Blume Foundation Gala: A Beacon for Gender Equity

An Evening of Advocacy, Art, and Action to Uplift Women and Girls Worldwide

Houston, TX – June 28, 2025: The Blume Foundation celebrated a powerful milestone with its inaugural gala, Petals of Hope: Voices of Change, held at The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria. This elegant and purposeful evening united a vibrant community of changemakers, philanthropists, artists, and advocates committed to empowering women and girls globally.

Inspiring Words and a Call to Action

The evening was gracefully emceed by Rosie Nguyen, Director of Communications and Projects in Free Expression at Rice University and one of Houston’s Top 30 Influential Women of 2024. She opened the gala with a passionate call to action, encouraging guests to unite behind Blume’s mission to dismantle the systemic devaluation of women and girls through education, advocacy, and empowerment.

The Vision Behind Blume

Founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Vaishali Dev, the Blume Foundation addresses some of the world’s most pressing issues: gendercide, reproductive justice, leadership equity, mental health, and economic opportunity for women. The foundation employs innovative programs, global partnerships, scholarships, and tailored support systems to transform lives and create lasting change.

Opening Ceremonies and Special Recognitions

The gala began with a soul-stirring invocation by Gwendolyn Price Harris, followed by heartfelt remarks from Vaishali Dev, who shared her personal journey and the inspiration behind Blume.

Blume was honored with the following recognitions for its groundbreaking work:

Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Al Green
Certificate of Recognition from Texas Senator Molly Cook, District 15
Proclamation from Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones
Proclamation from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, delivered by Alice Lee

These accolades underscored the foundation’s unwavering commitment to creating a world where women and girls have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and safety.

Shining a Light on Gendercide

A poignant segment on gendercide, led by Beverley Hill, founder of the Gendercide Awareness Project (GENDAP), featured powerful testimony from survivor Niriah Williams. This emotional segment highlighted the harsh realities of gender-based violence and human trafficking, reinforcing the urgent need for action.

Fireside Chat: Voices Driving Policy and Progress

A compelling fireside chat moderated by Sami Khaleeq, City of Houston Commissioner for Planning & Development and tech entrepreneur, brought together two visionary leaders:

Juliet K. Stipeche, Director of Human Services at H-GAC
Dr. Elizabeth Gregory, Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies, University of Houston

Their discussion focused on gender equity, education access, and systemic change through policy and leadership.

Art that Speaks for Women

Guests were captivated by a stirring art exhibit from internationally acclaimed Dutch painter Johannes Boekhoudt, whose evocative works depict the beauty, strength, and resilience of women across cultures.

Honoring Champions of Change

The Blume Foundation recognized four trailblazers whose work exemplifies courage, compassion, and transformative leadership:

Dr. Conte M. Terrell
Phoenix Petal Award – For lifelong dedication to supporting abuse survivors and promoting emotional wellness.
Lushin Dubey
Blume Beacon Award – For leveraging the power of theater to highlight social justice issues and amplify marginalized voices.
Parvez Jasani
Roots and Wings Award – For visionary leadership and quiet, consistent support that uplifts others.
Roopa Gir
Force of Nature Award – For her unwavering commitment to education, civic leadership, and empowering future generations through iEducate.

Spotlight on Local Impact: iEducate

The evening highlighted the work of iEducate, a Houston-based nonprofit mentoring underserved youth and nurturing future educators. CEO Arun Gir spoke passionately about their mission and the impact they are making in high-need communities.

A Tribute to Creativity and Culture

Designer and philanthropist Anjali Phougat was honored for her exceptional creative contributions to the Petals of Hope gala. She curated the showstopping fashion experience, “She Walks Free”, which powerfully portrayed the journey of survivors of human trafficking while celebrating South Asian culture on global stages.

Fashion with Purpose: A Night to Remember

The evening culminated in a breathtaking high couture fashion show titled Fashion with Purpose, curated by Anjali Phougat and narrated by media luminary Meena Dutt. The show told a moving story of innocence, struggle, and empowerment—capturing the essence of Blume’s vision.

Marti Nonemaker, Co-founder of the Blume Foundation, delivered a stirring message to close the event:

“Change begins with us. Every voice, every act, every contribution helps shape a world where women and girls can rise.”

Gratitude to Sponsors and Partners

The success of the gala was made possible through the generosity of key sponsors and partners, including:

Vesta Stream, Amir Dodhiya, LACP – Wealth Preservation and Strategies, CGS Digital Marketing, Designer Dream Collection by Anjali Phougat, VIVA Global Events by Vaishali Dev, Microteq Engineering Inc., Yogi International Fashion, Spark Media, Chai Gold, Raindrop Foundation, Rupani Foundation, IAPAC, iEducate, An-Nisa, NAMI Greater Houston, UNA Houston Chapter, and Fresh Spirit Wellness for Women.

About the Blume Foundation

The Blume Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit championing the empowerment of women at every life stage. From supporting survivors of domestic violence and gendercide to fostering education, entrepreneurship, mental health, and career development, Blume strives to create a world where women and girls are seen, heard, and celebrated.