Top 10 People of The Year 2024
As we wrap up another year, we are delighted to reveal our Annual LCAHouston Top 10 People of the Year!
Chef Mayank Istwal
Corporate Executive Chef
Recipient in November 2024 of a Michelin Star for his role at Musaafer
Chef Mayank Istwal is a globetrotter and recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the top 13 chefs bringing Indian Cuisine to the world. With a blend of expertise, passion, and encyclopedic knowledge of spices, ingredients, and textures, Chef Mayank offers a neoteric Indian dining experience. Situated within Musaafer (meaning “The Traveller”), nestled in Houston’s luxurious Galleria at Westheimer and Sage, guests can expect a stunning and expertly curated setting to savor his culinary creations.
Musaafer’s gastronomic experience aims to authentically celebrate India’s diverse culinary heritage. Led by Corporate Executive Chef Mayank Istwal, diners embark on a journey exploring the rich flavors of all 29 states of India. Chef Mayank, through extensive travel to hidden gems across the country, has gathered traditional recipes from home-cooks and esteemed chefs. This exploration brings to light ancient dishes and techniques that have faded from mainstream cuisine but hold significant cultural and health benefits.
The chef sources unique ingredients and spice blends from families and plantations that have preserved these treasures for generations. He creatively reinterprets traditional recipes, presenting them in modern, visually stunning ways while elevating Indian cuisine to a global culinary status. Musaafer offers bespoke à la carte and tasting menus infused with captivating stories, engaging all senses. The restaurant celebrates indulgence with a menu that is both eclectic and faithful to India’s original flavors, inviting guests to experience a neoteric approach to traditional dishes.
Anna Reger
Anna Reger, Founder and CEO of FlipLok, a 2022 LCAHouston International Mother’s Day Honoree, is a powerhouse in the entrepreneurial world, a dedicated humanitarian, and a passionate advocate for women, children, and the community. With a diverse portfolio ranging from commercial real estate investment to multiple entrepreneurial ventures, Anna has established herself as a serial entrepreneur with a knack for innovation and impact. Her latest venture, FlipLok, was born out of a deep commitment to safety, particularly for children in schools facing the threat of violence. What began as a solution to protect against school shootings has evolved into a comprehensive safety device for various settings, including homes, offices, and dorm rooms.
Anna’s journey to success is marked by resilience and determination. Raised in one of Houston’s poorest neighborhoods and overcoming serious injuries from multiple car accidents, she defied the odds to pursue her education and career goals. Starting from earning her GED to obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, Anna’s story embodies the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
She channels her influence and resources into initiatives aimed at ending hunger, raising safety awareness, and supporting special needs causes. Through her volunteer positions and humanitarian efforts, including her recognition with the Humanitarian Award from Operation Smile, Anna exemplifies the true essence of giving back to the community.
Anna’s journey serves as an inspiration, particularly to young women facing similar challenges. Her motto, “Never give up,” encapsulates her unwavering determination and resilience in the face of obstacles. As a TedX speaker and advocate for women in business, Anna is paving the way for a new generation of entrepreneurs, proving that with perseverance and a belief in one’s dreams, anything is possible. Beyond her professional achievements, Anna finds strength and joy in her family life.
Sneha Merchant
Sneha Merchant is a renowned artist celebrated for her bold and innovative works that blend pop art, kinetic design, and cultural heritage. Born in Mumbai, India, and now based in Houston, Texas, She has her art degrees from both the Art Institute of Houston and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. Sneha’s creative genius and philanthropic spirit have solidified her as a beloved figure both in the art world and the community at large.
In early December Sneha Merchant launched her highly anticipated pop-up art exhibit, Live in Color, with an exclusive opening night reception at the prestigious River Oaks District. Nearly 200 of Houston’s most notable art collectors, gallery owners, and close friends gathered to celebrate Sneha’s vibrant and culturally immersive artwork.
Sneha Merchant is no stranger to Houston’s cultural and philanthropic scenes. Known as one of the city’s most beloved and generous figures, Sneha has left an indelible mark through her tireless commitment to nonprofit causes. As co-chair of Operation Smile Houston Gala for the past eight years, she has helped raise over $3 million to provide life-changing surgeries for children around the globe.
Sergio Selvera
Sergio Selvera is a seasoned entertainment attorney with a career dedicated to empowering creatives and businesses. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Juris Doctor from Texas Southern University Law School, he also pursued advanced studies in International Sports Law at St. John’s University School of Law in New York.
