Political Pioneers Luncheon

April 30, 2026 • 11AM • Hilton Americas - Houston,tx

featuring norah o'donnell

The League of Women Voters of Houston invites you to our Political Pioneers Luncheon

This is a signature event that convenes community leaders, change makers, and engaged Houstonians to celebrate democracy and strengthen voter participation ahead of the 2026 election.


As the League’s largest fundraiser, the Political Pioneers Luncheon fuels our mission to:

  • Expand voter education resources across Houston.
  • Empower citizens to make informed choices at the ballot box.
  • Increase turnout for the 2026 election through trusted, nonpartisan outreach.


Every table, ticket, and donation directly supports defending democracy and empowering voters.

 A Fireside Chat with

Norah O’Donnell

Anchor & Managing Editor, CBS Evening News

Norah O'Donnell is an award-winning journalist and senior correspondent at CBS News. Known for her sharp political reporting and high-profile interviews, she has covered major global events for over 20 years. Signed copies of her upcoming book, We the Women, will be available for purchase at the event.


Co-Chairs:

Stephanie Tsuru & Kylee Tsuru Siaw

Ileana Treviño & Mari Treviño Glass


Honoring:
Claudia Ortega Hogue

Tickets & Tables

A limited number of tables and tickets are available for this biennial event, so secure yours early.


  • VIP Tickets include access to a private pre-luncheon reception with light bites, beverages, and a photo opportunity with Norah O’Donnell.
  • League members received an exclusive discount code in February 2026 (check your inbox for “Members Only Pricing for our Luncheon!”).
  • Individual ticket sales on sale now.


As the League’s largest fundraiser, this luncheon supports our mission to expand voter education and increase turnout in the 2026 election.

Political Pioneers Luncheon – Sponsors & Host Committee

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Diamond
Ginni & Richard Mithoff
The Tsuru & Siaw Families
Silver
Dr. Margaret & Alan Hill / Dr. Bobbi Samuels
Naimeh Salem & Associates
Ileana & Michael Treviño / Treviño Consulting Group
Bronze
Ann Deaton
The Guiding Group
Linda Holcomb
Houston Association of REALTORS®
Houston Chronicle
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Jacqueline Kacen
Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Melissa Marschall
Teresa McCanlies
Eve Myers
Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Foundation
Plumbers Local 68
Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Annette Ramirez
The True Family
Partial Tables & Donations
Ann Ayre
Rita Bergers and Joel Abramowitz
Bonding Against Adversity
Kristy Bradshaw
Commissioner Lesley Briones
Employment & Training Centers, Inc
Luz Flores
Kelley Lubanko
Honorable Margaret Poissant
Jennifer & Robert Reichek
Marci Rosenberg
Leigh Smith
SSP Engineering & Consulting
Strive Public Policy Resources
UH Office of Government and Community Relations
Whitney Kuhn Lawson PR

Host Committee

Jennifer Allison
Anne Ayre
Chree Boydstun
Kristy Bradshaw
Emily Branstetter
Zoe Cadore
Ann Deaton
Sid Evans
Sofia Gonzalez
Dr. Sippi Khurana
Kara McIver
Ginni & Richard Mithoff
Lindsay Muñoz
Bruce Padilla
Ray Purser
Naimeh Salem
Leigh Smith
Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Laura Stein
Katie Triantafyllides
Katie Tsuru
Tammi Wallace
Whitney Whitmire