A League of Their Own | LCAHouston’s Distinctive Men

Our Cover Story celebrates the inspiring stories of diverse men who share their journey through life, spearheaded by the Voice of Houston himself, media icon Dave Ward. Each one represents their community at its finest.

Houston Media Icon: Dave Ward

“Good Evening Friends.” For fifty years you have heard this at the beginning of his newscast. Houston’s true friend and media icon Dave Ward sits down with Mike McGuff exclusively for LCAHouston’s Men Of Distinction.

Former abc13 KTRK anchor Dave Ward has been doing a great deal of looking back lately.

Not only is he producing a new Houston history segment for channel 13, but Ward is also re-examining his own life for an upcoming memoir co-written with Jim McGrath.

Arriving in April, the title is taken from the phrase heard at the beginning of every one of his newscasts through the last 50 years, “Good Evening Friends.”

“I’ll tell you where I got that was from my good friend and competitor Ron Stone (KPRC 2),” Ward admitted. “Stone always started his newscast off with, ‘Howdy neighbors,’ and I thought, well I can’t say neighbors, so I chose friends.”

Growing up in Huntsville, as the son of a Baptist preacher, Ward never thought he would rise to the levels of being the most trusted voice in Houston.

“My wife, Laura, once said years ago, ‘My husband, Dave, is the face and the voice of Houston,'” Ward said modestly. “And I thought, well that’s a little much. But yeah, I couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized.”

While attending Tyler Junior College, Ward started spinning records at KGKB radio, but it was eventually at WACO in the city of the same name, that he realized he wanted more than just playing Vaughn Monroe tunes.

“I had a high, squeaky voice, with a Texas accent six miles long and I had to get rid of that,” Ward admitted. “I had to go into the radio station and with a tape recorder just read wire copy or newspapers and then listen back to it and just cringe in working to get that Texas accent out of my voice and develop more or less of a Midwestern accent.”

The desire to report the news changed Ward’s life as he landed a job at 1230 KNUZ-AM in Houston as a reporter and later news director.

When a chance to join the new medium of television at lowly rated Channel 13 came Ward’s way in 1966, his father cautioned him against it.

Years later, when Ward was at the top of the ratings, the Baptist preacher realized the mark his son made in television news.

“David, I’ve been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in this state all of my adult life, and you speak to more people in one night, than I did in my entire life,” Ward remembered. “And I said, ‘Dad I guess you’re right, but the message is not the same. Yours was one of hope and eternal life and beauty. What I have to talk about is more or less the work of the Devil.'”

Ward credits his and Channel 13’s rise to getting the news correct and building the audience’s trust.

“I always took the work very seriously,” Ward said. “I knew we had to be right with the information we put on the air. If not, nobody’s going to keep watching us.”

On May 6th, his 80th birthday, at the Crime Stoppers of Houston headquarters named in his honor, Ward will sign copies of his memoir for the public.

Shafik Rifaat

You have seen him at several social parties and he is absolutely fine when introduced as “Shelby Hodge’s husband.” Shafik Rifaat has the most humbling smile and demeanor. Mr. Rifaat is proudly known as one of only a handful of Fellows of both the American Institute of Architecture and the American Institute of Certified Planners, less than 20 nationwide.

We have all dined at the iconic Tony’s, Vallone’s and Grotty but did you know who the architect was? Well Shafik is not only the Professor of Architecture, University of Houston he has also designed restaurants for Tony Vallone.

With a passion for various charities, Shafik has helped design schools in Italy for US-AID, currently sits on the advisory boards of Herman Park Conservancy, Recipe for Success and serves on the University of Houston senate.

“Shafik is a man with a happy gene. Not only is he intelligent and a talented architect but he is also a wonderful human being who lights up the room, makes everyone smile and has a generous heart, probably more generous than it should be,” shares our very own Society & Lifestyle Editor of PaperCity, Shelby Hodge.

We managed to snag a quick tête-à-tête with the architect on life, marriage, travels and Htown.

RM: As an architect what do you like about Houston?

SR: The current enhancement of the city’s park systems is fantastic. Just look at Buffalo Bayou Park, Hermann Park and the improvements going on in Memorial Park. These green spaces are going to have a growing importance as our population explodes. It’s also great that the city holds unlimited opportunities for future architectural work.

RM: You and your wife love traveling. Any travel plans on the wish list for 2019?

SR: We’re debating between Hong Kong and Dubai. In the summer, we will definitely go to Vancouver Island for salmon fishing.

RM: Houston’s known for its diversity. Do you see a lot of Egyptian population here?

SR: I meet lots of Egyptian doctors in the Texas Medical Center but on the whole the Egyptian community here is not that large.

RM: Your favorite restaurants in Houston?

SR: BCN, Da Marco, Tony’s and Artisan.

