138: Why Houstonians Love Hermann Park—And What’s New This Year
Spotlight Houston
Looking for the perfect outdoor escape in the heart of Houston? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada sits down with Kyle Wolfe, Chief Operating Officer of Hermann Park Conservancy, to explore one of Houston’s most iconic and beloved green spaces: Hermann Park. Kyle walks us through the park’s incredible journey since its founding in 1914. He shares how the park has evolved to serve the growing needs of Houstonians, from the creation of The Commons—an award-winning, multi-generational play space—to the restoration of the Reflection Pool and expanded trails and...
info_outline
137: Big Wishes, Big Hearts: Make-A-Wish in Houston
Spotlight Houston
What do a unicorn, a thousand trees, and an ice cream truck have in common? They’re all real wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana—a nonprofit that’s been bringing hope, strength, and joy to kids with critical illnesses since 1984. In Episode 137 of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada chats with Shelley Millwee, President & CEO of the local Make-A-Wish chapter. With over 11,000 wishes granted across 47 Texas counties and 64 Louisiana parishes, this inspiring organization creates unforgettable moments for children and their families. Shelley shares powerful...
info_outline
136: REPLAY Heart Health with the Bionic Bride & AHA
Spotlight Houston
This week on Spotlight Houston, we’re rolling back to the most popular episode of Season 3! Originally released as Episode 122 on January 27, 2025, this fan-favorite features an inspiring and informative conversation with Melody Torno, Development Director for the American Heart Association Houston, and Ally Babineaux, also known as the courageous “Bionic Bride.” You’ll learn about the different types of heart disease—from congenital conditions in babies to cardiac arrest and stroke in adults—and how the American Heart Association supports communities through education, research,...
info_outline
135: Houston Cinco de Mayo 2025 – Celebrate at East End Street Fest!
Spotlight Houston
Get ready to fiesta, Houston! This week on Spotlight Houston, we're taking you inside the 2025 Cinco de Mayo East End Street Fest, one of Houston’s biggest family-friendly celebrations! Host Blanca Quezada chats with Lupe Olivares, Festival Director, about everything this FREE event has to offer. Experience live shows from Grammy-winning Sunny Sauceda, the rock-Latin fusion band Del Castillo, and local favorites like Sam Knight and Zenteno Spirit. Dance to ballet folklórico, groove with Aztec dancers, cheer at lucha libre matches, and marvel at a mini Cirque du Soleil-style acrobat...
info_outline
134: Festival Fun in Sugar Land
Spotlight Houston
Looking for a vibrant, family-friendly event in the Houston area this spring? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada interviews Stacy Borgfeldt, co-founder of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation, about the highly anticipated 2025 Sugar Land Arts and Music Fest. Taking place April 26–27, 2025, at the Smart Financial Centre Plaza, the Sugar Land Arts and Music Fest brings together the best of visual arts, live music, local food, and cultural activities for all ages. This annual event is one of Fort Bend County’s most exciting spring festivals and showcases local talent...
info_outline
133: From Crisis to Confidence at HAWC
Spotlight Houston
What happens when someone finally says, “I need help”? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with Celinda Guerra from the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC) about how they help people heal from domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. HAWC provides free, private help for women, children, and men who are facing abuse. Celinda shares how their team offers emotional support, safe housing, legal aid, and more—so survivors can feel safe and move forward. HAWC offers 24/7 hotlines for domestic violence and sexual assault. Survivors can talk to trained...
info_outline
132: Travel Back to 1836 at the San Jacinto Battlefield
Spotlight Houston
What really happened during the 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with David Avila, Director of Museum Operations at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield Association, to uncover the true story behind the battle that changed Texas forever. They explore how General Sam Houston’s Texian army surprised Santa Anna’s troops, the tough conditions of the battlefield, and the myths people still believe today. David also shares how the San Jacinto Monument was built during the Great Depression and the story behind the 220-ton, 35-foot...
info_outline
131 - Life-Saving Skills with the CPR and Safety Lady
Spotlight Houston
Would you know what to do if someone stopped breathing? In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada talks with Gail Gould, also known as the CPR and Safety Lady. Gail is a nationally certified CPR and first aid instructor who has spent more than 30 years teaching life-saving skills to over 10,000 people in Houston and beyond. Gail shares how she started her career in CPR training, why she’s so passionate about emergency response education, and how everyone—including kids, parents, teachers, and businesses—can benefit from learning CPR. She explains the key difference...
info_outline
130: The Mission to Cure Blood Cancer
Spotlight Houston
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Mission to Cure & Support In this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada sits down with Tatyana Chowbay from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to talk about how the organization is fighting to cure blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Tatyana shares the history of LLS, her personal connection to the cause, and how LLS supports both patients and caregivers from diagnosis through treatment. They cover everything from common symptoms and subtypes of leukemia to what families should ask their doctors. Tatyana explains...
info_outline
129: Trailblazing Women of Houston’s History
Spotlight Houston
Did you know that Houston has a "Mother"—not just the Allen Brothers? Or that a woman was behind Houston’s first fully air-conditioned office building? In this special Women's History Month episode, historian Mister McKinney joins host Blanca Quezada to share the untold stories of 158 women who shaped Houston in business, law, medicine, arts, philanthropy, education, and more. From Charlotte Baldwin Allen, who donated land for the city’s first parks and schools, to Millie Esperson, who changed Houston’s skyline, these women’s contributions are everywhere—you just need to know where...
info_outlineIn this episode of Spotlight Houston, host Blanca Quezada interviews Maria Magee, Chief Development Officer at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. This nonprofit organization has been serving the community for over 60 years.
Maria shares how Interfaith Ministries brings together people of diverse faiths and cultures to provide crucial services through programs like Meals on Wheels, which delivers more than 2 million meals each year to homebound seniors across Houston and Galveston.
She also highlights the organization's Animeals program, which ensures seniors' pets are well cared for, and its long-standing Refugee Services, which helps families resettle and rebuild their lives in Houston.
Throughout the episode, you'll learn how Volunteer Houston, a program of Interfaith Ministries, connects individuals with nonprofit organizations in need of support across the Greater Houston area. Maria discusses how you can get involved, from donating items to volunteering, and shares exciting details about their upcoming Tapestry Gala, themed "A Better Tomorrow Starts Today."
If you want to make a difference, find out how you can contribute to these important causes or join the special Thanksgiving phone bank, where volunteers call seniors to wish them a happy holiday.
For more information on Interfaith Ministries' programs, volunteering opportunities, and their Tapestry Gala, visit https://imgh.org or call 713-533-4900.
New episodes drop every Monday! We value your input. Do you have an idea or feedback for us? We'd love to hear from you and make this podcast a platform for our community.
Don't forget to leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcatcher. And follow us on social media:
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpotlightHoustonShow
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spotlighthoustonshow
· Threads: https://www.threads.net/@spotlighthoustonshow
· TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spotlighthoustonshow
· Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/SpotlightHou