About This Event
5th Annual YWCPA Trailblazer Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 28, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
InterContinental Hotel Medical Center
Houston, Texas
The YWCPA Trailblazer Awards Luncheon is more than a celebration. It is a declaration of what is possible when young women are given access, opportunity, and unwavering belief.
This signature fundraising event honors exceptional women in Houston whose work opens doors in business, STEM, and community leadership, while celebrating the graduating seniors of Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy as they prepare to take their next bold step toward college.
We are proud to present the 2026 Dr. Polly Sparks Turner Trailblazer Award to Samina Farid, a pioneering energy and technology executive, entrepreneur, and investor whose career reflects bold leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Her impact across corporate and entrepreneurial spaces embodies the very spirit of trailblazing excellence that Dr. Polly championed.
We will also present the 2026 Because of Her Chairperson’s Award to Liliana Cruz, Social Impact Activation Leader at Deloitte, whose work bridges education and industry to create meaningful pathways for young women in business and STEM.
The Trailblazer Award is named in honor of Dr. Polly Sparks Turner, whose visionary leadership as Chair Emeritus continues to guide our work. Her legacy lives on in every young woman who dares to lead boldly and pursue college with confidence.
Since our first graduating class in 2015, 100% of YWCPA seniors have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Collectively, our alumnae have earned more than 55 million dollars in scholarships. More than 60% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and for many, college graduation represents a generational milestone that transforms families and communities.
Proceeds from this event directly support college readiness, STEM engagement, leadership development, and the programs that ensure our scholars not only gain acceptance to college, but also persist and graduate.
Join us as we honor trailblazers, celebrate our seniors, and invest in the next generation of leaders.
About This Event
5th Annual YWCPA Trailblazer Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 28, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
InterContinental Hotel Medical Center
Houston, Texas
The YWCPA Trailblazer Awards Luncheon is more than a celebration. It is a declaration of what is possible when young women are given access, opportunity, and unwavering belief.
This signature fundraising event honors exceptional women in Houston whose work opens doors in business, STEM, and community leadership, while celebrating the graduating seniors of Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy as they prepare to take their next bold step toward college.
We are proud to present the 2026 Dr. Polly Sparks Turner Trailblazer Award to Samina Farid, a pioneering energy and technology executive, entrepreneur, and investor whose career reflects bold leadership, innovation, and mentorship. Her impact across corporate and entrepreneurial spaces embodies the very spirit of trailblazing excellence that Dr. Polly championed.
We will also present the 2026 Because of Her Chairperson’s Award to Liliana Cruz, Social Impact Activation Leader at Deloitte, whose work bridges education and industry to create meaningful pathways for young women in business and STEM.
The Trailblazer Award is named in honor of Dr. Polly Sparks Turner, whose visionary leadership as Chair Emeritus continues to guide our work. Her legacy lives on in every young woman who dares to lead boldly and pursue college with confidence.
Since our first graduating class in 2015, 100% of YWCPA seniors have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Collectively, our alumnae have earned more than 55 million dollars in scholarships. More than 60% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and for many, college graduation represents a generational milestone that transforms families and communities.
Proceeds from this event directly support college readiness, STEM engagement, leadership development, and the programs that ensure our scholars not only gain acceptance to college, but also persist and graduate.
Join us as we honor trailblazers, celebrate our seniors, and invest in the next generation of leaders.