With a focus on entertainment transactions, Sergio has extensive expertise in negotiating record deals, TV/film agreements, influencer partnerships, corporate sponsorships, and live event contracts—including high-profile projects such as the Super Bowl. He has represented clients at major film, music, and technology festivals and conferences, providing the legal strategy and guidance needed to help them thrive in competitive industries.
In addition to his legal career, Sergio served as Executive Producer of *The Chicano Squad*, an A&E Network television documentary about the first all-Latino homicide unit. The show became one of the network’s top-rated programs, earning widespread acclaim for its powerful storytelling and cultural significance.
Sergio’s passion for creative work is matched by his commitment to his community. As the son of a school teacher and police officer, he brings a deep sense of service to everything he does. Over the years, he has dedicated countless hours to mentorship, college outreach, and educational programs. He served on the Board of Directors for the City of Houston’s East Downtown Redevelopment Authority (2013–2018) and currently holds the position of Vice Chair of the Houston Arts Alliance Board of Directors. Additionally, he is a Google Next Gen Policy Fellow.
When he’s not working, Sergio enjoys spending time with his wife, Rita Garcia, a morning anchor for ABC 13 Houston, and their daughter, Jordan. The couple is excitedly expecting a new addition to their family in Spring 2025. Sergio’s multifaceted background, blending legal expertise, production success, and community engagement, makes him a trusted advisor and advocate for his clients in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Aaron Bludorn
Chef and next-generation restaurateur, Aaron Bludorn’s mission is to create meaningful experiences through food and hospitality. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Aaron was drawn to the kitchen at an early age during his first job working as a dishwasher and prep cook in a small diner on Bainbridge Island. Energized by the comradery demonstrated in restaurants, Aaron pursued a career in hospitality and began his journey at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park.
His learnings at CIA led to a prosperous career working under the country’s most celebrated chefs including Michelin-starred Chef Douglas Keene and Daniel Boulud. While working as Executive Chef in Manhattan’s Café Boulud, Aaron met his now-wife, Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and was cast in Netflix’s blockbuster culinary competition show, The Final Table. That same year, he was honored by Star Chefs when he earned New York City’s Rising Star Community Chef Award.
In 2019, the Bludorns moved to Houston and in 2020, they opened the eponymous restaurant, Bludorn. In the fall of 2022, Chef Aaron opened his second restaurant, seafood inspired, Navy Blue, in the heart of Rice Village – followed by Bar Bludorn in March 2024, with a fourth restaurant, Perseid, opening early 2025 in Hotel Saint Augustine. Chef Aaron has a devotion to his new city, where he supports many charities through special dinners and menu items.
Photo Credit | Jenn Duncan
Christy Lynn
This young designer sensation is creating big waves. In 2018 while planning her wedding, Christy Lynn Lee knew she wanted to design pieces for herself and her bridal party. What started as a desire for a few custom dresses turned into a full wardrobe for the traveling bride. This was the first Christy Lynn capsule collection. She launched her first ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2020 and since then her eponymous brand has quickly grown a steady following throughout the US, and is now available in over 100 retailers worldwide. Last year she opened the exquisite world of Christy Lynn with US flagship and first store location, found in Houston’s Memorial Village and now showing at the River Oaks District.
Namrata Sharma Goel
Namrata Sharma Goel, MD is a successful private Nephrologist practicing in Houston Medical Center. After graduating from Baylor College of Medicine, she joined Kidney Heath Center becoming the first woman & youngest partner in the busy private practice which owns multiple Aqua Dialysis Clinics and Orbis surgical centers.
Despite her career responsibilities, she finds the time to give back to the community with her involvement on the Boards of many International Charities close to her heart such as Magic Bus USA, Pratham, Smile Foundation, and India House to name a few.
Dr. Goel is the recipient of many accolades such as Outstanding Leader in Health Care by The Houston Business Journal, Top Nephrologist, and Top Doctor.
She feels her greater achievement is her close knit family comprising of her husband of 15 years, Ankur Goel, and her 3 beautiful children, Nikita, Nishika, & Abhay. Also a little birdie informed us that she is one of our Co Chairs for the 2025 LCAHouston International Mother’s Day Luncheon.
Ruchit Harneja
Corporate Pastry Chef Ruchit Harneja spearheads the pastry program of all existing and debuting Berg Hospitality concepts. Using his expertise in culinary operations, chocolatiering and molecular gastronomy, Harneja is poised to elevate Berg restaurant desserts to unparalleled levels of innovation and indulgence.
