Fifty Houston women were recognized by the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program in the 16th annual Table Talk in order to raise money for scholarships, research and programming.
Mayor Parker, along with the other honorees, shared her experiences at her table. | Dina Kesbeh/The Daily Cougar
One of those recognized was Mayor Annise Parker, who advocated finding a career that you love.
“It is always easier to do work that you care about. You don’t go through the motions. Find something that you are passionate about and figure out how to make a living out of it. I’m excited to go to work every day,” Parker said.
In addition to offering inspiration to their female peers, speakers — and the luncheon as a whole — intended to raise awareness of their community.
“We are raising funds for the University, and women get a sense of what other women are doing in the community,” said Elizabeth Gregory, director of WGSS.
Women from all backgrounds came together at the event to discuss the importance of supporting women’s studies and empowering women to reach for success.
“You meet a lot of new people, and see women from so many different professions. I’m very inspired by it. It was a wonderful experience and I look forward to coming back again,” said Drucie Chase, who was one of the 50 women honored.
Table Talk is not only a day to honor successful women, it is also to show their diversity.
Beth Wolff, who established her own realtor company called Wolff and Associates, spoke about her struggle as a single mom trying to climb her way to success and give her children a stable foundation.
Wolff is just one of the 50 women who spoke about the battles they had to fight in order to get where they are now.
“I graduated from UH with a degree in entrepreneurship, the advice I give to the students studying entrepreneurship is that you are in good hands,” Wolff said. “UH has one of the top entrepreneurship programs. I didn’t start at the top. I had to work my way up while raising my two kids on my own.”
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