The Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) successfully hosted its 20th Annual International Women’s Leadership Summit at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, co-chaired by founder Deavra Daughtry and philanthropist Reggie Van Lee. The sold-out event, featuring special guest Tyra Banks, raised more than $300,000 for the TWEF Eagle Scholar Program, providing scholarships to deserving students.
More than 600 attendees experienced a day filled with inspiring workshops, networking opportunities, and special events. The Summit included a private VIP reception honoring “Men Who Empower Her,” a VIP Business Soiree hosted by Harvard University alumni, and interactive sessions with global entrepreneurs and business executives. Special guests included the CEO of a 150-year-old Japanese company, Orime Fujita, television producer Ron DeShay, and Managing Director of Live Nation Philippines Rhiza Pascua.
Fox Houston’s Caroline Collins emceed the luncheon, which featured a fireside chat with Banks, moderated by Fox Houston’s Damali Keith. Banks shared her journey from supermodel to successful entrepreneur and Emmy award-winning television personality, inspiring the audience with her stories of resilience and reinvention.
The success of the event was made possible by the generous support of its Title Sponsor, Enterprise Holdings LLC, and its Supporting Sponsors: Fujita Group, Charles Schwab Bank, Farouk Systems, Rice University, Comerica Bank, United Airlines, Radio One, LIPF, Signet World, L.L. Academy, BDO USA, Mattress Firm, and Fox26. Their commitment to uplifting the next generation of leaders was key to making the Summit a success.
During the luncheon, Daughtry presented the 2024 International Leadership Award to Banks and the 2024 International Business Leadership Award to Rhiza Pascua. Before concluding the event, Daughtry surprised TWEF Eagle Scholar Emarion Miller with a $10,000 scholarship, demonstrating the profound impact this Summit has on young leaders. Two additional Eagle Scholars, Charles Wiltz and Alexandria Moffett, also shared their personal stories with the audience, highlighting the influence of TWEF’s scholarship program.
With more than $300,000 raised from this Summit alone, every dollar will directly benefit the TWEF Eagle Scholar Program scholarships. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $400,000 to college-bound students. For more than 20 years, the International Women’s Leadership Summit has been a powerful platform for empowering women, celebrating exceptional leaders, and fostering meaningful connections.
TWEF is a nonprofit organization that mentor’s families from all walks of life, helping them reach their fullest potential in the areas of personal development, business, education, finances, and socio-economic development. TWEF also provides scholarships and empowerment programs for families. For more information, visit www.TWEF.org.
