The Wortham Theater Center transformed into a beacon of hope and community as nearly 400 of Houston’s most passionate education advocates gathered for YES Prep’s Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon, raising over $750,000 in support of Houston students.  

But the most powerful voice in the room didn’t come from a CEO or a keynote speaker; it came from a 7th grader. 

Meet Adela, a student at YES Prep Southeast Secondary, Class of 2031, who took the stage as this year’s student emcee, a first for luncheon tradition. With courage, charisma, and a spark that lit up the room, Adela reminded every guest why we say yes to students, to dreams, and to the future of public education in Houston. 

“Being this year’s student MC was very exciting, but also kind of nerve-wracking,” Adela shared. “I didn’t want to stutter or drop any of the awards I was handing off to this year’s amazing recipients.” 

She didn’t just rise to the occasion, she owned it. And in doing so, she discovered something powerful, “I learned that I’m really good at public speaking when I don’t overthink it too much.” 

Her favorite part? Meeting the incredible people who attended and organized the event, a nod to the behind-the-scenes heroes who made the day possible. 

The Team Behind the Magic 

The success of the luncheon, from the seamless program to the moving stories to the launch of a historic campaign, was no accident. It was the result of months of planning, creativity, and heart from the YES Prep Development team. 

This team doesn’t just plan events; they build experiences that connect people to purpose. They craft moments that move donors to action and remind our community that education is a cause and a calling. 

Their work culminated in a program that honored alumni, celebrated community leaders, and introduced the next generation of YES Prep students, like Adela, to the stage they deserve. 

Launching The Power of YES 

The luncheon also marked the official launch of The Power of YES, a bold $80 million campaign to transform education in Houston. Building on the momentum of the Leading Houston Forward campaign, this next chapter will: 

• Add 5,000 new school seats 
• Build five new elementary schools and one new secondary school 
• Rebuild three of YES Prep’s oldest campuses 
• Invest in innovation, academic excellence, and student success 

“The Power of YES is comprehensive; it is yes to excellence and results, yes to opportunity and access,” said CEO Mark DiBella. “It’s a celebration of what’s possible when families, educators, and the community come together.” 

While The Power of YES represents a systemwide commitment to access and excellence, its impact is best seen in students like Adela—young leaders already shaping Houston’s future.

A Dream in Motion 

Adela’s dreams are as bold as her voice. She hopes to pursue a law degree and attend Texas A&M while also setting sights on Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, UT, and the University of Chicago. 

“YES Prep is helping me get closer to that dream by pushing me to my academic limits and never letting me give up,” she shared. 

Since joining YES Prep, Adela says she’s learned that “the sky is the limit.” Her advice to students considering YES Prep? 

“100% do it — not only will you have an awesome support system, but the education here is amazing.” 

When asked what The Power of YES means to her, she didn’t hesitate: 

“Community, education, and a bright future.” 

A Community United 

The luncheon also featured powerful alumni keynotes from Kelly Truong, Southeast Secondary alumna, class of 2023, now attending Columbia University and Jair Sanchez, North Central Secondary alumnus, currently studying at Yale University, and honored: 

• Chris Barbic Legacy Award: Drew Masterson and Masterson Advisors 
• YES Prep Alumni Legacy Award: Yuliana Arredondo ’05, Director of College Counseling at YES Prep Southeast Secondary 

The event was chaired by Sarah and Bryant Lee and Tricia and Jim Zucker, whose leadership and deep ties to education helped make the day unforgettable. 

Moving Houston Forward 

The Ninth Annual Leading Houston Forward Luncheon was a declaration that every student deserves a stage, a future, and a community that believes in them. 

To the Development team who brought this vision to life, your work doesn’t just raise funds, it raises voices. It raises hope. And it raises the bar for what’s possible. 

To support students like Adela and be part of The Power of YES, visit yesprep.org/luncheon.