Breakthrough T1D Dallas Gala Celebrated 30 Years of Impact at “A Night of Hope”

The Breakthrough T1D Dallas community gathered on Saturday, April 11, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel to celebrate a milestone evening at the 30th Anniversary Gala, “A Night of Hope,” presented by The Dave and Stacey Johnson Family. The inspiring event brought together more than 600 families, researchers, and supporters united in the mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to treat, prevent, and ultimately cure type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Dr. Perrin White (honoree), Holly Swartwout, Jeff Swartwout, Harper Swartwout (Fund a Cure Family), Amy Camp (Breakthrough T1D Territory Executive Director)

Throughout the evening, 33 Breakthrough T1D’s Youth Ambassadors – children living with type 1 diabetes and their siblings – greeted guests and energized the room as they helped drive donations. Their enthusiasm not only supported the night’s fundraising success, but also served as a reminder of the lives directly impacted by every dollar raised.

Gala Chairs:  the Johnson family – Dave Johnson, Parker McMullen, Blake McMullen, Chelsea McMullen, Stacey Johnson, Hadley McMullen, Rylie Johnson, Kendall Kelly, Michael Kelly

The evening opened with heartfelt remarks from emcees Karen Borta of CBS 11 and Isaiah Stanback, former Dallas Cowboys player and NFL Network Good Morning Football and CBS 11 sports analyst, both of whom shared their personal connections to T1D as parents. Guests paused for a special tribute honoring the late Josh Pack, a dedicated champion of the organization whose legacy continues to inspire generosity and impact.

Tobin Mateychick, Lindsey Mateychick

This year’s gala chairs – the Johnson family (Stacey and Dave Johnson and their family Chelsea and Blake McMullen, Kendall and Michael Kelly, and Rylie Johnson) – helped lead a meaningful celebration that highlighted both the 30-year history of the Dallas Gala and a deeply personal milestone: daughter Chelsea’s 30th “diaversary,” marking three decades of living with T1D.

“Type 1 diabetes affects not only those of us who live with the disease, but also the families who walk beside us each day,” said Chelsea McMullen. “While technology has transformed how I manage T1D, I still dream of a day without it – a future where my children don’t have to face this disease.”

Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassadors

David Natinsky, president-elect of the Breakthrough T1D Greater Dallas Board introduced Amy Camp, territory executive director, and Melissa Pinkerton, Dallas chapter director, who recognized key supporters and their hope to keep the momentum going and one day see a world without type 1.

“Thirty-one million dollars has been raised in 30 years to fund research, clinical trials, and education,” said Camp. “And families like the Johnsons have been right alongside us every step of the way – driving progress, raising millions, and giving hope to so many.”

Lauren Dillon, Ethan Beck, John Dillon, Elisha Dillon

The program also honored Dr. Perrin White, a nationally recognized leader in pediatric endocrinology whose decades of work have helped transform care for children living with T1D.

Marisa Pouiphanvongxay, Tori Nordyke, Yaileth Francis, Faviola Carroll

“Thanks to the efforts of Breakthrough T1D, I not only hope for a cure – I know it will come,” said Dr. White. “At UT Southwestern, we care for 2,500 children living with T1D, and we’re seeing real progress. I’m proud to be part of advancements like teplizumab, the first disease-modifying therapy shown to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes in those at risk. While we work toward a cure, we celebrate each breakthrough that improves lives today and gives families hope for the future.”

Rocco Paul, Elle Paul, Zara Paul, Scott Paul

The evening featured a lively auction, generous sponsorship support, and heartfelt moments that underscored the urgency and promise of continued research, with its success driven in part by auction chair Lindsey Verity, whose leadership helped create an engaging and impactful fundraising experience.

Lexie Peterson, community relations & corporate giving coordinator at American Airlines, also known in the diabetes community as “The Divabetic” – a prominent T1D advocate, content creator, and influencer – kicked off the live auction experience, with the airline contributing more than 1 million AAdvantage® miles to enhance packages and drive fundraising momentum. She encouraged the crowd to “let good take flight!” 

