03/13/2026
What an inspiring evening as we gathered to celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” The program brought together women leaders, professionals, and community members for a meaningful night of dialogue, reflection, and celebration.
The evening began with registration and a welcoming reception, followed by an engaging program recognizing remarkable women who are making a difference in our communities.
Program started with the opening speech Daji Aswad, Broadcast Meteorologist at KPRC-2, who served as our wonderful Master of Ceremonies and guided the evening with warmth and professionalism
Nazlı Çizmeci, Director of the Dialogue Institute; Dr. Rima Adil, President of UNA-Houston; and Fort Bend County Court Judge Juli Mathew offered their remarks before the award ceremony.
We were honored to celebrate the achievements of Mayor Carol K. McCutcheon, Dr. Roopa Gir, Sheroo Mukhtiar, and Heidi Powell, whose leadership and dedication continue to inspire others.
Throughout the evening, a shared message emerged from the conversations and reflections: when women are empowered through education, leadership opportunities, and supportive communities, the impact extends far beyond individuals to families, communities, and future generations. The honorees highlighted the importance of mentorship, civic engagement, and ensuring that young women and girls have the resources and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Following the award ceremony, guests enjoyed a wonderful iftar dinner together, creating a warm space for connection and conversation. The evening concluded with beautiful music performance by Voices of Ashk and dance performance by Texas Turkish Heritage Dance group that celebrated culture, unity, and the spirit of the occasion.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration and to our partners and volunteers who helped make the evening possible. Together, we continue working toward a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to learn, lead, and thrive.
Photo credits: Rukiye Guven
