the community to stay engaged in the political process.
Candidates are also welcome to attend, ensuring the evening becomes a hub for collaboration, networking, and fresh ideas as Houston prepares for pivotal local and statewide elections.
Event Details
• Date & Time: Monday, October 20, 2025 • 7–8:00 PM CDT
• Location: FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH • 6400 Bellaire Blvd, Bel-
laire, TX 77401
• Featured Speaker: Texas Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons
• Chair: Vice President Alex Villegas
Why This Meeting Matters
Community meetings like these highlight the power of local action. For Meyerland Area Democrats, it’s about bringing people together, amplifying voices that matter, and ensuring the community has direct access to its elected leaders. With issues such as affordable healthcare, public education, and voting rights at the forefront, this gathering arrives at a critical moment for Texas families.
RSVP Today
Seats are expected to fill quickly for this exciting opportunity to hear directly from Rep. Simmons and connect with fellow community leaders. Secure your spot now by registering here: Click to RSVP: ✨ Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay connected with Houston Style Magazine — where Houston’s stories live.
Texas Rep. – Lauren Ashley Simmons
When Ben Mendez first walked the halls of Houston City College (HCC) Southeast Campus in the late 1980s, he couldn’t have imagined the cultural footprint he would one day leave on Houston. Today, as the executive director of Houston’s Mariachi Festival, Mendez credits Houston City College not only with preparing him academically, but also with connecting him to the networks that helped him dream bigger and give back to the city he loves.
“I got all my basics completed at HCC’s Southeast Campus,” recalls Mendez, a proud 1989 graduate. “From there, I transferred to the University of Houston, earned my degree in mechanical engineering, and later came back to teach at HCC. It really came full circle.”
From Student to Cultural Visionary Mendez’s journey reflects more than academic achievement—it represents the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month: education, resilience, and community pride. Inspired by his cultural roots, Mendez recognized Houston’s growing Hispanic community needed a signature event to both
Houston CIty College Alum Ben Mendez Builds Legacy Through Houston’s Mariachi Festival
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
celebrate and educate. That vision became the Houston Mariachi Festival, a nonprofit that promotes Mexican culture through music, workshops, and performances that attract audiences across generations and backgrounds.
“The network that HCC provides is vast,” Mendez said. “Because of those connections, I was able to start the Mariachi Festival. With the leadership I met through HCC, we were able to build something truly impactful for the city.”
A Festival Backed by Community – and HCC Now one of Houston’s most celebrated Hispanic cultural showcases, the
Mariachi Festival has thrived thanks to community partnerships, including Houston City College itself.
“HCC has been a big supporter of ours,” Mendez shared with gratitude. “They’ve sponsored the Mariachi Festival for several years, and we hope to continue that partnership as the festival grows.”
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover, president of HCC Southeast College, applauds Mendez’s achievements:
“Ben is a perfect example of how our students thrive after their experience at HCC. His work with the Mariachi Festival not only enriches our community but also highlights the value of higher education and
cultural pride.”
Legacy and Inspiration
For Mendez, his journey is about more than personal success—it’s about passing the torch. “If it wasn’t for the network of folks I met through HCC, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said.
With his wife, Iris, and their four children by his side, Mendez continues to lead with vision and heart. His story reminds us that education builds futures, culture builds community, and together, they create legacies that last generations.
Why This Story Matters
As Houston celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month , Ben Mendez’s story reflects the mission of Houston City College —to empower students, strengthen communities, and celebrate diversity. From classrooms to cultural stages, HCC proves that education is more than a degree—it’s a lifelong foundation for leadership and impact.
www.HCCS.edu
Ben Mendez
Houston get ready to swing into fall with a night that promises soul, sophistication, and the sweet sound of jazz brilliance. DACAMERA, Houston’s cultural gem known for bringing the world’s greatest musicians to the Bayou City, launches its 2025/26 Jazz Series with none other than hometown hero Walter Smith III and his powerhouse quartet.
This extraordinary evening begins with the Fall Jazz Kickoff Party (Friday, October 17, 2025 - 6:00–7:30 PM CT) inside Wortham Center’s soaring Grand Foyer, where guests will enjoy live music by Natalie & Alex: Standards & Strings, craft drinks, and gourmet bites—all while mingling in true Houston style. Guests are encouraged to don their best jazzy attire for an evening that blends elegance with improvisational flair.
