Join Texas Women’s Foundation for an unforgettable afternoon of insights, inspiration, and celebration at the 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards on April 29, 2026 at Moody Performance Hall, where we’ll honor the 2026 Maura Women Helping Women and Young Leader Award recipients.
IMPACT REPORT
With support from our donor and philanthropic partners, Texas Women’s Foundation invested $6 million in Texas women, their families, and their futures in 2024-2025.
See more on page 6
Co-chaired by Cristal Retana Lule and Lynn McBee, this fresh new format will bring together corporate and community leaders, advocates, and changemakers to celebrate women whose courageous leadership is driving measurable impact across Texas. We will open with the awards presentation, followed by dynamic micro-learning sessions with our awardees, then enjoy a celebratory cocktail reception in their honor.
See more on page 2
2026 MAURA WOMEN HELPING WOMEN AWARD RECIPIENTS
For 47 years, the Maura Women Helping Women Award has been presented to more than 230 courageous individuals who have catalyzed change for women and girls.
DEBRA HUNTER JOHNSON
RECIPROCITY CONSULTING GROUP | Debra Hunter Johnson is a respected leadership strategist, board member and community leader. As the founder of Reciprocity Consulting Group, her work is grounded in her signature philosophy— Accelerate Your Wisdom Curve®—helping leaders and organizations turn experience into insight and insight into lasting impact. Also an accomplished attorney, Debra held senior leadership roles at American Airlines as Vice President of Global Human Resources Services and as Associate General Counsel—becoming the first African-American woman to serve in either position. She currently serves on the board of Oncor Electric Delivery Company and the UT Southwestern Medical Center President’s Advisory Board, where she is the past Board chair. Previous board service includes Texas Women’s Foundation, where she co-chaired the Economic Leadership Council, Dallas Economic Development Corporation and Kanarys, Inc. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Links, Inc., the Dallas Assembly, the Women’s Leadership Summit, the Junior League of Dallas and is a founding member of The Village Giving Circle.
KIM BIZOR TOLBERT
CITY OF DALLAS | Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was appointed Dallas City Manager on January 22, 2025, becoming the first African American woman to serve in the role. She leads the nation’s ninth-largest city, overseeing a $5.2 billion budget and more than 13,000 employees. Named a Texas 100 headliner to watch by the Dallas Business Journal, Tolbert is passionate about Dallas’ evolution as an inclusive city that serves as a model for innovation, efficient government and targeted economic growth. As CEO of Dallas, she streamlined city operations, saving $13.3 million and closed a two-year budget shortfall of $74.5 million. Throughout her 33-year career, she has mentored countless women and continues to develop the next generation of community builders and public service leaders. In recognition of her transformational leadership, she was honored with the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award, Quality & Excellence Legacy Award, Pearl C. Anderson Trailblazer Award and the Nancy Lieberman Women of Inspiration Award – Businesswoman of Inspiration. Tolbert is a member of the Dallas Assembly, Dallas Summit, Charter 100 and International Women’s Forum. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas, is an International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager, and is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
MARGIE AGUILAR
ISP CREATIVE | Margie Aguilar exemplifies the spirit of women helping women—building organizations, amplifying voices and creating pathways for women and girls to lead with confidence and purpose. She is the Founder and CEO of ISP Creative, an award-winning production company that is a trusted creative partner for corporations and nonprofits through strategic storytelling, excellence and long-term collaboration. Aguilar has applied this leadership philosophy in service to women, girls and families across North Texas. She leverages her creative expertise and influence to strengthen equity-focused organizations, including long-standing leadership with Navidad en el Barrio and continued advocacy through board service and leadership with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This commitment earned her the Presidents’ Volunteer Service Awards, presented by President Joe Biden. Aguilar leads International Women’s Day of Philanthropy. She also serves in leadership and advisory roles with Girls Scouts of Northeast Texas, Young Women’s Preparatory Network, The Concilio, DFW Hispanic 100, amond others.
