Transformative Leadership Takes Center Stage - Houston Celebrates Civic Vitality With Nicholas Kristof

Houston, Texas, November 17, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​Center for Houston’s Future, The Region’s Think Tank, presented an incisive conversation with two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist,Nicholas Kristof at their annual Dinner and Conversation, chaired by Peaches and Shrub Kempner on Wednesday, November 11, at the River Oaks Country Club. Chevron was the Presenting Sponsor for the event.

The wide-ranging and insightful conversation with the globe-trotting journalist, led by Chris Knapp, ranged over a variety of topics, including human trafficking, the particular role of women in changing the world, the media’s poor coverage of topics that do not generate ratings, and the various ways that individuals and organizations can change the world for the better. Houston Public Media was the event media sponsor. 

Highlighting transformative civic leadership, the 2015 Center for Houston’s Future IMPACT Award went to Gasper Mir, Founding Principal of MFR, PC. Bill Clayton, of Award SponsorReliant, an NRG Company, presented the award. Passionate about education, health care, supporting minorities and emerging leadership, Mir dedicates time and effort to ensure all voices are heard.

Also recognized as IMPACT Award finalists were Laura Bellows, Chairman and President of W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation, and Peggy Smith, Ph.D., Director of Baylor College of Medicine Teen Health Clinics.  All finalists are alumni of the Center’s Business/Civic Leadership Forum. The winner was determined by a vote of Forum alumni.

The evening wrapped up with a lively Question & Answer session as Kristof fielded queries from a hyper-engaged audience, including Elizabeth Hunter, Jim Dannenbaum, Lisa TrapaniShumate, event Chair Shrub Kempner and Center for Houston’s Future founder Eugene Vaughan, among others.

Spotted in the crowd: Dorothy and Mickey Ables, Alex and Astley Blair, Jeff Cohen, Marguerite and Bruce Culpepper, Beverly Denver, Carmela and Kelly Frels, Antje and Harry Gee, Jr., Jessica and Vean Gregg, Center Board Chairman Rick Jaramillo, Renee Logans, Beth Madison, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Ruthanne Mefford, Center President and CEOCatherine Mosbacher, Phoebe and Gray Muzzy, Lois and George Stark, Kim Sterling, Y. Ping Sun, Linda Toyota, and Preeti and Umesh Verma.