RM: You and Shelby make such an adorable couple. What would be your advice for a happy marriage and how do you both balance the busy social life?

SR: A good sense of humor is important, mutual respect and no time for bickering. Friendship and love are the keys. The balance is in the scheduling. We get our calendars out once a week and go over the short range commitments and once a month for long range planning.

Gordon Quan

Fondly known as a dear friend of the community at large, Gordon Quan, former Houston City Council member and the first Asian American to ever be elected to an at-large position in the Houston City Council, believes in, and strives to, promote diversity.

A Chinese American immigration lawyer, Quan is a past Chair and Honoree of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. Asia Society Tiger Ball 2018 recognized Gordon Quan and his wife Sylvia while Celebrating the Diversity of Asia. The award was to pay homage to the couple for their longtime support to Asia Society. Quan also served as the Houston Mayor Pro Tem. An experienced attorney by profession, Quan is a passionate activist involved with organizations like the Asia Society, Texas Center (Vice Chair), East Houston Redevelopment Authority (Chair), Partners for Livable Communities (Secretary), South Texas College of Law (Board Member), Human Rights First (Advocacy Board), and the Women’s Home (Advisory Board).

Quan is Managing Partner and founder of the Quan Law Group and has been selected Texas Super Lawyer for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America. In between his gala commitments and busy meetings, we caught up with this brilliant community leader at Saks Fifth Avenue 5115 Restaurant where he shared some of his journey.

RM: Why is it so important for you to be involved and promote diversity in the community?

GQ: While I try and promote diversity with each organization I am involved in, if I were to select one, it would be the Asia Society where I serve as Chair for the Education and Outreach Committee. We have made great strides in reaching students and adults to better understand Asia and Asian Americans. We have increased the number of our summer camps and also provide special camps during holidays such as Spring Break for parents to have their children learn about Asia. We have so instituted a leadership program for high school student whereby they team with others students to develop solutions for some of the problems in countries such as China and India and to meet with the local consular officers. I have worked to include more of our Night Markets where the neighborhood can come to our building and be entertained with cultural performances, taste Asian cuisine, and shop for merchandise by Asian artisans and crafts persons. I want the community to see the Asia Society Texas Center as a place for all. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has held its State of the Hispanic Community Summit in our building for the past two years. I helped sponsor an African Art exhibit this past Spring and co-hosted an exhibit on the similarities of the Chinese and Mexican immigration experience.

Surprisingly, when I first joined the board, it was predominately Anglo. Now Asians make up at least fifty percent and we have Asian Americans in leadership positions.

RM: How have you seen the community evolve in Houston?

GQ: When my family first came to Houston in the 1950s, the Census Bureau reported only 1,000 Chinese in Houston. Now Asian are a major part of all aspects of the City from business to education to government. In the recent election, 13 Asian Americans ran for political office and 8 won their races. When I first ran in 1999, few thought an Asian American could win an election. I ran in part because no one else wanted to run. Now we have a seat at the table when decisions are made.

RM: What are your favorite charities and why?

GQ: We give to a number of charities and recently created our own foundation. In addition to the Asia Society, I donate to the immigration clinics at my alma mater, South Texas College of Law as well as the UH Immigration Law Clinic. I believe we need more attorneys prepared to represent immigrants in navigating the complex immigration system. I also donate to Human Rights First, the Council for Legal Educational Opportunities (CLEO), and the Asian American Justice Center among others.

RM: What do you love about this city?

GQ: Like so many, I love the fact that most Houstonians are by nature warm and friendly and judge people as people. I believe this has fostered our diversity. While Chicago is known as the “City of Neighborhoods,” this means that Irish, Poles, Mexicans, and Chinese stay in their own neighborhoods. We have diverse neighborhoods and celebrate each other’s cultures.

Dr. Waqar Khan

With a flirtatious smile, Dr. Waqar Khan says he is not a poet but loves ghazals (Urdu poetry). If you met him at a party you would never guess that this loving dad and husband with a passion for dancing is a cardiologist. Dr. Khan is a cardiovascular specialist and an author with expertise in providing state-of-the-art cardiac and vascular interventions. As a founding partner of a thriving practice focused on comprehensive cardiovascular testing and preventative interventions, he has proven leadership success with strong planning, marketing, and management skills.

He has made significant efforts to bridge the gap, explaining complex subject matter in a concise and understandable manner to patients, business stakeholders, and medical staff. He has been designated “Top Doc” by the Texas Monthly Magazine for the last many years.

“Coronary heart disease has been dubbed the number one killer in America, taking 2,000 American lives every day. But it can be managed. In my recent book ‘Be Heart Smart’ I made the effort to provide a playbook to heart health at any age,” says Waqar. “I wanted to find a way to give my patients, and others detailed information they can use to take charge of their heart health,” says Dr. Khan. “This book is intended to offer detailed answers to the questions I hear on a daily basis from my patients in my office.”