OLGA HICKMAN, PHD
BACHMAN LAKE TOGETHER | Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D., is Executive Director of Bachman Lake Together, where she partners with the community to cultivate a thriving Bachman Lake neighborhood, one where children flourish and opportunity is shared across generations. A proud Latina leader, Dr. Martinez Hickman brings both lived experience and academic expertise to advancing equitable systems that center family and community leadership locally, regionally and nationally. Under her leadership, Bachman Lake Together has become a model for place-based collaboration, driving measurable, long-term impact in early childhood education and family well-being. A first-generation college graduate and among the 1% of Latinas in the U.S. to earn a Ph.D., she is also a 2024 Presidential Leadership Scholar and a Cradleto-Career Partnership Leader Fellow at EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She serves on the boards of Healthy Futures of Texas, Dallas After School and Parents as Teachers, as well as on the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council.
THEAR SUZUKI
EY, RETIRED | Thear Suzuki’s personal purpose is to inspire courageous actions in others so they can lead more impactful lives. As an expert connector of people and bold action, she shapes leaders making a positive difference in our world. Her community leadership includes serving on the boards of Communities Foundation of Texas, SMU Lyle Engineering School Executive Board, the SMU Tate Lecture Series and Co-Chair for 50/50 Women on Boards – DFW. With Texas Women’s Foundation, Suzuki served on the board for two terms and as co-chair of the Economic Leadership Council. She also helped co-found the Orchid Giving Circle that has its roots at TXWF. She has received the D CEO Corporate Excellence in Leadership, the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award, Women Leaders in Consulting Award, President of the United States Gold Volunteer Service Award, and was named one of the most powerful business leaders in North Texas by D CEO. Suzuki is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a retired business executive with 29 years of professional services experience at EY and Accenture. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Biomedical Engineering Specialization from SMU.
2026 YOUNG LEADER AWARD RECIPIENTS
The Young Leader Award recognizes breakthrough leadership exhibited by a trailblazer who is achieving success in a field, initiative or sector, and creating a path of opportunity for other women to follow.
PRISMA Y. GARCIA
PIZZA HUT US | Prisma Y. Garcia has a business mind and a servant heart. She started her career as a fundraiser, eventually expanding her expertise into nonprofit management at organizations like Social Venture Partners Dallas and The Concilio before managing Pizza Hut’s corporate social purpose program. A lifelong resident of the Pleasant Grove neighborhood, Garcia currently serves as the District 4 Trustee and Board Secretary for Dallas ISD, representing parts of Pleasant Grove, Seagoville, Kleberg/Rylie and Balch Springs. Her dedication to her community led her to cofound Community Does It – Cuenta Conmigo – the first mental health clinic in the 75217zip code. Garcia holds a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology at Texas Woman’s University.
AMANDA VALENTINE
MEMORIAL HERMANN HEALTH SYSTEM | Amanda Valentine is a healthcare operations and quality improvement leader who uses data, systems thinking, and service-driven leadership to strengthen communities and create pathways for women and girls to lead. She serves as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt at Memorial Hermann Health System, where she leads enterprise-level initiatives focused on patient safety, access to care and operational excellence. She serves on the board of directors for the Girls Empowerment Network and is an active member of the Junior League of Houston and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. Valentine is also servant leader within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. She holds a Master of Engineering in Healthcare Systems Engineering from Lehigh University, a Master of Science in Health Informatics from Northeastern University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University. She is completing a Ph.D. in Health Policy and Management at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
FORUM SESSIONS:
Purpose, Power & Poise:
A Candid Conversation with Kim Tolbert moderated by Karen Borta
DEB Talk:
Debra Hunter Johnson’s Take on Why Investing in Women is Imperative
Bridging Generations, Building for the Future:
Debra Hunter Johnson is joined by Prisma Garcia and Amanda Valentine to get Perspective from Emerging Leaders
Voices That Shape Change:
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
Awards Presentation:
Cocktail Reception:
Parking: FRIENDS OF OLGA
Registration: Leadership Forum:
A Conversation with Margie Aguilar and Olga Hickman, PhD about Activating Your Voice to Transform Communities
The Heart of Leadership:
A Meaningrul Dialogue with Marsha Clark and Thear Suzuki about the Power of Purposeful Leadership
SCHEDULE:
4PM Awards Celebration
4:25PM Leadership Forum
5:45PM Cocktail Reception
Special Recognition Award:
Snap & Share: Transformation Partner: DEBRA HUNTER JOHNSON & FRIENDS
TICKETS & PACKAGES:
Tickets are selling fast! Reserve yours today!
