Welcome to our Gala Committee

The title for our institute’s most significant gathering event of the year is “VIVA LA GALA” arising from the celebration of appreciation for life and everything that accompanies it. The Institute, with the support of the Gala Committee, covers the entire planning to celebrate together the joy of our mission and culture. “Long live food” “long live culture” “long live education” “long live life”.

This Gala is only possible thanks to the help of our community, sponsors, and members who strive to reach the ambitious goal of raising funds for scholarships that empower future generations. The definition of Gala sponsorship packages takes place at the start of the year, and it’s the responsibility of each Institute member to seek potential sponsors.

Gala Committee

Carmen Muñoz

Board Member

Carmen was born in Leon, Mexico. Carmen’s passion for design comes from a childhood surrounded by books, history, and the arts. In 1997 Carmen moved to Florence, Italy to study jewelry design studies at Fuji Art School. Her inspiration emanates from a myriad of Italian and other architectural works from the Gothic to the most contemporary. Two years later, she returned to Mexico where she opened her own shop creating custom-made unique pieces for the luxury Mexican market.

In 2000 she moved to Houston, and in 2002 launched “Contemporary Stones” as part of Carmen Ibarra LLC. In 2003, Carmen was named “Best Jewelry Designer” by Houston Press and Houston Chronicle, each dedicating an article featuring her jewelry. In 2011 Carmen opened her studio at the Jewelry Center. Her custom-made designs are unique and she works with clients in both Mexico and the US.

In 2017 Carmen obtained her real estate license, and while jewelry design remains her first love, she is also working with Keller Williams Metropolitan with Uptown Real Estate Group. She works with local and Latin American clients. Carmen is a citizen of both Mexico and the US and is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian.

Carmen Muñoz

Carmen was born in Leon, Mexico. Carmen's passion for design comes from a childhood surrounded by books, history, and the arts. In 1997 Carmen moved to Florence, Italy to study jewelry design studies at Fuji Art School. Her inspiration emanates from a myriad of Italian and other architectural works from the Gothic to the most contemporary. Two years later, she returned to Mexico where she opened her own shop creating custom-made unique pieces for the luxury Mexican market.

In 2000 she moved to Houston, and in 2002 launched "Contemporary Stones" as part of Carmen Ibarra LLC. In 2003, Carmen was named "Best Jewelry Designer" by Houston Press and Houston Chronicle, each dedicating an article featuring her jewelry. In 2011 Carmen opened her studio at the Jewelry Center. Her custom-made designs are unique and she works with clients in both Mexico and the US.

In 2017 Carmen obtained her real estate license, and while jewelry design remains her first love, she is also working with Keller Williams Metropolitan with Uptown Real Estate Group. She works with local and Latin American clients. Carmen is a citizen of both Mexico and the US and is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian.

Mónica Amariz

Board Member

A natural entrepreneur, she moved to Houston to start her own business where she met her husband and after becoming an investor and partner at his company, FlexiPlus Services, together they started ROWL Trucking as a specialized transportation company in the bulk liquid arena. For over 10 years, she excelled as the director and head of finance at both companies and helped grow them over 1,000%, to eight figures in sales and 75+ employees; today their group of companies, ROWL United, is dedicated to Global Logistics Solutions with emphasis in Central and South America. One of her proudest accomplishments is to bring work opportunities back to her small town in Colombia, by establishing a logistics office there and employing over 20 people.

In her current role as Chief Heart Officer, Mónica oversees the well-being of all personnel and the improvement of the workplace environment for an overall pleasant employee experience; she cultivates a culture of diversity and accountability and mentors her employees according to their values: Be ahead, Be Positive, Be the Guide.

Aside from her primary vocational pursuits, she is a member of Houston’s Briar Club and an avid volunteer of Saint John’s School parents’ guild, where she co-chaired the Wassail Party and Holiday Decorations Committee during the 2021-2022 academic year. She is a proud mother of 2 boys, 7-year-old Luka and 19 months old Milan.

Her passion for Interior Design has been always part of her life and finally in 2019 made her take the decision of opening Your Elevated Space, to help others elevate their spaces so they could live and work in a space they love, which she firmly believes everyone deserves.

Mónica Amariz

Mónica is a proud Colombian born woman, calling Houston home since 2011. An Industrial Engineer by training, Mónica began her career in the coal mining industry in Colombia. Upon relocating to Puerto Rico, she was recruited by Eli Lilly & Co. and started a career in the pharmaceutical industry that took her to be a project manager for Boston Scientific, with which she thrived for five years.

