Hero. Pillar of strength. Incarnation of the word perseverance. These are but a few ways to describe this year’s Greater DC Courageous Voice Honoree, Aicha Abdoulaye Mahamane.

At Tahirih’s 21st Annual Gala, CEO Layli Miller-Muro spoke of the actions we can each take to stand up for social justice and influence the spirit of the world.

Eun Yang, NBC News4 Today Anchor, served as Master of Ceremonies for Tahirih’s 21st Annual Gala, a night of celebration and commitment to the tireless pursuit of justice for women and girls fleeing violence.

Meet Hania, a member of the Social Services team in Tahirih’s Houston office. As a child of Mexican immigrants, Hania’s acute awareness of the struggles and successes immigrant families experience was informed by her upbringing. This awareness led to a deeply-rooted empathy for the clients she now advocates for through Tahirih.

Rainn Wilson took to the stage at Tahirih’s 6th Annual Houston Gala, underscoring the transformative support for Tahirih clients provided by the Houston community.

I am a mother. A survivor. An advocate. I fight to shine a light on the most basic of human rights – to live in safety and with dignity.

Houston Strong has meaning well beyond Harvey.