Walter Smith III: A Hometown Saxophonist Who Took Jazz to the World
When you talk about Houston shaping the future of jazz, you can’t ignore Walter Smith III. Born and raised in the Bayou City, Smith sharpened his craft alongside fellow Houston natives Jason Moran (piano) and Kendrick Scott (drums)—both returning to share the stage on this monumental night. Completing the quartet is the incomparable bassist Reuben
DACAMERA KICKS OFF
On his most recent Blue Note album—cleverly titled the three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not—Smith pays homage to his roots. Expect an inspired performance with original pieces like 610 Loop, Lone Star, Cezanne, and Montrose Nocturne, each a musical postcard to the city that made him.
Reflecting on his journey, Smith says: “A big part of what I’m doing is because of these guys. They’d come back from New York and talk to us. I could see what being a professional musician really meant. They were like, ‘Hey, you can do
of Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), the same school that nurtured Smith, Moran, and Scott into global jazz leaders.
Ticket Information
�� Walter Smith III Quartet Concert – $53.50, $68.50, $83.50
�� Fall Jazz Kickoff Party – $50 (includes 1 drink ticket) or $75 (includes 2 drink tickets)
�� VIP & Underwriter Packages
– $500 (VIP lounge access, bar service, and guest perks) or $1,000 (six concert tickets, exclusive happy hour, and premium recognition).
Tickets are available online at
Advance purchase is strongly recommended.
Final Note
When Walter Smith III and his Houston brothers return to the Wortham stage, it won’t just be a concert—it will be a Bayou City homecoming, a cultural celebration, and the kickoff of a season that reminds us why jazz is timeless.
Houston Style Magazine readers, mark your calendars, Houston. On Friday, October 17, 2025, the city will once again prove that when it comes to jazz, we set the tempo.
Tammi Wallace – President and CEO
John Whitmire - Houston Mayor
Adrian Garcia - Harris County Commissioner
Lizzie Fletcher - US REP 7th District
Shannon, Beau, Jerry & Jason
Dr. Lucky Chopra – Event Host Linda Toyota & Lauren Ashley Simmons Cindy Clifford, Mayor Whitmire & Tammi Wallace
Bill Baldwin & Beau Miller
Annette, Jon & Gene Wu
Photos By Linda Toyota & TeamStyleMag
Abbie, Cindy, Tammi, Jon & Marilyn Erika, Tamika, Lauren & Annette
Linda Toyota & Tammi Wallace Clay Melder, Alberto Gutierrez &Tom Lopez
Houston’s legacy of service runs deep, and now that legacy has found fresh strength through a major investment in our veteran community. IM Houston has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to expand its Meals on Wheels program, reaffirming Houston’s commitment to care for those who once safeguarded our freedoms.
This grant is more than just financial support. It is a community promise that local veterans — many of whom face challenges of aging, disability, or limited mobility — will continue to receive nutritious meals, wellness checks, and meaningful human connection. Together, IM Houston and TVC are ensuring that veterans can remain independent, healthy, and valued members of the community they once fought to protect.
“Veterans have given so much in service to our nation, and it is our honor to serve them in return,” shared Sheroo Mukhtiar, President and CEO of IM Houston. “This grant from the Texas Veterans Commission allows us to reach veterans with the nutrition and care they deserve. It reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger Houston through service to others.” The scale of IM Houston’s impact is striking. Operating one of the largest Meals on Wheels programs in the region, the organi-
HONORING SERVICE WITH SERVICE: IM Houston
SECURES $300,000 GRANT to Deliver Meals on Wheels to Veterans
By Francis Page, Jr. Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
zation delivers over 1.3 million meals each year to seniors and veterans across Greater Houston and Galveston. With this new grant, that reach will grow, ensuring veterans receive not only meals but also dignity, companionship, and continuity of care.
“With this $300,000 TVC FVA grant, we are proud to strengthen that mission — ensuring more veterans receive not only nutritious meals, but also the dignity, independence, and daily connection they deserve after serving our nation,” said Kevin
Barber, Texas Veterans Commission Vice Chair and Army veteran.
