PeopleNewspapers
Presenting Sponsor:
PROUD TO PRESENT
OUR 20 UNDER 40
It’s easy to find driven and talent-
ed young professionals who are making a difference in the Preston Hollow and Park Cities communities. It’s much more difficult to choose just 20 of them to recognize in a special issue of People Newspapers.
We received a record number of nominations for this year’s 20 Under 40 awards. Our selection process began in January with an initial review of the nominees by our editorial staff. The nominations were then sent to a selection panel whose members carefully evaluated every candidate and shared their thoughts during a virtual meeting. Our editorial team came together again to discuss the final selections.
The process was made more challenging by the nominees’ diverse professions. How do you compare the achievements of a dance instructor to those of a banker, or the accomplishments of a member of the faith community to those of an entrepreneur?
Our judges were not directed to use specific criteria. They didn’t check boxes or complete an evaluation form. But certain themes resonated throughout our discussions: exemplary leadership, a commitment to community service, and a desire to create lasting change. It wasn’t enough to have done a job well, no matter how important that job might have been.
We’re proud of the members of this year’s 20 Under 40 class. They haven’t just renewed our hope for the future. They’ve also reminded us that we live in a place where neighbors measure success not only by the money they’ve made, but also by the lives they’ve touched.
We are grateful for the assistance of our selection committee members, rotarians Elisa Garcia and Mark Kashar, and 20 Under 40 alumnae Danielle Reynolds and Nicole Paquette.
We invite you to meet our awardees, as well as our two student Youths on the Rise. If you know someone who should be on our list, please complete our 2027 nomination form, which is already available at peoplenewspapers.com.
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This charitable investment fund has 137 members in 22 states and three other countries. Its financial lectures and workshops have reached an audience of more than 3,000, and its investment returns have supported more than 10 nonprofit organizations.
But the founder and president of the Hoperation Fund doesn’t have an MBA. She’s Olivia Zhang, an eighth grader at The Hockaday School. With support from her parents and teachers, Zhang started the fund as a local investment club almost three years ago.
“I am especially proud not only of how much the organization has grown, but also of the impact it has been able to make through education, service, and charitable giving,” Zhang said. “Seeing an idea that began on a small scale grow into a community that empowers others and gives back in meaningful ways has been incredibly rewarding.”
The Hoperation Fund has used its proceeds to support overlooked charities and communities. It recently funded the construction of a concrete wall at an impoverished school in the Philippines. The new wall, which helps protect students and school property, replaced a wooden predecessor that washed away in a flood.
Zhang has also volunteered her time at food pantries, has helped pack backpacks for underserved Dallas families, and is active in her school community as a writing center tutor.
Zhang said that her service was motivated by her parents, who taught her from an early age to not focus solely on her personal success, but also to find ways to help others in need.
What do you hope you’ll be doing 10 years from now?
Ten years from now, I hope to be an entrepreneur, building innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. I want to launch something that both improves peoples’ lives and opens up doors for others by creating job opportunities for thousands of people. Beyond that, I also want to continue growing the Hoperation Fund so it can support more communities and inspire more young people to develop financial literacy, leadership, and a spirit of service. Overall, I hope to be in a position where I can combine innovation, leadership, and compassion to make a positive and lasting impact.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
The best advice I’ve received is: Be stubborn about the goal, but flexible about the method. Persistence and grit are key to achieving anything. Often, however, when running the Hoperation Fund or working on a project in school, I’ve realized that my initial plan for tackling a challenge just wasn’t going to work out, so it’s important to keep an ear out for feedback while still remaining determined.
What do you love most about your community?
Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning described her eighth-grade move from New York City to Dallas as a “huge culture shock.” Subways were replaced with busy highways. Corner pizza shops became taco joints. Instead of casual streetwear, there were cowboy boots and Homecoming dresses.
“I realized I had a choice, to be an observer of this new world from the outside, or to immerse myself completely,” she remembered. “I chose the latter, and I strive to continue so.”
Keijsers Koning hasn’t simply become part of this community — she’s a leader within it.
At Highland Park High School, she’s a MAPS Moody Scholar Committee Board Member, Sports Analytics class representative, LitFest Student Committee co-president, and editor-in-chief and head photographer for the school newspaper, The Bagpipe
In the community, she’s a Keijsers Koning Art intern, DONE The Magazine Design and Production intern, and The Good Life -Park Cities student op-ed writer. She received the Service to the Community Award at Highland Park High School’s Annual Academic Recognition Ceremony in 2025 after earning more than 300 service hours.
thoughts and opinions on feminism and the modern world.
“The social issue I’m most passionate about is women’s rights,” she said. “Since I was old enough to walk, I have been participating in protests, actively advocating. Since then, I have grown my interests, created passion projects and published articles to ensure my voice and others are heard.”
Keijsers Koning, who is Dutch American, plans to study global communication science and political science at the University of Amsterdam.
“I dream to leave the world a better place,” she said, “and I have only just begun.”
What is the best advice you’ve received?
To just begin. Start the big idea, forgo the what ifs and uncertainty, and embrace the mistakes made along the way. Failure, although it’s painful to experience, is part of reaching success.
What do you love most about your community?
I love that when I have an idea, no matter how strange, my community provides the resources and support to begin. When I face opposition or struggle, I have a reliable support system within the school and people within the community.
“They instilled in me the belief that giving back is an important part of living a meaningful life,” she explained, “and their example inspired me to become involved in my community.”
I love how my community, both at school and in my neighborhood, is so inclusive. I appreciate being in an environment where everyone supports and uplifts one another, and everyone is encouraged to feel valued and included. Being part of this kind of community has shown me how important it is to respect others, learn from different perspectives, and contribute in a positive way.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
She volunteers each Saturday at the University Park Public Library, and has donated her time to HP CultureFest, My Martial Arts, and Camp Waziyatah.
But Keijsers Koning is proudest of her podcast, The Lazy Feminists . She created her first episode during her junior year, and has already published four episodes and four trailers, as well as built a social media presence on Instagram through posts and reels. The podcast, Keijsers Koning said, has become a space for students to express their
If there was ONE thing that you could change or improve in the community, what would it be? How would you change it?
One thing to change or improve in the community is creating a more welcoming space for all individuals, specifically for high school students. I would open a coffee shop or cafe that is open 24 hours, so all high school students can interact, creating a new hub spot.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
SARAH HODGES
JULY ANGEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Olivia-Sophie Keijsers Koning Highland Park High School Grade 12
Olivia Zhang The Hockaday School Grade 8
EMMA SALDIVAR
Eiseman Jewels, Dallas’ premier family-owned jeweler for more than 63 years, congratulates our president Taylor Frank for being recognized as People Newspapers’ 20 Under 40 Difference-Making Adults. Taylor’s outstanding leadership and continued dedication to excellence ensure that Eiseman Jewels continues to set the standard for craftsmanship, service, and innovation in fine jewelry and timepieces.
