Leading Ladies Luncheon

SAVE THE DATE!

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026

Honoring Helen Shaffer as the Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education

Chaired by June Deadrick

To learn more about the Leading Ladies, visit www.tuts.org/leadingladies

PAST HONOREES

Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education

• Shelly Mulanax (2025)
• Donna Vallone (2024)
• Paula Harris (2023)
• Cissy Segall Davis (2022)
• Carrie Woliver (2021)
• *Shirley Stein z”I (2019)

Educator of the Year

• Jennifer Bauer-Conley, The Emery/Weiner School (2025)
• Rosie Curtis, Kinder HSPVA (2024)
• Justin Doran, St. Francis Episcopal High School (2023)
• Melanie Bivens, International Leadership of Texas Charter School (2022)
• Kristina Sullivan, Queensbury Theater (2021)
• Roshunda Jones-Koumba, G.W. Carver Magnet High School (2019) 

Volunteer of the Year

• Kim Nguyen-Coleman (2025)
• Julie Schweers (2024)
• Jennifer Lamb (2023)
• Dawn Neal (2022)
• Liese Kelly, Gia Ochsenbein, and Alyssa Sunew (2021)
• Dawn Powers (2019)

*Shirley Stein z”l was the first and greatest Leading Lady at Theatre Under The Stars. Shirley dedicated her life to what she loved most, her beloved family and friends, and her passion for the arts and arts education. TUTS was blessed that Shirley believed in our mission and for all the unconditional support, fierce loyalty, and contagious enthusiasm she gave our organization. As a true champion of the arts, the Leading Ladies honor her legacy with “The Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Arts Education” to encourage other outstanding women in our community to step forward in bold ways to make a lasting impact for Houston’s arts and arts education.

Leading Ladies enjoy meaningful and exclusive TUTS experiences through social events, volunteer needs, leadership development, philanthropy, and members-only perks. For more information about TUTS Leading Ladies, click here.