In a heartfelt and elegant celebration of womanhood, the Raindrop Foundation in Houston, Texas, hosted its annual International Women’s Day ceremony at the breathtaking Turkish Center. The event brought together community leaders, changemakers, and visionaries in a powerful evening of recognition, culture, and unity — all under the theme of honoring the resilience and strength of women, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan.
The evening was flawlessly hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Rosie Nguyen, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. With grace, humor, and heartfelt presence, Rosie seamlessly carried the evening, keeping the crowd engaged and the spirit vibrant.
Dr. Letitia Plummer, Council Member At-Large Position 4 for the City of Houston, opened the evening with a moving address. She emphasized the importance of women uplifting women, the sacredness of service, and the strength found in collective sisterhood. Her words set the tone for a night full of inspiration and shared purpose.
The ceremony’s three prestigious honors were presented to outstanding women, each recognized for their unwavering commitment to their communities and their transformative leadership. Each honoree received a stunning personalized Turkish plate, uniquely hand-painted — with every petal representing beauty, growth, and unity.
Ellen Goldberg – Lifetime Achievement Award
A pillar of international diplomacy and cultural exchange, Ellen Goldberg has spent her life connecting cities and souls. As Director Emeritus of Sister Cities of Houston, she has been instrumental in building lasting relationships between Houston and its global counterparts. In her acceptance speech, Ellen reflected on a lifetime of groundbreaking work with dignitaries, global influencers, and community leaders.
She shared stories of advocating for women’s roles in diplomacy and her passion for fostering understanding across cultures. Ellen has mentored countless women, opened doors in traditionally male-dominated spaces, and continues to be a beacon of wisdom and grace. Her legacy is etched not only in the institutions she’s shaped, but in the lives she’s touched — both locally and internationally.
Rebecca Williams – Women Impact Award
Rebekah Williams, Senior Advisor to the City of Houston, brought the room to a quiet awe with her vulnerable and empowering speech. She shared the trials she endured — both personal and professional — and how those hardships became the fuel for her leadership. Her journey is one of resilience: a woman who rose through the adversity to become a powerful voice for equity, justice, and community empowerment.
Rebekah spoke about the deep responsibility she feels as a mother, a leader, and a role model. She highlighted the importance of leaving behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and perseverance for her daughter and for future generations. Her authenticity, strength, and servant leadership left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.
Beena Yusuf – Visionary Leader Award
Glamorous, grounded, and deeply inspiring, Beena Yusuf, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of SHE Magazine USA, took the stage with a radiant smile and a powerful story. She shared her journey of triumph over adversity — a personal tale of reinvention, faith, and determination.
After experiencing profound challenges, Beena rebuilt her career and life from the ground up. Through SHE Magazine USA, she has created a global platform to spotlight and empower women’s stories. Her voice is sought after at forums and conferences worldwide, where she shares not only her success but the struggles behind it — making her message all the more impactful.
Beena spoke passionately about her mission to uplift women, create space for their stories, and ensure that no woman feels alone in her journey. Her strength and elegance are matched only by her commitment to championing the power of women across the globe.
The event was made possible by the Raindrop Foundation, in partnership with Dialogue Institute Houston, the United Nations Association – Houston Chapter, and SHE Magazine USA. Together, these organizations embody the collective spirit of cross-cultural dialogue, empowerment, and advocacy.
At the heart of this unforgettable night was Seher Alpaslan — the visionary who brought it all together. As the Cultural Ambassador of Greater Houston, Executive Director of the Raindrop Women’s Association, and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the United Nations Association Houston, Seher is a true force for positive change. Known for her servant heart, she has dedicated her life to promoting peace, dialogue, and women’s empowerment.
Her attention to detail, her love for her community, and her ability to unite women of all backgrounds turned this event into a warm, welcoming space for celebration and sisterhood.
Guests were also treated to an exquisite selection of authentic Turkish cuisine, lovingly prepared and beautifully presented. The aroma of spices, the flavors of traditional dishes, and the hospitality of the hosts made the evening feel like home — full of joy, culture, and connection.
As the evening came to a close, the message was clear: when women come together — especially during moments of reflection like Ramadan and celebrations like International Women’s Day — the result is nothing short of transformative. Thanks to the vision and heart of Seher Alpaslan, the night was not just an event, but a movement — one that will continue to ripple through the hearts and lives of every woman who attended.
Sylvie Bravo
Managing Editor
www.shemagazineusa.com