Z. Marshall, Jane Marshall, Jacqueline Marshall, Melinda Marshall, John Marshall

As the program concluded and guests took to the dance floor to the music of Manhattan, the message of the evening remained clear: with continued commitment and generosity, a future without type 1 diabetes is within reach.

In addition to the Johnson family, major sponsors included Source North America, Cantina La Rosa, JF Petroleum, Stature Aviation, Forbes HOUSE Dallas, Southwest Airlines, and FBD Partnerships LP.

Photos by Celeste Cass / George Fiala

Junior Achievement of Dallas Celebrates Record-Breaking 2026 Dallas Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) honored four distinguished business leaders at the 28th annual Dallas Business Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 28, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. The fundraising gala—presented by Ryan, LLC—recognized Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Allen Nye and Steven Williams for their lasting contributions to the Dallas business community and region.

Allen Nye, Steven Williams, Susan Adzick, Phillip Huffines, Chris LaTurno
Photo Credit: Brad Newton / Grant Miller Photography

The event raised a record-breaking $1.4 million in support of JA Dallas' mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

Dallas Cowboys Strength and Conditioning Coach Harold Nash served as emcee, kicking off the program by pondering aloud what exactly a Cowboys strength coach was doing hosting a celebration of Dallas business leaders—before drawing a convincing parallel between his work developing athletes and Junior Achievement's work preparing students for the real world. Nash set a high-energy tone that carried through the entire evening.

JaiMarie Bardwell, a senior at Irving High School, was named the 2026 Student of the Year and awarded the Sandi Smith Scholarship—a $15,000 award to support her higher education journey. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, Bardwell was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to creating opportunity for others, including her mentorship of younger students through the JA High School Heroes program. Casey Mellody, JA Dallas Vice President of Education, presented the award. Stephen Tigh, JA Dallas Board Chair, followed with a champagne toast before dinner.

Allen Nye, Chris LaTurno

When Chris LaTurno, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, took the stage, he emphasized the lasting impact JA has on students' trajectories—and why the organization's hands-on approach is exactly what the future demands.

"Three in five JA alumni say they started or owned a business because of their JA experience—and 92 percent agree that as automation and AI change jobs and the economy, students who go through JA will be better prepared for the future," said LaTurno. "Students are not just hearing about economics and personal finance—they are experiencing them."

Auctioneer Scott Peterson followed with a competitive live auction featuring exclusive experiences, including trips to the Amalfi Coast, Sonoma Valley and Champagne, France, as well as a Texas Rangers package and a private dinner at Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish.

Dak Prescott

The evening took an unforgettable turn during the live appeal, when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott—in attendance at the invitation of his coach and mentor Harold Nash—took the stage and announced a personal gift of $25,000 to Junior Achievement of Dallas.

"I am the man that I am, strictly because of the community that was around me when I grew up,” said Prescott. “It takes a village to raise somebody, and everyone in this room is a part of that community. So, I'm giving $25,000 tonight—I challenge each and every one of you to give to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Prescott then tossed autographed footballs to guests making matching donations throughout the room.

JA Dallas students introduced each of the evening's four honorees.

Susan Adzick, president of McLane Restaurant, leads one of the largest food service systems distribution companies in the country, with 45 distribution centers delivering to more than 34,000 restaurants. She has held executive roles at McLane and previously at PepsiCo Food Systems and has served on boards including the International Foodservice Distributors Association, National Restaurant Association and Women's Foodservice Forum. She has also been involved with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Dallas Arboretum Women's Council.

Phillip Huffines, co-founder and co-owner of Huffines Communities, has spent more than four decades transforming the North Texas landscape through real estate development. His firm has developed more than 20,000 single-family homesites and 2,500 multifamily units, generating billions in value and supporting regional growth. A dedicated mentor and philanthropist, he supports STEM education and entrepreneurship through the Huffines Foundation and is a longtime JA Dallas board member—named the organization's Philanthropist of the Year in 2018.