A Legacy of Community Impact
IM Houston, formerly Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, has long been a pillar of compassion in the region. Its Meals on Wheels program served more than 6,000 seniors last year alone, including a significant number of veterans. For many, the daily visit from IM Houston volunteers provides both essential nutrition and a lifeline of social connection.
As a United Way partner, IM Houston extends its reach far beyond food delivery. From Animeals, which supports seniors and their beloved pets, to Refugee Services helping families rebuild their lives, and Volunteer Houston linking hands and hearts across the city, IM Houston embodies the idea that a stronger community is built through service, compassion, and unity.
About the Texas Veterans Commission
The Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance empowers organizations like IM Houston to expand their services for veterans and their families. By awarding grants statewide, the TVC ensures that those who have worn the uniform receive continued support, not just in words but in lasting impact.
ALLIES in hope: A Historic Rebrand Rooted in Houston’s Resilient Spirit
By Francis Page, Jr. for
CEO - Jeffrey Campbell, with ALLIES IN HOPE Board Chair - LaRence Snowden and the 2025-2026 Co-Chairs and Board of Directors at the VIP Hope For Houston Ball Kick-Off!
When Houston recorded its first AIDS diagnosis in 1981, fear and stigma shadowed the city. At a time when little was known about HIV/AIDS, and hope seemed fragile, a small group of staff members at MD Anderson Cancer Center refused to look away. They formed the Kaposi Sarcoma Committee, a grassroots effort to provide dignity, compassion, and care to those facing a devastating new disease.
That bold step—driven by love rather than fear—set the stage for what would become a cornerstone of Houston’s health movement. The committee evolved into the Kaposi Sarcoma AIDS Foundation and later AIDS Foundation Houston (AFH), the very first HIV service organization in Texas.
A Legacy of Firsts and Fierce Compassion
For nearly four decades, AFH led the charge in the fight against HIV. From providing end-of-life support during the height of the crisis, to launching Stone Soup Food Pantry, creating housing initiatives, and even giving children living with HIV a safe and joyful place at Camp Hope, AFH was more than an organization—it was a lifeline.
Each milestone carried the weight of humanity’s resilience. AFH became a beacon for those living with HIV, showing that Houston was not just a city of industry and innovation, but also of heart and healing.
The Question of Identity
Over the years, one question kept
surfacing: Should we change the name?
By 2019, the leadership of AFH knew the answer had shifted. The word “AIDS,” once a necessary call to awareness, had become a stigma that pushed some away from care. The reality of medicine had also evolved—thanks to breakthroughs in treatment, most people with HIV would never progress to an AIDS diagnosis. And, importantly, AFH had never been a “foundation” in the traditional sense.
After listening to staff, community members, clients, and funders, the verdict was clear: it was time to rebrand.
A New Chapter: Allies in Hope
On May 19, 2023, AFH proudly stepped into its new identity: Allies in Hope.
The name says it all. For over 40 years, this organization has stood as an ally to the community. Now, its name mirrors that mission—welcoming not only those living with HIV, but also donors, volunteers, and partners who choose to walk alongside the cause.
With its rebrand, Allies in Hope brings forward a bold mission: to end the HIV epidemic in Greater Houston. Its vision? A community where HIV is rare, stigma is erased, and equitable access to care is a reality for all.
Standing on the Shoulders of
Giants
This rebrand isn’t a departure from history—it’s an embrace of it. Allies in Hope carries forward the voices, sacrifices, and victories of those who paved the way, including countless Houstonians who fought for visibility, equity, and dignity in life and in death.
The name change is more than strategic branding—it’s a promise to Houston: to keep pushing forward until HIV is no longer a defining force in our community.
Why Hope Matters Now
Houston has always been a city of dreamers and doers. Allies in Hope reflects that same spirit—a recognition that progress is made when people come together. Ending HIV in Houston will take more than medicine; it will take allies willing to give time, resources, and voices to the cause.
With Allies in Hope, the future of HIV services in Houston is not just about survival— it’s about thriving. It’s about dismantling stigma, uplifting equity, and creating a tomorrow where hope is stronger than fear.
�� For more information about Allies in Hope and how you can get involved as a donor, volunteer, or advocate, visit Allies in Hope:
The Lone Star State is buzzing with entrepreneurial spirit, and this year Houston made sure its star was on the marquee. H-E-B’s 12th annual Quest for Texas Best, a competition that champions the best consumer-packaged goods (CPG) from across Texas, announced its 2025 winners — and a Houston favorite proudly tied for third place.
