Month: October 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a world that’s increasingly connected yet divided by opportunity, one Houston-area student is proving that leadership truly knows no borders. Meet Mihika, a bright and determined high school student from Cypress, Texas, who founded the Youth Executive Leadership Program (YELP) — an ambitious nonprofit that’s empowering young leaders across continents to rise, lead, and uplift others through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

A Vision Born from Purpose

At just a high school age, Mihika has already mentored more than 250 students across Ethiopia and Nepal through YELP’s international workshops in Coding, Entrepreneurship, and English. Locally, YELP has engaged over 110 Houston-area students as peer mentors — connecting local passion with global purpose.

“Through YELP, we’re proving that leadership and compassion can travel further than borders ever could,” Mihika shared. “Our mission is to educate youth and empower them to become the next generation of changemakers.”

Houston Students Leading the Global Stage

What began as a small leadership club in the Houston suburbs has evolved into a vibrant youth-led movement with a far-reaching global footprint. YELP’s student team — composed of motivated young leaders from high schools across Greater Houston — focuses on public speaking, leadership development, and entrepreneurship to prepare the next wave of innovators and problem-solvers.

Their belief is simple yet profound: When young people are given the tools to lead, they can change the world.

In a global landscape where 72 million children remain without access to education and over 3 billion people live below the poverty line, YELP’s mission resonates with urgency and optimism. “If we can empower even a fraction of those children with knowledge,” Mihika adds, “we can unlock an entire generation’s potential to rise out of poverty.”

Aligning with the United Nations’ Global Goals

YELP proudly aligns with Goal 4 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education. The organization’s workshops and summits — held both in-person and virtually — focus on developing vocational skills, leadership confidence, and entrepreneurial thinking.

These young leaders don’t just dream of success; they design it. Through global mentorship programs, YELP participants learn how to apply real-world problem-solving skills to challenges facing their communities — from educational inequality to youth unemployment.

Empowering the Next Generation of Global Citizens

The YELP model emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the privileged — it’s cultivated through purpose and action. By nurturing self-confidence, communication skills, and global awareness, YELP equips young minds to lead not just in classrooms, but in communities and companies around the world.

The organization’s workshops, student-led summits, and international collaborations are paving pathways to a future where every child, regardless of zip code or country, has the opportunity to lead.

How Houston Can Help

YELP is calling on Houston’s philanthropic and business communities to support its global mission. Whether through partnerships, sponsorships, or student volunteers, Houston has an opportunity to amplify this youth-powered movement for change.

If your organization is passionate about education, youth empowerment, or global leadership, YELP invites you to connect and collaborate. Together, Houston can help expand access to education and leadership opportunities worldwide — one student at a time.

Get Involved

Visit youthexecutivelead.org or follow @yelp.cw and @youthexecutiveleadership on Instagram to learn more, volunteer, or become a YELP representative.

Houston Style Magazine celebrates Houston’s young visionaries like Mihika — the future voices of leadership who remind us that change doesn’t wait for age or permission. It begins with passion, purpose, and the courage to make a difference.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Lisa Valadez

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Saturday, October 4, more than 500 supporters gathered at The Revaire to celebrate a legacy of mentorship and raise critical funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston. The organization’s 75th Anniversary Gala — An Evening for Potential — raised an estimated $600,000, directly supporting efforts to match over 700 local youth currently waiting for mentors.

The gala served as both a celebration of past accomplishments and a call to action for the future. Attendees enjoyed high-energy performances by The Spazmatics, participated in silent and live auctions, and watched a program highlighting real stories of mentorship and the lasting impact of these relationships.

Founded in 1950, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston has connected thousands of young people with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and inspiration. Research shows that youth paired with mentors are more likely to succeed academically, avoid risky behaviors, and envision brighter futures.

