Houston, TX – March 29, 2025 – The Humble Intercontinental Chapter (HIC) of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. hosted its 40th Anniversary Gala in grand fashion at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Hobby Airport, celebrating four decades of transformational service, sisterhood, and leadership. The black-tie event, themed “Honoring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future,” welcomed over 300 guests for an evening of elegance, reflection, and community recognition.

Before the main event, guests were invited to attend an exclusive Red Carpet VIP Reception, where they enjoyed live music, light refreshments, and the opportunity to mingle in a stylish, celebratory atmosphere. One of the most memorable highlights of the reception was a breathtaking and elaborate exhibit that showcased the historical archives of the Humble Intercontinental Chapter. Guests were astounded by the carefully curated display of memorabilia, photographs, and documentation, which honored the chapter’s founding and growth over the past 40 years.

Held in a beautifully decorated ballroom, the Gala program itself highlighted the chapter’s enduring legacy while casting a bright vision for the future. The event was chaired by Lady Joyce Jacquet, a proud HIC charter member, who worked tirelessly alongside an extraordinary team of general co-chairwomen: Lady Cherry R. Gooden, Lady Gladys Henderson, Lady Claire B. Pope, and Lady Corliss Walker. Providing critical support in ensuring seamless planning and coordination was Lady Ebony Curry, who served as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the 40th Anniversary Gala Committee. Under the direction and support of Chapter President Lady Shelia Maddox, this dynamic leadership team ensured that every detail of the evening reflected HIC’s longstanding commitment to excellence.

The Gala was gracefully emceed by Lady Cherry Gooden, also a HIC charter member, whose poise, humor, and historical perspective helped guide the evening with elegance and heart.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the presentation of honors to the chapter’s 40th Anniversary Honorees:

• Fred Hoyer – Community & Humanitarian Award
• Jackie Pope – Leadership Impact Award
• Wendy Lewis Armstrong – Woman of Influence Award
• The Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – Trailblazer Award (accepted by her daughter, Congresswoman Erica Lee)

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Humble Intercontinental Chapter (HIC) of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. 40th Anniversary Gala

The Humble Intercontinental Chapter (HIC) of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. hosted its 40th Anniversary Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Hobby Airport. Over 300 hundred guests attended the gala that was themed “Honoring Our Legacy, Inspiring Our Future,” where they celebrated four decades of transformational service to the community. Beyond their chapter's history, a big highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to honorees: •Fred Hoyer – Community & Humanitarian Award •Jackie Pope – Leadership Impact Award •Wendy Lewis Armstrong – Woman of Influence Award •The Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee – Trailblazer Award (accepted by her daughter, Congresswoman Erica Lee) Some in attendance were Joyce Jacquet, event chairman; Shelia Maddox, chapter president; Cherry R. Gooden, Gladys Henderson, Claire B. Pope, and Corliss Walker, event co-chairmen; Ebony Curry, Rhonda Harris, Bobbie Moorehead, Audrie Lawton, Alice Ramsey, Tracy Holmes Bazil, Mrs. Linda Wischnewsky, Lela Redeau Cormier, Representative Ron Reynolds, and Dr. Elwyn Lee.

These prestigious awards celebrated individuals whose civic, professional, and humanitarian achievements embody the spirit and mission of Top Ladies of Distinction.

The event also welcomed an impressive roster of dignitaries and honored guests, including:

• Lady Rhonda Harris, Top Ladies of Distinction Area One Director
• Lady Bobbie Moorehead, Past National President
• Lady Jackie Pope, Past National President and Award Honoree
• Lady Audrie Lawton, Past National President
• Lady Alice Ramsey, Past Area One Director
• Lady Regina Dickson, National Recording Secretary
• Lady Tracy Holmes Bazil, Area 1 Top Teen Advisor
• Mrs. Linda Wischnewsky and the Bayway Auto Group family
• Lady Lela Redeau Cormier, President, Neches River at Beaumont Chapter of TLOD
• Representative Ron Reynolds, Texas House of Representatives, District 7
• Dr. Elwyn Lee, Vice President for Neighborhood and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Houston and husband of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
• Numerous current and past Area One National Directors, National and Area Officers

In addition to celebrating its founding and growth, the Gala paid tribute to the chapter’s charter members, whose vision and service have paved the way for four decades of impact.

As the Humble Intercontinental Chapter moves forward, this milestone Gala stands as a powerful reminder of the chapter’s unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and cultivating leaders who serve with purpose, passion, and pride.

About Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. – Humble Intercontinental Chapter

Founded in 1985, HIC has proudly served the Greater Houston area for 40 years. With programs dedicated to youth development, senior citizen support, education, and community service, the chapter continues to lead initiatives that empower and uplift.

For more info, visit www.tlodhumble.org