This coveted competition is more than just prize money; it’s about shelf space in one of Texas’ most beloved grocery chains. For small businesses, that opportunity often means transforming from a local favorite to a statewide sensation.
Oca Foods Crowned Grand Champion
Austin-based Oca Foods, founded by former tech professional Renato Raposo, took home the grand prize of $50,000. Inspired by his Brazilian childhood snack, pacoca, Raposo reinvented the traditional peanut treat into clean, simple peanut butter bites that are available both with and without sugar. His entrepreneurial leap — leaving tech in 2024 to go full-time into food — has now paid off big time.
Tozi Super Foods:
Tradition Meets Innovation
First place and $25,000 went to Tozi Super Foods, also out of Austin. Co-founder and CEO Rocio Leon, along
HOUSTON SHINES BRIGHT: LOCAL INNOVATOR NAMED
WINNER IN H-E-B’S 2025 QUEST FOR TEXAS BEST
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
with her sister and mother, created gluten-free tortillas and chips using heritage ingredients like blue corn and amaranth. Their recipes are a six-generation legacy tracing back to their family ranch in Jalisco, Mexico. Proof that family traditions can become bold business models, Tozi is now on track to bring its healthier tortillas to Texas tables everywhere.
Deli Spices: A Birria Revolution
From McAllen, entrepreneur Sully Villareal captured second place and $15,000 with his Birria Spice Mix. By blending dried chiles and toasted spices, Villareal’s creation helps home cooks achieve authentic, restaurant-style birria in just 30 minutes — no culinary degree required.
Houston’s Own My Drink Bomb Pops Into the Spotlight
Tying for third place and earning $10,000, Houston-based My Drink Bomb, founded by visionary entrepreneur Chloe
Di Leo, wowed judges with her fizzy flavor bombs. Drop one into sparkling water and voilà — you’ve got an instant cocktail or mocktail. Fun, versatile, and perfect for both kids and adults, My Drink Bomb is as playful as it is practical.
A proud member of the Asian Chamber of Commerce and the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year, Chloe Di Leo has built more than a product; she’s built a movement in social sipping. Whether it’s a girls’ night out, family gathering, or corporate toast, her creations add sparkle to every occasion.
Dallas’ Spicytude Brings the Heat Sharing the third-place spotlight with My Drink Bomb is Spicytude, a Dallas-based spice company founded by Arpitha Neravetla. Born during the pandemic, Spicytude celebrates South Indian culinary traditions with small-batch spice blends, step-by-step recipes, and video tutorials. It’s a brand as bold as the flavors it delivers.
Other Texas Finalists Win Big Too
H-E-B doesn’t believe in sending finalists home empty-handed. The grocer awarded five additional finalists $5,000 each, raising the total prize money to $135,000. Among them were:
• Jam-In Tools Crawfish Peeler (Dickinson)
• Klein Smokehaus Bacon (Boerne)
• Lavish Goat Bath Products (Sugar Land)
• Long Phung Food Products Vietnamese Meat Products (Houston)
• Rigo’s Dairy Latin-Style Cheese (Bryan)
Why It Matters
Winning the Quest for Texas Best isn’t just about money; it’s about credibility. As Tozi CEO Rocio Leon put it: “Being a finalist, you’re already a winner. You gain exposure to H-E-B’s leadership team and share your story with buyers. This is a platform that opens doors we’ve only dreamed of before.”
For Houston, the victory of My Drink Bomb is especially sweet. Last year, no Houston-based companies took home an award, and only one even made the finalist cut. This year’s recognition puts Houston innovation back on the map.
HCC English Professor Cathy Clay Cultivates Minds Through Nature
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
In a quiet corner of Houston City College’s Northwest Campus, literature and gardening come together in a way that’s transforming how students learn and engage. English Professor Cathy Clay has created a classroom experience where ideas bloom as vividly as the flowers she tends—proving that education, like nature, thrives with the right nurturing.