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE:
Contact: Joy Busch at maura@txwf.org or 214-525-5321
From the President & CEO
Friends -
What fun it’s been to celebrate 40 years of impact over the last year! From announcing $115 million in total impact, including nearly $90 million in grants to more than 900 deserving organizations, to honoring our fearless Founders at our Ruby Anniversary Luncheon (pp. 8-9), it’s been quite a year! And the celebration continues this month as we recognize our 2026 Maura and Young Leader Award Recipients (pp. 2-3).
Additional highlights include the Foundation’s largest-ever educational grant - $500,000 – awarded to Dallas College in November to support programs designed to help students achieve associate and bachelor’s degrees
and/or life-changing professional credentials. By partnering with Dallas College, TXWF is creating pathways for women to gain economic security, stability, and success.
As you know, achieving organizational stability has been a focus for Texas Women’s Foundation over the last two
“TXWF is creating pathways for women to gain economic security, stability, and success.”
years. I’m pleased to share that thanks to the generosity of our loyal supporters, and the leadership of our Board and Board Alumnae, we have met our $2 million “Bridge to 40” friend-raising goal! This has allowed the Foundation to stabilize its operations and cash flow, fully leverage its investments in technology, and complete an ambitious, new three-year strategic plan.
41 Million Gen Z Youth will be Eligible to Vote in the 2026 Midterms
The Young Women’s Advisory Council, central to TXWF’s Young Women’s Initiative, in partnership with IGNITE attended “IGNITE the Vote 2026,” held in Dallas in February. It brought together young women from across Texas to build leadership skills and learn how to mobilize their peers to vote. Attendees participated in sessions, made meaningful connections, and gained tools to use their voices to drive change in their communities.
Texas Advisory Council Members:
Madison Harden - Dallas
Alejandra Guerra - Plano
Karolyn Kedslie - Richardson
Arya Gurumukhi - Sachse
Sualeha Irshad - Mansfield
Isabella Fuentes - Princeton
Destiny Sumani - Sugar Land
Juliana Hernandez - Houston
Dulce Otero - Houston
Giselle Garza - Texas City
Amanda Chapa - Rio Grande City
Romina Garcia - Eagle Pass
This plan:
• Establishes TXWF research and advocacy as core competencies that guide grantmaking and program investment
• Positions TXWF as an expert, advocate, and resource for Texas women, families, and their futures
• Prioritizes fundraising and operational excellence to ensure financial sustainability
• Emphasizes partnership and collaboration to drive scalable impact
As always, it will take all of us – working together – to accomplish our goals and to achieve our vision of a strong and vibrant Texas for all. Let’s get to work for Texas women, their families, and their futures!
In support of #StrongWomenBetterTexas,
Karen Hughes White President & CEO
61%
reported feeling motivated to run for office
71%
reported feeling inspired to get involved in policy making
KAREN HUGHES WHITE
Some of the Texas Advisory Council Members: Romina Garcia, Amanda Chapa, Isabella Fuentes, Suahela Irshad, Carolyn Kedslie , Alejandra Guerra, and Juliana Hernandez.
From the Board Chair
During Women’s History Month, I had the honor of engaging with a variety of audiences who share a deep commitment to advancing opportunities for Texas women, their families, and their futures. Each conversation served as a powerful reminder that when we amplify our message, we expand our impact.
WELLNESS INDICATORS
Across these engagements, I had the opportunity to speak about the mission of Texas Women’s Foundation and highlight the critical research that continues to guide our work— particularly around the persistent and pervasive wage gap and the barriers that impact women’s economic security, stability, and success. These realities reinforce what we know to be true: if we are to build a stronger, more vibrant Texas for all, we must continue to invest intentionally in women and families.
ACADEMIC WELL-BEING
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
One meaningful moment was participating in a thoughtful panel discussion with Maureen Tarantello of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, as part of the Women of Sysco’s Women’s History Month gathering. Our conversation on mentorship and sponsorship reinforced how important it is for women to not only have a seat at the table, but to be advocates and to open the door for others.
I was also grateful to join Shonn Brown and Tracey Doi for an International Women’s Day discussion hosted by ISP Creative. Building on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” our dialogue centered on the power of collective philanthropy and the ways women—and particularly Women of Color—are intentionally investing in their communities to create more equitable futures for the
generations to come. This approach is deeply rooted in the founding of Texas Women’s Foundation when 19 diverse women came together – bringing their time, talent, and treasure - to drive meaningful, lasting change.
