Chairman’s Spotlight 

Sponsored by William Noble Rare Jewels

Featuring:

Jacquelin Sewell Taylor

Photo Credit:

Jacquelin and Phillip Taylor, taken at last year’s Gala

by Dana Driensky

Jacquelin Sewell Taylor is co-chairing the TACA RBC Wealth Management Custom Auction Gala along with her husband Phillip, and Nicholas Even. Lynn and Allan McBee are Honorary Chairmen. This renowned black-tie evening will be Friday, September 21^st, at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, with funds benefitting TACA - The Arts Community Alliance – which exists to champion artistic excellence in the performing arts. The Gala is one of three annual signature TACA events. This year TACA will distribute $1.1 million to 41 organizations in North Texas. We sat down with the energetic co-chair to ask more about TACA and her passions.

Why is this organization so special to you?

I became a member of TACA’s board of directors in 2010 because the performing arts have always been part of my life. My parents took us to the theatre a lot growing up and I have very happy memories of being there all together. We still attend as a family. The arts nourish and enrich our lives and our community. I believe very strongly in the financial support TACA provides through general operating and project grants. TACA works very hard to contribute to the welfare of so many arts organizations. AND TACA events are always fun!

With Fall around the corner, what are your favorite things to do in Dallas?

Fall in Dallas brings so many wonderful things: cooler weather, wonderful shows from all of our arts organizations and many fantastic opportunities to be involved in our great community. We are looking very forward to hanging out in the Dallas Arts District in the stunning outdoor public spaces as well as inside the beautiful venues seeing performances. I must admit that I am very excited about football season as well—go Mustangs and Cowboys!

How do you spend your free time when not working on behalf of the community or at your more than full-time job?

Phillip and I both spend a lot of time working but when we do have some free time, we love to be home with our two dogs or spending time with friends and family. We have really enjoyed being newlyweds. We try to attend as many arts related programs as we are able. Dinner and a show is a great date night for us. Working on the TACA gala together this year (along with our good friends Nick Even and Lynn McBee) has been great fun. We may team up again in the future!

Who or what inspires you to give back to Dallas in such a meaningful way?

As with so many things I do, my parents are my greatest inspiration. They have always encouraged me to pursue the things I am most passionate about and try to have a significant impact. There has always been a belief in our house that we have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than we found it. Dallas is very lucky to have so many citizens who believe the same thing and work so hard to make our city the incredible place that it is.

The Gala is Friday, September 21^st; tickets are available at taca-arts.org or by calling 214-520-3930.

Special thanks to our sponsor:

www.WilliamNoble.com

The Chairman's Spotlight: Ashley Roberts

Hi RSVP Readers! This week's Chairman Spotlight honors the lovely Ashley Roberts of CW33's DFW Close Up.

Learn more about this inspiring lady by checking out her interview with our wonderful ambassador, Dakota, below!

Ashley Roberts

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Ashley Roberts, the chairman of the {very successful} fashion show, "Light the Runway," that was held this past weekend at Tootsies. 

The fashion show proceeds went to the fabulous non-profit group, "Dress for Success." 

Their mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged
women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the 

career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Dakota: Why is this cause so special to you?

Ashley: Being a working mom myself, I understand the stress and difficulties that so many of us encounter in daily life. Adding financial struggles or unemployment to the mix, is hard to imagine. As citizens of our community, I believe it is our responsibility to help each other and give back. As the host and producer of CW33's DFW Close Up, a community affairs program, it is a joy for me to bring to light as many community events and fundraisers as possible every Sunday morning. When given the opportunity to also play a role in these events, I am truly honored. Organizations such as Dress for Success are key to helping many women get back into the workforce and living a happier life. It makes me beyond happy knowing I have potentially helped or impacted members of our community - even if it's just one life, and that is what makes Dress for Success so special to me.

Dakota: Since Spring has now sprung, what are some of your favorite spring time activities to do in Dallas?

Ashley: Visiting the Dallas Arboretum is at the top of my "Spring Time" adventures list, as well as visiting the Dallas and Fort Worth Zoo. I also like to make mental notes of restaurants or little cafes that I have not yet visited, and try to check out as many of them as possible (love getting fresh air -- so particularly the ones with patio areas) with family and friends. And of course, strolling the Katy Trail!

Dakota: How do you spend your free time when you are not working for a charity or a fundraiser?

Ashley: Spending time with my husband and sweet little boy. We love flying kites and going on walks in our neighborhood. It is a delight for me when his little face lights up when he sees butterflies and all there is to explore outdoors - especially in the Spring time. I've recently started up jogging again and it is such a great feeling! I also love checking out the newest plays and musicals being showcased around the DFW Metroplex.

Dakota: With you being such an influential person in the community, who is it that inspires you to do bigger and better things?

Ashley: First - thank you! What a compliment. So many of the guests who I interview on my show are the ones who inspire me. It is such a privilege to be the one giving people an opportunity to tell their story, but what I do pales in comparison to what so many of my guests have gone through or are doing to make a difference in the lives of others. For instance, Abby Rike, a former "Biggest Loser" contestant came on my show to talk about her newly released book at the time, "Working It Out". She had lost her husband and two kids from a horrific car accident, which is unfathomable to me. But wow, the way she has picked up the pieces is astonishing. She lost tons of weight, wrote a book and is inspiring others, and even found love again. She inspired me and so many of my other guests do, too. In the world of broadcast TV, however, I would have to say that I really admire Good Morning America's Robin Roberts (no - no relation!). She just seems so genuine and kind in all she does and I adore those qualities in a person.

Dakota: What is your favorite quote?

Ashley: This is such a hard question for me, as I absolutely love reading and sharing uplifting quotes. They can really motivate you if you're having a bad day or dealing with a struggle. I am particularly drawn to Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes. One of my all-time favorites is:

"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."-Ralph Waldo Emerson