Informing, Inspiring & Connecting Successful Women | |
E-NEWS EDITION
Published Bi-Weekly
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JUNE 10, 2026
Vol. 1, No. 5
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Each and every year, as the pages of the calendar flip and the months of summer unfold, the lyrics of a favorite old classic, "Summertime," come to mind.
And, often, I find myself humming the tune over and over again — as if to remind me summer-time is when "the livin' is easy." At least it's supposed to be!
For professional women, "easy" is difficult. We spend most of our time trying to address the endless demands of our jobs, our families and our friends.
Over time, we develop the bad habit of putting off the very things we know we ought to be doing for ourselves. At times, we do this to such an extent, we sabotage our health and happiness.
I know; I was guilty of doing that to myself for a very long time.
When I launched Houston Woman Magazine 22 years ago, focusing on my work 12-16 hours a day wasn’t unusual. I’d get to the office early; I’d stay late. After dinner, I was working again — on my home computer. When it was time to go to bed, I took my laptop with me!
Passion for my life's work became an obsession and not exercising or getting
enough sleep became the norm. So too was passing up special times with those I love.
I was not ignorant of the longings of my body and soul, only too willing to procrastinate any serious efforts to deal with them. I put myself last, and it showed. Nudges from others to create work-life balance were ignored.
It took too many fun times with loved ones - and a serious health scare - to change my behavior.
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Ribbon-Cutting opens Main Street Promenade,
highlights new video, 'Ready for the World'
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Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Downtown Houston+ joined stakeholders May 30 for the a celebratory ribbon-cutting for the Main Street Promenade and the debut of an exciting video, Ready for the World, which celebrates the collaboration and civic spirit shaping Houston’s World Cup legacy.
The City and its partners announced the completion of more than 200 projects totaling nearly half a billion dollars in parks, trails, sidewalks, lighting, transit access, drainage, beautification and other public improvements. The goal was simple: use a global moment to deliver a stronger, safer and more welcoming Houston for the people who live here every day.
“This project started before we were awarded the World Cup, and Houston is meeting this moment the right way — by investing in the future and delivering the improvements Houstonians deserve to enjoy every day,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “I want to thank everyone who helped make this project possible, from the CEOs to the craftsmen who brought it to life. The World Cup gave us a deadline to move hundreds of public improvement projects across the goal line, but the real payoff is for Houstonians. From safer sidewalks and brighter streets to improved parks, drainage and transit access, these investments will benefit residents long after the tournament ends.”
The lasting investments include:
• More than 400 lane miles of streets resurfaced,
• $100 million in drainage improvements,
• $84 million for safer, more walkable sidewalks and pathways,
• $29 million for brighter street lighting along 135 miles of roads,
• $15 million for neighborhood parks, field upgrades, and lighting,
• More than $7 million in landscaping and beautification,
• 7,000 new trees,
• 5,000 improved bus stops and 2,000 new shelters,
• Additional investments in public art, signage and projects that celebrate community identity
To help tell that story, a new video captures Houstonians at work and pulling together across the city — planting, paving, painting, polishing and preparing for one of the world’s biggest events. The video premiered during the May 30 festivities to celebrate the collaboration and civic spirit shaping Houston’s World Cup legacy.
At the conclusion of the event, a free-to-the-public, all ages “Good Times on Main Block Party" was held to officially open the Main Street Promenade.
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Beverly
I just read your entire online newsletter
(E-News Edition for May 27), and it was great! I loved learning about your mother. She was amazing. I forgot that people used to to go door-to-door for fundraising before the age of the Internet and iPhones!
Lisa Graham-Garza
Katy, 77450
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to beverly@houstonwomanmagazine.com
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UPCOMING EVENTS
June 11
National Outlet Shopping Day at
Premium Outlets.
June 12
The Storytellers Marketing Mystery Summit. Virtual.
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
June 14
World Cup.
Germany vs. Curacao.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
June 17
World Cup.
Portugal vs.
DR Congo.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
June 19
Juneteenth:
The Reunion.
Emancipation Park.
4 to 10 p.m.
June 20
BLACK Market at Night. East River-Bayou Park.
3 to 9 p.m.
June 20
World Cup.
Netherlands vs. Sweden.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
June 23
World Cup.
Portugal vs. Uzbekistan.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
June 26
World Cup.
Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia.
Reliant Stadium.
7 p.m.
June 29
World Cup.
IC vs. 2F.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
July 4
World Cup.
W73 vs. W75.
Reliant Stadium.
12 noon
July 4
Freedom Over Texas.