Allen Nye, CEO of Oncor, leads Texas' largest electric delivery company, serving more than 13 million customers. Under his leadership since 2018, Oncor has emphasized safety, reliability and innovation while guiding the company through an era of rapid growth and modernization. He is also active in civic and industry organizations supporting public service, economic development and education.

Steven Williams, executive vice president and vice chairman of PepsiCo, leads global commercial strategy, stakeholder engagement and growth initiatives across one of the world’s most recognized food and beverage companies. A PepsiCo veteran since 2001, he previously served as CEO of PepsiCo North America and serves on boards including State Farm, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and UT Southwestern.

Harold Nash, Dak Prescott, Chris LaTurno

The Dallas Business Hall of Fame raises funds to help JA Dallas provide students across North Texas with hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship—equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders.

Special thanks to sponsors, including:

·      Presenting Sponsor: Ryan

·      Achievement Sponsors: DHD Films, Oncor, PepsiCo

·      Elite Sponsors: Hillwood, Huffines Foundation, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., McLane Food Service, Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors

·      Leadership Sponsors: BravoTECH, The Brierley Group, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Southwest Airlines

Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Annual Beacon of Hope Luncheon to Feature Steve Burns, Original Host of “Blue’s Clues”

Steve Burns, best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” will be the featured speaker at Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 17th Annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Omni Dallas Hotel (555 S. Lamar St., Dallas). Burns will present “The Cost of Showing Up Happy: Burnout and the Wisdom of Asking for Help.”

The luncheon is the first fundraising event of Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 20th anniversary year.

Steve Burns

As the implacably happy, beloved host of “Blue’s Clues,” Steve Burns was the guy who sang, danced and cheerfully bolstered children’s self-esteem. What most don’t know is that he was doing so with undiagnosed severe clinical depression. He will talk about the following:

·      What is the cost of forcing joy? 

·      How can one maintain peak-level achievement and be completely burned out at the same time? 

·      And once it’s all over, how do you re-engage with your own life when the tank is completely empty? 

Burns will share lessons from his own struggles as “the happiest depressed person in North America” and how he has learned to apply the messages he shared with an entire generation.

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health. Event sponsorships and underwriting range from $600 to $25,000. Individual tickets go on sale in February for $250. To learn more and to purchase a sponsorship or underwriting opportunity, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

Amy and Michael Roseman and Meredith and David Camp are the 2026 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer. 

Amy and Michael Roseman, Co-Chairs

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “Steve helped shape how generations of children learned about curiosity, kindness, and problem-solving. We’re honored to hear his honest story and how those same values continue to guide his approach to mental health today.” 

Meredith and David Camp

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24 (CDC). The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon aims to bring focus to the vital work needed to educate the North Texas community on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work in North Texas schools and communities, Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to change this reality as it works to promote awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health and to prevent suicide.

About Steve Burns 

Steve Burns is best known as the original host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues,” where he spent seven surreal years solving mysteries with a cartoon dog and a talking mailbox. Then he disappeared. On purpose.

Since then, Steve has released indie rock albums, toured with The Flaming Lips, wrote the theme song for “Young Sheldon,” been a host and storyteller for The Moth and currently hosts the new podcast “Alive with Steve Burns.” In 2021 and 2024, he went massively viral by quietly breaking the internet with a heartfelt message to a generation of now-grown-up viewers.

Texas Women’s Foundation Celebrated 40th Anniversary with Award-Winning Actress Christine Baranski

On November 14 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) celebrated its Ruby Anniversary Luncheon featuring Christine Baranski, an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner. The luncheon raised $840,000 in support of the Foundation’s mission, including more than $112,000 at the event itself. 

Sofia Diaz, Miss Dallas Nicole Hill, Karen Hughes White

TXWF Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong welcomed more than 950 guests including seven of the organization’s 11 living Founders.  “We celebrate the nearly $90 million granted to women and girl-serving organizations in Texas and more than $25 million invested in research, advocacy and leadership programs for a total impact of $115 million on Texas women, their families, and their futures since the Foundation’s inception in 1985."

