Women of Impact Gala brings global companies and Houston leaders together to advance opportunities for women and girls
HOUSTON, October 7, 2026 — The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) returned from an economic development mission to France and Italy with strengthened international relationships and new momentum for advancing women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, and education.
Organized and led by Suzan Deison, CEO, president and founder of GHWCC and founder of its international chapters, the mission’s centerpiece was the inaugural Women of Impact Gala at the Marriott Champs-Élysées in Paris. The event brought together leaders from business, government, education, and the community, with corporate support from SLB, ENGIE, L’Oréal, EDF, LVMH and AT&T, among others.
“I founded our international chapters because I believe women’s opportunities should reach as far as their ambitions,” said Deison. “Seeing Houston leaders and our French partners come together in Paris brought that vision to life. We celebrated extraordinary women, created meaningful connections and strengthened a shared commitment to opening doors for the next generation.”
Gala proceeds will advance three priorities in France: encouraging girls from underserved neighborhoods and rural communities to pursue science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM); expanding women’s access to executive leadership and governance; and supporting women’s entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship through mentoring and professional networks.
“Houston’s strength comes from our people, our diversity and our connections to the world,” said Martha Castex-Tatum, GHWCC deputy CEO and president and City of Houston mayor pro tem. “By building relationships with leaders in France and Italy, we create pathways for collaboration that can benefit our businesses and communities. Nancy Strohmer, GHWCC’s France Liaison, added “This mission reflects the power of women’s leadership to connect cities and expand economic opportunity.”
The gala honored Constance Allavena, Ilaria De Santo, Martine Gouriet, Renata Heuchin, Caroline Le Pallec, Estelle Moreau, Véronique Nouazé, Cecilia Polo-Gomez, Melyssa Rodgers, Marie-Lorraine Rouy, Nancy Strohmer and Hallie Vanderhider as its 2026 Women of Impact.
Young women representing Argenteuil and Saint-Denis also participated, connecting the celebration of accomplished leaders with the aspirations of the next generation.
Joining Deison on the European mission were Nancy Strohmer, Theresa Einhorn, Hallie Vanderhider, LaTosha Norwood, Cylenthia Hoyrd, Diane Gendel, Harry Gendel, Janet Jones, Rick Jones, Antoinette Latham and Barbara Vilitus.
GHWCC expressed special appreciation to Véronique Nouazé, president of the association in France, and SLB, along with Soumia Malinbaum, Julia Malinbaum, Nicholas Moufflet and the association’s French board, for their leadership and partnership.
Additional corporate partners included CAS Event, DELETEC, Joseph Duclos, Fondation pour l’Avenir, and EX NIHILO.. Gala and institutional partners included Galeries Lafayette, Rungis Marché International, the French-American Chamber of Commerce–Texas, Université PSL, Rice University Global Paris Center, Argenteuil and Saint-Denis.
The mission continued through Milan and Rome, where the delegation explored opportunities for international collaboration and the founding of a chapter in Italy. In Rome, highlights included a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Tilman Fertitta at the U.S. Embassy, an Embassy tour and a luncheon hosted by Lauren Fertitta at Villa Taverna, the Ambassador’s residence. The chamber is grateful for Ambassador Fertitta and Lauren Fertitta’s support and encouragement as it works to establish its Italy chapter.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this mission possible,” Deison said. “Its lasting value will be measured in the opportunities we create together—for women leading today and the girls who will follow.”
About the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce
GHWCC advances women through business connections, education, leadership development and community initiatives. Its regional and international network connects women with relationships and resources to grow their businesses and expand their impact.