Trailblazers: The Art of Perseverance

These are challenging times, and the world is seeing the power of perseverance. LCAHouston International Society Magazine takes pride in featuring a myriad of diverse dynamic Houstonians that are working to shape Houston’s future in more ways than one. Business tycoon Mohammed Ali Dhanani, NASA engineer Paromita Mitra, Entrepreneur Anna Reger and Philanthropists Tracy and Harry Faulkner are Houston’s ceiling crashers and trailblazers that although separated by their craft and fields of expertise, are united in their purpose to solving problems in Business, Science and the Society and fulfilling not just their purpose but bringing hope and positivity to encourage Houston’s future generations.

Business tycoon Ali Dhanani is the epitome of humility and hard work. A man of commitment and business, Ali works on a tight schedule, balancing work, family and maintaining his commitment to inspire the youth through his life and work. In between our photo shoot after much convincing, Ali “I hate the limelight, you know that Ruchi, but yes if my story can educate and inspire, I am all for that,” he shares. “Education is beyond knowledge; implementing and executing the learnings to get results is also part of Education. Education changes generations! says Ali.

Proud recipient of the inaugural Entrepreneurship Award from UH Bauer Ali has made a mark in creating cutting-edge innovations and finding ways to leverage entrepreneurship to transform lives and the community at large. As the Owner, CEO and President of HAZA Group, Ali has used his education, expertise, and knowledge of multiple industries to reach the pinnacle of the business community. After graduating, he devoted his time to help expand the family business of oil & gas distribution and real estate. Despite always having shied away from being in the limelight, Ali never minds showing up to interviews and cover shoots as long as he is able to use his story to inspire someone. Ali is strong believer that education is the key to changing lives and teaching the next generation the power of hard work and perseverance.

While Tom Ford and Etro are his favorite go to formals, Ali is a minimalist at heart driven by strong family values, Ali lives his ambitious life by the rules of his late father, Hassan Ali Dhanani, who was not only his mentor but also his Hero. Together with his wife Habiba, they love giving back to the community. His favorite quote from his father: “Anybody can live for themselves, but it’s when you live for others, that’s called LIVING LIFE.”

As was once famously said, if you want something done hire a woman, and Paromita Mitra, Principal Investigator for NASA’s next-generation spacesuit technologies and Human Interface Engineer at NASA Johnston Space Centre indeed proves it right. A south Asian immigrant from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Paromita was always passionate about STEM and her love for aerospace and technology. However, even today women are grossly underrepresented in STEM roles but Paromita’s key to success has been perseverance, confidence, and kindness. An immigrant from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Paromita represented the state of Mississippi at the Miss USA & Miss Teen USA pageants as Miss Mississippi USA 2013 & Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2009 where she traveled to spread awareness on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, & math) literacy topics. She attributes a large part of her success to her pageant days that helped her to build her confidence, juggle her studies while preparing for pageants and taught her to believe in herself, her abilities and never let others judgments affect her. Today, Paromita’s work focuses on using augmented reality to develop a helmet-mounted display to aid in astronaut EVA (extravehicular activities) tasks and she continues to help bridge the gender gap in STEM by advocating for diversity in tech and issues on femininity in Engineering. A truly inspiring woman, Paromita is now married to the love of her life and fellow colleague at NASA, Tim McGrath.

Anyone who knows this couple, knows well that they bring a smile on everyone’s face. I happen to meet Tracy way back in 2011 on the competitive grounds of LLS Man & Woman of the Year. Since then, we both had a great bond of friendship and camaraderie. It was the same year she met Harry the love of her life. Happily married to Harry, and blessed to be the mom to sweet Robby, she mixes faith, family, and philanthropy into their lives daily. In fact, their family philosophy is philanthropy, and they were honored by St. Jude’s at their Inaugural Gold Luncheon. Then recognized as an Angel Couple by the Indo-American Charitable Foundation. The couple met at an LLS Event and have been opening up their hearts and home to charities since.

While Harry is the Vice President of Lambda Energy Resource LLC, Tracy is the Chairman of the Board for Houston Children Give Back; Vice-Chairman of the KNOW Autism Foundation; Advisory Board Member to Houston Pet Set,; A founding member of The Houston 20 and a Leading Lady of Safety for Crime Stoppers of Houston.

Despite their busy schedule they sneak in romantic date nights or getaway to their own vineyard while still volunteering and mentoring in multiple schools weekly. The last 7 years she’s taught children to read, led literacy in Third & Fifth Wards and devoted mornings to mentoring many. “It’s not easy but I will say it’s all worth it”, she smiles. Their favorite hashtag is #PartyWithAPurpose and they donate every holiday, birthday, and event to several chosen charities. Incorporating acts of kindness is a core family value, right down to their three rescue dogs.

Last but not the least, Anna Reger, successful businesswoman, wife and mother is a woman with a purpose. The co-owner of Rockstar Property and Rockstar Wigs along with husband John Reger, Anna co-founded FlipLock, a device that protects children from shooting or threat of shooting at schools, in the light of recent uprising in gun violence and shootings. The oldest of six children, Anna was born into poverty and raised in One of Houston’s poorest neighborhoods with high crime rate. Despite having to work multiple jobs to help her family meet ends, Anna persevered to earn her GED, an associate degree in Science from Houston Community College and later a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston, believing that education was the key to success. Anna’s main takeaway from her struggles is to never give up or let your circumstances get in the way of your dreams. Today, Anna is an advocate for safety and education of women and children.

Anna loves supporting the community and when it comes to fashion, she loves to encourage new and upcoming designers. On the cover she adorns David Peck custom made gown. She believes, “Fashion is fully expressing who you are meant to be.” Her strength comes from her own strong mother who has instilled in her great values. She advices to believe in your yourself and follow your dreams, however if you are struggling, she encourages to seek help and find a mentor.