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.

Texas Women’s Foundation Announces New Board Chair and New Board Members

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) has announced that Cris Zertuche Wong has been named Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors beginning this month. Wong will serve a two-year term as Board Chair through June 30, 2027. She succeeds Carrie Freeman Parsons. 

In partnership with the TXWF President & CEO Karen Hughes White, Wong will lead the organization alongside Executive Committee:

Cris Zertuche Wong – Chair (Retired, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs)

Carrie Freeman Parsons – Immediate Past Chair (Chair of the Board, Freeman Company)

Jana Etheridge – Secretary (Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, Capital One)

Lisette Mendez – Finance Committee Chair (Vice President Finance & Latin America Controller, AT&T)

Aracely Muñoz – Governance Committee Chair (Director, Corporate Partnerships, Children’s Health)

Hattie Hill – Member-At-Large (CEO, Hattie Hill Enterprises)

Holly Tucker – Member-At-Large (Partner, Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory)

Karen Hughes White – President and CEO, Texas Women’s Foundation 

 

In addition, TXWF has added new board members: 

·      Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom, Partner, PwC

·      Patricia Rodriguez Christian, CEO, CRG Group Inc.

·      Katie Edwards, Chief Impact Officer & President, Mavs Foundation at Dallas Mavericks

·      Candice Hill, Southwest Segment Head, JPMorgan Chase & Co

·      Marty McDonald, Founder & CEO, Boss Women Media & CEO, Elle Olivia

 

For a complete list of Board Directors, visit here.

Wong said, “I’m honored to build on the legacy of impact created by the Foundation’s founders nearly 40 years ago. In so many ways, Texas women and girls have never needed us more.” 

 Hughes White added, “The strength of Texas Women’s Foundation is a direct result of the tireless volunteers who give generously of their time, talent and treasure in support of our mission. We are so grateful for the leadership of Carrie Freeman Parsons, and look forward to the impact Cris Zertuche Wong will have on the Foundation as we celebrate 40 years of impact.” 

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

Texas Women’s Foundation Raised $750K with Emmy-Award Winning Journalist Ann Curry

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) held its 39th Annual Luncheon on November 1st at the Omni Dallas. The luncheon raised nearly $750,000 to continue its important work of advancing the lives of girls, women and their families. 

TXWF Community Grantees

Immediately prior to the luncheon, TXWF donors and grantees gathered for a reception honoring the organization’s 2024 Community Grant Awards recipients. With support from donors, fundholders and philanthropic partners, more than $867,000 was granted to 23 deserving non-profit organizations serving women and girls in North Texas. 

The luncheon began with a powerful spoken word performance by Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo. As a first-generation American woman holding this title, Annette knows firsthand what it means to overcome obstacles. In her piece titled “Texas Woman,” she spoke passionately about the need for women to own their worth and carry their truth forward despite persistent inequities and barriers.

Effie Dennison, Karen Hughes White, Ann Curry and Carrie Freeman Parsons

TXWF’s 39th Annual Luncheon Chair and Executive Vice President, Head of Community Development and Corporate Responsibility for Texas Capital Bank, Effie Dennison, thanked Annette, welcomed guests and acknowledged event sponsors (see list at end). 

An inspiring video about the impact of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center followed Effie’s remarks; and a video about Storytime Childcare highlighted the importance of quality, affordable childcare for working families. Texas Women’s Foundation’s President and CEO Karen Hughes White, said, “Each one of you in this room – through your passion for Texas women and girls and your generosity of spirit – has the power to change lives. And it’s exactly what we’re going to ask you to do today. But first, I want to pose a question that I hope you’ll discuss at your tables over lunch: How can it be that our great state of Texas – with the strongest economy in the nation – and reportedly, the 8th largest in the world – ranks 47th out of 50 states across 25 different indicators for women’s economic security and success?”

Ann Curry, Krys Boyd

 Curry shared her experiences as one of the few women reporters breaking barriers in newsrooms dominated by men. She’s used her platform to bring humanity to her stories and shine a light on people’s lived experiences. Despite facing resistance, she fought tirelessly to stand up for what was right. Throughout her journey, she would envision future women journalists and remind herself that “the women are coming” to help elevate the field. 

Clover the Violinist

Curry’s Select Remarks:

“You are now a part of the struggle and we’ve come a long way, but we haven’t crossed the finish line. Women fought to give you a voice. Use it.” Then she shared the story of her grandmother. “My grandmother wanted to vote in an election, but my dad and grandfather wouldn’t drive her to vote because she wasn’t going to vote for the candidate they both wanted her to vote for. Fine. She walked to the election site. Her candidate won.”

“Commit yourself to a life of service.”

