Courageous Conversations

The Buzz Magazines and Crime Stoppers of Houston teamed up to host the inaugural women’s Lunch and Learn forum, “Courageous Conversations” today at Post Oak Grill. Approximately 40 women gathered in an intimate setting to hear from a panel of passionate women who took the time to bravely share their personal, powerful stories.

Gail Stalarow talked about her experience of being robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight. Afterward, it was her own legwork – plus an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers - that helped in the arrest of the suspect. She was also able to have some of her heirloom jewelry returned to her. Read more about Gail’s story, and tips for being safe while shopping and running errands on an everyday basis, here. 

Recently, Gail testified at the Texas State Capitol with Rania Mankarious, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston, on legislation intended to help prevent robberies and help other people in situations like hers.

Cabrina Owsley – who became known as the “River Oaks jogger” – shared her story of being abducted while jogging in her River Oaks neighborhood. She boldly put up a fight, including jumping out of the trunk. She was able to escape with the help of a compassionate passerby.

“The survival instinct is a gift from God,” Cabrina said. She said keeping a sense of humor, even after being in a life-threatening situation, is important too. She’s committed to sharing her story to help protect other women.

Maureen Wittels shared the tragic story of the loss of her son, Harris, to heroin addiction. Harris was a talented actor and executive producer of hit TV show Parks and Recreation and he was funny since he was born, Maureen said. Harris coined the term “humblebrag” and also wrote a book by the same name. He had many fans – here in Houston and in Hollywood, such as Aziz Ansari and Sarah Silverman.

“{Addiction is} a stigma and needs to be treated like a disease,” Maureen said. She created a support group called GRASP (Grief Recovery After Substance Passing) in Houston for others coping with loss after addiction. She shared some “Harris-isms” including this quote: “Stop ‘future tripping.’ All we have is today.” Read more about Harris and his life in this article Maureen wrote for the Huffington Post. 

After Gail, Cabrina and Maureen spoke, there was an opportunity for Q&A with the panelists along with experts Patricia Daza, Ph.D., senior staff psychologist at The Menninger Clinic, Sergeant Rubin with Crime Stoppers and Rania Mankarious of Crime Stoppers.

Dr. Daza said that secrets keep us “stuck” and that the ability for the panelists to share their experiences – and find meaning in how to move forward in life – help members of our communities too. She said that at Menninger, clients are encouraged to work on rewiring the brain as well as “rewiring” family systems in learning how to be vulnerable and share difficult subjects with each other.

Sgt. Rubin spoke about how to make ourselves a “smaller target” and to always make sure to be aware of the environment around us. Protecting yourself by carrying pepper spray (there’s a new product that marks the attacker for up to seven days) and a flashlight and taking self-defense classes is beneficial. She said it’s so important to notice what’s going on around us and to pay attention to our own intuition.

Thank you again to all of the incredible panelists for sharing their stories with us and thank you to Crime Stoppers of Houston for collaborating with us on this valuable event and for all that you do for the community every day.

See more from Crime Stoppers of Houston in Rania Mankarious’ weekly blog on our site, Sunday Mornings with Rania. Call 713-222-TIPS anonymously anytime.