Debbie Branson, Cynthia Izaguirre, Madeline McClure

Wong thanked former Foundation leaders and Ruby Anniversary co-chairs: Gail Griswold and Brenda Jackson (1980s), Laura Estrada (1990s), Helen Frank (2000s), and Shonn Brown(2020s) and the sponsors. 

Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White added, “Help us build on the legacy of our Founders as we prepare for the next 40 years. Because, unlike our Founders, the challenges facing Texas women have not aged well. And the solutions have become increasingly complex. It will take all of us to create meaningful, lasting, systemic change that levels playing field for women – and in turn, creates a strong and vibrant Texas for all.” 

Lynn Fisher, Renda Mathew, Laura Sands

Throughout the program, TXWF shared video clips of its Founders describing how a group of 19 dynamic and diverse women came together across varied backgrounds, beliefs and political ideologies to advance opportunities for Texas women and their families. 

Karen Hughes White, Shonn Brown, Gail Griswold, Christine Baranski, Laura Estrada, Cris Zertuche Wong, Caren Lock

Shonn Brown, former Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, thanked and honored the Foundation’s Founders, including the 11 living Founders who served as the event’s honorary co-chairs: 

·      Susan Shamburger Bagwell

·      The Honorable Harryette Ehrhardt

·      Catalina E. Garcia, M.D.

·      Frances Griffin-Brown

·      Helen LaKelly Hunt

·      The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison

·      Madeline Mandell

·      Patricia Meadows

·      Gwendolyn Oliver

·      CoYoTe PhoeNix

·      Rebecca Russell Sykes

Brown also paid tribute to the Founders who have passed: 

•       Geraldine D. Beer 

•       Vivian Anderson Castleberry

•       Maura Anderson McNiel

•       Joy Mankoff

•       Carmen Miller Michael

•       Louise Ballerstedt Raggio

•       Oeita Bottorff Theunissen 

•       Virginia Bulkley Whitehill

She announced that in honor of the 40th anniversary, interviews with several of the Funders will be included in a collection of 40 stories highlighting the passion, purpose and perseverance that have shaped TXWF’s impact. 

Target women

Sabrina Thomas, the Group Vice President of Target and Speaker Sponsor, introduced Christine Baranski and Caren Lock, TXWF former board chair who moderated the conversation.

Caren Lock, Christine Baranski

Special thank you to speaker sponsor Target and The Suzanne Ahn, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund.

NFNL Announces the 2025 ProtectHER Award Recipients

 

New Friends New Life (NFNL) announces the 2025 ProtectHER Award recipients: Erin Nealy Cox, Chad Frymire, Eliza McCoy, and Laila Mickelwait. 

The honorees will be recognized at the annual NFNL Stand for Her Luncheon, on September 12 at the OMNI Dallas Hotel. The ProtectHER Awards are presented by Thomson Reuters. The event will feature actress, producer, and advocate Lucy Liu, who will engage in a conversation moderated by NBC 5 anchor Laura Harris.

 

The Honorable Betsy Price will serve as honorary luncheon chair, joining event Co-Chairs Lynn Dowdle and Karla Smith in leading the event, which supports NFNL’s mission to restore and empower survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

 

Created in 2013, and announced in conjunction with NFNL’s annual luncheon, the NFNL ProtectHER awards recognize individuals, corporations, and agencies who support the protection and value of women and girls in the Dallas community, across the nation, and around the world.

For more information on the NFNL Annual Luncheon, please visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org/luncheon, email events@newfriendsnewlife.org or contact Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy at 214-217-8652. Underwriting sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500, and individual tickets are available August 22 at $250.

Texas Women’s Foundation Announces Award-Winning Actress Christine Baranski as Keynote Speaker for 40th Annual Luncheon on November 14

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) announces Christine Baranski, an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner, as its featured speaker at its “Ruby Anniversary Luncheon” on Friday, November 14, 2025, (11:30-1:00 p.m.) at the Omni Dallas Hotel. She is best known for her performances in The Good Wife, The Good Fight, The Big Bang Theory, Mamma Mia, The Gilded Age and multiple theater roles. 

