The U-VOL Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 12th, at The Bowery House & Gardens in Katy. This milestone event, themed “Healing Through Unity,” will bring together healthcare professionals, business leaders, philanthropists, and advocates to support life-changing initiatives in maternal health, clean water access, and global health workforce development.

Hosted by Houston journalist and media personality MC Laura O, the event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Sarah E. Gray, Chief Nursing Officer of The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing — the second-largest nursing organization in the world, with approximately 135,000 active members across more than 100 countries. Guests will also enjoy an engaging evening with:

Performance by special guest Makeda Tene, a Grammy-nominated artist, actress, and author

A gourmet dinner, live entertainment, a vendor fair showcasing women founders and leaders of color, and a live auction featuring exclusive items—including a one-of-a-kind live painting created during the event

The presentation of the prestigious DAISY Award for Advancing Health Equity, honoring nurses making a global impact

   “This gala is not just a celebration of our past 10 years—it’s a call to action for the future,” said Dr. Faith Adole, Founder and President of U-VOL Foundation. “Healing Through Unity is about bringing people together to create real change. Every dollar raised will directly support our mission to provide healthcare access, maternal health resources, and clean water solutions to communities that need it most.”

The U-VOL Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala is expected to draw leaders in healthcare, philanthropy, business, and advocacy who share a passion for global health equity, and the organization invites all Houstonians to be a part of the experience. Tickets are available now at www.u-volfoundation.org/gala25. Sponsorship opportunities are also open for organizations looking to support this impactful cause.

To keep up with the latest updates on U-Vol Foundations’ 10th Anniversary Gala and the organization’s upcoming project, please visit the official website and follow the organization’s official social media page on Instagram (@UVolFoundationdation).

Founded by Dr. Faith Adole, U-VOL Foundation is a U.S.-based international nonprofit dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities worldwide. Through medical outreach, health education, clean water initiatives, and women’s empowerment, U-VOL is committed to sustainable, community-driven solutions that promote health equity and empower the next generation of global health leaders. For more information, visit www.u-volfoundation.org.

In the world of global leadership, transformation is the bedrock of progress, impact, results, and legacy. There’s absolutely no amplification for success without including transformational leadership in the complete equation. Are you ready for your ultimate transformation in order to become a more effective leader?

After a stellar debut in Houston last year, Legacy Consults (a global consulting agency with a focus on providing “neuroscience-based solutions to boost team performance and drive organizational success”) will present the second edition of the Transformational Leadership Colloquium on Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at RCCG King’s Palace (5371 E. 5th Street) in Katy. The theme for this year’s conference is “Architects of the Future: Execution-Driven Leadership”.

Furthermore, the colloquium aligns with the organization’s ongoing focus on “fostering a borderless community of transformational leaders who don’t just adapt to change, but actively create it.” This year’s colloquium will feature award-winning neurologist, researcher and the colloquium convener,  Dr. Niyi Borire, alongside confirmed co-hosts Debola Deji-Kurumni (founder and CEO of Immerse Coaching) and purpose coach, minister and author Dr. Samuel Ekundayo.

Additionally confirmed panelists and workshop facilitators for this year’s colloquium include Dr. Harry Akinola, Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo, Pastor Tunde Badru, and Dana Dawsey. Following the main delegation of the colloquium, an exclusive VIP session will take place at 4:00 PM  for individuals seeking deeper, high-level engagement. The private session will grant direct access to some of the most influential minds in leadership.

Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge and guidance to advance their leadership skills through all of the curated presentations, networking activities, and crafted professional workshops. Furthermore, according to the event organizers, the Transformational Leadership Colloquium will help all attendees gain:

• Cutting-edge leadership strategies to navigate complexity and change
• Master-level mentorship skills to develop and empower the next generation
• Vision execution frameworks to turn ideas into lasting institutional change
• Powerful global networks for collaboration, growth, and long-term impact
• Self-awareness and resilience to lead with clarity and confidence

Established in 2023, the Transformational Leadership Colloquium kicked off its inaugural run in Dallas, Texas, and has been featured in other notable cities, including Atlanta, Vancouver, and Regina, Canada. This year, the conference will also take place in Toronto, Canada, on April 5th. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking, registration check-in, and seating assignments.

Tickets for this year’s colloquium are now available on the organization’s official website. To learn more about the Transformational Leadership Colloquium and Legacy Consults, please visit the official website online at www.TheTransformativeLeader.org and the official social media page on Instagram (@LegacyConsults).

The city of Houston was enveloped in sorrow today as news spread of the passing of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas), a freshman congressman who was sworn into office just two months ago. Turner, a beloved figure in Houston, was 70 years old at the time of his passing.

Turner died Tuesday night after suffering a medical emergency. His family said he went to the hospital on Tuesday night in Washington D.C. He was let go but sadly passed away at home at 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday because of some health problems he had been dealing with. He was 70 years old and had just taken the oath of office in January. Turner previously faced bone cancer. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., later confirmed Turner’s death in a statement Wednesday, calling the former Houston mayor an “iconic leader” and a “fighter until the end.”

The shocking news was revealed during a city council session in Houston on Wednesday morning, causing unease among those in attendance. The Mayor, John Whitmire, was visibly moved by the news, a rare display of emotion from the typically composed leader. This unexpected turn of events has left everyone in disbelief. In response, Mayor Whitmire urged Houstonians to unite, offer prayers for the family affected, and join in honoring the remarkable public servant involved.

Professor Chris Chinwe Ulasi, former President of the Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association and Cultural Director of IgboFest Houston, expressed that Mayor Sylvester Turner was more than just a leader for Houston. He described Turner as a champion for the arts and culture that bring vibrancy to our city. Ulasi emphasized that during Turner’s time in office, his unwavering support enabled organizations like the Ndi-Ichie Cultural Association, the creators of IgboFest Houston, to flourish. This support helped foster creativity and community connections that will have a lasting impact on future generations.

Ulasi praised Turner’s vision and dedication to Houston’s multicultural landscape, noting that it was transformative. He expressed deep gratitude for the legacy that Turner leaves behind. Ulasi also highlighted Turner’s leadership in leading a delegation of industry leaders and government officials to West Africa towards the end of his second term as Mayor of Houston. Dr. Ulasi said, “Turner led a strong contingent comprising captains of industry and government officials to West Africa towards the end of his second term as Mayor of Houston. Today, we mourn his passing but celebrate the indelible mark he left on our city and its people.”

Kay Elegbede, the International Community Liaison Manager in the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, described Turner as a towering figure who served Houston with pride and united people from all walks of life. “Mayor Whitmire said he and Turner supported each other at their political campaigns, and Turner asked him to speak at his mother’s funeral. They have been friends long before recent politics moved them apart. He will be leading the celebration of the life and achievements of his friend Sylvester Turner just as he honored Congressman Sheila Jackson Lee,” Elegbede said.

Tunde Fasina, owner of the Wazobia African Market, described the mayor as an inspiring mentor, a tireless leader who led with grace and compassion, and a cherished friend. “His guidance and dedication left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed. May God grant his soul eternal rest,” he said.

Turner grew up in a fabulous neighborhood in Houston called Acres Homes. He attended college at the University of Houston and then Harvard Law School. After that, he became a lawyer and started his law firm. In 1988, he got elected to the Texas House and stayed there for almost 30 years. Then, in 2015, he became the mayor of Houston.