UN Day 2025
Celebrating 80 Years of Global Cooperation
SPEAKERS AND AWARDEES
Keynote Speaker
Rachel Bowen Pittman
Executive Director of UNA-USA
Rachel Bowen Pittman serves as Executive Director of UNA-USA, a grassroots movement of more than 20,000 Americans in over 200 chapters across the U.S. who are dedicated to supporting the work of the United Nations in communities, on campuses, and on Capitol Hill. Rachel works to maximize UNA-USA’s advocacy impact by guiding the strategic vision for the organization, overseeing membership expansion, and managing partnerships. Rachel works closely with UNA-USA’s National Council and Affinity Group leadership to spearhead new initiatives that support a strong U.S.-UN partnership.
Global Citizen Award
Ellen I. Goldberg
Author & Director Emeritus Sister Cities Houston
Ellen I. Goldberg has a broad background in business, healthcare, education, photojournalism, and creative endeavors–a good foundation for global projects in both professional and volunteer capacities. She is passionate about building mutual understanding among cultures, with more than 40 years of experience in citizen diplomacy through a variety of local, national, and international activities.
Global Citizen Award
William “Billy” Cohn, MD
Director, Center for Device Innovation
Texas Medical Center
Dr. Cohn is the Chief Medical Officer of BiVACOR Inc. and the Executive Director of the Center of Device Innovation at the Texas Medical Center (TMC). He is also a tenured professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and an adjunct professor of Bioengineering at Rice University and the University of Houston. Prior to joining BiVACOR Inc., he served as a Vice President at Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Executive Director for the Johnson & Johnson Center of Device Innovation at TMC, and Director of the renowned Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratory at the Texas Heart Institute.
Global Visionary Award
Raindrop Foundation Inc.
Master of Ceremonies
Rosie Nguyen
Director of Communications
Rice University
Rosie Nguyen, Emmy award winning journalist, joined the Office of Access and Institutional Excellence in May 2025 as the Director of Communications and Projects in Free Expression. She made the transition to higher education after working as a local TV news reporter and anchor for a decade. Her two passions lie in storytelling and social justice. During her career as an on-air journalist, she worked for ABC stations across the country, beginning with KEZI in Eugene, Oregon in 2016. She then moved back home to Salt Lake City in 2018 and became the first Vietnamese American TV news anchor in Utah, where she hosted a nightly segment for KTVX that explored topics surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion.
The United Nations Association of Houston cordially invites you to join us for United Nations Day on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM at The Junior League of Houston.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, a momentous occasion to honor the UN’s enduring mission of peace, security, human rights, and sustainable development for all.
Date & Time: Friday, October 24 | 6:00 PM
Location: The Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Ln, Houston, TX
This commemorative evening will feature:
- Distinguished guest speakers
- Cultural presentations and musical performances
- Recognition of community leaders supporting the UN’s mission
- Networking with diplomats, civic leaders, and global advocates
We invite our community to reflect on the past eight decades of international progress and reaffirm our shared commitment to a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world.
For inquiries: unday@unahouston.org
#UNDay2025 #UN80 #UNAHouston #GlobalGoals #UNAUSA #HoustonForTheUN #PeaceAndDignityForAll