Honoring Benny and Nichole Agosto: 2025 Maurice Hirsch Award for Philanthropy Recipients
For Benny and Nichole, generosity is a way of life. As they often say, “We are blessed. We want to be good stewards of those blessings.” That commitment is evident in their extraordinary gifts of time, talent, and treasure that continue to shape education, promote diversity, and strengthen communities across Houston. The Agostos’ impact is transformational. At South Texas College of Law Houston, they gave more than $4 million to establish the Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment, dedicated to advancing diversity and developing leaders in the legal profession. At the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, they created a $1 million endowment for the Emerging Leaders Institute, the largest gift in the foundation’s history. As Dr. Laura Murillo, President & CEO of the Chamber, noted, “This institute will change the trajectory of countless young leaders in our region for generations.” Education has remained at the heart of their giving. They have established scholarships at Houston Christian University, the University of Houston Law Center, and Texas Southern University, opening doors for first-generation students, single mothers, and underrepresented law students. Nichole also founded the Friends of the Aldine Public Library Foundation, leading efforts to expand resources for families in underserved communities. What sets Benny and Nichole apart is not just the scope of their giving but their leadership. When they see a need, they create solutions. Benny founded the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas Foundation and co-founded the Hispanic National Bar Association Legal Education Fund, both of which continue to provide scholarships for Hispanic students pursuing law. He also served as president of both the Houston Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association, where he created initiatives to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the legal field. Their generosity inspires others to follow. At South Texas College of Law Houston, their gift motivated other alumni to step forward with new endowed commitments. At their church, they chaired a campaign that raised more than $250,000. Together, they have shown that true philanthropy is not passive; it is active, personal, and deeply rooted in a belief that communities grow stronger when people step up to lead. Benny and Nichole’s story reflects values passed down by their parents: faith, hard work, and service. Today, their philanthropy spans law, education, healthcare, youth, and the arts, touching countless lives across Greater Houston. We invite you to join us in celebrating Benny and Nichole Agosto and all of our 2025 honorees at this year’s National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon. Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 This luncheon promises to be a powerful celebration of generosity and leadership in Houston. Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by the remarkable stories of those shaping our community’s future through philanthropy. |
