Introducing Vox Culture's Photographers Laluu Hu and Julia Nguyen!

Introducing Laluu Hu and Julia Ngyuen! These lovely ladies are in charge of capturing moment and memories  of our events that occur through out the year. The images can be seen on our facebook page! 

I am an artist, and i am passionate about using my inspirations to create art pieces that can bring peace and clarity for my audience.

What attracted you to VOX?

For its clear purpose in diversity

What is your favorite ice cream?

Banana pudding ice cream

If you can have any superpower what would it be and why?

My superpower would be to fly like a bird in the sky

My name is Julia Nguyen and I am currently working as a front desk peson for a dental office. I am also a student at HCC.

What attracted you to VOX?

Vox has a lot of community services and volunteering opportunities with connections to many groups. I wanted to be affiliated with a community that gave me these opportunities and it seemed like a group that could broaden my mind and future. 

 What is your favorite ice cream?

Chocolate mint because it's my favorite color and it tastes magical; both sweet and refreshing.

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?

I think it would be the power of intelligence. That way I can invent myself wings instead of flying and invent endless creative possibilities like iron man.

Introducing Vox Culture's Advocacy Ambassador and Cultural Ambassador

Introducing our Cultural Ambassador, Oday Naseri! Oday's role is to reach out and create bridges to the different organizations in Houston the Community.

My name is Oday, I am a MD and the Cultural Ambassador at Vox. I am Passionate about education, learning and sports. I believe there is beauty in courage 

What stands out to you about American culture? 

American culture! You just can't specify one on another. Each component has uniqueness in the way it contributes to the main stream. 

What is your favorite things to do in Houston?

Oh boy, there is so many things I like to do in H town. Outdoors activities, sports, live concerts and Vox events of course   

What attract you to Vox ?
Both causes and events that Vox are working hardly on through out the year.

Introducing Vox Culture's Advocacy Ambassador, Nadine Chen! Nadine's role is to bring awareness of the social issues that occur in Houston and the world. She also helps educate the community and new team members about the importance of giving voice and taking action on numerous social issues at the local and global levels, and how human creativity can be a solution. 

I am an immigration attorney at the Law Office of Kathryn N. Karam.  I was born in Taiwan, moved to Hong Kong when I was 16, and came to the U.S. in 2012.  As an immigrant, I understand the impact immigration status can have on individuals and their families.  I love my job because it allows me to utilize the law to help people achieve their aspirations, keep families together, and enable employers to acquire talent from all over the world.

What attracted you to VOX?

Many social movements fail because they appeal primarily to emotions, and emotions come and go.  People also avoid social issues because they are often perceived as extremist and trigger negative emotional responses such as guilt, anger, or discomfort.  Vox Culture takes a more sustainable and pleasant approach by reaching people through their appreciation for beauty with the goal of fostering a humanistic culture.

What is your favorite ice cream?

Matcha red bean!

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?

It would have to be eidetic memory- saves time and promotes knowledge!

Introducing Vox Culture's Fundraiser Coordinator and Legal Specialist!

Introducing Vox Culture's Fundraiser Coordinator Jessica Luong! Jessica is in charge of reaching out and building relationships with potential donors and (existing) clients who are interested in working with Vox.  

I'm a server administrator at an oil and gas company with a double major in Accounting and Management Information Systems from the Bauer Business College at the University of Houston. I absolutely adore the outdoors, and on most weekends, you'll find me all around Houston at random parks and record stores. 

What attracted you to VOX?     

I was initially attracted to VOX because of their mission. I have always wanted to be part of a non-profit organization that seeks to promote diversity with information and art. The creative aspects of VOX really drew me into the organization because I'm a strong believer in free expression.  

What is your favorite ice cream?      

 My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip!  

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?                            

If I could have any super power, I would be a mind reader. It's incredibly intriguing and powerful to know and understand the thoughts of others.

Introducing Vox Culture's Legal Specialist, Yvonne Garza! Yvonne's key role is to promote and invigorate the community in regards to social causes that Vox focuses on, while providing legal support of the groups affected by various social issues.

I was born in Salineno,Texas but raised in Houston, Texas.  I have a son, Andres Julian Abrego, who has joined the Air Force and currently stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.  My grandson, Aiden Julian Abrego, who is 2 years old, resides in Houston, Texas with his mother. I am currently a junior paralegal with Hicks Thomas LP but I was a legal assistant for over 10 years. I served in the Army for 4 years and 1 year with the National Guard.

What attracted you to VOX?     