Founded in 1963, Eiseman Jewels has long been regarded as the Southwest’s premier jeweler, known for exceptional service and a thoughtfully curated collection of fine jewelry, bridal designs, estate pieces, and timepieces from many of the world’s most celebrated designers and watchmakers. As the original family-owned tenant of NorthPark Center, Eiseman continues its legacy of craftsmanship and expertise while offering GIA-certified diamonds, distinguished designer collections, and Rolex Certified Pre-Owned timepieces.
RIGHT: TAYLOR FRANK, PRESIDENT, EISEMAN JEWELS
Taylor Clark was motivated to contribute to his community by observing the people who live in it.
His neighbors, Clark said, have a sense of gratitude for their ability to live in the Park Cities, where residents view their schools and community as a shared project.
“I wanted to learn from them,” he explained, “and contribute to that mission.”
Clark has done exactly that. As market leader for Texas – Commercial Real Estate at UMB Bank, he has helped finance major local projects that have shaped the area, including Legacy West, Village Main Street, and the renovation of Turtle Creek Village.
His volunteer work has included serving as a tutor at West Dallas Community School, on the Community Fund for The Real Estate Council, and with various programs at his church. He can also be found behind the lunch counter in the Armstrong Elementary cafeteria or on the field coaching YMCA sports.
Clark is co-founder of the Park Cities Dads Club Pickleball Tournament. Although its games are played on scaled-down
Katherine Sundby
courts, the event has had an oversized impact on Highland Park ISD’s schools. The tournament brings together about 100 participants each year. In 2026, it raised $15,000 to support district teachers.
“My daily radius is pretty tight. My office is in Preston Center, our kids attend Armstrong Elementary, and we are active at Park Cities Presbyterian Church,” Clark said. “I’ve found that this community has a unique ‘culture of action,’ where if you see a need, there is usually a group of neighbors already working to fix it.”
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
I didn’t have a rigid map. I just tried to work hard and find a place where I would be challenged by smart people and good leaders. By keeping my options open and trying to emulate the integrity of those I respected, I ended up in a career that suits my interest in the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of business.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
Most of my early jobs involved working for our family friend’s landscaping company during school breaks. It was exhausting, hands-on work that taught me a deep respect for anyone who shows up and gives their best effort at a physical job every day. It also motivated me to stay focused on my education.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
I enjoy seeing something go from a concept to a finished product. In my job, that’s a new development that changes the city skyline; in the community, it’s seeing a charity event like the Pickleball Tournament scale from an idea into a district-wide tradition.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
I’m a constant student. I try to maintain a diverse group of friends from different walks of life because I’ve found that you learn the most from people who see the world differently than you do.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
Katherine Sundby uses her energies to enrich the lives of others in meaningful and impactful ways. As a licensed associate with Compass, she helps families navigate the deeply personal journey of purchasing their homes.
“Clients trust you to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives and to help them find the place where they will celebrate holidays, raise families, and experience life’s everyday moments,” Sundby said. “Being part of that process is something I never take for granted.”
Serving her community has been important to Sundby since childhood. Their mother encouraged Sundby and her sister to volunteer and learn about organizations that assist people from different walks of life, impressing upon them that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and a voice. Sundby’s mother also started a nonprofit in memory of Sundby’s sister.
“Watching her dedicate her time and energy to helping others left a lasting impression on me,” Sundby said, “and continues to inspire the way I approach community involvement today.”
Prior to her career at Compass, Sund-
Hannah Johnson
Through her work at the George W. Bush Institute, Hannah Johnson is spreading the values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion around the world.
As the Institute’s deputy director, global policy, Johnson supports programs such as the President’s Emergency Action Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved more than 26 million lives since its founding in 2003.
“Today, those babies are young adults like me and my 20 Under 40 peers,” Johnson said. “They are living healthy lives, contributing to their communities, and growing to be the leaders of tomorrow.”
Johnson also coordinates the Institute’s involvement in a partnership that aims to end cervical cancer and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
“I have had the privilege of meeting women who have benefited from the program,” she said. “Each one shares their gratitude for the generosity of the American people and America’s part in saving lives.”
Johnson comes from a family of dedicated public servants. Her great-grandfather, a
by worked in development at The First Tee of Greater Dallas, a nonprofit that builds character and empowers children and teens through the game of golf.
She later joined Elizabeth Toon Charities as executive director, where she helped lead a signature fundraising event and oversaw a community-wide grant program.
Sundby remains involved with Elizabeth Toon Charities. She is also a supporter of friends who have transformed their personal hardships into purpose, including Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, the founder of No More Victims, and Caitlin and Blake Bonner, who established Lila’s Light to honor the young daughter they lost at Camp Mystic and protect other vulnerable children and animals.
“Watching families transform unimaginable loss into purpose and service is both humbling and deeply motivating,” Sundby said, “and I feel privileged to help advance their work.”
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
A few years into my time at Compass, I received a handwritten note from a client thanking me for helping their family find
teacher from Kentucky who turned to coal mining during the Great Depression, advocated for miners and their families in Washington, D.C. Her grandmother taught children in low-income mountain communities, and her mother is a longtime public health nurse.
In middle and high school, Johnson volunteered with her local health department advocating for healthy practices. During college, she assisted refugees who had recently arrived in the United States after years of uncertainty.
While interning for Kentucky Refugee Ministries in 2016, Johnson helped mothers, children, doctors, and lawyers who’d come to the U.S. to escape unthinkable circumstances navigate the resettlement process.
“Every person I met shared their gratitude not just for the work that the agency was doing, but for the community that surrounded them when they needed it most,” she said. “It was, and still is, one of the proudest moments and skyrocketed me to pursue the work that I have the privilege of doing today.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Its opportunity and impact have also been elevated to the world stage. This summer, Dallas will be one of several locations for the FIFA World Cup, bringing together athletes, dignitaries, and fans for a common celebration.
The World Cup also offers an opportunity to showcase the compassion of the American people and to show that, regardless of country, religion, creed, or team, the global community has more in common than we think. I’m excited to see Dallas’ leadership rise to the world stage in our community and for the relationships that will be strengthened in turn.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
One of my favorite books is Hill Women by Cassie Chambers. It’s a memoir, but she does an incredible job of telling the values of people in Eastern Kentucky — family, determination, compassion, and grit. It also has a great title that I would selfishly steal. I would like to think that Anne Hathaway would play me.
—Compiled by Rachel Snyder
their home. They wrote about how meaningful the experience had been and how excited they were to begin the next chapter of their lives there. That was a moment when it really clicked for me — this job is about far more than real estate. It’s about helping people build the backdrop for their lives and it is such a blessing to play a small role in that.
