Wine Women and Song

On March 7th, the British American Foundation of Texas held its annual Wine Women and Song. Along with 217 ladies, champagne, tea and shortbread, the Fab 5 and several raffle prizes, the event featured a speech from a remarkable young lady. BAFTX Junior Achiever 2019, Edna Gutiérrez took the mic and explained how the BAFTX Junior Achiever program, 2 weeks experiencing British culture, history, arts and politics, had been a once in a lifetime experience:

“When I came back, I noticed that my neighbors believed I was lying about going to the UK, saying that “someone like me and who lives in a trailer could never possibly have the money to go”.

An emotionally charged speech that came straight from the heart of this high school Senior revealed just how the program has changed her:

“Having this opportunity, has changed me in more ways than I can say. Before this trip, I never really felt comfortable with the idea of leaving my home and going to an entirely different state or country. Luckily, now I do. I was accepted into Colgate University last month and I feel as though I am better prepared to continue my career somewhere that isn’t Houston, Texas. As a first-generation college student and American, having this opportunity was something that seemed unreachable. I feel more confident being independent, making new friendships, and a lot more certain and comfortable with my future.”

This is why we fundraise for this program. So that young people in Texas have the opportunity to dream beyond their county, to dare to apply to college out of state, to achieve their goals. The program is offered at the end of their Junior year, at a pivotal point in their academic career, before they commit to college in state when, really, they are destined for Ivy League institutions.

BAFTX is committed to this life-changing program, so much so that we are expanding it this summer, so that more students than ever, just like Edna, are able to dream bigger when it comes to college. In 2020, BAFTX will fund ten places on this program instead of the usual six.

Thank you to all our event guests, volunteers, donors and supporters - we can’t achieve this without you.

"I’m going to Brown University"

Diana OLMOS

BAFTX Junior Achiever 2018

I’m going to Brown University.

That’s how BAFTX Junior Achiever Diana Olmos closed her speech at the Wine, Women and Song luncheon. A celebratory afternoon filled with laughter, wine and dancing to the Fab 5 Beatles cover band, the most memorable part for me were those words:

I’m going to Brown University.

The benefits of BAFTX’s traditional scholarships that end with a college degree are tangible. After four years you see the success of these bright young minds as they move into jobs and start to make their mark on the world.

You have to look closer to appreciate the impact of the BAFTX Junior Achievers grant, which awards students with a two-week summer program in the UK. Some have never left the US, or even Houston. But as they get their first passports and get on their first plane, this experience is actually helping them take the first tentative step into a world of what’s possible.

As Diana began her trip last summer, she was homesick and filled with doubt -- reluctant to join in or speak up. But as she was exposed to history, politics, art and new friends, over the course of the two-week trip something happened. She began to join in and change her perspective on what her future could hold. She gained the confidence to speak up. 

And months later in front of room full of 200 people at a celebratory lunch, as she thanked BAFTX supporters for her experience she did just that:

I’m going to Brown University. 

Post written by Kathy Sauvé, BAFTX Board Member and Wine Women and Song 2019 Sponsor