Inspiration is in full bloom this fall as YES Prep Public Schools gears up for its Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon, set for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Wortham Theater Center. Each year, this signature event gathers nearly 400 of Houston’s top business and community leaders to celebrate one of the city’s greatest success stories: the transformative power of a high-quality, public-school education.

This year’s celebration will spotlight two dynamic young leaders—Kelly Truong and Jair Sanchez, both proud members of the YES Prep Class of 2023—who will return to the stage as alumni keynote speakers, embodying the mission and heart of YES Prep.

Inspiring Alumni, Limitless Futures

Kelly Truong, the valedictorian of YES Prep Southeast Secondary, represents the next generation of Houston’s STEM innovators. As founder of her campus’ first STEM club, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and recipient of the Athlete of the Year award, Truong has long exemplified academic and athletic excellence. Now pursuing computer science at Columbia University as a QuestBridge, Gates, and Dell Scholar, she continues to mentor Houston high school students navigating the college admissions process—a full-circle moment of giving back.

Meanwhile, Jair Sanchez, salutatorian of YES Prep North Central Secondary, continues his leadership journey from Houston to the Ivy League. As former Student Council President and leader of the Latinx Club, Sanchez inspired his peers to serve their communities with vision and purpose. Now a full-ride Yale University architecture student, his story underscores the strong foundation YES Prep provides to students from all backgrounds.

Honoring Those Who Lead and Inspire

The luncheon will also recognize influential community and alumni leaders whose work mirrors YES Prep’s mission to uplift, educate, and empower.

• Chris Barbic Legacy Award: Drew Masterson and Masterson Advisors
• YES Prep Alumni Legacy Award: Yuliana Arredondo (’05), Director of College Counseling at YES Prep Southeast Secondary

Co-chairs Sarah & Bryant Lee and Tricia & Jim Zucker bring their signature energy, leadership, and dedication to this year’s luncheon, ensuring another impactful and inspiring event for the community.

A Legacy of Leadership

Past speakers have included Dr. John B. King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education, and Sonia Manzano, beloved actress and author best known as Maria from Sesame Street. Previous recipients of the Chris Barbic Legacy Award—including H-E-B, Enbridge, Vitol, and Deb and Mark Gregg—have all shared YES Prep’s commitment to ensuring Houston’s students are prepared to lead in the classroom and beyond.

The Power of YES

“All of our honorees and alumni speakers exemplify what YES Prep stands for—academic excellence, community engagement, and the relentless pursuit of opportunity,” said Mark DiBella, CEO of YES Prep Public Schools. “Kelly and Jair’s stories are powerful reminders of what’s possible when students have access to the education they deserve.”

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit The Power of YES, the organization’s $80 million campaign designed to drive Expansion, Excellence, and Edge—three pillars that ensure Houston’s students have every opportunity to thrive.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and more details about the Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon, visit yesprep.org/luncheon.

About YES Prep Public Schools

For over 25 years, YES Prep Public Schools has redefined public education in Houston. As a tuition-free charter school system serving more than 20,000 students across 26 campuses, YES Prep continues to close opportunity gaps and set new standards for academic achievement and college readiness. From elementary through high school, YES Prep empowers every student to lead, learn, and lift others—because when Houston’s youth succeed, we all move forward together.