By continuing to share our mission and message with those who are equally passionate about creating change, we strengthen our ability to remove barriers and create opportunities for women and families across our state.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Together, through partnership, advocacy, and investment, we are building #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
We’re proud to be Texans, yet we’re failing girls in our own backyard. The data shows that despite Texas’ prosperity, it’s a terribly tough time (and place) to be a girl.
TEXAS RANKS 41ST IN THE NATION FOR GIRLS’ OVERALL WELL-BEING.*
Cris Zertuche Wong Board Chair
When you average Texas girls’ well-being metrics across physical, academic, and social/emotional well-being, we land in the bottom fifth of the nation.
*This ranking gives equal weight to the three different well-being categories.
State of the Texas Girl Report
fourth through eighth or above grade-level proficiency for reading
fourth through eighth or above grade-level proficiency for math
fourth through eighth or above grade-level
proficiency for science
school graduation rates
Presence of emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues
Mental health treatment or counseling (girls ages 3-17)
Student-to-support staff ratio (school counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses)
Involvement in any community service or volunteer work (girls ages 12-17)
Participation in any organized activities (girls ages 6-17)
In honor of Sharon King, TXWF’s first-ever Grants Committee Chair and recent Girl Scouts of NE Texas (GSNETX) Lifetime Champion Awardee, TXWF provided a grant to support the release of the 2026 State of the Texas Girl Report, published in March by GSNETX. TXWF President & CEO Karen Hughes White joined GSNETX CEO Jennifer Bartkowski and Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources, to share the report’s alarming data. Texas ranks 41st out of 50 states + the District of Columbia in overall well-being for girls, and 51st (dead last!) in girls’ physical wellbeing.
“We can and must do better,” said Jennifer as she called the group to action at a gathering at Pegasus Park to preview of the report’s findings. Karen added, “Strong research helps guide strategic investment and encourages the kind of collaboration we need to drive change for Texas women and girls.”
TEXAS GIRLS ARE CAUGHT IN AN UNHEALTHY PHYSICAL RUT.
We rank 51st in the nation for girls’ physical well-being. Girls’ lack of physical activity, combined with an excessive daily use of screens and unhealthy weight levels, results in a national last-place ranking.
92% of Texas girls do not get enough physical activity daily
Almost one-quarter of Texas girls are on screens for four-plus hours a day
36% of Texas girls are considered overweight or obese
TEXAS GIRLS ARE AVERAGE/JUST-BELOW AVERAGE FOR ACADEMICS.
While Texas girls fare better for academic well-being, their overall proficiency levels are extremely low (mirroring low national levels), especially for reading and STEM subjects.
Less than 1 in 3 girls can read proficiently
Eighth grade Texas girls are especially behind in math; only 20% are at or above proficiency
Fourth grade Texas girls are overall at or slightly above average for math and science proficiency
92% of Texas girls graduated from high school, higher than the national average (88%)
THE WELL-BEING GENDER TEXAS GIRLS VS. TEXAS BOYS
When compared with Texas boys, girls fall significantly behind their counterparts in two key metrics:
PHYSICAL WELL-BEING:
When it comes to movement, less than 8% of Texas are getting at least minutes of physical daily, compared with of Texas boys. GIRLS
ACADEMIC
SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE:
Texas girls’ science ciency levels are nearly percentage points compared with eighth Texas boys (32% vs. respectively), indicating knowledge gap that continue if not addressed.
CRIS ZERTUCHE WONG
Research Guides TXWF Investments
While women comprise 46% of the state’s workforce—driving its unprecedented growth—the systemic barriers they face are costing Texas billions of dollars each year in lost productivity and potential.
• Women in Texas earn just 83% compared to their male counterparts and Black and Hispanic women earn even less.
• The childcare crisis is costing the state $11.4B annually in lost economic output.
• Despite women earning 58% of all college degrees in Texas, men with bachelor’s degrees make 41% more money; men with graduate degrees make 51% more.
2024-25 IMPACT REPORT
• 27% of Texas women work in jobs with a median annual income of less than $20,000, while only 4 percent work in jobs with a median annual income of over $75,000.
• At 17%, Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured women nationwide; one in four full-time working women is uninsured.
The situation is even more dire for women of color, who represent 60% of Texas’s workingwomen. They face greater wage gaps, higher uninsured rates, and significant barriers to housing stability.