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
Delegation and boundary setting have probably been the most challenging for me. I tend to be very hands-on and want to be involved in every aspect of my transactions. As I am sure is true for many other agents, it can also be difficult to fully “turn off” from work. I’m continually working on creating healthier boundaries so I can be present for my clients, my team, and my family. My husband would likely say that’s a work in progress.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop? I love CABANA, CANARY, and Ellis Hill — three of my absolute favorites.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
George W. Bush Institute
George Washington University, Northwestern University
The journey to motherhood is as unique as you are. We’re committed to keeping you and your family informed and supported so you can embrace what’s next. This is your moment, and we’re here every step of the way.
Lauren Bellemare
L’Heritage Fine Jewelry
University of Southern California, Southern Methodist University, Gemological Institute of America
After 15 years in corporate America, Lauren Bellemare turned a love for antique jewelry into a thriving Dallasbased brand.
Blending classic European craftsmanship with modern design, L’Heritage Fine Jewelry focuses on heirloom-inspired pieces intended to be passed through generations.
“I love creating something that my daughter could one day take over,” she said.
Bellemare’s path to founding L’Heritage Fine Jewelry is rooted in her educational and professional training. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, an MBA and a master’s in art administration from SMU, and a graduate gemologist certification from the Gemological Institute of America.
Bellemare has supported nonprofit organizations by donating pieces from her jewelry line and by serving for 15 years on the Cattle
Baron’s Ball committee.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see something I’ve created help raise funds for causes that strengthen our community,” she said.
An alumna of Camp Mystic, Bellemare created a necklace to honor the camp that helped shape her life and assist victims of Kerr County’s catastrophic flooding.
“I want people to wear it close to their heart,” Bellemare said of the necklace. “And let it be a reminder that healing, like the sunrise, always comes.”
While hard work and dedication have been instrumental in growing her brand, Bellemare credits parenthood as the catalyst for changing her life path.
“Early in my career I imagined climbing the corporate ladder,” she said, “but becoming a mom shifted my perspective.”
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
I’ve always loved antique jewelry and European decorative arts like Essex crystals and enamel guilloché. While traveling, I started seeking out artisans who still practice these traditional techniques. That experience sparked the idea for L’Heritage — a way to combine craftsmanship, storytelling, and beautiful pieces designed to last for generations.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that Dallas continues to grow while maintaining strong community connections. I’d love to see more collaboration between local businesses, nonprofits, and civic leaders to strengthen the city’s cultural and philanthropic impact.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
Mary Sutherland
Highland Park ISD, All Things Mahj Texas Christian University, Texas Woman’s University
Mary Sutherland is passionate about giving others a place to belong, whether that means curating a school library where students can embrace reading or bringing neighbors together at a mahjong table where they can form friendships.
The University Park Elementary librarian and co-founder of the mahjong-centric small business All Things Mahj has created community through both endeavors.
“Seeing connection happen in real time is incredibly rewarding,” she said.
Sutherland has also enjoyed giving back through All Things Mahj, which she co-founded in 2024 as a weekly mahjong gathering. Today, the business hosts leagues, tournaments, private lessons, and children’s programs.
Sutherland has served as an emcee for the Mahjong for a Mission event supporting the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center and helped organize the Hugs from Hadley Galentine’s Mahjong event, a fundraiser in memory of
8-year-old Hadley Hanna, a University Park Elementary student who tragically died in the devastating July floods in Central Texas.
“I was blessed to grow up in a family where reading and community involvement were priorities. My mom read to us nightly, and my parents were actively engaged in our church, school, and other philanthropic organizations,” Sutherland said. “Watching that model made a lasting impact, and it’s something I’ve tried to carry forward in my own life.”
Sutherland began serving Park Cities families as a second-and third-grade teacher at Hyer Elementary before moving to University Park Elementary as the librarian.
“I teach multiple weekly library lessons, collaborate with teachers on lessons and projects, and support schoolwide literacy initiatives like One School, One Book and Read UP,” Sutherland said.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
I hope to continue expanding my impact and mentoring others, especially women stepping into education or entrepreneurship. I want to build spaces rooted in faith, encouragement, and connection, at home, in business, and in my community, and to lead in a way that reflects my values.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
I think many people, both children and adults, are craving connection. In a busy, high-achieving city like Dallas, it’s easy to feel isolated. If I had the resources, I would continue investing in literacy programs and community spaces that intentionally bring people together. When people feel connected, everything else improves.
—Compiled
by
Rachel Snyder
The Rev. Jordan Griesbeck leads the ministries that help our community grow in faith and belonging from children, youth, on into adulthood.
Kelly Ongena
Kelly Ongena has spent the past nine years helping shape Dallas neighborhoods through her work with Hawkins-Welwood Homes, a familyoriented custom home builder. She has combined her knowledge of real estate with a passion for building relationships, guiding clients to create spaces where life’s most important moments unfold.
Her dedication to the community mirrors her professional commitment. After seeing the impact of parental investment in education, Ongena became involved in volunteer initiatives at Armstrong Elementary School. As a co-chair of the 2025 Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association Homes for the Holidays Home Tour, she helped raise valuable funds for programs benefitting young learners.
“Hawkins-Welwood builds many homes in the area, so I’m constantly connected to the community through our projects and the families we serve — it’s where we live, work, and raise our kids,” she said.
Ongena credits her parents for instilling in her the value of community involvement. Her path to Dallas was shaped by her undergraduate work at Baylor University, where she double majored in real estate and professional sales and discovered
an early interest in entrepreneurship.
Ongena balances her professional achievements and family life, which includes her husband and two children, with meaningful civic engagement.
“I’m so grateful for this incredible community,” she said. “The Park Cities has given my family roots, friendships, and opportunities to serve.”
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
My favorite part of my job is the relationships — working with such a talented, family-like team at Hawkins-Welwood and seeing homeowners light up when they step into their finished home. In community involvement, it’s the same: the joy of collaborating with other parents and volunteers on events, knowing we’re directly improving our schools and enriching the Park Cities for our kids and future generations.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One major challenge is ensuring access to high-quality education and community resources as the area grows so quickly. With the right resources, I’d expand programs that boost parent and community involvement in schools — like scalable versions of what ABPA does — plus partnerships for affordable housing options that keep families rooted here, so Dallas continues to grow and stay strong for the next generation.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
I want to keep building in meaningful ways — perhaps stepping into even greater leadership roles in philanthropy and community organizations, mentoring, and finding new ways to expand our family’s impact through Hawkins-Welwood and exciting new ventures ahead. Professionally and personally, I’m excited to keep growing while watching my kids move through each new chapter of life. We have such a wonderful circle of friends and family here in Dallas, and I look forward to many more backyard family dinners, lake trips, vacations, bike rides, and all the little moments that make life so full. Every decade so far, I’ve thought, “This is the best one yet,” and I’m genuinely looking forward to saying the same about my 40s — while still treasuring every bit of my 30s right now.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
Sahil Sawnani
Central Dentist
McMaster University, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Dentist Sahil Sawnani isn’t just fixing smiles. He’s bringing joy to patients through a practice based on the principle of Radical Generosity and his dedication to uncovering the root cause of discomfort.