“We have to balance risk-taking without fear. We have to step out and take a risk. Everyone has a purpose that only you can bring into the world – take smart risks, fight for the things that are part of your purpose.”

Carrie Freeman Parsons, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair, closed the luncheon with thanks to all the participants, sponsors and attendees. 

Ripple Effect

Special thanks to sponsors: 

Initiator of Change: Quantum Connections

Influencers for Change: Target and The Suzanne Ahn Speaker Endowment Fund of Texas Women’s Foundation 

Possibilities Partner Igniter of Change: Toyota

Pioneers for Change: Amazon, Ellenore Knight Baker and Roslyn Dawson Thompson, and Southwest Airlines

Incubators for Change: Goldman Sachs, The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated. 

Facilitator for Change: Haynes Boone 

Energizers for Change: The Dallas Mavericks, Ernst & Young, Kimberly Clark, Texas Capital Bank

For additional sponsors, visit https://www.txwfluncheon.org/2024-sponsors

Texas Women’s Foundation Elects New Board Members

Texas Women’s Foundation has elected three new board of directors who will serve three-year terms from 2022-2025:

Connie Kleinert Babikian - The Pillow Bar, Owner and President

Jana Etheridge - Capital One, Senior Vice President
Chief of Staff & Customer Service, Financial Services

Cris Zertuche Wong - Goldman Sachs, Managing Director

They join a board of 41 members led by Hilda Galvan, TXWF chair, who continues her two-year term through June 30, 2023.

The executive committee includes the following:

•      Hilda C. Galvan – Chair/Jones Day, Partner-in-Charge

•      Carrie Freeman Parsons – Chair Elect/Freeman, Chair of the Board

•      Bonnie Clinton – Toyota North America, VP and CPO Indirect Procurement Shared Services

•      Sara Garcia Duran – Sidley, Partner 

•      Debra Hunter Johnson – Reciprocity Consulting Group, Founder

•      Cynt Marshall – The Dallas Mavericks, President and CEO 

•      Neena Newberry – Newberry Solutions, President

•      Laura Nieto – Southwest Airlines, Director Community Engagement

•      Melissa Orth – The Legacy Senior Communities, President and CEO 

•      Holly Reed – Ryan, LLC, Principal & Practice Leader, U.S. Advocacy

•      Gowri Sharma – Redfort LLC Partners Real Estate Investment and Development Company, Principal; Dallas Museum of Art, President

•      Rachel Vinson – CBRE, Global Chief Operating Officer for Capital Markets

•      Miki Woodard – Texas Women’s Foundation, President and CEO 

Miki Woodard, Texas Women’s Foundation president and chief executive officer, said, “Under the thoughtful leadership of Hilda Galvan, our Executive Committee and our Board, we have an amazing group that helps us advance our mission of investing in women and girls to drive positive change. These new board members will add their experience and passion to help us even further, and we appreciate their service.”

 

In addition, three TXWF staff have been promoted:

•      Dena L. Jackson, Ph.D. – from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Strategy Officer

•      Ashley Lindsay – from Associate Vice President of Development to Chief of Staff

•      Dawn Hooper – from Vice President of Finance to Chief Financial Officer

Texas Women’s Foundation is Transforming Texas for Women and Girls, empowering them to build stronger, more equitable communities. 

Texas Women's Foundation 35th Annual Luncheon with Keynote Speaker America Ferrera

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) announces the keynote speaker for its 35^h Annual Luncheon: America Ferrera, award-winning actress, director, producer, The New York Times best-selling author and activist. Themed “Texas for All,” this year’s event will take place virtually on Tuesday, September 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In honor of the 35^th anniversary, tickets are $35 each. For more information or to purchase a ticket, visit txwfluncheon.org.

Business and community leaders Bonnie Clinton and Cynt Marshall are co-chairs of the luncheon. Clinton is vice president and chief procurement officer for Toyota North America, serves on Texas Women’s Foundation board and is a member of TXWF’s Economic Leadership Council. Marshall is chief executive officer of The Dallas Mavericks; she also serves as a Foundation board member and is an Economic Leadership Council member. Both women are diversity and inclusion champions and role models in their workplaces and in the community.  

“We are thrilled to assemble this ‘dream team’ – our keynote speaker, America Ferrera, who is passionate about strength in diversity and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in our society and economy, and our co-chairs, Bonnie Clinton and Cynt Marshall, who share the same passion and make it a reality through their exemplary leadership,” said Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Texas Women’s Foundation president and chief executive officer. 

 Others participating in the virtual event include A. Shonn Brown, Texas Women’s Foundation board chair and Kimberly-Clark vice president and deputy general counsel, and Laysha Ward, Target executive vice president and chief external engagement officer. Target is the keynote speaker sponsor.