The Time to Act Is Now!
$6M INVESTED IN WOMEN AND FAMILIES
2024-25 IMPACT REPORT
2024-25 IMPACT REPORT
• The cost of child care for an infant in Texas exceeds $9,300 per year, nearly equal to one year’s tuition at a state college.
By 2040, Texas’s female population will grow to 18.5M, multiplying the impact of these disparities if left unaddressed. Without addressing the health insurance gap, for example, health losses in Texas are projected to reach $178.5B annually by 2040.
INVESTMENT BY PROGRAM AREA
$6M INVESTED IN WOMEN AND FAMILIES
$6M INVESTED IN WOMEN AND FAMILIES
$6M INVESTED IN WOMEN AND FAMILIES
In 2024-2025 TXWF Made the Following Investments in Support of Our Mission
Informed by our research and with guidance from community volunteers, TXWF granted $3.2M to 112 deserving non-profit organizations in North Texas and the broader state in 2024-25. These organizations share TXWF’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all by enabling women to share equally in opportunities for economic security, stability, and success. $6M $3.2M
$365K
INVESTMENT BY PROGRAM AREA
$6M
Since 1985, Texas Women's Foundation has invested more than $115 million in removing the barriers to women’s economic security, stability, and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. In 2024-25, with support from our generous donors and partners, we invested $6M to advance Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Since 1985, Texas Women's Foundation has invested more than $115 million in removing the barriers to women’s economic security, stability, and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. In 2024-25, with support from our generous donors and partners, we invested $6M to advance Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Since 1985, Texas Women's Foundation has invested more than $115 million in removing the barriers to women’s economic security, stability, and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. In 2024-25, with support from our generous donors and partners, we invested $6M to advance Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Thank you for investing with us. Together we’re building #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
Informed by our research and with guidance from community volunteers, TXWF granted $3.2M to 112 deserving non-profit organizations in North Texas and the broader state in 2024-25. These organizations share TXWF’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all by enabling women to share equally in opportunities for economic security, stability, and success. $6M $3.2M
Since 1985, Texas Women’s Foundation has invested more than $115 million in removing the barriers to women’s economic security, stability, and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. In 2024-25, with support from our generous donors and partners, we invested $6M to advance Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Thank you for investing with us. Together we’re building #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
Since 1985, Texas Women's Foundation has invested more than $115 million in removing the barriers to women’s economic security, stability, and success through targeted research and advocacy, intentional grantmaking and leadership programs. In 2024-25, with support from our generous donors and partners, we invested $6M to advance Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Thank you for investing with us. Together we’re building #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
GRANT MAKING BY ISSUE AREA
Thank you for investing with us. Together we’re building #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
GRANT MAKING BY ISSUE AREA
$3.2M
Informed by our research and with guidance from community volunteers, TXWF granted $3.2M to 112 deserving non-profit organizations in North Texas and the broader state in 2024-25. These organizations share TXWF’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all by
$3.2M
Informed by our research and with guidance from community volunteers, TXWF granted $3.2M to 112 deserving non-profit organizations in North Texas and the broader state in 2024-25. These organizations share TXWF’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all by enabling women to share equally in opportunities for economic security, stability, and success.
Informed by our research and with guidance from community volunteers, TXWF granted $3.2M to 112 deserving non-profit organizations in North Texas and the broader state in 2024-25. These organizations share TXWF’s vision for a strong and vibrant Texas for all by enabling women to share equally in opportunities for economic security, stability, and success.
2024-25 STRATEGIC GRANT MAKING IN NORTH TEXAS AND BEYOND
GRANT MAKING HIGHLIGHTS
With the support and partnership of our generous donors and philanthropic partners, including H100 Latina Giving Circle, and TXWF Donor Advised Fund holders, we are supporting strategic initiatives throughout the state to fuel progress for women and families to have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Highlights include:
CHILD CARE
CHILD CARE
GRANT MAKING HIGHLIGHTS
HEALTH CARE
HEALTH CARE
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Center For Transforming Lives (Tarrant County)
Nearly 25,000 Tarrant County 0-5-year-olds live in poverty. The consequences of an early childhood spent in poverty can be lifelong. For these families, most led by women, a high-quality, full-day childcare program can provide children with daily stability, nourishment, and enrichment. The grant will bridge literacy and education gaps for 550 low-income or homeless children through early childhood education.