Eleanor Tinsley Park. 3 to 10 p.m.
*****
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September 26
Houston Arts Alliance Gilded and Golden Gala at Thompson Hotel
September 26
Mission of Yahweh Gala at River Oaks Country Club
September 26
Cattle Baron's Ball at Hilton Americas.
October 7
Scenic Houston's Annual Dinner at River Oaks Country Club
November 13
Inspire Women's Annual Awards Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club
| | HOUSTON WOMEN WHO MADE HISTORY |
BARBARA JORDAN
Barbara C. Jordan, the first Black woman to serve in the Texas Legislature (and later elected to U.S.Congress in 1972) was a native Houstonian who advocated for the common person throughout her career.
Jordan was born February 21, 1936 to parents Benjamin and Arlyne, a local pastor and reputed public speaker. Growing up, she heard her father speak about faith and justice, while her mother reminded her that education is the key to unlocking any door.
Jordan attended Phillis Wheatley High School and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Texas Southern University,. She then went on to pursue law at Boston University, graduating in 1959. After spending a year teaching at Tuskegee Institute, Jordan returned to Houston and opened her own law practice.
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"I get from the soil and spirt of Texas the feeling that I,
as an individual, can accomplish whatever I want to,
and that there are no limits, that I can just keep going,
just keep soaring. I like that spirit.'
~ Barbara Jordan ~
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JUNETEENTH - FREEDOM DAY
Series of celebrations planned in Houston
to commemorate significance of June 19, 1865
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Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, pays tribute to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of enslaved people. That special day happened more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation had officially outlawed slavery in the Confederate states.
Juneteenth has since become a day to celebrate African American culture, history, resilience and progress. This day symbolizes freedom and the ongoing struggle for equality.
In Houston, Juneteenth is more than a historical commemoration in Houston; it's a series of vibrant celebrations. Our city hosts parades, cultural festivals and educational events, bringing communities together to honor the past and inspire future generations.
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BUSINESS
METRO Police Dept.'s new public safety hub
opens near George R. Brown Convention Center
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The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), alongside local leaders and community partners, officially opened the METRO Police Department's new Partnership Tower Substation on June 3, expanding public safety visibility and response capabilities in one of Houston's most active downtown corridors.
The substation, located at the corner of Capitol Street and Avenida de las Americas near the George R. Brown Convention Center, strengthens METRO Police presence in an area where transit activity, pedestrian movement and visitor flow converge. The location serves convention attendees, sports fans, downtown employees, residents and visitors while supporting one of the city's most active destinations for family gatherings, civic events and public activity.
The location is also near Incarnate Word Academy, where students, families and school-day pedestrian activity add to daily foot traffic in the corridor, underscoring the importance of safe and accessible movement through the area.
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New FEMA map would add 200 square miles and
115k housing units to Harris County floodplains
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Nearly 200 more square miles of Harris County and 115,000 more housing units would be located within a floodplain under a revised map recently proposed by federal officials.
Communities across the 1,777-square-mile county — particularly on the northeast and northwest sides — would see major changes to their floodplain status under the draft of the Federal Emergency Management Agency map, which is undergoing its first comprehensive update in nearly 20 years.
The big idea: To evaluate the scale of the impact, the Kinder Institute created interactive maps detailing how Harris County floodplains would change, which neighborhoods would feel the biggest impact and which government facilities would get added to a floodplain.
The updated federal map will affect property values, insurance requirements, infrastructure planning and development regulations throughout Harris County.
Mapping the scale: About 570 square miles, or nearly 90%, of Harris County property currently located within a floodplain would stay there under the proposal. Another 265 square miles would be added, while 66 square miles would be removed from a floodplain.
The community level: Cypress, northeast Houston and Pasadena would see the largest number of housing units newly designated in a floodplain. Communities in Aldine and the western edges of the county would also see a notable increase.
By contrast, thousands of homes in Alief and southeast Harris County's South Belt/Ellington neighborhood would no longer be in a floodplain.
Public facilities at risk: Nearly 170 schools, wastewater treatment plants, police stations and emergency response buildings would be added to a floodplain. The changes could cost taxpayers and further illustrate the risk to vital facilities during natural disasters.
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SURVEY RESULTS
More than 100,000 Texas homeowners with
low-interest loans stuck in mortgage-rate limbo
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Millions of Americans bought or refinanced homes during the ultra-low mortgage rate years, securing 30-year fixed loans at rates that now look almost impossible to replace. But, what once felt like a smart financial win may now be acting like a pair of golden handcuffs.
