2014 Sparkles Brunch Program

It’s YOUR Time
4th Annual
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Saturday, May 3rd
11:30am-1:00pm
The Villagio
10901 Braes Bend Drive
Houston, Texas 77071
May 3, 2014
I am elated to have the opportunity
to welcome everyone to the 4th
Annual Mother’s Heart Conference
and Brunch. This annual fundraiser
helps to give voice to couples who are
faced with infertility, miscarriages, and/or
delayed parenting. I am grateful for God’s
wisdom and divine timing, to honor those
families who did not give up on their heart’s desire, endured challenges,
and are now testaments of faith in our community.
After enduring a difficult journey to motherhood, it was a true blessing to
recognize the need to support women of similar plights. Today, our twin
girls are seven years old and my pain has been transformed into a
passionate organization. Sparkles of Life Inc. is so proud to stand
together to celebrate Mothers and Mothers-at-Heart in an inspiring
uplifting ambiance, a necessity for stronger families in the future. Through
strategic programming, we will offer education, emotional, spiritual, and
now financial support for those who are building a family.
To all of our guests and sponsors, we thank you for your prayers and
generous contributions to make this celebration a success today.
Sparkles of Life Inc. encourages families to stay the course for their family
building journey and you have partnered with them today by your
attendance. Special thanks to our presenters for providing the leading
technology and education on infertility and family building choices.
Special thanks to all of the 2014 Board Members for working so tirelessly
on this event. What an amazing group of women you are and I am
humbled – to serve as the founder. Thank you for recognizing the
importance of families and their health related struggles and thank you for
all of the hard work that you have done to ensure that this be a successful
event.
Rhonda Lewis-Nwosu
Founder
2014 Sparkles Program
Margo Hickman
Margo Hickman is proud to serve as the
Theatre Arts Teacher at Jack Yates Senior
High School and is a proud Alumnus of the
famed Crimson and Gold. She has led her
students to District Championships in UIL
One Act Play 2009 and 2010 and is excited
that the award-winning theatre company
advanced to Regional’s in UIL One Act Play
for 2013.
Welcome
Poetry “I Am Special”
It’s YOUR Time
Blessing
Brunch
Video Presentation
Introduction of Guest Speaker
Speaker
Rhonda Nwosu
Rachel & Raquel
Margo Hickman
Jo August
Ral’s Fine Catering
Rhonda Nwosu
Margo Hickman
Mariah Huq
Awards and Presentations
Rhonda Nwosu
Acknowledgements
Rhonda Nwosu
Closing
Rhonda Nwosu
2014 Sparkles Keynote Speaker
Mariah Huq
Mariah Huq is the multifaceted former
news anchor and producer, and COO
of Jewels and Jem, multicultural
children’s bedding and pajama line.
Mariah is also the co-creator,
producer, and co-star of Bravo’s new
hit series “Married to Medicine.” To
date, Mariah Huq's show has garnered
the highest Nielsen ratings on the
network with 2.7 million viewers for a
freshman series.
@iluvmariah
2014 Sparkles Woman of Courage
Sheryl Harris Howard
Sheryl Harris Howard was born in
Swainsboro, Georgia which is where she
met and married the love of her life Dwight
D. Howard. She is the proud mother of three
children: TaShanda, Dwight D. Howard II,
and Jahaziel. She is the grandmother of
seven beautiful grandchildren. Sheryl
believes in family and that the foundation
for family is God first. Her love for Christ is
expressed through ministering the Word of God to the hearts of others.
Sheryl nurtures this love through her membership at Harvest Rain Church
International of Fairburn, Georgia.
2014 Sparkles Mother’s Heart Award
Loretta Nwosu
Loretta Nwosu exemplifies a Caring Heart to her
family and the country of Nigeria because of her
unstoppable effort to improve the life of children!
She is the mother of three children, Ral Nwosu, the
late Ona Stella Nwosu, and Oby Imoh. She is the
proud grandmother of seven children (Adamma,
Vanessa, Chidi Jr., Raquel, Rachel, Ryan, and
Melody) and the mother to thousands who have
attended her school.
In 1976, she returned from her studies in Scotland and founded the Loral
International Schools. Her dream to bring out the best in children started
with humble beginnings, establishing of the Nursery and Primary Schools.
Today, Loral has expanded into five schools on two campuses with nearly
500 staff, namely:
* The Nursery and Primary Schools Day, Festac Town (1978)
* The Secondary School, Day, Festac Town (2005)
* The Nursery and Primary Schools, Day and Boarding, Igbesa (2002)
* The Secondary School, Boarding, Igbesa (1994)
* The Cambridge A/Level College, Boarding, Igbesa
Loretta is a trailblazer in her own rite and was recently named by
Education Ion Magazine as one of the top four private schools in Festac
Town, Nigeria. Her mission and commitment remains the same, to mold
the tender life of a child from nursery through primary to secondary levels
by developing them into men and women of strong character and
personality. After almost forty years, she has set a platform to continue as
a leading light in the education industry, spiritual, intellectual, emotional,
physical, and social life of a student. This proven path equips students to
successfully compete in any area of life. Loral has maintained an unbroken
record of successes in the Senior School Certificate Examination, The
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Examinations, The London
Cambridge 'O' Level Exams, SAT and TOEFL. Loral students are noted
for consistently gaining easy access to renowned Higher Institutions all
over the world.