TXWF Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong said, “Christine Baranski’s platform aligns perfectly with Texas Women’s Foundation, and we are excited to welcome her to Dallas. Her unapologetic advocacy for female empowerment and her drive for equal educational opportunities, equal pay and equal rights paint a transformative portrait of what it means to advocate for others.” 

 

To celebrate TXWF’s 40-year legacy of impact, this year’s Event Co-Chairs are leaders who represent the Foundation’s four decades: Gail Griswold and Brenda Jackson (1980s), Laura Estrada (1990s), Helen Frank (2000s), and Shonn Brown (2020s).

 

The Foundation’s 11 living Founders will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the Ruby Anniversary Luncheon: 

·      Susan Shamburger Bagwell

·      The Honorable Harryette Ehrhardt

·      Catalina E. Garcia, M.D.

·      Frances Griffin-Brown

·      Helen LaKelly Hunt

·      The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison

·      Madeline Mandell

·      Patricia Meadows

·      Gwendolyn Oliver

·      CoYoTe PheoNix

·      Rebecca R. Sykes

For those interested in supporting this year’s “Ruby Anniversary Luncheon,” as a partner or patron, please contact Joy Busch or Anne Leary at luncheon@txwf.org. Visit https://txwf.org/join-us/events/ for more details.

Lucy Liu to Headline New Friends New Life Luncheon

 

 New Friends New Life (NFNL) is proud to announce that acclaimed actress, director, producer, and artist Lucy Liu will headline its annual luncheon on Friday, September 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the OMNI Dallas Hotel. A tireless advocate for human rights, Liu is committed to raising awareness about this global crisis, especially its devastating impact on children. Liu’s distinguished career spans over three decades, during which she has starred in films that have collectively grossed more than $3.7 billion worldwide. Known for her iconic roles in Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill and Presence and Chicago, Liu continues to redefine what it means to be a leading woman in Hollywood. She is also a pioneering force in television with standout series like Ally McBeal, Elementary, Why Women Kill, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Star Wars: Visions.

In addition to her acting, Liu is an accomplished filmmaker and advocate. Her directorial debut, the documentary short Meena (2014), brought attention to the critical issue of human trafficking. As a producer, Liu has championed projects such as Freedom’s Fury and Redlight, a film about the Cambodian sex trade. Liu has also used her platform to educate others on human trafficking through speaking engagements and advocacy work with UNICEF.

“We are thrilled to have Lucy Liu as our keynote speaker for this year’s luncheon,” said Bianca Davis, CEO of New Friends New Life. “Her dedication to raising awareness about human trafficking and her powerful call to action is an inspiration. Lucy’s belief that ‘the last link in the trafficking chain is you and me’ reminds us all that each of us has a role to play in ending this global issue.”

Liu’s career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including her recent recognition with the Career Achievement Award at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival, where she also presented the international premiere of her film Rosemead. Earlier this summer, she received the prestigious Rising to the Challenge Award at the Bentonville Film Festival, honoring her continued advocacy for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry.

In addition to her acting and advocacy, Liu is a celebrated visual artist. Her mixed-media paintings and sculptures have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the National Museum of Singapore and the Napa Valley Museum. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Harvard University Arts Medal. Liu’s art practice remains a consistent part of her career, with upcoming commissions from the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art.

Liu’s achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she became only the second Asian American woman in nearly 60 years to receive the honor. A UNICEF Ambassador for over two decades, Liu has also been recognized with humanitarian awards such as the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award and the Women’s World Award.

Liu’s latest projects include starring in the upcoming drama Rosemead (2025), which she also produced, and which premiered at the Tribeca Festival in June 2025.

Luncheon co-chairs are NFNL Board Member Lynn Dowdle and NFNL Circle of Friends Board Member Karla Smith. Underwriting sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500. A limited number of individual tickets will be released in August and will begin at $250 each. To reserve your sponsorship or seats, please visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org/luncheon, email events@newfriendsnewlife.org, or contact Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy at 214-217-8652.

