THANK YOU!

To those who attended our exhibit, left words of empowerment to our participants, and committed to a word that brings you positivity, encouragement and a promise to feel empowered.

Our mission would not be possible without the help of our sponsors, volunteers, friends and family. We appreciate your continuous support in providing teen girls with - more than a dress.

Our Portrait Project Participants

scroll down to read full biographies

NORMA ARREDONDO

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

COMPASSION

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"No matter what happens, don't stop dreaming!"

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

To see the girls’ faces when they find the perfect dress!

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

It made me feel special

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Let the little moments fill you up

LILIAN ASONYE

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

QUEEN

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"God didn’t bring you this far to leave you!"

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

I absolutely loved this photo shoot! I love how comfortable everyone made me feel and how understanding they are!

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

So beautiful and loved!

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Always stay true to yourself, and remember, you’re beautiful!

Lilian currently attends the University of North Texas (Go Eagles!). She loves interacting and meeting new people, and in her free time she enjoys dancing and listending to music - which she does like, everyday!

KENDRA BROWN

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

LIVE

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"Be you; everyone else is taken!"

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

Being able to exhort the girls and see their face light up when speaking life into them

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

Glamorous!

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

In life, follow peace. If you have to force something to happen, pause a moment and think it through.

A native Houstonian, Kendra is in her 21st year as an educator who loves to bring joy to the lives of others. She is married to Chris and has 3 dogs (Kirby, Zoe Bear, and Polly Pop). She is an active member of Anointed Faith Family Church and
The Junior League of The Woodlands.

SELINA GALVAN

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

BRILLIANT

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" Psalm 37:4

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

My favorite thing about them is that they always find a way to check up on their girls. I feel very welcomed!

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

From the moment I walked through the studio doors, I felt comfortable. The ladies there definitely made this an unforgettable experience. Also, who knew a fan would make me feel so confident! I walked out of the doors feeling empowered!

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

That a girl that once tumbled to achieve her first steps is now traveling far without second guessing her footwork. You are the epitome of success. However, do not be quick to compare the progress of your journey to others - we all tripped over our feet at some point.

Selina currently attends the University of Houston as a Psychology major. She enjoys DIY, all things crafty and believes painting is a great form of therapy! She’s a lover of vintage finds - Grandma’s closet here she comes!

DANIELLE LAPELL

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

STRONG

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"Be the best you can be"

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

Seeing the girls when they find a dress they love and helping them make sure everything is perfect.

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

My first thought was no one wants to see this lady! Then I thought this might be fun. I had fun! I haven’t done something like this in years!

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Embrace you, be yourself, don’t let others negativity or harsh words matter. Know you are beautiful.

Danielle is a certified teacher, married and has 2 sons and 7 grandchildren. She loves to sew and has been since she was 10 years old. Danielle has worked with Giving Gown from the beginning and loves being able to help young ladies be beautiful. She’ll always go the extra mile to make sure they get the dress, even if she has to make it!

AMBER LOGAN & DAUGHTER, KATRINA LOGAN

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

PURPOSE

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"If you can dream it, you can do it" Walt Disney

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

I have been a part of Giving Gown for over ten years. I now primarily help in the capacity of the School Liaison. My favorite experience is jumping on the school busses and feeling the excitement in the princesses (girls) when they arrive and then seeing their faces glow when they walk into the boutique.

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

I loved participating in the portrait session because I was able to do so with my daughter. I was able to see her shine brightly and feel beautiful about herself.

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Be yourself! God created you to be uniquely you!

Amber is married to her best friend, Mark for almost 20 years and have 2 amazing children, Andrew (16) and Katrina (11). She grew up in Washington State on a beef farm and still spends her summers there. They enjoy traveling, sports and games of all kinds as a family. She has been in the education field for 20 years and is currently an assistant principal at an elementary school.

Katrina is a sixth grade student who enjoys being creative. She currently plays the voila, loves sewing and art projects, and the family dog, Sarah.

CRISTINA MARCHESANO

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

HAPPINESS

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"The starting point of all achievement is desire" Napoleon Hill

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

GGF makes a difference through empowering young women by improving their confidence and motivating them to succeed. I love that this cause encourages women to support and encourage each other.

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

The portrait session was a great experience that allowed me to dress up and made me feel beautiful and significant.

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

If you work hard and stay positive, you will be successful in anything you do. Never compare yourself to other people, but rather, put forth your best effort to accomplish your dreams.