Planting Seeds of Knowledge
Professor Clay is not your conventional English instructor. Instead of relying solely on textbooks, she bridges literature with the lessons found in gardening. Her “Inspired Garden,” located on the HCC Northwest Campus, is more than a plot of soil—it’s a living classroom where resilience, growth, and human complexity are taught through the lens of nature.
“I learned so many lessons through gardening,” Clay reflects, kneeling beside a purple salvia. “I thought, maybe I can incorporate this into my classes.” Her approach? Turn the resilience of plants into metaphors for human characters, connecting students to stories with a hands-on, tangible approach that makes abstract ideas come alive.
struggles and triumphs found in nature.
“When students see two plants of the same species and observe one thriving while another struggles, it becomes a way to talk about characters like Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire or the brothers in The Red Convertible,” Clay explains.
Her students agree. “The way she teaches is more engaging and entertaining,” shares Evan Glenn, a computer science major. “With gardening, you can’t just assume everything’s fine. You need to check sunlight, water, and soil—just like in literature, you must look deeper to truly understand what’s happening beneath the surface.”
Lessons Beyond the Garden
The garden itself, filled with pollinator-friendly perennials, thrives beside the campus maker space. To Clay, the garden’s design mirrors her philosophy: “We plant pollinators because we want our ideas to spread. We choose native plants because they thrive in their environment—just like we hope our students do.”
Her lessons are clear: human choices, like plants in nature, ripple outward, creating consequences. “That’s literature. That’s life,” she emphasizes.
A Vision for the Future
A Houston Voice Rooted in Literature
A proud native of Houston’s Sunnyside community, Clay holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Houston and an M.A. in English from Texas Southern University. She’s also an accomplished author and poet. Her novel, Agatta, paints a haunting yet redemptive portrait of a young woman searching for spiritual freedom in 19th-century New Orleans. Soon to be available in audio form, the book has been praised for its rich, lyrical prose.
Innovation in the Classroom
Clay’s experiment started as a conference idea and blossomed into a reality thanks to HCC’s Innovations Fellowship program and support from faculty chair Dr. Mary Lawson. Students now cultivate native Texas plants—like salvia, coneflowers, and milkweed—learning how literature mirrors the
Professor Clay envisions every HCC campus embracing its own garden classroom. “It would be wonderful if every HCC campus had a garden like this,” she says with optimism.
Her work underscores Houston City College’s mission of fostering innovation, cultural connection, and student success. By weaving nature and literature together, she is preparing the next generation not only to analyze stories but to live them with purpose.
Call-to-Action: Houston City College continues to set the bar for innovative education. Learn more about programs, faculty, and opportunities for growth at:
HCC Professor – Cathy Clay
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM CT, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a powerful edition of its Community Conversations Luncheon: The Pulse of Our Region, featuring the findings from the 2025 Houston Area Survey. This highly anticipated event will be hosted at the Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center, 6633 Travis St., Houston, TX 77030, with Houston Style Magazine proudly serving as media sponsor.
Why This Conversation Matters
For over 40 years, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University has tracked the heartbeat of Houston through the Houston Area Survey—the longest-running metropolitan study of its kind in the nation. From changing demographics and cultural shifts to economic challenges and public safety concerns, the survey delivers a clear-eyed look at the priorities shaping our city’s future.
This year’s survey arrives at a pivotal moment. With Houston’s population expanding and diversifying at record speed, the insights shared will guide not just policymakers but also businesses, nonprofits, educators, and civic leaders working to build a more equitable, thriving region.
THE PULSE OF OUR REGION: A LGBTQ+ CONVERSATION SHAPING HOUSTON’S FUTURE
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
What You’ll Gain
The luncheon goes far beyond numbers. It’s about sparking meaningful dialogue:
• The Priorities of Houstonians Today –What are our neighbors most concerned about in 2025?
• Cultural & Demographic Shifts – How is Houston’s unique identity evolving in ways that shape our region’s story?
• Driving Real Change – How can civic, nonprofit, and business leaders use this data to influence policy, strategy, and community well-being?
• Business in a Shifting Houston – What do these insights mean for entrepreneurs and
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
MEMORIAL PARK S. PICNIC LOOP
FEATURED ARTIST JONAH BALLARD
corporations trying to stay ahead?