With today’s mortgage rates far higher than the pandemic-era lows, many existing homeowners face a painful trade-off: sell and move, but give up their low monthly payment; or stay put, even if their current home no longer fits their lives.
In other words, the house may no longer fit, but the mortgage rate still does.
A new survey by Calgary Homes, a real estate platform, which polled 3,002 homeowners, set out to measure the scale of this “mortgage lock-in effect.” The research looked at how many homeowners would like to sell, downsize, relocate or buy a more suitable home, but are choosing not to because they do not want to give up their existing mortgage rate.
The survey found that 31% of Texas home-owners who want to sell are unwilling to do so because they want to hold on to the lower rate they secured previously. At a state level, this equates to an estimated 104,408 homes effectively caught in mortgage-rate limbo.
The findings suggest the housing market is not just being shaped by affordability, inventory or buyer demand. It is also being shaped by homeowners quietly asking themselves a very modern question: "Is moving worth losing my mortgage rate?" For many, the answer appears to be "no."
When Texas homeowners were asked whether they had delayed a major life decision because they did not want to give up their current mortgage rate, 35% said they had. The most common delay was moving closer to family, cited by 11% of respondents, followed by moving to a more affordable area, downsizing for retirement and upgrading to a larger home.
The emotional picture was mixed. Some homeowners clearly feel grateful to have locked in a low rate, while others feel pinned down by it.
The survey also asked homeowners what best describes their current home. While 39% said their home still suits their needs, 12% said their home is too small and 7% said it is too large. Another 9% said it is too expensive to maintain, and 8% said it needs repairs they would rather avoid.
Perhaps the starkest finding came when 15% of homeowners admitted they would accept a worse quality of life to keep their current mortgage rate.
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"The most courageous act still is to think for yourself."
~ Coco Chanel ~
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HONORING 250 YEARS
Heritage Society leads local celebrations, opens
'The American Revolution Experience' exhibit
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As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, The Heritage Society is marking the milestone with a series of programs designed to bring history to life for Houstonians. Through public events, educational exhibits and community partnerships, the organization is positioning itself as a central destination for America 250 commemorations in the city.
The American Revolution Experience is a collaborative initiative by the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) that brings history to life through interactive exhibits, storytelling and primary accounts. Rather than focusing solely on generals or political leaders, the experience emphasizes the contributions and challenges faced by ordinary people, including Patriots, Loyalists, women, African Americans, Native Americans and international allies. Visitors are encouraged to consider the difficult choices individuals faced, such as pledging loyalty to the Patriot cause or remaining loyal to the British Crown.
This exhibit was made possible by board member Jill Brooks and her colleagues Deb Evans and Caroline Hassell for making it relevant to Texas and researching the lineage of patriots behind our historic houses. We'd like to thank our generous sponsors (above) for helping us deliver this experience with programming to Houston.
The American Revolution Experience will be on display June 16 to July 18, Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is just $5 per person. Free parking available at 212 Dallas Street.
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'THE GONDOLIERS'
Romance, mistaken identity and comedy define
Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s summer production
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Tickets are going fast for the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston’s summer production of The Gondoliers, celebrating the company’s 75th season. In a full-circle moment, The Gondoliers was the Society’s very first production in 1952.
Set in Venice, The Gondoliers follows two charming gondolier brothers, Marco and Giuseppe, who discover one of them is heir to a distant throne — but no one knows which. Complicating matters, the rightful king was married as an infant, accidentally leaving one brother with two wives. What follows is a whirlwind of romance, mistaken identity and comedic twists, all resolved with a signature Gilbert and Sullivan ending.
Performances take place July 18–19 and July 25–26 at the Cullen Theater in the Wortham Theater Center, with Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. The family-friendly production also coincides with the 40th season of the Wortham Theater Center, where the Society staged The Gondoliers for the inaugural performance in 1987.
Houston’s longest-running opera company brings this lively, satirical tale back to the stage for the first time since 2017. A hallmark of Gilbert and Sullivan’s signature wit, The Gondoliers blends love, mistaken identity and playful commentary on class and duty.
Returning as stage director is Alyssa Weathersby (pictured above). Weathersby, a Houston native and New York–based director, choreographer and performer directed last season’s acclaimed Iolanthe. Known for inventive productions that bridge opera and musical theater, Weathersby brings a vibrant, movement-driven approach to the production.
Music Director Dr. Clifton Evans also returns to the company, having previously served as assistant conductor (2000–2003) and music director (2003–2008). Assistant music director for The Gondoliers is Gregory D. McDaniel, a Houston native, active conductor and educator.