Cristina Marchesano, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician, wife and mother. Dr. Marchesano majored in biology and biochemistry & molecular biology for her undergraduate studies at Houston Baptist University, earning a Bachelor of Science. She completed her medical degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston where she met her husband, Dr. Shaun Varghese. Dr. Marchesano completed her residency in pediatrics at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and served as chief resident of the pediatric residency program. Dr. Marchesano holds certification from the American Board of Pediatrics. She currently works at THINK Neurology for Kids using her expertise to evaluate and manage patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and child development concerns. When she’s not devoting her time to young patients, Dr. Marchesano takes great pleasure in spending time with her husband and their two sons. Her hobbies include swimming, boating and traveling.

PEYTON SCHOTT

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

STRONG

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"The greatest gift we can receive is to have the chance, just once in our lives to make a difference." Dr. Strange (Marvel)

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

One of my favorite experiences with Giving Gown was helping girls find their dream dress. Getting to walk with them, learn more about who they are and what their dreams are was so amazing. Each girl I worked with changed me in different ways and being able to be a part of that experience is something I will carry with me forever. I am truly grateful for the opportunities Giving Gown has given me.

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

Confident! Being a part of this showed me that I am a beautiful, strong, independent woman. Before my session I was struggling with my self confidence and felt drained. Once I saw the photos it was an indescribable boost of confidence, I felt so amazing and it made me remember my worth. It reminded me of who I am. That is exactly what Giving Gown does for everyone who is a part of it, they remind you that you are amazing.

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Never forget who you are and where you came from, God blesses us with an amazing life and we should live everyday to our best.

Peyton currently attends Texas A&M University at Galveston where she studies Marine Biology. She dreams of becoming a shark biologist, loves going to the beach, spending time with her sisters, and going to Parker McCollum concerts!

NILA SHARAY SEGOBIN

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

MANIFEST

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"What we know matters but who we are matters more" Brene Brown

FAVORITE THING ABOUT OR EXPERIENCE WITH GIVING GOWN:

I love the generosity from the organizers and staff of Giving Gown. I see how many people they touch and make a difference in the community. One day would love to reciprocate the same positive energy Giving Gown gives to others.

HOW DID PARTICIPATING IN THE PORTRAIT SESSION MAKE YOU FEEL:

Words Matter photoshoot with Julizza Gomez was an amazing experience. For someone who always had self-esteem issues Ms. Gomez and Giving Gown gave me the opportunity to look and feel beautiful.

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

Always believe in yourself and never change who you are to fit someones agenda.

She’s just a country girl born and raised in Houston, Texas. The oldest of 3 siblings with big shoes to fill because they all look up to her. Determination drives her to be involved in multiple activities at her high school and in her community. Her hobbies consist of nature walks, cheer, and traveling - her next stop, travel the world!

KATHY TAUTENHAHN

EMPOWERMENT WORD:

PERSEVERANCE

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE:

"With every act of self-care, your authentic self gets stronger."

Favorite thing about or experience with Giving Gown:

My most favorite thing about Giving Gown is the love and care the community pours into these girls. It’s quite amazing being a small part of these young girls’ journey through life.

How did participating in the portrait session make you feel:

Honestly, I almost did not accept the invitation for the portrait session because putting yourself out there is not easy…BUT…I wanted to inspire other women/girls to show your light no matter what. The gowns represent so much more than a beautiful piece of fabric…it represents the beauty of loving yourself and the journey of being a woman in the 21st century.

WORDS OF ADVICE FOR TEEN GIRLS:

God shows you nudges all through life...take the time to enjoy the quiet and get to know who you really are. Not who social media tells you to be BUT your true authentic self. AND don’t take yourself too seriously - (wink wink) LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE. F.LY.

Kathy grew up (for the most part) in the Rio Grande Valley until she moved to Salado, Texas when she was 13. A 2003 graduate from Texas A&M, she started her career in the mortgage business. While it has not always been easy in the finance world, she went from studying Literature in college to pulling credit reports; After all, who knew there was a “t” in mortgage?! Currently, she is a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer for Highlands Residential Mortgage - Team Kathy.

Kathy’s parents are her biggest role models….they have always shown her what it looks like to be humble, work hard, play hard, love the lord and believe in yourself. She is so very blessed to have married my most favorite person on earth, Buddy Tautenhahn, and together we have three kiddos (Russ (16), Kate (10) and Nick (9). They spend most of their time cheering on their kids on at their many sporting events (from the horse barn to shows at the swimming pool). When she’s not on the sidelines, (alongside a local board with many incredible women) she serves as the President of Gleannloch Farms Women’s Club. In her down time, you’ll see her nose in a Barefoot Contessa cookbook with a cappuccino.