Alanna Gehring, Fifth Business, LH Passport to Progress Program Chair, TR Member picutured left.
The event, which was generously underwritten by Chevron, was held in their 40th floor conference room. It boasts an amazing Downtown skyline view and was capped off by a beautiful sunset. Seventy-five people were in attendance for the international extravaganza. Attendees included Consulate Office representatives from our four featured countries: Turkey, Australia, Mexico and India, with special guests being the Honorable Akil Oktem, Consul General of Turkey, and The Honorable Nana Booker, Honorary Consul General of Australia and Class II.
The Chevron Catering Staff outdid themselves researching and preparing foods from each country. We feasted on New Delhi Potatoes, Shrimp on the Barbie, Pea Samosa, Isidro’s Chocolate Cinnamon Flan and ended with Istanbul Coffee. It was an international flavor sensation!
William J. Cunningham, Associate Professor Emeritus, Center for International Studies at the University of St. Thomas and LH Alumni, Class XII, presented Topography of an International City to the group. His comments focused on why the international community is so important to Houston and why it is such a good idea for Leadership Houston to introduce this program to our alumni. He described the international community, “as a symphony which has all the individual instruments but has been lacking a conductor to lead them.” Cunningham continues, “Leadership Houston through the Passport to Progress Program is a wonderful step towards bringing this community together.”
Each country chair was introduced and an overview of their exciting “trip” itineraries was given!
Thanks go to:
Turkey - Greig Placette, Houston General Trading, Turkey Planning Committee Chair, LH Class II
Australia - Abbie Brothers, Right Management Consultants, Australia Planning Committee Chair, LH Class XXIV
Mexico - Carlos Obando, Mexico Planning Committee Chair, LH Class XXVII
India - Jack Hodson, CenterPoint Energy, India Planning Committee Chair, LH Class XXV
Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor – Chevron, our Supporting Sponsors - Continental Airlines and Fiesta Mart and our Country Sponsor - BHP Billiton – Australia.
Steering Committee
Chair - Alanna K. Gehring
Abbie Brothers
Sean D. Carter
Juanita Garner
Jack Hodson
Richard A. Huebner
Mabel Menefee
Carlos Obando
Greig Placette
Sanjay Ramabhadran
Jeffrey Wallace