Inside Today: Heights businesswoman honored at Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon Page 2
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Saturday, October 5, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.40
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Pop-Up Co-Op: Empowering female entrepreneurs through creativity and community By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor Founded in 2017 by Cara Carbajal, the Pop-Up Co-Op has quickly become a beacon of female entrepreneurship in Houston, providing a dynamic platform for women-owned businesses to thrive. Located in the M-K-T development on N. Shepherd, this boutique serves as a creative hub where shoppers can discover a care-
fully curated selection of apparel, home décor, jewelry, accessories, and art. What makes the Pop-Up CoOp truly special is its commitment to supporting female-owned brands and fostering a sense of community.
A VISION BORN FROM CHALLENGE The inspiration for the Pop-Up CoOp arose from Carbajal’s own experiences navigating the challenges of
entrepreneurship. Carbajal shared with The Leader how the idea was born from the closure of her first boutique. “When The Pop-Up Co-Op launched in December 2017, I was simultaneously closing my first boutique I started with a friend. I was given the opportunity for a short-term lease during the holiday season in Submitted photo
See CO-OP P. 2
Pop Up Co-Op owner Cara Carbajal
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Moms Demand Action: A grassroots movement for gun safety By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
Oktoberfest is coming to a beer garden near you!
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Greater Houston Partnership releases report on regional demographics
Page 4 Photo of Big Boy No. 4014 taken in North Platte, NE, in 2021, against a dramatic sky backdrop.
GUEST COLUMN: The power players behind your electric bill
Photo courtesy of Union Pacific
Big Boy No. 4014 steams into Houston for 1-day display
Moms Demand Action (MDA), a national grassroots movement, is making significant strides in promoting public safety measures that protect communities from gun violence. Founded by Shannon Watts in response to the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, the organization has grown into a powerful force, with a chapter in every state and Washington, D.C., as well as over 200,000 supporters in Texas alone. Shannon Watts started Moms Demand Action as a simple Facebook group to raise awareness about gun violence. The group quickly transformed into a nationwide movement, drawing in mothers, fathers, students, and concerned citizens all fighting for gun reform. The organization, now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, advocates for stronger gun laws and community-driven efforts to encourage responsible gun ownership. Liz Hanks, a Heights resident and MDA volunteer, shared her personal story of how she became involved. Hanks first encountered the reality of gun violence prevention when she was living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Hiking with a group for new moms, Hanks was front See MDA P. 5
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
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Train enthusiasts and history buffs are in for a treat as the iconic Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operational steam locomotive, makes a stop in Houston just south of the Heights on October 6, 2024. The stop is part of the “Heartland of America Tour,” an eight-week journey spanning 10 states that began in late August from Cheyenne, Wyoming. The locomotive, which stretches an impressive 132 feet and weighs 1.2 million pounds, will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Houston Amtrak Station, located at 902 Washington Ave. Admission to view Big Boy is free and open to
Love Park rings in fall with Cigna Sunday in the Park
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Photo courtesy of Union Pacific
Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operational steam engine, is coming to Houston Oct. 6.
the public, but no onsite parking is available. Visitors are encouraged to use downtown Houston’s public parking facilities, where parking fees may apply.
Big Boy No. 4014, originally built in 1941, was designed for Union Pacific Railroad and was See BIG BOY P. 5
Submitted photo
MDA during the last session at the Texas State Capitol, demanding that the state raise the age to buy certain assault style rifles from 18 to 21 years old.
Big Brothers Big Sisters announces annual gala and goal to expand program Heights area eateries shine at Chefs For Farmers food festival
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By RUBENA GRACIA The Leader News Contributor Big Brothers Big Sisters, which began in 1904, seeks to unlock the potential “inherent in every child.” It is the largest donor- and volunteersupported mentoring network in the country, supporting children from ages 6 through 18. This vital organization needs qualified adult volunteers to expand its mission. Laura Hanet has lived in Oak Forest for 16 years. Her 10-year-old son, Alex, is in 5th grade at Oak Forest
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Elementary School. Because of a shortage of volunteers, he has been on the waiting list for a Big Brother for nearly two years. Hanet said she had wanted to volunteer as a Big Sister herself before experiencing several unexpected personal challenges. Her mother and stepfather are now both elderly and in poor health. Alex’s father, who was not an involved parent, passed away last year. Her own father passed away long ago. When asked what she hoped her son could achieve from the program, Laura said, “I’d like him to learn that there
are good men in the world and have someone, a volunteer who is a male (he gets enough of mommy) to teach him things, build a relationship, and help him learn to trust.” She hopes that more capable and honorable men will step up to volunteer for the program. BBBS provided information about their organization: “Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring organization, creates and supports oneto-one mentoring relationships that See BBBS P. 5
Allegiance Bank and CommunityBank of Texas have come together as Stellar Bank. While our name has changed, our commitment to serving our customers and supporting our local communities will stay the same. We look forward to a bright future together.
2222 North Durham | 281.517.8760 Margaret Vandever, Bank Office President Cecilia Rodriguez, Office Manager