Healthy Futures of Texas (Dallas, San Antonio, Rio Grande Valley)
Nearly 25,000 Tarrant County 0-5-year-olds live in poverty. The consequences of an early childhood spent in poverty can be lifelong. For these families, most led by women, a high-quality, full-day childcare program can provide children with daily stability, nourishment, and enrichment. The grant will bridge literacy and education gaps for 550 low-income or homeless children through early childhood education.
Young Invincibles (East Texas)
The investment in leadership development prioritizes young adults, primarily women, who are the farthest from power and privilege. The grant provides access to paid leadership development programming in underserved areas. Through peer-to-peer outreach, program participants increase their knowledge of the political process and civic engagement and develop hard and soft skills to improve their economic mobility.
Young Women’s Preparatory Network (Southeast Dallas)
The Young Women’s STEAM Academy at Balch Springs students benefit from an embedded college readiness program uniquely structured for their academic needs. Through structured advising and early career exploration, students gain the knowledge, confidence, and preparation necessary to access and persist in higher education.
Texas Women’s Foundation Celebrated 40th Anniversary with Award-Winning Actress Christine Baranski
In celebration of 40 years of investing in Texas women, their families and their futures, the Foundation announced $115 million impact since 1985
Dallas, Texas, November 19, 2025
On November 14 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) celebrated 40 years of impact at its Ruby Anniversary Luncheon featuring Christine Baranski, an Emmy, two-time Tony, Screen Actors Guild, Drama Desk and American Comedy Award winner.
The Luncheon opened with video montages featuring seven of the Foundation’s nineteen Founders, whose reflections were woven throughout the program. They shared humorous stories and heartfelt memories from the organization’s early days, while highlighting the enduring legacy they helped build. Their reflections demonstrated just how far the Foundation has come over the past 40 years.
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.”
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.”
Foundaion Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong Interviews Founder Dr. Catalina Garcia
Ruby Anniversarcy Co-chair Laura Estrada Interviews Founder Kay Bailey Hutchison
Ruby Anniversary Co-chair Helen Frank Interviews Founder Harryette Ehrhardt
Ruby Anniversary Co-chair Brenda Jackson Interviews Founder Helen LaKelly Hunt
Ruby Anniversary Co-chair Shonn Brown Interviews Founder Frances Griffin Brown
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
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.
Christine Baranski shared stories of her upbringing in a working class family in Buffalo, New York, and how she persevered to achieve her goal of attending Juilliard, an aspiration that ultimately led to her successful 40+-year acting career. She shared, “I drew upon my strength, grace and resiliency, especially during my working mom days.”
Thank You To Our Ruby Anniversary Luncheon Sponsors:
Luncheon Sponsors and Partners joined the Founders Reception, hosted by Ruby Anniversary Luncheon Co-Chairs Laura Estrada and Gail Griswold.
Executive Leadership Accelerator Launches First Cohort
Texas Women’s Foundation, in partnership with Communities Foundation of Texas, launched the inaugural cohort of its Executive Leadership Accelerator this January, welcoming seven accomplished senior-level executive women who are preparing for next level leadership roles.
This initiative was created in response to concerning research showing a decline in women serving in top executive positions. In 2025, just one quarter of rising CEOs are women—down from nearly 30% during the same period last year. At the same time, the rate of women leaving CEO roles has increased compared to this time last year.
Purposefully built for deep personal and professional growth, the Executive Leadership Accelerator blends immersive leadership development, 1:1 executive coaching, and a mission-aligned capstone project—creating a powerful, cohort-based experience for women preparing for higher levels of leadership and impact in their careers and communities. Most importantly, it supports Texas Women’s Foundation’s commitment to investing in women’s lifecycle leadership development.
For more information on the 2027 cohort visit: www.txwf.org/executiveleadershipaccelerator or email: leadership@txwf.org
The Power of the Nineteen Network
Over the past several months, Texas Women’s Foundation’s Nineteen Network has brought women together through gatherings rooted in connection, purpose, and impact—creating space for meaningful conversations while supporting Texas women, their families, and their futures.
The season began with a Nineteen Book Swap, where supporters gathered with Texas Women’s Foundation Board members and the Executive Leadership Council for an evening of conversation and inspiration. A highlight of the evening was a discussion with Marty McDonald, MBA—Dallas entrepreneur, author, and TXWF Board Director—who shared insights from her debut book Audacious, encouraging women to lead boldly and live with courage.
