Heels and Horsepower fashionable and philanthropic member Brigitte Kalai grew up in Houston and loved being a part of this beautiful community. Brigitte's commitment to her family is unwavering. She graduated with a BSN from UT and worked as a pediatric nurse at Texas Children's Hospital, a role that has deeply shaped her understanding and empathy. She is married to Bashar Kalai, a UT graduate and the owner and CEO of Amerapex. They have two children: Remy, a graduate from Rice University; Alex, a graduate with an MBA and law degree from Columbia University; and a 12-year-old mini schnauzer, Max, and Daisy, a 3-year-old Schnauzer. Her dedication and love for her family are evident in her life.

 

Brigitte believes giving back is a great honor and enjoys serving her community. She can always be counted on to help organize, fund or connect people to support Houston's underserved and vulnerable communities. She champions causes that help with financial issues due to medical problems because of her more profound understanding of the economic and emotional toll it takes on a family due to her nursing background and her struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She also supports programs that help mentor and uplift women, children, and animals. She was honored for her commitment to building the Plaza of Respect for Interfaith Ministries, a founding member of Methodist Tri and a big supporter of Crime Stoppers, as well as implementing and helping fund current programs to support Small Steps, March of Dimes, Nora's Home, St. Judes, HAWC, SPA, scholarship funds, Pratham, Know Autism, Houston Children's Charity, Women's Dorm at Mission of Yawah, and supporting The Kinkaid's Tomorrow's Promise along with funding and starting The Brigitte and Bashar Kalai Workshops at Rice University bringing Nobel Laureates to Rice.

 

Brigitte and Bashar also got the National Arab American Orchestra to Houston for the first time. Brigitte and Bashar Kalai hope to continue helping by contributing to this fantastic city in any way they can and feel blessed to be a part of this beautiful community.