One of my coworkers mentioned she volunteers with the Star of Hope to help teach young children with their studies. She described to me in detailed what she was doing. We see and hear about homeless people and struggling mothers and their children. Sometimes we forget what we have and how much we have until we hear about the less fortunate. After our conversation I was inspired to do the same. I realize that I can use my time to help where help is needed. I searched through the Internet for non-profit organizations that helps with serious issues within our community. I briefly read about Vox and I wanted to know more. During our first meeting I was very observant and impressed with the years behind each volunteer. Vox volunteers were and are committed. I was even more impressed when I found out Vox does not just focus on one area our issues in our community but all issues.  Vox educates all of us. We can learn and understand the issues in our community that many in our society ignore. I am willing to learn and no longer ignore these issues. Helping one person and making a difference is one step closer to my or our goals. 

What is your favorite ice cream?      

My favorite ice cream is English Toffee Crunch by Dreyers.

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?                            

If I had a super power it would be to have the ability to detect bad thoughts and intervene in a timely manner.  There are so many super powers I would like to have and not just one. I wish I could protect everyone from harm and teach all the bad people how to love and change them to become good people.  Knowing the person I am, I would like to care for everyone and every animal. I do not wish harm on anyone or animal. If we think of how many lives would be saved if we knew ahead of time and prevented any harm being done to innocent people and animals.  The ability to protect and save the lives of many people would bring peace and joy to all their loved ones. 

Introducing Vox Culture's Volunteer Coordinator and Research & Development Coordinator!

Introducing Vox Culture's Volunteer Coordinator, Humeira Akbar! Humeira is in charge of organizing, leading and empowering our volunteers! 

I moved to Houston about 8 years ago when my husband and I got married. My family lives in Virginia. I attended college at Mary Washington University in VA and received a Bachelor in Biology. After I moved, I worked for Baylor College of Medicine in genetics for three years. I quit working after my daughter was born. Now, my days are spent with my three year old daughter and I am loving every bit of it. 

What attracted you to VOX?     

 I want to make a difference in my community. The mission at VOX is simple yet powerful. Spreading awareness to important issues while having fun; it is just genius.  

What is your favorite ice cream?      

Coffee ice cream with twix mix-in. 

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?                            

Flying has always fascinated me. Being able to see the world from that vantage point would be amazing. 

Introducing Vox Culture's Research & Development Coordinator, Doubra Golden! Doubra plays a key role for the internal development side of Vox Culture, where she will post her writing that give an indepth and clear understanding of the social causes that Vox Culture focuses on.

What attracted you to VOX?                                             

As a Mental health advocate, the principles that underpin the work of Vox Culture – selflessness, charity, social inclusion, empowerment and enlightenment for those who are less privileged or have become displaced is what attracts me to this organization. The strength of this organization lies in not just the ability to inform and educate but incorporating entertainment in their approach to addressing social ills. The diversity of team members from various educational backgrounds, life experiences and concern for the welfare of others makes Vox culture an organization I am proud to be part of. As quoted in Jeremiah 29:7

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…
and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29:7

 What is your favorite ice cream?                

 My favorite ice cream is blueberry ice cream.

If you can have any super power what would it be and why?                                                 

If I had a super power it will be Teleportation. Teleportation will enable me go on holiday to any location and country of my choice free of charge.

Lee High School Luncheon - Cultural Meet & Greet

  This year we are teaming up with the Houston Independent School District and will be working with Lee High School. On Saturday January 31^st, we kicked off our first event with a meet and greet luncheon that took place at the library of Lee High School. I have to say, I was quite jealous of the size and space of the library. We started off the first 30 minutes started with lunch, where we encouraged people to bring food from their cultures. I would say most of it was American: fried chicken, oreos, pizza, etc… (American culture counts) aside from my dish, which I made tteokbokki, spicy Korean rice cakes that are normally found in Korean restaurants as appetizers or food stands in the streets of Korea. The dish normally consists of rice cake, fish, cake some veggies (onions, lettuce, scallions,etc..etc) however you would like it.

  Lunch was then followed by introductions and a mini icebreaker game, 2 truths and 1 lie. The name says it all, some of the truths were interesting, as well as some of the lies, which were obvious by the short pauses. I was hoping me spiel would throw some of the students off when I said I’m from New York, and lived in Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany (assuming most of the students are not familiar with the cities in New York), but that was short lived.

  After the ice was broken a Q&A followed suit where we asked the students questions pertaining to their experience at Lee and their thoughts on the education system. To my surprise, I was impress to hear how attentive and serious  the students were about their academics. A few concerns that were brought to my attention were the inadequate teachers for some of the classes, such as science and English. Many of the students expressed major concerns of the structure not being challenging enough, some feeling insulated by their intelligence and concerns for the teachers not exuding enough confidence and drive to push the students. The discussion became more compelling when Principle Trinh chimed in as he gave insight of some of the decision-making and sacrifices that had to be conducted.

  Overall, the discussion was not only informative, but a consequential shock of reality. It's harrowing to hear that Lee High School is one of many educational institutions that encounters academic struggles. Hearing those students openly express themselves makes me excited and eager to see what the next few months we have in store with them.