A natural entrepreneur, she moved to Houston to start her own business where she met her husband and after becoming an investor and partner at his company, FlexiPlus Services, together they started ROWL Trucking as a specialized transportation company in the bulk liquid arena. For over 10 years, she excelled as the director and head of finance at both companies and helped grow them over 1,000%, to eight figures in sales and 75+ employees; today their group of companies, ROWL United, is dedicated to Global Logistics Solutions with emphasis in Central and South America. One of her proudest accomplishments is to bring work opportunities back to her small town in Colombia, by establishing a logistics office there and employing over 20 people.

In her current role as Chief Heart Officer, Mónica oversees the well-being of all personnel and the improvement of the workplace environment for an overall pleasant employee experience; she cultivates a culture of diversity and accountability and mentors her employees according to their values: Be ahead, Be Positive, Be the Guide.

Aside from her primary vocational pursuits, she is a member of Houston’s Briar Club and an avid volunteer of Saint John’s School parents’ guild, where she co-chaired the Wassail Party and Holiday Decorations Committee during the 2021-2022 academic year. She is a proud mother of 2 boys, 7-year-old Luka and 19 months old Milan.

Her passion for Interior Design has been always part of her life and finally in 2019 made her take the decision of opening Your Elevated Space, to help others elevate their spaces so they could live and work in a space they love, which she firmly believes everyone deserves.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Be part of a historic milestone by supporting Viva the Gala! as a sponsor. Your commitment helps the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston continue its mission of preserving heritage, expanding educational opportunities, and uplifting future generations.

Sponsorship offers exclusive benefits, including prominent recognition, premier seating, and meaningful connections with Houston’s philanthropic and business leaders. More than just a celebration, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community while showcasing your dedication to cultural enrichment and education.

$ 50,000

2 Tables for 10
Dedicated cocktail and wine service throughout dinner and program
Special name recognition in welcome remarks at Gala (option to address attendees in welcome remarks)
(6) posts on IHCH LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages highlighting you and / or your company as a Presenting Sponsor
Option to be interviewed for an exclusive profile to showcase contribution and support of the IHCH and Gala
1 Night at the Omni Hotel the day of the event
Name recognition in event program, website and sponsorship reel.

$ 25,000

Table for 10
Special name recognition in welcome remarks at Gala
(4) posts on IHCH LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages highlighting you and / or your company as a Platinum Sponsor
Name recognition in event program, website and sponsorship reel

$ 15,000

Table for 10
(3) posts on IHCH LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages highlighting you and / or your company as a Gold Sponsor
Name recognition in event program, website and sponsorship reel

$ 10,000

Table for 10
(2) posts on IHCH LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook pages highlighting you and / or your company as a Silver Sponsor
Name recognition in event program, website and sponsorship reel

$ 5,000

Table for 10
Name recognition in event program

ALL SPONSOR LEVELS

Includes the following which will include level of sponsorship:
• Name recognition in event program • Name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel • Name recognition on IHCH website

UNDERWRITING OPPORTUNITIES - VIVA! THE GALA! 2025

Underwriters receive name recognition on the event stage and company logo placement in the
sponsorship highlight reel, unless otherwise noted. Ticket or table allocations vary by level.

$ 25,000

1 Gala Table for 10
Name recognition on event stage as exclusive live entertainment sponsor
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel

$ 15,000

1 Gala Table for 10
Name recognition on event stage as exclusive live entertainment sponsor
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel

$ 10,000

1 Gala Table for 10
Name recognition on event stage as exclusive live entertainment sponsor
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel

$ 7,500

4 tickets to the Gala
Name recognition on bar during event and in sponsorship highlight reel as exclusive sponsor and signature cocktail creator
Opportunity to collaborate with Gala co-chairs to create signature cocktail

$ 7,500

4 tickets to the Gala
Name recognition on event signage as exclusive “late-night dancing shoes” sponsor
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel

$ 5,000

2 tickets to the Gala
Name recognition on the Audio and Video, and in the sponsorship highlight reel as the exclusive sponsor
Opportunity to collaborate with Gala co-chairs to develop dessert and coffee bar menu for event

$ 3,000

2 tickets to the Gala
Name recognition on photographer during event as exclusive sponsor
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel

$ 2,500

2 tickets to the Gala
Name recognition on the front of the event program (option to be include company logo on the back of the program)
Company logo / name recognition in sponsorship highlight reel