Ethnic Soirée to Celebrate Literacy
Maha Rasheed Saeed Khan, President DIL Houston, receiving the Congressional recognition from Sam Merchant
It was an evening of international glamour at the Developments in Literacy (DIL) 20th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on April 21 at The Post Oak Hotel Uptown Houston. Prominent community leaders from diverse backgrounds joined hands to raise funds and awareness for a global cause.
DIL is an non-profit organization with a mission to “educate and empower underprivileged students, especially girls, by operating student-centered model schools; and provides high-quality professional development to teachers and principals across Pakistan.” Chapter President Maha Rasheed Khan, along with a team of dedicated board members and brilliant former President Dr. Neelofur Ahmad, hosted over 400 guests who helped raise significant funds for DIL.
A heartwarming video was shown that touched upon the charity’s mission and impact. It showed interviews with former DIL students that reminded everyone of the importance of education and the significant impact it can have on a person’s life.
The organization received recognition from the Houston Mayor’s office declaring April 21, 2018 as DIL Day. Also, a congratulations from Governor Abbott and a Congressional Award from US Congressman Al Green, was presented. Keynote speaker Jibran Nasir delivered a moving speech on behalf of all the students in Pakistan.
Notable guests included: the Pakistani Consul General Ms. Aisha Farooqui. Also spotted: Joanne King Herring, Omar Saeed Khan, Brigitte (in a gorgeous black sari) and Bashar Kalai, Dr. and Mrs. Khalid Rasheed, Tatiana and Guillermo Sierra, Dr. Neelofur and Sami Ahmad, Rania and Rammy Mankarious, Shahzad Bashir, Salma and Riaz Siddiqi, Susan Boggio, Mohammed Ali and Habiba Dhanani, Donae and Rob Chramosta, and Yasmin Kutty.
Photos By | Saadia Mahdi / MZ Photography
Counsel General of Pakistan Aisha Farooqui and Aquila Chawdhary
Ali and Habiba Dhanani
Maha Khan, Joanne King Herring and Samra Rasheed
Guierllmo and Tatiana Sierra; Omar and Maha Khan; Bridgette and Bashar Kalai
Dr. Neelofur and Sami Ahmad
Maha Rasheed Saeed Khan, President DIL Houston, receiving the Congressional recognition from Sam Merchant
