Houston's Power Women Unite: Highlights from the 27th Annual Table Talk Luncheon

By Shreedevi Nandam 

For the 27^th year in a row, Houston's influential women gathered at the Hilton Americas on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, for the Table Talk Luncheon in support of UH’s WGSS Program. Co-chaired by Dr. Elizabeth Chiao and Staci LaToison, this event was not just a luncheon, it was a celebration of diversity, brilliance, resilience, and leadership. 

The Table Talk Luncheon has long fostered conversations that transcend boundaries of culture, profession, and experience. It’s a platform where women from various walks of life come together to converse, share, and learn from one another. 

Empowering Conversations Over Lunch / Empowering Women Through Conversations 

The luncheon kicked off with a vibrant reception at 11:00 a.m., setting the stage for what would be an afternoon of enriching dialogue. 

At noon, after a welcome by Friends of WGSS president Carmen Peña Abrego, WGSS Director Elizabeth Gregory, and co-chairs Chiao and LaToison, and a poem created for the occasion by Houston poet laureate Aris Kian Brown (entitled “To Be Light”), guests connected directly with the inspiring women leaders (called “conversationalists”), who guide the discussion at each table. Women of diverse backgrounds and expertise were seated together, sparking discussions that ranged from personal anecdotes to professional insights. Dialogue fosters understanding and forges connections. 

Supporting Women's Education and Empowerment 

Proceeds from the event go towards the Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies program at the University of Houston, providing students with scholarships and the tools to analyze gender dynamics and strive for a fairer future. The event also supports the UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. 

Trailblazing Women Take Center Stage 

Among the esteemed guests were trailblazing women whose stories served as a source of inspiration for all in attendance. From CEOS to athletes to artists, each guest brought a unique perspective to the table, enriching the conversations and reaffirming the power of women to effect change. 

Notable attendees included Elizabeth Brock, VP Centerpoint Energy & METRO board president; Aris Kian Brown, Houston Poet Laureate; Victoria Elizondo, Chef & Owner, Cochinita & Co.: Dr. Damla Karsan, OB/Gyn & Patient Advocate, Comprehensive Women’s Healthcare; Ann Robison, recently retired CEO of the Montrose Center; Dr. Welela Tereffe, Chief Medical Executive, MD Anderson Cancer Center; Erika Thompson, Community Liaison, African American History Research Center/HPL; Kelly Young, President/CEO, Coalition for the Homeless … and many more! Their presence underscored the importance of representation and diversity in shaping our collective future. 

Investing in the Future 

This year's University of Houston Friends of Women's Studies (UH-FWGSS) annual Table Talk luncheon raised almost $200,000 to support the university's WGSS program, which equips students with the tools they need to analyze gender dynamics and work towards a more equitable future. 

A Celebration of Female Leadership 

As the luncheon drew to a close, it was clear that the spirit of female leadership was alive and thriving in Houston. From the co-chairs and host committee to the advisory council and board members, women from all walks of life came together to make the event a resounding success. 

Their dedication and passion serve as a reminder that when women support one another, there's no limit to what they can achieve. As we reflect on the 27th Annual Table Talk Luncheon, let us carry forward the spirit of empowerment and solidarity, knowing that together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.