S T R O N G W O M E N. BET TER WORLD.
45 % A household is housing cost burdened if it spends more than 30% of HHI on rent or mortgage payments, which is the case for 45% of Texas renters and 20% of homeowners.
Housing Security For Texas Women For most Texas women, housing is their largest monthly expense. Find out more about how Texas Women’s Foundation is investing in Housing Stability Grants. R E A D MOR E ON P A GE 4
one in five
1 in 5 Black women and 1 in 12 Latinas report having been evicted at least once as adults, compared to 1 in 15 white women. Women with children are the most likely to receive eviction judgments.
Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration to Empower Attendees Texas Women’s Foundation’s 2024 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration will be held on April 30, 2024, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This day of learning, leadership and celebration starts with #BESTSELF, a half-day empowerment program for teen girls. Next, the event features Leadership Forums with the 2024 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader recipients discussing their journey. Finally, the evening concludes with the dinner, Awards Celebration and panel, led by Deborah Roberts,, Senior National Affairs Correspondent, ABC News Contributing Anchor, ABC 20/20. Co-chairs for the event are business leaders and Foundation supporters Sakina Rasheed Foster, Haynes and Boone, LLP Partner and Office Managing Partner, and Veronica Torres Hazley, Founder of Hey Chica!
C ON TIN U E D ON P A GE 2
SPRING 2024
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Maura Award Recipients
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38th Annual Luncheon Recap
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Young Leader Award Recipients
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Housing Security
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Message from the Board Chair
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ELC and XIX Society Events
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TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
Texas Women’s Foundation celebrates and elevates the great accomplishments and impact that women leaders are making across the state of Texas by awarding the Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards to remarkable women.
2024 Event Co-chairs Sakina Rasheed Foster HAYNES AND BOONE, LLP
Partner and Office Managing Partner
Veronica Torres Hazley HEY CHICA! Founder
2024 Maura Women Helping Women Award Recipients
For 45 years, the Maura Women Helping Women Award has celebrated genuine change-makers who have pioneered efforts to enhance the wellbeing of women and girls throughout Texas.
EmPOWERing Resilience
Heather Bellino | Texas Advocacy Project, Austin, TX | Heather Bellino is a visionary leader
dedicated to transforming lives as the CEO of Texas Advocacy Project. With a commitment to serving victims of domestic and dating violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking, she leads a team that provides crucial legal services. At the heart of her leadership lies a passion for advancing the lives of women and girls. Through TAP’s initiatives, Heather raises awareness about critical issues, dismantle stigma, and foster open dialogues, driving positive systemic change.
EmPOWERing Authenticity
Marsha Clark | Marsha Clark and Associates, Frisco TX | Marsha Clark has become a driving force in the realm of leadership development, change management, strategic planning, performance management, team development and executive coaching. A visionary leader, she has dedicated more than 20 years to crafting and delivering leadership development programs tailored for women. She is also an Amazon best-selling author of Embracing Your Power. Complementing her literary success, she hosts a weekly podcast titled Your Authentic Path to Powerful Leadership, accessible on MarshaClarkandAssociates.com.
EmPOWERing Representation
Adeeba Raheem | University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso TX | Dr. Adeeba Raheem, UTEP associate professor of Civil Engineering, uses her academic prowess to help students. She has a multi-million dollar research portfolio with funding from U.S. federal agencies and non-profit organizations, which is directed towards supporting women and economically disadvantaged students in civil and construction engineering. For a decade, she has also been leading a construction safety training program where a large number of women representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds have been trained on occupational safety topics.
EmPOWERing Mentorship
Jamila Thomas | Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cedar Hill TX | Jamila Thomas serves as senior
vice president for Big Brothers Big Sisters and is responsible for establishing the strategic plan for corporate and community engagement. She also serves as an executive board member for Pipelines to Possibilities, an organization founded by four African American women judges focused on educating students on the justice system. Jamila helped establish the first Racial Equity Office in Dallas ISD and founded Cultured Consulting Group, an organization committed to the implementation of culturally responsive leadership best practices.