Oletha Jackson is the sole expression of a
Mother’s Heart to her family and all those
she has mentored in the beauty industry for over
forty years. She is the mother of two
sons, Kalenn and Monsieur Walzer. She is the
proud grandmother of a granddaughter, Jessica
and grandson Jordan Walzer and has a great
grandchild on the way.
Oletha Jackson
Oletha has made her mark in Houston as a
Licensed Cosmetologist and then as a Cosmetology Instructor. She is
currently retired. Her greatest legacy is within her own family, where she
has consistently supported and encouraged her sons to live their “Best Life
Now!” She made an indelible impression on both of them that will last for
generations to come.
As a child, when Monsieur asked the simple question, “Why do you have
holes in your clothes?” She told him, “I wear holes in mine so you and
your brother will NEVER have too!” As a result of her love and
unwavering support, Monsieur has followed in her footsteps establishing
his own beauty brand, The MW Face Makeup Company that provides
services for all occasions. Recently, The MW Face was awarded a contract
to service the Southwest Regions with L’Oreal Cosmetics. Monsieur
credits all of his success to his Mother’s Heart!
2014 Sparkles Impact Report
Professional Woman
It’s people like you that keep fires burning. Our hearts are weary, but we keep
going. When you least expect it, God place people in your life to make your
valley’s meaning and to remind you of purpose. Thank you all you do!
2012-2013 Vivere Garden of Life Recipient
This organization has provided me with hope when I felt all was lost. I met many
other wonderful ladies and couples who shared in my experiences. I no longer
feel alone, but like I am part of a new family. Rhonda has personally helped me
to remain positive and deepen my faith and relationship with God.
Brunch Attendee
Just note to say how much I enjoyed the brunch last Saturday. How wonderful to
know an organization exists to support those who are on this journey. It took 8
years to conceive our daughter through IVF; now she's 12 and in middle school.
Back then I had no one to talk to, short of our doctor, my mother and our Pastor,
and he couldn't fully understand. Thank you Rhonda for following your heart and
birthing this awesome ministry.
Sparkles Mom to Be
“I am so grateful that organizations like this exist. Having a baby of my own has
been a dream of mine my whole life, and I know that I am not alone in that
dream. Thank you for making family's dreams comes true!”
Physician, Neonatologist
“For over 15 years, I have watched Rhonda commit to and nurture a passion that
started as a seed and ultimately fulfilled her calling in forming Sparkles of Life. I
often struggle with what words of comfort I could offer to parents experiencing
this sort of loss. She is passionate about the community she serves in and because
of her own journey and challenges.”
Professional Woman
“I am not a parent by choice. Until I met Rhonda, I never understood or gave
much thought to the plight of women who struggle to conceive or give birth. She
has given me, and no doubt hundreds of other family members and friends of
moms-to-be, new insight and empathy.”
Professional Woman
“Sparkles was the additional support; the wind beneath our wings when we
thought we couldn't fly again! Praise God that we kept the fight and that Sparkles
wouldn't allow us to give up or in. We now have two healthy sons! Even now
Sparkles is staying connected and reminding us that there is nothing impossible
with God.”
Professional Woman
"I'm 4 months pregnant. Praise God. What a journey. What a journey. We
talked much about this journey. You were a true inspiration and encouragement.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you...."
Debbie Festari
2014 Sparkles Honorees
Kandi Eastman
Krista Bourne, President
Houston/Gulf Coast Region
Verizon Wireless
Dr. Joanie Hare, OB/GYN
Houston Perinatal Associates
Kandi Eastman, Radio
Personality/Announcer
Majic 102.1 FM
Debbie Festari, Owner of Festari
for Men and Philanthropist
“Una Notte In Italia”
Kristyn Page, Director Diversity
Strategies MACYS
Kysha Reid, Executive Producer
Fox 26 News
Barbara Curtis, Sr. Director
Lakewood Church
Karen Johnson, Mother of 7-time
NFL All Pro Houston Texans Andre
Johnson and CEO/Founder of the
P.A.C.E. Moms
Dr. Docia Rudley, First Lady of
Texas Southern University and
Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor
Hawa Stinson, FNP Lead Family
Nurse Practitioner
Bee Busy Wellness Center
Wellness Center
Lashica Salter-Velazquez, PHR
Market Human Resource Manager
Wal-Mart
2014 Sparkles’ Honorees
2014 Sparkles Conference Speakers
Katy Encalade
Egg Donor Solutions, LLC
Katy Encalade, Assistant Children's
Minister. Katy is a great example of how
your passion can grow into ministry. First
as a volunteer, and now as a staff
member, Katy's work with children is
second only to her husband Blake in
importance. She and Blake are expecting
their second child. Katy has over 5 years
experience with children's Bible classes and
graduated from Dallas Baptist University with a Bachelor's Degree in
Business and Psychology. She is a sales director with Mary Kay and
volunteers at a crisis pregnancy center, Real Options for Women. Katy
counsels women who face an unplanned pregnancy and she speaks at local
middle schools and churches about abstinence. Brent, Candace, Katy, and
David serve along with many talented, well-trained volunteer ministers.
