Leading Ladies Luncheon

On April 4, Tony’s was filled with energy, generosity, and heartfelt support for the arts at the 2025 Leading Ladies Luncheon – an event that raised OVER $160,000! That’s a record-breaking milestone for the second year in a row, and a testament to the power of this community.

It was a joy to recognize this year’s inspiring honorees:

• Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education – Shelly Mulanax
• Arts Educator of the Year – Jennifer Bauer-Conley
• Volunteer of the Year – Kim Nguyen-Coleman

And we were so excited to share that our 2026 Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education will be Helen Shaffer! There are so many ways you can support next year’s event already – click below to learn more.

To learn more about the Leading Ladies, visit www.tuts.org/leadingladies

To see all event photos, click here.

Special thanks to Tony’s, Priscilla Dickson Photography, Texas Business Theatre, J. Landa Jewelry, House of Pies, and H-E-B for their support of this event.

Thank you to our event sponsors: The Stein Family, Shelly & Jerome Mulanax, Dolores Cavatore & John Tobola, Amy & Rob Pierce, ConocoPhillips, Patrice Baumann McKinney and Jay Landa, Demetra & Frank Jones, CRC Foundation (Carrie & Ron Woliver), June Deadrick, The Emery/Weiner School, Pierpont Communications, Julie & Joel Schweers, and April & Wells McGee.

Thank you to our auction donors: The Alley Theatre, Bernhardt Winery, Bradford Portraits, Chloé Bags, June Deadrick, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston Symphony, LoneStar Sports and Entertainment, Messina Hof, Mutiny Wine Room, Nice Winery, Debbie Pazkaban, David Peck, Amy Pierce, Scenery Bags, Stages, William Chris Wine Company, and Woody’s Furs.

PAST HONOREES

Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education

• Shelly Mulanax (2025)
• Donna Vallone (2024)
• Paula Harris (2023)
• Cissy Segall Davis (2022)
• Carrie Woliver (2021)
• *Shirley Stein z”I (2019)

Educator of the Year

• Jennifer Bauer-Conley, The Emery/Weiner School (2025)
• Rosie Curtis, Kinder HSPVA (2024)
• Justin Doran, St. Francis Episcopal High School (2023)
• Melanie Bivens, International Leadership of Texas Charter School (2022)
• Kristina Sullivan, Queensbury Theater (2021)
• Roshunda Jones-Koumba, G.W. Carver Magnet High School (2019) 

Volunteer of the Year

• Kim Nguyen-Coleman (2025)
• Julie Schweers (2024)
• Jennifer Lamb (2023)
• Dawn Neal (2022)
• Liese Kelly, Gia Ochsenbein, and Alyssa Sunew (2021)
• Dawn Powers (2019)

*Shirley Stein z”l was the first and greatest Leading Lady at Theatre Under The Stars. Shirley dedicated her life to what she loved most, her beloved family and friends, and her passion for the arts and arts education. TUTS was blessed that Shirley believed in our mission and for all the unconditional support, fierce loyalty, and contagious enthusiasm she gave our organization. As a true champion of the arts, the Leading Ladies honor her legacy with “The Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Arts Education” to encourage other outstanding women in our community to step forward in bold ways to make a lasting impact for Houston’s arts and arts education.

Leading Ladies enjoy meaningful and exclusive TUTS experiences through social events, volunteer needs, leadership development, philanthropy, and members-only perks. For more information about TUTS Leading Ladies, click here.