Tickets start at $25, and shows typically sell out. Early purchase is encouraged.
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'Hats, Gloves and Boutonnieres' raises $63,000+
for Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center
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Fort Bend-area philanthropy was dressed to the nines as fashionable guests gathered in their finest hats, gloves and springtime best for the 21st Annual Hats, Gloves and Boutonnieres event, benefiting the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center.
Held at the Sweetwater home of Tammy Janos, this year's spring brunch was attended by 175 guests and raised a record-setting $63,980, the highest amount ever raised in the event's 21-year history!
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Shown above are Molly Thompson, Krystle McIntyre, Hillary Watson and Alison Wheller.
Pictured at right are Elaine Sims,
Mary Margaret Sims and Marie Sims.
Photos by
Children's Discovery Center
| | Event Chairs (from left) Jessica McCauley, Tammy Janos and Leah Henley | | | |
Houston Woman Book Club
Selection for June
Told entirely through letters, emails and unsent notes, The Correspondent follows Sybil Van Antwerp, a witty, sharp and occasionally prickly 72-year-old retired lawyer, navigating grief, aging, forgiveness and deteriorating eyesight.
The book draws a portrait of a small life expanding, revealing how one woman changes at a point when change had seemed impossible.
A film adaptation of this beloved best-selling book, starring Jane Fonda, is now in development.
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Houston Woman Magazine offers a dedicated e-blast service exclusively for nonprofits wanting to promote their special events.
For pricing, please call 713.780.2098.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Care Connect launched to help Texans navigate
mental health journeys with confidence and support
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Mental Health America of Greater Houston is proud to announce the statewide launch of its Care Connect initiative, a comprehensive program designed to help Texans navigate their mental health journeys with greater clarity, confidence and support. As demand for behavioral health services continues to rise across the state, Care Connect offers hands-on direction to individuals and families by linking them with trusted care options tailored to meet their unique needs.
Through Care Connect, Texans can access a robust, user-friendly directory of over 1,000 vetted and readily available providers and services. The platform enables users to search by key criteria such as insurance coverage, language, ZIP code, specialty areas and more. In addition, it features dozens of low-cost and no-cost resources to mitigate financial barriers that could stand in the way of treatment.
Complementing the online database is a dedicated Care Connect helpline, where trained, bilingual resource specialists provide personalized guidance, assisting individuals and families in identifying suitable services, understanding available options and taking the next steps toward care. A specialist will follow up to confirm that a successful connection to care is established.
Care Connect also expands access for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. Eligible participants may qualify for up to six complimentary counseling sessions with a licensed provider or supervised graduate-level clinician, offering a meaningful entry point into ongoing treatment.
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TRAVELERS' CHOICE AWARDS
Tripadvisor community identifies best of the best!
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The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of eight million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
From among Tripadvisor's list of the Best of the Best are five of Houston Woman Magazine's favorite tours in the United States. All are great fun and worth considering taking this summer. Highly recommend them all!
Chicago
Take a relaxing ride on the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady for a unique perspective of the city's architecture. With top-notch guides providing engaging commentary, you'll learn about Chicago's history and culture while enjoying panoramic views.
Las Vegas
Grand Canyon + Hoover Dam View + WiFi keeps things smooth and interesting, with guides who know their stuff and keep it light. There's plenty of time to actually take in the views (and snap photos), plus the Skywalk adds a twist if you’re up for it. Comfort, tasty lunch options and stories that don’t feel scripted.
New York City
Uncover the tragic history of September 11, 2001 with narration from a New York City guide who has a personal connection to the fateful day. The walking tour is reflective and well-organized, including time to learn about the heroism and the site's historical significance. Highlights include stops at the National 9/11 Memorial reflecting pools and St. Paul's Chapel.
Salem
Explore the spooky side of Salem with the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour. Engaging tour guides share detailed historical information, peppered with humor and interesting storytelling. You'll visit a variety of sites, snapping photos and asking questions along an easy walking route.
St. Pete's Beach
Paddle through the serene waters of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area in a clear kayak. You'll have fun exploring mangrove tunnels, collecting shells on the gulf side, and snapping photos of beautiful sunsets. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can enjoy a leisurely tour, perfect for families or couples seeking a relaxing and memorable outing.
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IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE!
The next E-News Edition releases Wednesday, June 24.
To promote your products or services to our readers in that issue, please call now to request ad rates and deadlines.
713-780-2098
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Houston Woman Magazine was launched in March 2004. Since its beginning, its mission has been
to inform, inspire and connect successful women. E-News is now being published
every other Wednesday as an extension of its special printed issues.
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