Meet the Experts
The panel will feature leading researchers from the Kinder Institute: Anna Glanzer DeLisi, Research Analyst
Dan Potter, Director, Houston Population Research Center
Dylan Simburger, Research Analyst
The discussion will be moderated by Professor Ruth López Turley, Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research, whose leadership has elevated the Institute’s reputation as a national thought leader on
n 250 National & International Artists
n 19 Disciplines of Art
n Live Music & Entertainment
n Active Imagination Zone
n VIP Hospitality Lounge
n Art Installations & Exhibits
- SUN 10 AM - 6 PM
n Food Truck Park
n Craft Beer Garden
urban dynamics. An Invitation to Shape Tomorrow
This quarterly luncheon isn’t just a talk—it’s a call to action. It’s a space where Houston’s leaders, advocates, and engaged residents come together to move the needle on issues that matter – education, equity, public safety, and economic vitality.
So, whether you’re a business professional, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or simply a Houstonian invested in the city’s future, this is your chance to get plugged into the conversations shaping the path forward.
• Seats are limited—don’t miss this chance to lend your voice and gain insights that will shape the next chapter of Houston.
Community Conversations Luncheon: The Pulse of Our Region Thursday, October 9, 2025 •11:30 AM – 1:30 PM CT Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center 6633 Travis St., Houston, TX 77030
Presented by the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University.
In the heart of Houston, Texas Southern University’s (TSU) College of Education (COE), proudly housed in the Secretary Roderick R. Paige Building, has unveiled a bold new blueprint for the future of K–12 education. By strengthening partnerships, driving policy innovation, and embracing groundbreaking teaching models, TSU is reaffirming its role as a national leader in urban education while staying true to its legacy as one of America’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
A Vision Rooted in Service and Excellence
“In addition to its founding as a Historically Black College/University, Texas Southern University is charged with serving the broad interests of the Houston community,” said J.W. Crawford III, President of Texas Southern University.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to preparing outstanding teachers who can meet the challenges and opportunities of today’s classrooms. By leaning into Texas Southern’s unique role in urban education, we are shaping the future of K–12 success.”
This vision isn’t just aspirational—it’s actionable. TSU’s College of Education has set forth a bold slate of initiatives designed to blend practice with policy and reimagine teacher preparation in ways that
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CHARTS BOLD FUTURE FOR
By Francis Page, Jr. for
URBAN SCHOOLS
reflect the realities of modern classrooms.
Key Initiatives Driving Change
Strengthening District Partnerships
— Building deeper ties with Houston ISD (HISD) and other school districts to ensure teacher preparation aligns seamlessly with the evolving needs of urban schools.
Influencing Education Policy — Expanding TSU’s role in shaping state and national policy, ensuring innovative practices reach classrooms while advancing equity.
Exploring a Lab School Model — Assessing the feasibility of a lab school or similar framework to create real-world training environments where future teachers can sharpen their skills.
Launching a National Education Council — Bringing together respected thought leaders to advise TSU on its K–12 strategies and amplify its voice in the education reform space.
A Community-Wide Effort
These transformative steps echo TSU’s mission to serve as both a handson partner to local school districts and a thought leader in education reform. HISD Superintendent Mike Miles highlighted the importance of these collaborations:
“Partnerships with institutions like Texas Southern University are essential to sustaining the progress we’re making in our schools. Their College of Education is leaning into the challenges of urban education and preparing teachers who are ready to succeed in real classrooms. That work matters for our students, our schools, and our city.”
The commitment stretches beyond the classroom into the boardroom. Brandon L. Simmons, Chairman of the Texas Southern University Board of Regents, affirmed this bold direction:
“Earlier this year, our elected leaders unlocked private school options for Texas families with a record-setting Education Savings Account program. Locally, HISD is driving unprecedented improvements in public education for Houston students. This week, Texas Southern set a course to become the home of the practice and study of new, innovative approaches to education.”
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Since 1927, Texas Southern University has stood as a beacon of access, diversity, and academic excellence, particularly for underserved communities. Today, that legacy continues as the University positions itself as a cornerstone of innovation in teacher preparation, research, and policy. By advancing these initiatives, TSU is not just preparing teachers—it is shaping leaders who will guide the next generation of Houston classrooms, Texas schools, and the broader national education landscape.
Texas Southern University’s College of Education is not only charting a bold future — it is rewriting the story of what’s possible in urban education.