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
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2024 Young Leader Award Recipients The Young Leader Award honors exceptional leadership demonstrated by a woman under the age of 40 who is making strides in a particular field, initiative, or sector while paving the way for other women to pursue similar opportunities.
EmPOWERing a Spirit of Service
Cimajie Best | Allyn Media, Dallas TX | Cimajie Best, an associate with Allyn Media, is a trusted advisor to clients facing public affairs challenges, public relations opportunities, political elections, and landmark fundraising campaigns. As a skilled tactician in capacity building and stakeholder management, she is a strong racial equity advocate and program evaluator. Cimajie works with nonprofits, foundations, elected officials, and communities to create inclusive outcomes for all parties involved. She is a staunch advocate for collaborations, partnerships and a collective impact approach to producing change.
EmPOWERing Wellness
Hilda McClure | Cannenta Center for Healing, Addison TX | Hilda McClure, COO at Cannenta Center for Healing and Empowerment and a founding board member at Cannenta Foundation, is a skilled bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in adult therapy and trauma-focused counseling. Driven by a dedication to youth well-being, she pioneered an evidence-based program for children and single mothers in residential care. Committed to community growth, she trains professionals in serving Hispanic families and navigating the acculturation process.
Schedule: 10:00 – 3:00PM
#BestSelf: Be EmPOWERed
5:45 – 6:30
Invitation-only program for partner schools and organizations across North Texas.
General Reception 6:30-8:00PM
4:00-4:45PM
Awards Celebration and Panels
Leadership Forums Session 1
Panels moderated by Deborah Roberts
Adeeba Raheem, Hilda McClure, Jamila Thomas 5:00 – 5:45PM
Leadership Forums Session 2 Heather Bellino, Marsha Clark, Cimajie Best
Tickets & Sponsorships: To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how you can secure your spot in the room, visit: www.txwfleadership.org For additional questions, contact Joy Busch at jbusch@txwf.org
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TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
From the Board Chair
social and cultural movements to create better communities. I stand with fellow board members and supporters who are passionate about the roles we play in this movement and stand unwavering in our commitment to be catalysts for positive change across our state.
C A R R I E F R E E M A N PA R S O N S
Happy Women’s History Month! This month commemorates the remarkable contributions women have made in our nation and the immense sacrifices they’ve endured to forge paths for us to tread. I draw inspiration from these extraordinary women and proudly stand on their strong shoulders, committed to carrying forward the legacy they’ve established. Women have always been at the forefront of history-makers and futurechangers. We have broken the barriers, challenged societal norms and driven progress across various fields. As Board Chair of Texas Women’s Foundation, I understand the power we hold to shape
In this edition of the newsletter, we’re spotlighting some of the impactful initiatives aimed at celebrating and advancing women leaders.
“I understand the power we hold to shape social and cultural movements to create better communities.” We’re proud to acknowledge the achievements of six exceptional women from across Texas through the Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards, which will be presented at the upcoming Leadership Forum
& Awards Celebration on April 30th. Our recent Annual Luncheon was a testament to our rich history and the promising future that lies ahead. Additionally, our Giving Circles continue to demonstrate the strength of collective giving by increasing their investments in our communities. The dynamic women of our Economic Leadership Council have produced a report highlighting innovative post-COVID strategies and ways to cultivate a more inclusive work environment for all. Furthermore, our XIX Society is embarking on a decadelong journey of annual giving to pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. These remarkable women are shaping history in the present, and we are honored to be involved in their incredible achievements. As we continue through Women’s History Month, I challenge us all to take the time to celebrate the diversity, strength and resilience of women and recommit to advancing gender equity so we can live out the legacy of those who came before us.
Share the power of women supporting women.
How can we empower women?