During the holidays, the Nineteen Network also came together for a service project at Nexus Family Recovery Center, one of the organizations supported through the
Network’s annual grant. The day was filled with bracelets, cards, story time, hot cocoa, cookies, and heartfelt moments shared with families in the program.
The community continued with a Galentine’s Celebration at Nordstrom NorthPark Center, an evening of fashion, friendship, and philanthropy. Proceeds supported POETIC’s Clothing Pantry, helping girls who have experienced exploitation and trafficking rediscover confidence and identity through authentic style.
Together, these gatherings reflect the spirit of the Nineteen Network: women showing up for one another and creating collective impact.
To learn more about the Nineteen Network and how you can get involved: https://txwf.org/impact-investing/nineteen/
Executive Leadership Council Champions Pay Equity Board Alumnae Gather to Celebrate Impact
Texas Women’s Foundation’s Executive Leadership Council (ELC)—a network of professionals committed to advancing women in leadership and expanding opportunities for women across Texas—has been actively working to amplify women’s voices and advocate for greater equity in the workplace over the last year.
This momentum was created by a powerful year of advocacy around Women and the Wage Gap, a white paper released in March 2025 by TXWF. That work culminated with Lead Like Lilly, an event that kicked off Women’s History Month by sharing the powerful story of Lilly Ledbetter and sparking meaningful dialogue about the persistent wage gap and its impact on Texas women, their families, and their futures.
Texas Women’s Foundation, alongside the Executive Leadership Council, was honored to host an insightful panel discussion following the film featuring Neena Newberry, Michelle Burgess, Marsha Clark, and Dr. Robin Pinkley, who shared their expertise, experiences, and strategies for advancing workplace fairness and opportunity for women. Special thanks also go to Bets Lillo for helping bring this important film to life, and sharing her insights as one of the film’s producers.
As Texas Women’s Foundation begins implementing its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, members of the Executive Leadership Council will continue elevating critical issues impacting women and families while working together to build a future of #StrongWomenBetterTexas.
Thank you to our Lead Like Lilly partners and sponsors for helping make this important conversation possible.
Texas Women’s Foundation’s Board Alumnae have come together for gatherings to celebrate impact, intention, and connection.
Last fall, Board Alumnae gathered at Bonton Farms, where beautiful weather provided the perfect backdrop for conversation and community. During the visit, guests learned more about Bonton’s work to create the conditions where individuals and families can thrive. It was especially meaningful to hear about the Apprenticeship and Certification Programs supported by this year’s Board Alumnae Grant, which provide training, childcare, financial coaching, and mentorship to help women in the Bonton community build pathways to economic success.
The spirit of connection continued at the Board Alumnae Holiday Gathering, where members came together to celebrate the season and the lasting bonds formed through their service to the Foundation. Guests enjoyed a warm evening filled with conversation and reflection, hosted by Julie Lowenberg, Ann Margolin, and Retta Miller.
Together, this community of leaders continues to strengthen the Foundation’s vision of creating a strong and vibrant Texas for all.
Gowri Sharma
8150 N. Central Expressway
Suite 110
Dallas, Texas 75206
DON’T MISS OUT! For more information visit: www.txwf.org/get-involved/#events or contact: events@txwf.org
APRIL 14 29
MAY
2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration
APRIL 29, 2026 | 4:00 – 8:00PM | MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL
Join us for the annual Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration honoring our 2026 Maura Award recipients and Young Leader awardees. We will begin by honoring our award recipients, then lean in and learn as they share their wisdom and inspiration during the Leadership Forum. The afternoon will conclude with a celebratory cocktail reception. Reserve your spot: www.txwf.org/leadership
Board Alumnae No Host Lunch
MAY 14, 2026 | 11:00AM
ZIZIKI’S | 1161 PRESTON ROAD, DALLAS, TX 75230
Texas Women’s Foundation Board Alumnae will gather to reconnect around our shared purpose and mission. During the lunch, Board Alumnae will enjoy updates from the Foundation and time to engage with follow Board Alumnae. Register now: https://www.txwf.co/events/2026-board-no-host-lunch
DONATE TO SUPPORT WOMEN & GIRLS:
Scan the QR code to donate or mail a check to: Texas Women’s Foundation 8150 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 110 Dallas, TX 75206
