Saving Lives, Celebrating Courage | A Gala Close to Our Heart

HOUSTON, TX – (Saturday, September 28, 2013). The Tahirih Justice Center (Tahirih), a national nonprofit organization, is celebrating four years of lifesaving, free legal services and effective public policy advocacy on behalf of women and girls rejecting violence and rebuilding their lives in the greater Houston area with its annual Gala. The event, “Saving Lives, Celebrating Courage” will begin at The Houstonian Hotel on September 28, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

Each year Tahirih recognizes individuals, organizations, and companies whose outstanding contributions allow them to support immigrant women and girls facing violence in substantive, lasting ways. The evening’s Honorees play a vital role in Tahirih’s work as active voices for the women and children who are bravely standing up to seek justice from human rights abuses such as human trafficking, female genital mutilation, rape, “honor” crimes, forced marriage, widow rituals, and domestic violence.

This year’s Honorees include Michele “Mitch” Gibbons, Esq. of Jones Day, Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC, and Mrs. Mojgan and Dr. David Shin.

Michele “Mitch” Gibbons will be honored with the 2013 Advocacy Award for her extraordinary work as a pro bono attorney. Gibbons has gone above and beyond in donating her time, expertise, and resources through direct representation of our clients and serving on our Houston Advisory Council.

Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC, will be honored with the 2013 Helping Hands and Community Partner Award. Since 2006, they have been valuable supporters of the Tahirih Justice Center in various ways. Shell employees serve on their National Board of Directors and Advisory Council of Houston. They volunteer their legal expertise and time to assist and represent their clients. With Shell’s contributions, Tahirih exponentially multiplied its impact through pro bono services recruitment, community outreach, and an increased capacity to take on more human trafficking cases.

Mrs. Mojgan and Dr. David Shin will receive the 2013 Two Wings of Empowerment Award for their longtime service on the Tahirih’s Advisory Council, National Board of Directors, and the establishment of an innovative and extensive pro bono medical network for clients whose medical and social evaluations are critical to litigation.

Tahirih client, Mekiya, will give remarks about her experience surviving rape, political persecution and human trafficking. The Tahirih community will then present her with the Courageous Voice Award.

The evening will begin with an elegant reception and silent auction showcasing Amy Lin Pearls at 7:00 PM followed by a seated dinner and program at 7:30 PM.

The Tahirih Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization with offices in the Washington, DC area, Houston, TX, and Baltimore, MD. Since Tahirih opened its doors in 1997, through direct services and referrals coupled with public policy advocacy, it has assisted over 14,000 women and children. Tahirih elevates their voices in communities, courts, and Congress to create a world where women and girls enjoy equality and live in safety and with dignity.

Information provided by Tahirih Justice Center. Photos by Sergio Pessolano (Photos not of actual clients).