“When women support other women it creates a multiplier effect. When one woman supports, coaches, lends a hand, or simply listens to another woman, the growth for that woman and those around her can be exponential. The Texas Women’s Foundation is an incredible organization that not only supports and elevates women and girls in our communities, but the Staff and the Board also constantly support each another.”
“We can empower women by being intentional with our words and actions, and ensuring that they have the tools, confidence, knowledge and opportunities to rise to their level of possibilities. Texas Women’s Foundation is an organization that believes that empowering women will have a positive impact on the world now and for generations to come. ”
What is your/women’s superpower? “One of my superpowers that I am proud of is having great instincts, and because of that being a trusted advisor to others. Generally speaking, just like any superhero, a woman’s superpowers are boundless and like any superhero they usually have their own version of kryptonite. The secret sauce happens when a woman fully and unapologetically embraces their superpowers while at the same time being aware of and managing their blind spot or their ‘kryptonite.’ When these things come together, the magic and potential are truly unlocked!”
Board Member Spotlight
Jana Etheridge
Board Member and Senior VP, Capital One Bank
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
From the Executive in Residence HAT T IE HIL L
I am so thrilled to serve in the role as Executive in Residence for Texas Women’s Foundation as we prepare to position this organization for new leadership who will move our mission forward in support of women and girls across our state. I am excited about the great things ahead and the many lives we will continue to impact as we build community around the important work that we do to support women and girls. This month, we honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way for us to occupy spaces and embrace opportunities that were once inaccessible to us. Despite significant progress, there remain numerous inequities that demand our attention and action. According to The Dallas
Morning News (February 26, 2024), Texas currently ranks 47th in terms of being “womenfriendly,” with particularly concerning statistics regarding low rates of female insurance coverage (51st) and unemployment among women (44th). It’s ironic that Texas consistently leads the nation in economic and business growth while grappling with these disparities.
“Texas currently ranks 47th in terms of being women-friendly” Our research indicates that despite the thriving Texas economy, a significant number of women remain disproportionately affected by poverty. As we progress through our Spring Community Grantmaking initiative, we have completed the review of applications submitted by non-profit organizations dedicated to serving women and girls across
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North Texas. This year, we have received an unprecedented 199 grant applications, totaling $6.8 million in requested funds. This highlights the escalating challenges that women and girls are confronting within our communities. Texas Women’s Foundation acknowledges the significant issues women and girls face and is developing strategies to address those needs. With ongoing statewide research set to be unveiled in the fall of 2024, we will be equipped with valuable insights to formulate strategic initiatives and programs. Furthermore, we will collaborate with community organizations and partners to advocate for and implement solutions aimed at fostering a more equitable Texas for all. Thank you for journeying with us through a critical time in our organization and we look forward to a strong future that will help women and girls reach their full potential. #Strong Women. Better World.
Cultivating Community for Women & Girls Texas Women’s Foundation was thrilled to take part in the inaugural Unity In Action program to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8th. This event united members from all Giving Circles to honor the profound impact women have as visionaries of tomorrow. Hattie Hill engaged in a panel discussion alongside representatives from H100 Latina Giving Circle, HERitage Giving Circle, Orchid Giving Circle and The Village Giving Circle. The discussion shed light on the transformative influence of all Giving Circles through their investments in programs and services benefiting communities of color. Additionally, they emphasized the strength derived from collective impact, emphasizing the reality that we are much stronger together. Community engagement stands as a core strategic initiative of Texas Women’s Foundation. This initiative prioritizes the establishment of robust partnerships with community organizations, such as the Giving Circles, aimed at expanding our outreach through inclusive opportunities for engagement and interaction. Our goal is to empower and connect both women and men around issues that profoundly impact the lives of women and girls. Through these collaborations, we will amplify our voices to bring about solutions we need to build a better Texas for all.