Texas Women’s Foundation Empowers Women & Girls at #BESTSELF and the Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration

As part of its ongoing investment in lifecycle leadership development for women and girls, Texas Women’s Foundation hosted a powerful day of leadership, learning and inspiration on May 8th at the Omni Dallas Hotel. From thought-provoking conversations to unforgettable moments honoring trailblazing women and rising young leaders, the day helped support the Foundation’s mission of building #StrongWomenBetterTexas

The day began with #BESTSELF, where nearly 200 students who came together for engaging workshops focused on making smart, informed decisions, navigating the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, and harnessing the power of their voices to create meaningful change.

Karen Hughes White, Cris Zertuche Wong, Carrie Freeman Parsons

In the afternoon, TXWF hosted its annual Leadership Forum – a dynamic masterclass featuring microlearning sessions with the recipients of the 2025 Maura and Young Leader Awards. Author, speaker and 2025 Maura Award recipient Anne Chow kicked things off with a Ted Talk-style “ANNE Talk,” sharing insights from her book Lead Bigger. TXWF Board Director Deborah Hunter Johnson led a ”POWER Panel” discussion on advancing women and girls in STEM with 2025 Maura awardees Dr. Carine Feyten, Dr. Nuripama “Rupa” DeSilva, and Jennifer Bartkowski. Afterward, the crowd was treated to exciting “5 in 5” interviews in which two young students from Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School, a Young Women’s Preparatory Network School, asked five “rapid-fire questions in five minutes of TXWF’s 2025 Young Leader awardees Haleigh Jones and Cristal Retana Lule. The Forum wrapped up with some “REAL Talk” between Anne Chow and NBC5 Anchor Deborah Ferguson. 

Theresa Flores, Liz Cedillo-Pereira, Linda Valdez Thompson

At the Celebration Dinner following the Forum, event co-chairs Debbie Dennis, Chief Customer Officer and SVP Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Oncor Electric Delivery, and Brooke Hopkins, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, welcomed attendees and thanked key partners.

Debbie Dennis, Brooke Hopkins (event co-chairs)

Texas Women’s Foundation Board Chair Carrie Freeman Parsons greeted event guests, sharing, “With clarity of purpose and your support, we’ve continued to fulfill our mission and grow our impact year over year for the past 39 years.” Carrie also introduced the individuals who nominated the 2025 Young Leader awardees:   

·      Trey Crawford introduced Haleigh Jones,  Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney. 

·      Maria Mendez introduced Cristal Retana Lule, Children’s Health Vice President of Community Relations.

Dr. Carine Feyten, Haleigh Jones, Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Anne Chow, Jennifer Bartkowski, Cristal Retana Lule

Awards Selection Committee Co-chair and previous Maura Award recipient Brenda Jackson introduced the 2025 Maura honorees and their presenters. 

·      Kim Lyle introduced Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO.

·      Mylinh Luong introduced Anne Chow, The Rewired CEO Founder. 

·      Samantha Barakat introduced Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Parkland Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center Professor. 

·      Christopher Johnson introduced Dr. Carine Feyten, Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President. 

·      Former TXWF Board Chairs Caren Lock and Shonn Brown introduced Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources Founder and The Dallas Mavericks (retired CEO), who was unable to attend the event. 

Dianne Chipps Bailey, Dodee Frost Crockett, Jennifer Chandler, Alesia Coffman, Crissie Fortmeyer

Dia Wall, WFAA anchor and reporter, hosted a conversation with the 2025 Maura Award recipients who shared their insight on everything from healthcare, to education, the wage gap and increased representation of women and Women of Color in leadership.

Karen Hughes White, Effie Dennison, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Caren Lock

Incoming TXWF Board Chair, Cris Zertuche Wong closed out the program by thanking all in attendance and invited guests to attend TXWF’s upcoming 40th Annual Luncheon at the Omni Hotel on November 14.

For additional partners and patrons, visit https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/

Photo credit: Kim Leeson and Guy Rogers/TXWF