A self-acclaimed “chef of a new generation,” Harneja brings a unique, modern viewpoint to the Berg Hospitality team, notably his focus on Heterodox Food Pairings. As a culinary artist, Harneja surprises diners with beguiling desserts that incorporate unexpected savory ingredients as well as superfoods, elevating their nutritional value. With a focus on fine dining, he is an expert in the art of niche plating, creating desserts that delight both Instagram feeds and tastebuds alike.
Leveraging his extensive operations experience, Harneja will play a key role in establishing a central commissary for the restaurant group which will house his new pastry program and a full support team, along with the ability to provide outside catering. Additionally, he will launch and oversee boutique pastry kitchens in all existing and future Berg Hospitality restaurants.
“Joining Berg Hospitality has allowed me to explore my skillset to the maximum,” said the dynamic pastry chef. “Berg Hospitality Group offers a large platform where I can incorporate progressive techniques across varying food genres.”
Hailing from the culturally rich city of Jaipur, India, Harneja’s culinary journey began at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore. Afterward, he completed hotel operations management training under the renowned Taj Group of Hotels, India’s leading hotel company and led pastry operations at iconic establishments in India such as the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, and Andaz Delhi – A concept by Hyatt.
In Houston, Harneja was the brainchild behind conceptualizing the pastry program at Musaafer, Galleria-area neo-Indian restaurant renowned for its opulence and innovation.
Dessert lovers can experience Harneja’s distinct and delicious creations firsthand at the latest additions to Berg Hospitality’s collection, Turner’s Cut, Prime 131 and Soy Cowboy in Arlington.
Katherine Whaley
Katherine Whaley is an award-winning journalist, local television personality, emcee/host, home cook and recipe developer. Most recently, Katherine worked as the traffic anchor on Houston’s top rated morning show at KTRK-TV ABC 13. Katherine is a native Houstonian and a graduate of Rice University and Spring Branch ISD’s Memorial High School.
Katherine has received a number of professional accolades in journalism, including a Lone Star Emmy Nomination and the Louisiana Associated Press Reporter of the Year (Division B) Award. Katherine also earned a certification in meteorology from Mississippi State University. In 2018, Katherine was named a Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Honoree. Nowadays, Katherine’s primary role is “mama” to William, born in 2019, and Vivian, born in 2022.
Katherine is passionate about supporting organizations making a difference in our community, and you can frequently find her emceeing galas, luncheons, and charitable events. She is a long-time supporter of the American Heart Association, and in 2022 served as the AHA Shop With Heart Card Chair, which raised a record-breaking $105,000 during the campaign. Katherine also serves on the advisory board of Hermann Park Conservancy and Kids’ Meals, a charity that fights childhood hunger. In that capacity, she has also led a winning team at Reliant’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Charity Cookoff two years in a row. In 2025 Katherine is thrilled and honored to co-chair Hermann Park Conservancy’s grandest event, Evening in the Park, alongside fellow HPC advisory board member, Kathryn Boeker.
Katherine is also an avid cook who relishes entertaining at home and creating easy recipes for family, friends, and social media followers. She also has deep ties to the food and beverage community, and she enjoys discovering and sharing food from Houston’s diverse dining scene. You can follow Katherine’s recipes and culinary finds on Instagram @katherine_whaley.
In her spare time, Katherine stays active through tennis, stroller walks, and volunteering at her children’s school.
Sabrina Besla (Sari Not Sorry Famed)
South-Asian Indian Canadian filmmaker and storyteller, Sabrina Besla identifies as a triple threat: a writer, a producer and a development exec.
She currently serves as the VP of development and in-house writer for supermodel- turned media/business mogul, Tyra Banks’ Bankable Productions. She has been featured on The Black List for her comedy pilot “ANGRY JUNE” and has had her pilot “AMBOY” featured at Live Reads throughout Los Angeles.
In December 2023 Sabrina directed her first short film “DELORES.” Written by Sabrina, it most recently won best screenplay at WRITE-LA screenwriting competition.
Sabrina is a diversity hire and is represented by GERSH AGENCY for her tv/ feature work and HEROES AND VILLAINS for management.
What catches our attention is that this year Sabrina completed her first children’s book “SARI NOT SORRY!” A little girl’s guide to putting on her first Indian Sari. You can grab your copy here.