While he yearns to travel around the world and try all cuisines with his gorgeous wife Sarah, Dr. Waqar Khan thrives to be an active Medical Director and Chairman for numerous hospital and laboratory programs with a passion for research.

Travis Torrence

A Rockstar on the Runway, a Yale Law School graduate, a fashion enthusiast, and philanthropist: Travis Torrence ‘Can Do It All’!

December is an important month for Travis Torrence as he serves on the board of directors of AIDS Foundation Houston which provides HIV prevention, housing, and related supportive services to individuals and families located in Houston who are affected by HIV/AIDS, and because we celebrate World AIDS Day on December 1 of every year.

“It is the day to raise awareness about HIV and remember the community members and loved ones we have lost to AIDS. It’s unfortunate that Houston ranks 11th in the nation for new HIV transmissions, and over 26% of those new transmissions will be diagnosed with AIDS,” says Travis.

“December is also an important month for me because that is the month in which my mom died of colorectal cancer. It actually happened on Christmas Day 2000,” he adds. After his mom died, Travis and his dad didn’t know how to grieve. So, they grieved separately hiding their emotions and both engaging in erratic, self-destructive behavior. While death is inevitable, no one should ever have to go through what their family endured in the months and years after his mom died. That’s why Torrence is also a proud supporter of Bo’s Place, a nonprofit, free-of-charge bereavement center that offers grief support services to children, families and adults who have lost a loved one.

As a Vice President of Legal for Jiffy Lube International Inc., Travis Torrence advises executive leadership on critical legal issues, risk management and compliance matters. For several years, he was featured, along with several players of the Houston Texans, as one of Houston’s “celebrity models” to participate in a fashion show during a gala to benefit programs conducted by Bo’s Place.

While we all know how stylish Travis is, let’s find out how important it is for him to be stylish, and what are his go to stores. Take notes please!

“As a lawyer, I think finding and honing your personal style is important in the same way as finding your voice as a litigator in the courtroom or your approach as a legal practitioner negotiating transactions. While some people opt for powerful statements, others find they can be effective with softer and understated tones. Some individuals lean into their folksy and playful nature, while others are more conservative. For me, sartorial style is one of the many important elements of my identity and can be demonstrative of the way I’m feeling or a mood or state I’m trying to project. I realize that not everyone is as into fashion, and I try not to judge others who aren’t. But, I can’t help myself from complimenting fashionable, chic and dapper people wherever I go. When I’m looking for suits, I love exploring the fabric swatches at Rudy and Debbie Festari’s shop, Festari for Men. I also work with CJ Dugas, an independent tailor in town,” according to Travis.

A rockstar on the runway, Torrence has always loved dancing to the beat of his own drum, and enjoys Htown for its diversity, which makes it an incredible city where just about anyone can feel like they’re at home. “It’s a place where people of different races, ethnicities, national origins, sexual orientations, religions, gender identities, and so much more come together to interact, work and collaborate.”

Kevin Murray

You might have spotted attorney Kevin Murray on KPRC Channel 2 Houston as a legal commentator on employment law who also informs the public on general legal issues. Murray is licensed to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, United States Tax Court, The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, The United States District Court for the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, and all Texas State Courts.

While passionate about his legal profession, Murray, is also the executive producer of independent plays and films. He currently has several projects in various stages of production including River Runs Red which premiered on November 9, 2018. “The film aims to spark conversations about current legal issues in the news,” says Kevin. This project is a unique medium to express the emotions that his clients have had as they often find themselves balancing their trust in the justice system with their desire to take matters into their own hands.

With an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and his law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Murray is also passionate about real estate from his previous experiences as an owner of a mortgage firm and former fee attorney for a title company. We sat down with Murray at his galleria office for a tête-à-tête.

RM: Tell us something about yourself that others might not know.

KM: An interesting fact that most don’t know about me is my involvement in many business ventures that extend beyond my law practice. I am currently developing townhouses in Houston’s “Historic Art’s District” as I expand my Murray Real Estate Properties brand. I recently served as executive producer of my first feature film that hit theaters this month, as part of my entertainment and production company, Murray Motion Pictures.

I am also pursuing new business ventures that will launch in 2019. I can’t disclose any details yet, but let’s just say this is something that this city will be very excited to experience.

RM: Give us a business tip.

KM: Always be open to collaborating with people to pursue new opportunities. Collaboration and cooperation will beat competition every time.

RM: What’s your favorite restaurant?

KM: While Houston has many top restaurants, Del Frisco’s ranks among my favorites. Whether I am relaxing at the bar, enjoying a game, or entertaining for a business dinner, you can’t go wrong with their location, atmosphere, and menu.

RM: What do you love about Htown?

KM: Houston is a place for diversity, opportunity, and success.