“Almost every day, we have a patient who finds extreme relief and gratitude for something we were able to address that has been (ailing) them for years,” Sawnani said. “That impact makes me very grateful for what I do.”
A personal health issue he faced inspired Sawnani to look at his own work in a different light, leading to his more holistic-focused work today.
Central Dentist, where Sawnani is a surgical focused biological dentist, is dedicated to assisting those who may not be able to afford quality care. In the past year, it has hosted a Giving Day, when any dental needs were resolved without a fee. The practice dealt with wisdom teeth, crowns, airway support, fillings, and deep cleanings for more than 40 patients, donating a total of more than $25,000 in dental care.
Sawnani credits his boss and mentor, Dr. Jill Ombrello, for motivating him to become involved in the community.
While he long aimed to become a dentist, he never imagined he would dedicate himself to surgical/holistic dentistry. Sawnani focused his career on the surgical side of the field immediately after graduating with a doctorate in dentistry in 2021.
“I have completed over 400 hours of continuing education since that time, covering all aspects of dental surgery, sinus lifts, implantology in both ceramic and titanium, gum grafting, minimal prep veneers, ozone use, Invisalign, full mouth rehabilitation with implants, 3D printing, digital workflows PRF, and PRP use,” Sawnani said. “My passion is dentistry and being able to offer patients the best treatment modalities with a conservative, non-invasive, and personalized approach.”
Was there a “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career? If so, what was it?
I had a personal health issue, where there was no cure or solution being provided from traditional healthcare, and I wasn’t satisfied with that. After looking at alternative care, and I personally moved (past) this health issue, feeling honestly better than before it opened my eyes. And slowly, I started looking at everything I do clinically in a different light.
What’s on your bucket list?
I would like to eventually complete an Ironman. This is my first year getting into running / obstacle races. I think an Ironman or a multi-day adventure race is an extreme challenge that I would enjoy working toward! I also would love to spend some time doing some South American hikes, and a circuit around Iceland on the Golden Circle.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was more of a corporate-style practice. I obtained a lot of resilience in terms of managing a high workload with high hours, while maintaining standard of care. I would have days with my commute where I left home at 7 a.m. and got home at 9 or 10 p.m. five to six days a week. What I found was that, in that style of dentistry, you’re giving access to a lot of care, but you are limited by your treatment modalities, and so the treatment conforms to traditional norms, and that can be limiting.
—Compiled by Rachel Snyder
CENTER for BUSINESS IMPACT
Since 2017, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has worked with companies of all sizes to grow their impact in North Texas.
The Center for Business Impact is a onestop shop for businesses looking to make the greatest positive impact on our region.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Charitable fund management, philanthropic advising and grantmaking
• Corporate giving campaigns
• Employee volunteer and networking opportunities
• Philanthropic board training, internship facilitation, and more
Hawkins-Welwood Homes
Baylor University
Lindsay Davis
SMU Cox School of Business, Junior League of Dallas
Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University
Lindsay Davis has dedicated her career to higher education and community leadership, guiding students and cultivating leaders in Dallas and beyond.
As Director of Bachelor of Business Administration Admission at SMU’s Cox School of Business, she oversees recruitment for one of the nation’s top undergraduate business programs, helping students envision what is possible and supporting them at pivotal moments in their lives. Her work blends mentorship and personal connection, reflecting a lifelong commitment to fostering growth and confidence.
Davis is equally invested in her community. Through roles on the Genesis Alliance Board, the Community Partners of Dallas Partnership Board, and Friends of Solar Prep School, she has witnessed the impact of mentoring, empowering others, and building sustainable change across Dallas neighborhoods.
Davis serves as the 104th President of the Junior League of Dallas.
“There is something deeply fulfilling about standing beside someone at the beginning of a new chapter and cheering them forward,” said Davis.
A Fort Worth native, Davis discovered
Dallas unexpectedly after graduating from TCU. What began as a temporary role in higher education evolved into a long-term career that has shaped her family, friendships, and professional trajectory. She balances her career with family life in East Dallas, where she and her husband nurture the next generation of Mustangs through school, dance, and community engagement.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
I love helping people see potential in themselves that they may not yet recognize. In admissions, that might mean encouraging a student to take a chance on a school that feels aspirational. In the Junior League, it means watching a woman raise her hand for a leadership role she once thought was out of reach.
Volunteer leadership has been one of the most formative parts of my adult life. It has introduced me to women I admire deeply and given me a front-row seat to the needs and strengths of our city.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Absolutely not.
As a fourth-generation Fort Worth native (and one of more than 20 family members to attend Texas Christian University), I never imagined I would become a Dallasite, much less work at SMU.
I graduated from TCU during the aftermath of the 2008 recession and “temporarily” took a job in admissions while the corporate world recalibrated. That temporary role became a calling. It’s where I met my husband, built lifelong friendships, and ultimately found a professional home.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Being selected as the 104th President of the Junior League of Dallas is something I will always hold dear.
The Junior League of Dallas has shaped women leaders and invested in our community for over a century. Our membership spans generations, from women just beginning their careers to Sustainers who have witnessed decades of impact and change in this city.
To be entrusted with stewarding that legacy, even for a single year, is both humbling and inspiring. It represents the confidence of women I admire deeply and the opportunity to guide an organization that has meant so much to me.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
Jordan Griesbeck
Church of the Incarnation University of Mississippi, Covenant Theological Seminary
Jordan Griesbeck is particularly passionate about serving people with disabilities in his role as a priest in the Episcopal Church.
“My wife and I are always seeking to befriend and encourage families in the Park Cities affected by disability — to help them see that their disabled children are a gift and not a burden,” he said. “This can be harder to see and feel in affluent communities, when families affected by disability feel ‘out of place’ or ‘passed-by.’”
Griesbeck is Assistant Rector for Formation at the historic Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, the country’s second-largest Episcopal Church. He joined Incarnation after stints with large parishes in Austin and Dallas, as well as college ministry with the Reformed University Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Virginia.
He said he views giving back as part of his job.
“I see involvement in the community as an extension of my work in the Church. If I didn’t care about my community, I couldn’t rightly be called a ‘priest.’ Churches should always be asking themselves: if my church disappeared tomor -
for Business
row, would anyone in my neighborhood notice or care?” Griesbeck said.
Griesbeck partners alongside With Ministries, a nonprofit that helps churches fully include people with disabilities in all aspects of ministry. He also recently completed Baylor University’s program Bridges to Belonging, which has a goal of creating churches where people with disabilities belong.
“Belonging is different from inclusion,” Griesbeck explained. “You know you belong somewhere when your presence is ‘missed.’” Griesbeck and his wife have four children, and he is becoming involved with the Boone Elementary School Dads Club.