LesLee Murphy
LCSW
Leslee Murphy, LCSW is a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker specializing in
women's health issues including
infertility, depression and anxiety,
pregnancy loss, post partum mood disorders,
adoption, and high-risk pregnancy. Leslee
also provides evaluations and consultations in the
field of third-party reproduction, including oocyte donation, embryo
donation, donor insemination, and gestational carrier arrangements. She
has provided counseling, education, and support to individuals, families
and groups for over 20 years. Leslee's expertise in the field of fertility
stems from a unique combination of both personal and professional
experience.
Dr. Pat Akindude
Lunch Date with Jesus
Dr. Pat Akindude is the president of Lunch
Date with Jesus, a daily prayer line and
Empowering Ministry Outreach. Pat leads
Sabbath with Jesus services on Saturdays.
She is an Author of Empowering Life Skills for
Success and Prayer that gets answers; many have
been helped with her writing and teaching. She is a renowned National
and International speaker.
Dr. Daniel Williams
Houston Fertility Institute
Medical Director
Male Panel Moderator
Dr. Williams received both his
undergraduate degree in biology and his
medical degree from The University of
Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.
He completed residency training in
obstetrics and gynecology at King-Drew Medical
Center in Los Angeles and completed his fellowship in reproductive
endocrinology and infertility at UCLA/Cedars Sinai Medical Centers.
Following his training, Dr. Williams joined the faculty at Washington
University School of Medicine as an associate professor and the medical
director of the IVF program. He then served as a professor of obstetrics
and gynecology and the medical director for the Center for Reproductive
Health at The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine.
Dr. Williams is the recipient of numerous teaching awards and has also
been repeatedly named one of the Best Doctors in America. In 2009, Dr.
Williams joined Houston Fertility Institute where he serves as the Director
of the Egg Donor Program. He is a fellow in the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology and is board certified in obstetrics and
gynecology as well as reproductive endocrinology-infertility.
Betty Driver
Owner, BB Health & Wellness
Boutique
Betty Driver is the founder of BB Health
and Wellness Boutique, a healthy
lifestyle product and service company
which also offers an array of products
online. Betty founded BB health and
Wellness Boutique after many successful years as
a medical and pharmaceutical sales representative. As she surveyed the
current choices in healthcare, she saw there were no companies that
offered concierge service with a personal touch for individuals. The
boutique focuses on healthy living, weight loss, weight management, and
bolstering shape wear accessories. Betty is currently in the midst of
launching BB Sexy Couture, a clothing line dedicated to women; inspired
by working mothers. Betty resides in Houston with her children Brielle
and CJ.
2014 Sparkles Families
Napoleon & Syretta Miller
Baby name: Kennedy Simone
Date of Birth: 10/02/13
Birth weight: 7lbs 2oz
Now that I am a MOM again, I am reminded to love unconditionally
and to enjoy every moment. It was well worth the wait because she
came in Gods timing. The best part of becoming a parent is watching
the development of our kids each day. We are happy to give God all the
glory because we are so thankful that he blessed us with a healthy baby.
Tiffany Gardner
Baby Name: Isaiah Ezekiel
Date of Birth: February 21, 2014
I gave birth to beautiful Isaiah Ezekiel
Gardner on February 21st. I've been
praising God since his birth and just
today heard your voice saying, "Delay is
not denial."
My journey had very difficult moments.
And the Lord sent you and Sparkles of
Life in my life just when I needed it.
Thank you. You and your work truly
made an impact and a difference.
Tamala Groce
Baby name: Hudson Elijah
Date of Birth: 8/14/13
Birth weight: 8 lbs 13 in
Although I look forward to the time that Hudson sleeps through the
night, it is still one of my greatest pleasures when he smiles sweetly up
at me as I lift him from his crib in the wee hours of the morning. It is as
if I am his whole world and he is mine. Having been blessed with two
babies via IVF, seeing them together, smiling at one another is
unspeakable joy. I give God the glory because he blessed me with a
husband who loves me. Even though he definitely wanted children, he
married me knowing that I had infertility challenges. Seeing him with
our two boys fills my heart beyond measure and lets me know it was
worth the wait.