The funds raised at the gala will help expand the organization’s capacity to recruit, train, and support mentors, aiming to reduce the current waiting list of youth in the coming year. Additionally, the money will support program innovation, family engagement, and retention initiatives to ensure long-term success for mentoring relationships.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. For 75 years, the organization has been a cornerstone of youth development in the Houston area, matching caring adult mentors with children who need a trusted ally. More information, including how to volunteer or donate, is available at bbbstx.org.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In a city that never stops innovating, Comcast and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS Greater Houston) are lighting the way toward a safer, smarter digital future. With a $25,000 grant from Comcast, the two organizations are joining forces to launch Digital Tech Connect – Cybersecurity Mentorship for Bigs and Littles in Fort Bend County. This groundbreaking initiative will blend mentorship with modern tech education, giving young Houstonians the skills and awareness they need to navigate an increasingly digital world — safely, responsibly, and confidently. For eight weeks, mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”) will connect through both on-campus and virtual sessions exploring real-world lessons on password protection, phishing awareness, online privacy, and digital footprints. The program will even culminate with a creative capstone project — where participants design and present their own digital safety campaigns, complete with podcasts, PSAs, and multimedia storytelling.

A Future-Focused Approach to Mentorship Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, calls this program “mentorship meeting the future.” “By pairing mentors and mentees in structured sessions that blend technology education with trusted relationships, we’re giving young people both the knowledge and the support system they need to navigate the digital world,” said Bush. “It’s exactly the kind of innovation our community needs.” The program’s design is as forward-thinking as it is heart-centered — empowering students with access to laptops or tablets, hands-on workshops, and even a special presentation by Crime Stoppers to reinforce digital vigilance in daily life.

Comcast’s Commitment to Connection and Equity Melinda Little, Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast Texas, emphasizes that this initiative is about more than just technology — it’s about opportunity. “Our investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and community impact. By helping mentors guide children through foundational lessons in cybersecurity, we’re preparing them to succeed. This partnership is about building a smarter, safer tomorrow for Houston’s youth.” said Little. The grant is part of Comcast’s Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to connect people to the internet, expand digital literacy, and advance economic mobility in communities nationwide.

Legacy of Empowerment Founded in 1950, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston has spent over seven decades igniting the power and potential of youth through mentorship. As part of BBBS Lone Star, the nation’s largest affiliate, the organization serves thousands of children annually — transforming lives through one-on-one connections that inspire resilience and achievement. With Comcast’s support, the agency is now bridging the gap between mentorship and the modern tech landscape — ensuring that today’s Littles grow into tomorrow’s leaders, ready to protect, create, and thrive in a connected world.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Houston Style Magazine readers, as part of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters network, BBBS Greater Houston builds meaningful, professionally supported mentorships that empower youth to reach their full potential. With a track record of measurable impact and community trust, the organization stands as a cornerstone of Houston’s youth development ecosystem.

Discover ways to volunteer or support at: bbstx.org Learn more at: comcastcorporation.com.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 14, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Texas Southern University is preparing to celebrate its 98th Homecoming with renewed purpose and Tiger pride as President J.W. Crawford III delivers the State of the University Address on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The annual address will set the tone for an exhilarating Homecoming weekend, blending history, progress, and vision as the university inches closer to its monumental centennial in 2027. A Season of Ascent and Acceleration Now in his second year at the helm, President Crawford has steered Texas Southern through a season of transformative growth. “We’re not just preparing students for today—we’re positioning them to lead tomorrow,” Crawford said in anticipation of the upcoming address. His leadership has ushered in groundbreaking investments, campus enhancements, and community partnerships that continue to elevate TSU’s national profile. Among the university’s most notable accomplishments is a major expansion of its Aviation Science Management Program, highlighted by the purchase and delivery of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft. The acquisition, Crawford noted, is “a defining moment in TSU’s continued ascent as a leading institution in aviation education.” This milestone places Texas Southern in rare company among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with advanced flight training fleets, strengthening its ties to Houston’s booming aerospace industry.

Leading with Purpose in Education and Health Under Crawford’s direction, Texas Southern has reaffirmed its leadership role in K–12 education. Through enhanced partnerships with local school districts—most notably Houston ISD—TSU is shaping education policy, mentoring young educators, and developing innovative pipelines that bridge public education and higher learning. Further extending its community reach, the university forged a landmark partnership with Legacy Community Health, a federally qualified health center headquartered in Houston. This alliance focuses on improving access to healthcare in underserved neighborhoods while providing TSU students with experiential learning, career pathways, and a front-row seat to addressing health disparities across the Gulf South.