“My wife grew up in the Park Cities. When we were dating, she often told me what a special community it was and is, so it is a gift to live in the neighborhood and seek to be a meaningful presence here,” Griesbeck said.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I’ll give one professional and one personal … Personal: recently celebrating 10 years of marriage. In 10 years, my wife and I have lived in three cities (and five houses); we’ve had four kids; and navigated our oldest son’s diagnoses of autism and epilepsy. Our marriage is stronger as a result.
Professional: preaching (at least some) sermons that mattered … sermons I wouldn’t throw away. We live in a community where people are busy, worn-out, and often carrying deep (and hidden) burdens. People do not come to church to hear advice, but news. Advice is “what you need to do.” News is “what has already happened.” Another word for this is “grace.” A sermon is a promise from God — to be with us and for us, to forgive us, to make us new — and I think more often than not on Sundays, I’ve given people a promise.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
Access to good public schools. I see or hear of families who grew up in a certain neighborhood (e.g. the Park Cities) and would love for their children to also … but they’re priced out. I wish every student had access to public schools with the resources of Highland Park ISD. Then, specifically, as a parent of a child with special needs, I wish every family in Dallas had access to public schools with the special ed resources of HPISD.
—Compiled by Rachel
Snyder
Center
Impact team: Michelle Mai, Nick Marino, Jr., Kymberlaine Banks, and Elizabeth Corley
Jessica Emanuel
Seed Light Ventures
UCLA, Kellogg School of Management –Northwestern University
As the daughter of Jewish immigrants who fled the Iranian Revolution, Jessica Emanuel was raised with a deep sense of tikkun olam — the Jewish belief that bringing more light into the world happens one positive act of kindness at a time.
“Giving back to our community was never optional; it was just part of who we were,” she said. “It’s a value I’m now working hard to instill in my own children.”
Today, Emanuel serves on the Board of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, where she contributes to the board governance and community relations committees. She is also a member of the Association for Corporate Growth Dallas/Fort Worth programs committee, the Kellogg Women@ EMBA board, and Not Just Brunch, a women-led community platform dedicated to helping women thrive.
She is a new member of the University Park Preschool Association and a supporter of the work of Rabbi Baruch and Mooka Hecht at Chabad of the Park Cities.
“The way they bring our community
together is both impactful and genuinely fun,” Emanuel said, “and I love supporting them however I can.”
During a career in professional services that spans almost two decades, Emanuel has dedicated herself to helping organizations expand, evolve, and build the infrastructure they need to sustain long-term success.
She founded Seed Light Ventures in 2025 after 10 years as chief marketing and corporate development officer at BPM, a top-35 national accounting and advisory firm.
Today, Emanuel partners with family offices, private equity-backed companies, and growth-stage founders to create the go-tomarket strategy, operations, and infrastructure they need to thrive at scale.
“Sometimes it’s hard to see the light when you’re in the tunnel. After more than a decade with the same company, I had built something I was incredibly proud of — but it took stepping away to realize how much more I wanted to build,” she said. “Leaving was the lightbulb moment. It gave me the perspective to see what I hadn’t been able to see from the inside, and the clarity to go after it.”
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Being a mom. It’s the most rewarding and the most humbling thing I’ve ever done — being responsible for two little humans who are incredible (while sometimes exhausting) in every way. The other day my daughter stopped me mid-conversation and said, “stay positive, Mommy!” That reminded me I must be doing something right!
Which leadership skills have been the most challenging for you to develop and why?
There’s a difference between doing the right thing and being liked — they don’t always go hand in hand. I’ve learned that as long as you’re doing the right thing, you don’t always need to be liked. I’m still working on this one.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was waitressing at a retirement center for seniors. It taught me that one person’s job can be someone else’s entire career — and it gave me a crash course in patience, humor, and empathy that I still draw on every day.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
Taylor Frank doesn’t just sell luxury — he curates it.
As president of Eiseman Jewels, he has turned a sharp eye for fine jewelry and timepieces into a meaningful experience where every client interaction reflects his signature blend of expertise, intention, and service-first leadership.
“Every decision I make is guided by a commitment to elevating experiences and maximizing value for both clients and team members,” Frank said.
A graduate of The Episcopal School of Dallas and a Park Cities resident, his connection to the community runs deep. Through Eiseman Jewels, Frank serves his neighbors and clients, supporting the vitality and traditions of the area.
His volunteer work extends to Community Partners of Dallas, Vision for Tomorrow, the NorthPark Merchant Association, and his local church congregation, reflecting a dedication to advocacy, mentorship, and service — especially for children and families in need.
“I have always felt a strong responsibility to stand up for those who need support or a voice to help share their story,” Frank said.
Lauren Mariel
LIVE LOVE POP
Southern Methodist University
Lauren Mariel found comfort in a simple act of love while helping to care for her mother as she battled a rare form of breast cancer — making stovetop popcorn, something they had always enjoyed doing together.
Over time, Mariel realized that popcorn could be more than just a snack.
With the support of her family, Mariel built a 500-square-foot kitchen and began popping popcorn by hand. That small kitchen grew into LIVE LOVE POP, a brand now sold across the country with a mission of Selfless Snacking™ — creating products that both taste good and do good.
Each of Mariel’s flavors of popcorn, which range from sea salt to dill pickle and sweet and salty kettle corn, supports a charitable cause. And Mariel continues to lead the company with the same heart she began it with: family, purpose, and an aim of spreading joy one pop at a time.
“I never imagined I would start a food company, but life has a way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to go,” she said. “What began as a way to cope with
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first jobs came early and took many forms, including working as a basketball scorekeeper at the YMCA, running my own neighborhood lawn-care business, and later working my first retail position at Cole Haan in Highland Park Village during my senior year of high school. Each role taught me responsibility, work ethic, and the importance of showing up prepared and dependable.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I am most proud of my ability, throughout my career, to consistently create results and leave an organization stronger than I found it — both operationally and culturally. Regardless of my title or responsibility, I have focused on building trust, driving performance, and elevating the experience for clients and team members alike.
At Eiseman Jewels, I am proud to have built on that foundation by driving consistent sales growth while assembling one of the strongest teams in the industry. What makes these accomplishments most meaningful to me is, not just the
a difficult time in my family turned into a mission-driven business that has connected me with incredible people and opportunities.”
Over the years, Mariel has partnered with nonprofits supporting breast cancer research, childhood cancer, hunger relief, and other causes close to her heart.
“If there’s anything I hope people take away from my story, it’s that sometimes the most meaningful ideas start in the quietest moments,” Mariel said, “and with enough heart, they can grow into something that touches many lives.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
My parents. My mother taught me resilience and compassion through her journey with cancer. She showed me that even during life’s hardest moments, we can still find ways to lift others up. My father taught me what it looks like to believe in someone wholeheartedly. When LIVE LOVE POP was just an idea, he didn’t hesitate to help build our first kitchen and stand beside me as a partner in the business. Because of them, I’ve always believed that success means very little unless you use it to help others.