Cris Zertuche Wong, Hattie Hill, Froswá Booker Drew, Lisa Montgomery and Cynthia Yung
Hattie Hill joins moderated panel with members of H100 Latina, HERitage, Orchid and Village Giving Circles at Unity In Action event. (Cris Zertuche Wong, Hattie Hill and Froswa Booker Drew)
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TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
Texas Women’s Foundation Hosts 38th Annual Luncheon With nearly 1,000 people in attendance, Texas Women’s Foundation Luncheon Co-chair Ashleigh Everett of Hunt Oil Consolidated held its 38th Annual Luncheon on Sept. 26 to celebrate its past and raise funds for the future. The event, themed Texas Women NOW, kicked off with the awardwinning Highland Park Lads and Lassies, under the direction of actress and director Tiffany Solano, with a performance of “Brave.”
“My personal why is embodied in my mother, who has instilled in me love of community, hard work and importance of creating a legacy. Also my two amazing daughters are growing up in a world where they see women who have accomplished so much, yet still struggle to obtain decent health care, financial security and leadership opportunities.” Special remarks were given by Dallas Mavericks CEO and former TXWF Board Member, Cynt Marshall.
“Choose teammates who are passionate about TXWF. Determine what you’ll do. Get familiar with the playbook. Step on the court and advance the great work of TXWF. Finally, stay alert and ready to make a difference.”
Luncheon Co-chair Yolanda Garcia of Sidley Austin
““I want to make sure that the opportunities that I was provided in this country, ones not available for my mother and grandmother, are provided for the next generation of leaders. Ashleigh and I had to cross a very tight rope to achieve success, and we want to widen that rope to make the path just a little bit easier for Texas girls and women.”
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
Bridging our past with our future, we had the pleasure of having one of our 19 founders, first Board Chair and former TXWF
President Becky Sykes with our XIX Society Steering Committee Co-chair, Candice Hill, who spoke to the audience about the importance of building and continuing a legacy of investing in women.
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Thank You to our Sponsors PRESENTING
SPEAKER
with ongoing support from the Suzanne Ahn Speaker, M.D. Speaker Endowment Fund
LEGACY
LIVESTREAM
The moderated conversation with NBC 5 Anchor Deborah Ferguson with Emmy-winning actress Storm Reid focused on the importance of intentionality and impact. She addressed the 200 young girls in attendance with a special message.
INVESTOR
Helen LaKelly Hunt
IMPACT
“When I’m trying to give advice to young women, I look around at rooms like this – this is proof that people are willing to invest in you, to empower you, to pour into you. You are seen. You are heard. There is a who Foundation that is dedicated to seeing young women be great!” To find out more, go to: www.txwfluncheon.org
LEADER
200 young ladies from schools and organizations across North Texas gathered around speaker Storm Reid after attending the luncheon.
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TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
Housing, the Anchor for Security Texas Women’s Foundation recognizes housing as an anchor for stable families as presented in its most recent research on Economic Issues for Texas Women. For most Texas women, housing is their largest monthly expense. Where a woman lives determines where her children go to school, how long her commute to work is, and whether she feels safe. The Foundation’s Housing Stability Initiative addresses the challenges faced by women in locating and maintaining housing. The YWCA – Houston The YWCA’s Houston Choice Housing Program provides permanent housing with wrap-around supportive services specifically for chronically homeless young women ages 18-24 (including any children). These young women meet the HUD definition of chronic homelessness and have aged out of the Texas Department of Families and Protective Services foster care system. YWCA Houston’s client-centered services prepare residents for housing stability, independent living, and self-sufficiency, and maintain contracts with apartment complexes throughout the Houston Metropolitan area. The YWCA’s wrap around services have enabled women to further their education with GED services and testing, they provide emergency assistance to individuals facing eviction, and provide safe, temporary shelter while a home is prepared. Their program engages women with furthering their education and reducing negative family and generational trauma outcomes and patterns.
The Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center The Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center’s (DEAC) purpose is to address illegal evictions in Dallas County. Nearly 80 percent of evictions filed in Dallas County are unlawful and because most tenants facing eviction lack legal representation, the courts and landlords have not been fully held accountable to the law. The DEAC provides free legal representation with the goal to provide pro-bono services at the 10 eviction courts in Dallas County and create system change in how evictions are handled. With a 90 percent success rate, tenants can work with landlords to pay what is due or are granted the time to make arrangements to move to new housing, thus reducing the stress and barriers put on families and children from an illegal eviction. Because women with children are most likely to receive evictions notices, this grant supports housing stability to a household, saves taxpayer dollars, addresses housing insecurity, and brings accountability to a public system, thus creating a model for statewide and national impact.
Texas Women’s Foundation Invests in Housing Stability Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center $100,000 Texas Housers $40,000 UpTogether $100,000 YWCA Houston $100,000
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
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Giving Circles Invest in Communities of Color Texas Women’s Foundation is proud to partner with three giving circles led by a diverse group of women whose passion for the community is transforming lives. Over the last eight years, giving circles at Texas Women’s Foundation have invested $2.8M to support the Asian, African American and Latina communities in North Texas.
Orchid Giving Circle As the first giving circle at Texas Women’s Foundation launched in 2015, Orchid Giving Circle at TXWF distributed a record $376,688 in grants this year to 24 nonprofit organizations that serve the North Texas Asian community. Since it was founded,
the giving circle has granted $1,721,688 to 44 nonprofits. A Grantee Celebration was held November 10, 2023 to honor their 2023-24 awardees. Learn more at: https://www.orchidgivingcircle.org/
Orchid Giving Circle Grantee Check Presentation
Village Giving Circle On November 12, 2023 The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation celebrated with its members and supporters and announced that it had distributed $165,000 in grants to 12 nonprofit organizations whose missions support the African American community in North Texas. Since 2017, the group has
given $1,158,000 in grants to 55 nonprofits. The Village was born out of a desire to harness the collective giving power and influence of female African American philanthropists and provide opportunities for connection. Learn more at: https://txwf.org/village-giving-circle/ Village Giving Circle Grantee Check Presentation
the needs of Latina women and H100 Latina Giving Circle serving girls. The giving circle has contributed On October 26, 2023, The Hispanic 100 (H100) Latina Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation awarded $166,000 in grants to 33 North Texas area nonprofits
Members of H100 Latina Giving Circle
$672,500 since 2019 to 136 nonprofits. H100 was established in 2019 by the Hispanic 100 Network to further engage Latinas in philanthropy, and to expand
resources for local organizations whose mission is to empower, educate and support Latinas across North Texas. Learn more at: https://txwf.org/h100latinagivingcircle/
H100 Latina Giving Circle Check Presentation
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TEXAS WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
Economic Leadership Council Networking Event The Economic Leadership Council (ELC) convened on January 23rd for a networking session aimed at fostering meaningful connections. Dubbed as ELC Speed Networking and hosted by Deloitte, the event saw members engaging in rapid-fire conversations, switching partners every few minutes to exchange insights about themselves. This lively gathering provided an avenue for members to familiarize themselves with one another, pinpoint areas for mutual professional and personal support.
Members of the Economic Leadership Council participate in a Speed Dating Networking event.
XIX Society Embarks on 10 Years On November 10th, Virtual Viewpoints featured the work of the XIX
The XIX Society gathered on January 23rd at Pegasus Park for “New Year,
Society. The Power of Collective Giving was a guided discussion
New Friends” to bring together old, new and prospective members to learn
moderated by XIX Society Co-chair Candice Hill, that highlighted the
about the impact of the XIX Society over the last 10 years, and how we
impactful initiatives of IGNITE and POETIC. These organizations are
will celebrate 10 years of impact! Attendees enjoyed a wonderful evening
dedicated to offering programs that empower young women, guiding
connecting and learning about the power of collective giving.
them on a journey to lead and thrive. The conversation also delved into the potent influence of collective giving, emphasizing how pooling resources can create a more substantial impact, ultimately fostering the development of stronger and more vibrant communities.