Road to 100: A Centennial Vision Looking toward its 100th anniversary, Texas Southern University has launched the “Road to 100” fundraising campaign—a bold initiative that reimagines what a modern HBCU can be. The campaign will transform campus infrastructure, enhance academic programs, support world-class faculty, and empower students through scholarships, mentorship, and innovation hubs designed for the next century of excellence. “The Road to 100 is not just about buildings or dollars—it’s about legacy,” Crawford shared. “It’s about ensuring that the next generation of TSU Tigers inherit a campus that inspires greatness and honors the giants who paved the way.” Homecoming 2025: Honoring the Legacy, Igniting the Future This year’s Homecoming theme, “Honoring the Legacy, Igniting the Future,” captures the momentum reverberating through the campus. As alumni return home to celebrate nearly a century of achievement, TSU stands proudly as a cornerstone of academic empowerment, cultural expression, and civic leadership. Houston Style Magazine salutes President J.W. Crawford III and the entire Texas Southern University family for continuing to shape the future with excellence, equity, and enduring Tiger pride.

Friday, October 17, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. | Roderick Paige Education Building, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004 Media representatives are invited to attend the State of the University Address at the Roderick Paige Education Building, with parking available in the President’s Circle (Hannah Hall). More at: TSU.edu

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Lisa Valadez
lisa@stylemagazine.com
713-748-6300

By Heidi Kirk

Click here for updates on this story

    North Carolina (WRAL) — Video shared with WRAL News shows the moment a lithium-ion battery caught fire inside a home, feet away from a dog.

The dog, Colton, set off the fire after chewing on a battery-powered device.

His owner, David Sasser, a firefighter for the Chapel Hill Fire Department, said he received an alert from his security system about the fire.

“[My] heart sank. I had no idea what was going on. I had no clue what it could possibly be and came home to find that the rug had burned up,” he said.

Sasser said his family wasn’t home when it happened, but they were nearby and responded quickly.

“Thankfully, it pretty much fizzled out because of the rug and because we were home so quickly,” he said. “[The rug] was the only thing we lost.”

WRAL has reported on the dangers of lithium-ion batteries before.

Durham Fire Chief Robert Zoldos said the batteries have become a more common fire hazard over time.

“What we are really concerned about as a fire department is how they are disposed of at the end of their life,” he said. “If not, it can lead to some very bad circumstances.”

Though generally safe, they can spark fires when damaged, overcharged, improperly stored, or disposed of incorrectly.

“When you’re done charging them, you have to really pay attention and unplug them. You have to make sure you store them where they can’t get broken or cracked or chewed on by a dog, and then when you’re done with them, they have to be disposed of in a specific way.”

In Raleigh, these batteries have been linked to about a dozen fires over the past year. In Durham, two trash trucks caught fire after lithium batteries were improperly thrown away.

Sasser said this close call with Colton is a reminder to use his experience to help others stay safe.

“We learned to be really aware of things in our home and to operate them safely,” he said.

Wake, Durham, and Orange counties offer locations where batteries and other dangerous items can be discarded safely.

Here’s how you can reduce battery-related fires in your home:

Charge devices safely, using only the charger provided and keeping devices on hard, non-flammable surfaces. Buy certified products with safety listings such as UL, ETL or CSA. Never overcharge devices or leave them charging overnight.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Elizabeth Holmes

Click here for updates on this story

    FUQUAY-VARINA, North Carolina (WRAL) — Gavin Edwards got a crashing introduction to one of his neighbors Wednesday when a deer crashed through the storm door of his Fuquay-Varina home.

Edwards, who moved to the Tar Heel state from Los Angeles in 2022, said “This is so North Carolina.”

His doorbell camera captured the break-in.

“The stag came first,” he said. “In one head butt … shattered my storm door and busted in the front door. The doe jumped over his shoulder and ran inside.”

Edwards, who works from home, was just waking up when he heard the crash.

“It sounded like somebody basically dumped all the plates and dishes in my kitchen on the floor. It was a huge crash,” he said.

Edwards came eye to eye with the animal in his living room. “It was really tall,” he said. “The deer came in, went through the kitchen, walked through the living room, stared me down and then bolted out the front door.”

No one was injured, and Edwards’ landlord was able to quickly repair the damage. “I’ve got a really good management company,” he said. “He actually had the door jamb repaired by the end of the day, so we’re able to close our front door.

“The storm door is pretty much toast, so we’ll probably wait another week before we get that replaced.”

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.