What is your favorite part of your current job or community involvement?
The people. Whether it’s customers, retail partners, charities, or my own team, the most rewarding part of my work is the relationships built along the way. I love seeing how something as simple as popcorn can bring people together — at family movie nights, school events, celebrations, and fundraisers. Knowing that our products can create small moments of joy while also supporting meaningful causes is incredibly fulfilling.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
Hopefully continuing to build businesses and initiatives that make a positive impact — while also spending as much time as possible with my family. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that success means very little without the people you love beside you.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
financial success, but the people, teams, and relationships strengthened along the way. Knowing that my leadership has helped others grow, succeed, and take pride in their work is what I value most.
What’s on your bucket list?
At the top of my bucket list are travel and golf. With five kids, our schedule is wonderfully full and pretty jam - packed, so most of our time right now is spent at practices, games, and events throughout the week. I look forward to the day when my wife and I can travel the world together and spend more time on the golf course — but for now, I’m grateful for this busy and meaningful season of life.
I also hope to finally learn how to play the guitar. Music has always been a passion of mine, and while I’ve attempted it a few times without much success — being able to play my favorite songs one day would truly be a dream.
And, last but not least, I am committed to learning French, a personal goal that reflects my love of travel, culture, and lifelong learning.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
Taylor Frank Eiseman Jewels
Lindsay Poppenhagen
Bank of America
Tulane University
Lindsay Poppenhagen has built a life rooted in service, community, and meaningful impact. As assistant vice president in commercial real estate at Bank of America, she plays a role in financing buildings where people live, work, and shop.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in architecture and a master’s in real estate development from Tulane University, Poppenhagen has carried her combined passion for design and community-building into her professional and personal life.
Since moving to Dallas, Poppenhagen has invested deeply in the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities. She is an active parishioner at Christ the King Catholic Church, where a sense of belonging anchors her daily life.
Her volunteer work includes advocating for abused or neglected children in foster care as a member of the Dallas CASA Young Professionals Board. Through Kappa Alpha Theta, she maintains involvement with her alumnae group while supporting CASA initiatives. She is a member of the Junior League of Dallas, where she has contributed to projects at the Dallas Museum of Art, Genesis Women’s
Shelter, and New Friends New Life. Her participation in the Texas Real Estate Council allows her to help shape Dallas’ commercial landscape, including by serving on the Casino Night Young Professionals Gala and Membership Committees.
“My goal is to remain someone who invests in others, embraces new opportunities, and leads with empathy,” Poppenhagen said.
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
My dad’s motto when I was growing up, “The Other Person Matters More.” He even had bracelets made for my sister and me with the phrase when we were younger. That simple message shaped so much of who I am. My family and our faith have always been a guiding light for me. Community involvement has never felt like an obligation, but rather an extension of who I strive to be.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One of the biggest challenges facing Dallas today is something increasingly common across major cities: a weakening sense of community. As the region continues to grow rapidly, people and businesses are moving faster than genuine connections can form, leaving neighborhoods feeling fragmented and residents feeling less rooted. If I had the resources and influence to make a meaningful impact, I would focus on initiatives that rebuild those connections, creating more shared public spaces, supporting local events, and fostering partnerships between businesses, schools, and community organizations. Strengthening the social fabric doesn’t just improve quality of life; it makes the city more resilient, collaborative, and future-ready.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
I want to encourage other young professionals to find a cause they are passionate about. When you pour your time and heart into something that matters, I promise you will see the world with a new level of empathy and understanding, make lifelong friends, and gain a sense of purpose that grounds you in the very best way.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
ZETA Partners CEO Shan Zaidi doesn’t just invest in companies. He’s also pouring his energy into the future of Dallas by volunteering and guiding nascent nonprofits working to tackle the city’s most pressing issues.
Zaidi began dabbling in venture capital and private equity in 2011, when he became one of five founders of the investment firm VF Partners. Today, Zaidi owns logistics, manufacturing, and real estate development businesses, as well as invests in companies, funds, and real estate under the ZETA Partners umbrella.
Zaidi has followed in his family’s entrepreneurial footsteps. But as a teen growing up in Preston Hollow, he never would have contemplated the life he has today.
“I really thought that I was going to avoid entrepreneurship and head towards a more corporate career after seeing how business consumed my parents’ lives,” he said. “However, as I spent time with the start-up, I came to see how fulfilling running a business was and how exciting growing a company can be.”
Zaidi credits his mother for inspiring him to serve his community.
“She made it very clear to me and my younger siblings how fortunate we were,”
Whitney Rowell
Miracle Mama Texas Christian University
The first time Whitney Rowell felt truly supported after the birth of her daughter was when a friend came by with homemade lactation cookies.
When Rowell went online to purchase more, she realized they didn’t exist. Using ingredients she purchased at Central Market, she baked the first Miracle Milkookies in her home kitchen. Today, the recipe she shared with friends has grown into Miracle Mama, a Dallas-based brand that supports women during hormonally intense stages of life through functional snacks and community initiatives.
In what Rowell calls a “full-circle moment,” her products are now sold in Central Market stores, as well as shipped nationwide.
“I certainly never imagined I’d be building a company centered around motherhood,” she said, “but it has turned out to be the most meaningful work I could possibly do.”
Rowell has exhibited a strong business sense since she was a college student. She started her first company out of her dorm room. It went on to be selected as one of Inc. magazine’s coolest college startups.
As part of her work with Miracle Mama, Rowell has launched Miracle Mama on the Move, Dallas’ first organized mom walk. The
Zaidi said. “As kids, she took us to Austin Street to understand just how lucky we were. I developed both a tremendous appreciation for the opportunities I had been given and a lifelong passion for serving and giving back whenever and wherever I can.”
Zaidi, who helps lead the city’s affordable housing initiatives as the mayor’s appointee to the Dallas Housing Finance Corporation, has volunteered with the United Way Social Innovation Accelerator for the past decade. Through the Accelerator program, he works to help social entrepreneurs grow their impact in North Texas. Last year, he mentored Housing Connector, a nonprofit focused on housing access that won the Social Innovator of the Year Award at the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ “The Pitch” event.
He has also volunteered with the Dallas Regional Chamber and The Real Estate Council, and serves on boards for the Hoover Institution and the George W. Bush Institute.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
Dallas is still such a disconnected city between north, south, east, and west. There is
partnership with the Katy Trail brings together 50 to 75 mothers each month to help combat isolation and build connections.
Miracle Mama also provides 300 NICU mothers with lactation cookies each month as part of a partnership with Medical City Hospital.
Rowell’s service isn’t limited to new mothers. She’s also involved with the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Echelon. She enjoys mentoring other female entrepreneurs and talking to students about entrepreneurship.
