Join us March 28 to celebrate 16 years of impact! Support education, careers, and Houston’s future.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOUSTON, TX – 11/17/2025 – Capital IDEA Houston proudly announces its Inaugural Fundraising Gala, “Investing in Workforce, Empowering Communities,” to be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Lone Star Flight Museum, 11551 Aerospace Avenue, Houston, TX 77034.
The gala will celebrate 16 years of transforming lives through education and workforce development. Since 2010, Capital IDEA Houston has helped more than 1,100 adults gain the training and credentials needed to launch thriving careers—creating a ripple effect that has strengthened thousands of Houston families and fueled the region’s economy.
“Each success story is a testament to the power of education and opportunity,” said Michelle Paul, Executive Director of Capital IDEA Houston. “This celebration honors our community partners, participants, and supporters who make this mission possible.”
“Capital IDEA Houston embodies TMO’s commitment to community empowerment,” said Elizabeth Valdez, Lead Organizer of The Metropolitan Organization. “By removing barriers to education and living wage employment, they’re not just changing individual lives—families and communities have the chance to flourish. Now more than ever, we need to fund opportunities that make these pathways more equitable and accessible.”
Guests will enjoy an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and community impact, celebrating the power of education to transform lives and strengthen families. This signature event offers meaningful opportunities to sponsor, underwrite, or invest directly in student success—helping parents, children, and entire households rise together. Every dollar invested generates an estimated $6.25 in community return, fueling a stronger, more resilient economy across the Greater Houston region and creating a ripple of generational transformation that uplifts us all.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $10,000, including recognition in the digital souvenir book, event signage, and exclusive VIP experiences. Individual tickets and digital “Dedication Stars” are also available for purchase.
To attend, sponsor, and contribute, visit the Event Page or email donate@capitalideahouston.org for more information.
Download the Sponsorship Booklet HERE.
Follow the #16yearsofthrivingcareers hashtag to stay informed about event.
About Capital IDEA Houston
Capital IDEA Houston invests in underemployed adults by funding educational pathways to thriving careers and financial self-sufficiency. Since 2010, the organization has supported over 1,100 individuals in achieving life-changing career success—positively impacting an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 family members across the Greater Houston area.
Through partnerships with employers, educators, and community leaders, Capital IDEA Houston connects Houstonians to high-demand, living-wage careers, strengthens the local workforce, and fosters long-term economic opportunities. Founded through the collective action work of The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), the program reflects a shared commitment to empowering communities and creating equitable access to education and career advancement.
Capital IDEA Houston
Email: jgalvan@capitalideahouston.org
Annica Gorman (far left), Director of Operation and Alexis Gregory (Center), Lead Apprenticeship Pathway Navigator with the first Capital IDEA Houston-supported graduating cohort of the School of Pharmacy Technician in partnership with Harris Health System.
Jesús Contreras, Capital IDEA Houston alum and HCC Coleman College Nuclear Medicine Technology graduate, with his family. Since starting his career, he now earns over 20× the minimum wage and is able to support both his family and his parents.
The 2025 graduating class of the Aon Apprenticeship Program, from left to right, Tamera Huffman, Ania Washington, Roderica McKinley and Ahmad Thames. While earning their associate degree in business at Houston City College, these apprentices work part-time and, after two years, step into full-fledged careers at Aon.
Since earning his Sterile Technician credential from HCC Coleman College in 2017, Ladatrick Morris purchased his first home and become a highly sought-after professional in his field.
Brian Candido, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development, meets with machine shop owners at Houston’s National Tooling and Machining Association to collaborate on building a stronger skilled-worker pipeline.