Current and prospective XIX Society Members join to learn more about the XIX Society.
XIX Society Co-chair Candice Hill moderates Virtual Viewpoints with HaeSung Han of POETIC and Sara Guillermo of IGNITE.
The XIX Society, named for Texas Women’s Foundation’s 19 founders, is an annual giving society made up of a dynamic group of individuals who invest their passion, gifts and leadership to help women and girls, and their families, and foster a better community. To learn more about how you can join: www. txwf.org/get-involved/
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
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NEW WAYS OF WORKING
IN A POST-COVID ENVIRONMENT
EXPLORING THE LANDSCAPE OF HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENTS ACROSS VARIOUS INDUSTRIES
EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT: Current Industry Workplace Expectations*
In a comprehensive examination of sectors within the ELC and their network, a prevalent trend emerges: the adoption of hybrid working models aimed at striking a balance post-COVID. Many industries have embraced a flexible approach, with employees working in-person for 2-3 days a week. The days spent in the office are strategically utilized to enhance collaboration through team meetings and cross-team projects, fostering a more cohesive workstyle. Survey results indicate that leadership roles tend to gravitate towards more in-person, irrespective of the hybrid schedule. This is seen as a means to establish accountability, with team leads setting an example for others. Colleagues may perceive a correlation between leadership and increased in-office commitment. Beyond leadership, the survey reveals that the choice between in-person and hybrid work depends on roles and positions within the company. Externalfacing positions, such as sales and service roles, necessitate more in-person interactions to engage with customers. Conversely, administrative, IT, and accounting positions demonstrate effectiveness in remote work.
What is your firm’s expectations of employees being in the office or onsite in person with clients?
87% Hybrid
13% Fulltime In-Person
*Data compiled July 2023 - September 2023
Do expectations vary by leadership level?
How does your firm articulate workplace expectations? 100
60% No
40% Yes
80
60
40
Do expectations vary based on function? 15% No
20
0
60%
Policy
“To reach a senior level, you need to be where the business is.” Laura Maxwell, Frito Lay
65%
85%
Verbal/ Meeting
85% Yes *Responses are not mutually exclusive and various respondents indicated workplace expectations are articulated by more than one means.
CAMPBELL CENTRE II 8150 N. Central Expressway Suite 110 Dallas, Texas 75206
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID ADDISON, TX PERMIT NO. 6
DON’T MISS OUT!
For more information visit:
www.txwf.org/get-involved/#events
or contact:
events@txwf.org
LEADERSHIP FORUM & AWARDS CELEBRATION APR
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APRIL 30, 2024 | OMNI DALLAS HOTEL
A celebration of women and leadership that recognizes the impact of women leaders by presenting the Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Awards to exemplary trailblazers across Texas. There will be Leadership Forums featuring each Award Recipient and a panel moderated byABC News’ Deborah Roberts. Find out more at txwfleadership.org
Virtual Viewpoints MAY 2024
Virtual Viewpoints is an event series that focuses on ways that we can individually and collectively support an equitable society for women and girls. Topics are based on
M AY 2 0 2 4
findings from our research that focuses on the four essentials to a woman and her family’s economic security: child care, housing, health insurance and education. It also focuses on ways we can advance women in leadership and advocate for policies and practices that will lead to positive economic and social change, and achieve equity for Texas women and girls, and their families. Find out more at txwf.org/events
SEPT 2024
39th Annual Luncheon
SEPTEMBER 2024 (DATE COMING SOON) Join us for our Annual Luncheon where community, corporate and philanthropic leaders will gather to hear an insightful conversation featuring an impactful speaker who will discuss the importance of transforming communities to create systems that support us all. Find out more at txwfluncheon.org