“Whether it’s meeting a new mom navigating the early days of motherhood or connecting with female founders building their own companies, I’m constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of the women in our community,” she said.
Rowell also partnered with Lauren Mariel of LIVE LOVE POP to coordinate relief efforts after July’s devastating flooding in Kerr County.
“What started as a small effort quickly grew, ultimately filling two 53-foot semitrucks with donations delivered directly to families and first responders,” Rowell said. “It was a powerful reminder that when people come together to support their neighbors, incredible things can happen.”
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Building a business while raising four daughters. Entrepreneurship and motherhood both require resilience and the ability to figure things out as you go. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to do it alongside my husband, who is the steady force behind our family and our biggest supporter. Watching our daughters see what teamwork and perseverance look like every day is what makes me the proudest.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Yes and no. I always knew I would be an entrepreneur and create things — I started my first company at age 8 selling stationery doorto-door in my Preston Hollow neighborhood! But like many entrepreneurs, the path hasn’t been linear. I certainly never imagined I’d be building a company centered around motherhood, but it has turned out to be the most meaningful work I could possibly do.
—Compiled by Rachel Snyder
very little overlap, and as a result, there is a lot of distrust. Certainly, the city has had its historical challenges and missteps, some of which still persist today, but Dallas is, in most cases, a welcoming and wonderful place. If I could find a way to build trust and relationship bridges across the various communities and geographies in the city, I think we would be having more collegial and productive conversations, and at the city leadership level, I think it would make things a lot easier on city staff and improve our performance and governance as a city.
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
I’ve really tried hard to build a balanced life between family, work, civic and charitable endeavors, and hobbies. My first thought for a title was Invested with the subtitle A life of purpose and balance. I do a lot of things but I really try to be committed and purposeful with the things I do. I am a fan of Xolo Maridueña from the Cobra Kai and think he could play a younger version of me, especially since I was big into martial arts in my teens and early 20s.
—Compiled by Rachel Snyder
Shan Zaidi
Erica Wilkins Webb
Highland Park Dance Company
Louisiana State University
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are stars on and off the football field. But when Erica Wilkins Webb was a member of the squad, that’s not what her paycheck said.
When Wilkins sued the team for lost wages in 2017, she alleged that she sometimes earned less than minimum wage while performing as a cheerleader. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ team mascot, Rowdy, wrangled up about $65,000 a year.
Wilkins refused to settle the suit until the Cowboys made improvements that impacted the entire squad and all cheerleaders received a 50% pay increase.
Wilkins called learning to speak up for positive change one of the most challenging leadership skills she’s had to develop. She never imagined that her lifelong passion for dance would enable her either to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader or work to improve the lives of future female athletes.
“I felt called by the Lord to stand up and advocate for positive change in the professional cheerleading industry,” she said. “It wasn’t something I initially set out
to do, but I felt a responsibility to speak up in hopes of helping create a better and more equitable future for the women who come after me.”
For Wilkins, the impact of dance extends far beyond the brief performances seen by audiences. The art form is also a vehicle to develop character and teach valuable life lessons.
Today, Wilkins devotes her talents to building the discipline, teamwork skills, and confidence of young dancers as an instructor and director of choreography at Highland Park Dance Company.
“Dance has always been my passion, but the real realization came when I saw how much influence teachers and mentors can have on young people,” she explained. “That’s when I began to see dance not just as performance, but as a way to build confidence and character in others. I’m not just teaching dance; I’ve often found I am also teaching valuable life lessons along the way.”
If someone made a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you?
Maybe something like Finding Your Voice
My journey has included some unexpected challenges and moments that required courage, and I’m grateful for how those experiences shaped me. As for who would play me, maybe someone like Jennifer Garner.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Dallas right now? If you had the connections and resources to change that, what would you do?
One challenge is ensuring that young people have access to positive environments and mentorship. With social media, kids are being influenced a lot and it’s not always good role models they are being exposed to on social platforms. If I had the resources, I would invest in programs that give kids opportunities to grow through the arts, athletics, and mentorship.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you?
My faith is an important part of who I am. It’s what has guided me through both the opportunities and adversities in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without the Lord.
—Compiled by Sarah Hodges
Thomas Hand
Bear Marketing & Communications, Quarterback Union Baylor University
At just 24, Thomas Hand has made a name for himself as an entrepreneur who blends sports, marketing, and community engagement into ventures that matter.
A native of University Park, Hand’s life has been shaped by both the Park Cities and Preston Hollow communities. From playing quarterback for Highland Park High School and Trinity Christian Academy to volunteering with local organizations, he has sought ways to combine personal passion with meaningful community impact.
Hand discovered a passion for entrepreneurship as a teen. “I started to realize I loved to build and create things that were my own,” he said.
Hand’s love for football inspired his first entrepreneurial venture, Quarterback Union. The program trains youth athletes and offers coaching that draws on his experiences as a quarterback.
Before pursuing his own business ventures, Hand worked as an account manager at Miller Ad Agency, sharpening his client-facing and marketing skills. With a solid foundation in creating a start-up, he
then launched Roaming Bear Marketing & Communications.
Not one to slow his pace, he launched The Shops at Snider Plaza, a digital platform connecting local businesses and residents to the UP shopping center.
Hand credits his father, a magazine publisher, for inspiring him to see how local businesses can positively impact communities economically and socially, including ones that have been part of his life since childhood.
“I grew up walking to Snider Plaza every weekend with my friends in middle school, would stop by JD’s after school, go to the holiday tree lightings, and so much more,” he said.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Part of me says yes because I always had an aspiration to start a business and build things I’m passionate about, and I’m someone who would always rather try and find out than never know. Part of me says no because I wasn’t sure when it would happen, and I’m so happy to be able to do this so soon after college.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
The accomplishment that I am proudest of is finishing in the top 5 in two half marathons in the last year. However, this isn’t about an athletic achievement. It represents something much larger: the ability to see a long-term vision and work at it every day (whenever I train for them, it’s about 12 weeks of intense training that I have to do daily, whether it’s a long run or lifting weights). It also represents that I have trained myself to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. When you’re moving at that pace for that long, it hurts and your lungs are on fire, but I believe the ability to keep going and not stop until you’re finished shows a lot of grit and determination to reach a goal. This transfers to life, whether it’s a goal you’re accomplishing alone or a team effort.
What do you have in mind for after 40?
To be honest, I have no idea — I am only 24 — but, I want to be married, have children, be the best family man I can be, and continue entrepreneurship.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
The Shops at Snider Plaza digital platform, Roaming
Ross Mulford
Ross Mulford is continuing the entrepreneurial and civic legacy of his grandfather, Ross Perot Sr. Mulford founded Blue Thunder Management, which is named for his grandfather’s boat, in 2020. He has overseen its growth to span five divisions and a variety of entities, including e-commerce, industrial real estate, and commercial services.