If you still on the journey, I am here to tell you there’s hope – I was 43
when I had my son Holland (my first child) and 46 when I had Hudson.
I thank God for the experience of pregnancy, for healthy babies, and for
the honor and responsibility of rearing two little boys on the path to
manhood. Parenting is not a task to be taken lightly, but I am overjoyed
at the opportunity. One of the best parts of becoming a parent is seeing
yourself or your spouse reflected in your child either by their looks or
mannerisms or even by something they say or do. Saturday morning is
one of my favorite times as the whole family watches TV and hangs out
in Mommy and Daddy’s room simply enjoying being together.
Josephine and Kenneth Emakepose
Baby name: Ethan (Jojo 'd' Boy)
Evan (Kenny 'd' Boy)
Date of Birth: 03-15-2014
Birth weight: 4.9 lbs and 5.6 lbs
Now that I am a MOM, I feel fulfilled looking at my own children in
my arms. It was well worth the wait because God has proved himself
as God by blessing us with 2 children at a time. The best part of
becoming a parent is feeling the warmth and love of your own
children. We are happy to give God all the glory because He has
honored his words in our mouth by answering our prayers. If you are
still on the journey, don't quit. Keep trusting God and He will prove
himself as God by blessing you with your own children.
Mark & Amanda Cervas
Baby name: Jaxon (Jax) Myles
Jase Brayden
Date of Birth: 3-6-14
Birth weight: 4 lb 10 oz and 4 lb 8 oz
Now that I am a MOM, I am overwhelmed with emotion. I'm so
happy to be a mother. It's like everyone says "The best feeling ever".
It was well worth the wait because I appreciate the life of a child more
and the blessing God gave me. The best part of being a parent is that
you have unconditional love for someone. We are happy to give God
all the glory because He has given me strength to battle through and
not give up trying.
Aaron & Hannah Bunker
Baby name: Cason and Grace
Nickname: Cason and Gracie
Date of Birth: 12/09/2013
Cason and Gracie were well worth the wait because when I look at
them, I see the exact people that God had planned for our family. To
look at them and know that all the pain and heartache led us to our
children. I wouldn't change a single thing on our path to our babies.
We give God all the glory because he orchestrated every single note in
our journey to them-from giving us the $25,000 to pay our adoption
through faithful givers, to proving our needs once they came home
with us- it's all been a part of God's incredible plan for our family.
JAI JONES
832-368-6604
JAIDED325CLOTHING@GMAIL.COM
WWW.JAIDED325.COM
Catherine Burnley
Now that I am a MOM, I feel like my whole world has changed for the
better. I have a little person to be greater for, work harder for, and be a
good example for. It was well worth the wait because babies are such
blessings whether a family receives them naturally or by adoption. The
best part of becoming a parent is being able to love, shape your child,
and provide the best environment for him or her to grow and become
his or her own special little individual.
We are happy to give God all the glory because I was told a while ago
that I could not have children and the lord blessed me to be able to have
my little blessing. If you are still on the journey, no matter how hard it
may seem, God does not make mistakes. He moves all the right pieces
to the right places and closes doors to open greater ones. Stay
encouraged and keep the faith because although God’s time is not our
time, he is always on time.
Jason & Shalya White
Baby name: Jordan Reylan & Cameron Caden
Date of Birth: September 27, 2013
Birth weight: 4lb 13oz and 3lb 15oz
Now that I am a MOM, I would not trade it for the world. This is what
I was meant to do. It was well worth the wait because these two little
miracles were specially made just for us. God was preparing us to be
the parents that these two little guys need. The best part of becoming a
parent is that the all consuming, unconditional love that we have for our
boys provides me with a glimpse of just how much God loves us. And
WE know that God loves us even more than that. We can't even wrap
our minds around just how much God loves us. We are happy to give
God all the glory because He answered our very specific prayers for
twins. He sustained us during the dark days when we didn't understand
why us and now He provides for us like only He can. If you are still on
the journey, pray without ceasing. God is listening. We are witnesses
that He will answer. "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain,
"Go throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in their heart, but
believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you
have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:23-24. Our faith in
God is stronger because of this journey and we can't wait to tell our
boys their story.
Last year, I attended the Sparkles Christmas gathering. You gave us
each a Christmas ornament as a gift. I specifically asked for two
because we were believing and praying for twins. That night my
husband and I wrote notes to our babies to let them know that we had
faith that they would be with us by the next Christmas. The last picture
is of them on Christmas night with those two ornaments in between
them. God is so good and faithful!
Gail Mathis 713-269-3746
Designed by
@sparklesoflife
@rhondanwosu
rhonda@sparklesoflife.o
rg