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2026 Dinner and Conversation

November 19 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm  ·  River Oaks Country Club

Sponsorship Opportunities
Dinner and Conversation 2026: Eugene H. Vaughan Civic Leadership Award honoree Donna Cole

Join the Center for Houston’s Future for our signature fall event, Dinner and Conversation, an evening of civic leadership, community engagement, and thought-provoking dialogue.

We are proud to present the Eugene H. Vaughan Civic Leadership Award to Donna Cole, a distinguished business leader, civic champion, and Spring 2005 alum of the Center’s Business/Civic Leadership Forum. Named in honor of our founder, this award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and vision have made a lasting impact on the Houston region.

Donna is the founder of Cole Chemical & Distributing, Inc. and has built a nationally recognized company while dedicating decades of service to Houston through board leadership, international engagement, and philanthropy. Her work advancing economic development, strengthening global partnerships, and mentoring future leaders reflects the values at the heart of the Center’s mission.

Our annual Dinner and Conversation convenes leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit sector to engage in meaningful discussion on the issues shaping Houston’s future.

Event Co-Chairs

Karen and Roland GarciaSelma and Mustafa TameezDr. Kelly J. Zúñiga and Luis F. Zúñiga

Host Committee

Nory AngelDolly BrennamanJim BrigmanSidney EvansLori FreminRobert GondoLharissa JacobsSusan Osterberg

Additional details, including featured speakers, agenda, and ticket information, will be announced soon.

Our 2026 Sponsors

Parting SweetsGreenberg Traurig
BenefactorPort Houston
Champagne ToastDeMontrond
Signature Welcome Cocktail

Kathy & Marty Goossen and Theresa & Peter Chang

Patrons

DeloitteHouston AstrosKaren and Roland GarciaALF/Friends of Donna ColeAsian Chamber of CommerceNRG EnergyDr. Kelly J. Zúñiga and Luis F. ZúñigaY. Ping SunStavis Wealth ManagementBenjamin WarrenLegacy Community HealthMarek BrothersIngenero, Inc.Mandy Kao and Shaobo DuAmy and Rob Pierce