While building Blue Thunder’s majority interest, Mulford served as CFO of a local e-commerce company that later rebranded to become children’s clothing brand Classic Whimsy. Classic Whimsy has grown to be one of the largest Shopify stores in the U.S.
He got the idea for another venture, Jaguar Waste Management, in 2023 when a close friend who owns a trucking company came to visit Mulford during an extended hospital stay after he suffered severe, third-degree burns in a fire.
“I am proud of the opportunities we’ve been able to provide for our people,” Mulford said, “and that I was able to channel the energy from my recovery into building something meaningful, rather than giving in
to the setback of the severe burn injury.”
Early in his career, Mulford served as a Teach For America corps member, where he worked in an underserved area of Houston.
Mulford is an incoming board member for Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth, a returning board member for St. Philips School and Community Center, and a member of the board of directors for St. Michael Episcopal School.
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
I have always drawn tremendous inspiration from both of my grandfathers, Ross Perot and Ross Mulford. From their examples, I learned that when something needs to be done, the instinct should be to step forward rather than pass the responsibility to someone else.
They also demonstrated that success in business and commitment to community are inherently intertwined. Ross Perot had a profound impact across many organizations throughout North Texas, while Ross Mulford served more than 25 years in the Marine Corps and retired as a Colonel. Despite their very different careers, they shared the same core values: a strong sense of purpose, taking care of their people, and engaging with others from all walks of life out of a deep sense of patriotism and service. Interestingly, they attended college together, were good friends, and even shared the same first name. Their example of focusing on where they could make a difference — for individuals and for the broader community — has had a lasting influence on how I approach community.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a delivery driver and pizza cook at the Domino’s Pizza on Sherry Lane. I gained a deep appreciation for the attention to detail required to keep operations running smoothly and for learning from people with different experiences and perspectives. Working the night shift, I was immersed in every part of the operation, which gave me perspective that still shapes how I lead and work with teams today. But to this day, I still can’t find my way around the Village Apartments!
—Compiled by Rachel Snyder
Bridget Myers juggles multiple priorities in her roles in Highland Park ISD, a balancing act she began refining early as a waitress at the Purple Cow in Preston Hollow.
“Outside of learning how to carry four cups and several plates at the same time, I also learned how to manage stress, customer service, and how to de-escalate when you accidentally drop an iced tea in someone’s lap,” she said, adding that the iced tea incident only happened once.
As HPISD STEAM lead and a business design and leadership educator in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies program, Myers co-teaches her own classes, works with other classes, and manages extracurriculars including robotics, Destination Imagination, and the Science Fair.
She developed the district’s solar eclipse programming in 2024, has helped create Digitarium programming, and hosts elementary HPISD students for STEAM trips.
“The challenge has been developing efficient processes that actually work at scale,” Myers said. “I need to create things
Katie Kuehl
Communities Foundation of Texas Spring Hill College
Katie Kuehl’s path into the nonprofit sector was shaped by a family that prioritized community service.
“Community involvement never felt like a choice for me, it was a way of life,” she said.
After college, Kuehl spent a year in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She later served families experiencing homelessness at Raphael House, a family shelter in San Francisco.
As senior officer of scholarships and nonprofit funds at Communities Foundation of Texas, Kuehl has left a significant mark on Dallas’ philanthropic landscape. She credits her colleagues and partners for encouraging her to continue her mission to empower her community. “When I moved to Dallas, I didn’t have to decide if I would get involved, I just had to find my place,” she said.
Kuehl manages scholarship programs that award more than $2 million annually to over 400 students, while also guiding over 50 nonprofits in the region.
“No two fund relationships are the same, and each day brings new questions related to financials, compliance, fundraising, and
that work well for many different groups now and, if it all goes as planned, will keep working for years to come.”
All but six months of Myers’ own career have been spent in HPISD. She came to the district as an eighth-grade health teacher and coach. Over her 12 years in HPISD, she has taught four grades and four different subjects, and each, she said, has provided her with opportunities to explore new ways of teaching.
“From where I stand, the biggest asset of Highland Park ISD is the many hands that lift up the teachers, students, and staff — the parents who give their time to support the classroom and the extracurriculars,” she said. “When the people around you are excited and interested in the education process and success of each student, it just makes the HPISD teachers’ job — my job — so much easier and more joyful.”
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
I’m proud to be a working, involved mom to two kids. Having an equally hard-working and involved partner makes it even sweeter. Now, I am extra-proud
other complex challenges,” she explained.
Beyond her professional work, Kuehl supports local programs through the Junior League of Dallas, reflecting her philosophy that community involvement is integral to building meaningful change.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
If you don’t count washing dishes at my family’s bakery, babysitting, or working at a summer camp for preschoolers all before I turned 16, my first job was working at TCBY. It was my favorite job to date (sorry CFT, it’s hard to beat working in a dessert shop!) It was my introduction to responsibility in the workplace. Reflecting back on that time, it taught me that when you empower and trust young people, tasking them with inventory, finances, opening and closing the store, they will rise to the occasion. It also instilled in me a deep respect for the service industry and gave me a firsthand look at how a simple positive interaction can completely shift someone’s day.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you graduated from high school?
Absolutely not! I thought I’d be an efficiency expert working for FedEx in Memphis with my theoretical house full of kids and a husband. By the end of the first semester in college, I realized I was destined to study math and find a career within the philanthropic sector to problem-solve social issues alongside a community of caring peers. My high school self would not believe how much I’ve traveled, how many people I’ve met, or all of the other ways I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone. My college self would be proud.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
Reflecting on my career thus far, I am proudest of having facilitated the distribution of over $12 million in scholarship funding to thousands of students over the past nine years. I believe that education is a powerful equalizer and my hope is that these scholarships have removed financial barriers and served as a catalyst for each student’s success and their family’s future.
—Compiled by Claudia Carson-Habeeb
bringing my son as a kindergartener to the district where I’ve spent the majority of my professional career.
What is your favorite local restaurant or shop?
My kids and I love The Toy Maven. They love looking for new toys and I love seeing all the interesting things that companies make for kids now. I wonder, “did they make these when I was a kid?” and, “is there anything here I should try to use for a lesson?” It’s a dangerous place for parents if they go in without a plan, and, at the same time, an excellent place to explore together.
What’s on your bucket list?
I was a Spanish minor in college and spent a summer in Barcelona. I’ve always wanted to be able to take my family back to visit one day and get to revisit something that now seems so long ago. If only my host, my abuelita, Ana, were still alive for us to visit! She was so kind to me and provided the best opportunity for me to immerse myself in Spanish culture.
—Compiled by Sarah
Hodges
Blue Thunder Management Vanderbilt University, University of Texas at Austin
Bridget Myers
COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION of TEXAS
CFT Board of Trustees leaders Connie Blass O’Neill and Matrice Ellis-Kirk with President/CEO Wayne White and Chief Relationships Officer Calvert Collins-Bratton
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