The CEO Foundation hosted its 4th Annual Gala & Charity Auction on February 21st at Daikin Park, welcoming over 260 guests and raising an impressive $420,000 in support of youth-focused educational initiatives. The foundation was created by Jackie Pham (UH Alumna, Class of 2002) in loving memory of her children — Colette, Edison, and Olivia — who tragically passed away during Winter Storm Uri in 2021.
The Foundation is committed to supporting educational initiatives and community programs for today’s youth, who will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers. As the foundation states, its vision is to ensure “every child has the opportunity to unlock their leadership potential, embrace their inner CEO, and make a meaningful impact on their communities and beyond."
This year’s gala once again featured the gala’s unique give-back charity auction where all items were donated to one of the foundation’s nonprofit partners, leaning into the spirit of giving. Among the standout contributions was the Dean for a Day experience donated by Dr. Sara Jahansouz Wray and the UH Dean of Students Office. The experience will bring 10 Houston Youth to the University of Houston to be exposed to UH Culture as part of their future pursuits of higher education. During the live auction, the UH Dean for a Day Experience raised $6,500, directly supporting the foundation’s mission.
Notable guests included:
- Marc Vandermeer, Voice of the Texans
- Maynard Holt, CEO of Veriten
- Dustin Kinder, CEO of Maverick Water Group
- Pablo Franco, CEO of Wilson & Franco
- Sara Jahansouz Wray, Associate Dean of Students, University of Houston
- Dan Anfinson, COO of Mac Haik Restaurant Group
Dr. Wray shared her gratitude for the partnership, noting the alignment between the foundation’s mission and the work of the Dean of Students Office:
"It is such an honor to support the CEO Foundation by exposing youth to higher education, especially the UH Culture. Jackie's philanthropic spirit aligns beautifully with that of the UH Dean of Students Office - Supporting Advocacy for Student Success. We can't wait to host the Dean for a Day Participants on campus in October 2026."
Written by Dr. Sara Jahansouz Wray, Associate Dean of Students – Student Affairs