Students come together to learn about informed decisions

By Juliette Coulter

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

The day began with #BESTSELF, where nearly 200 students who came together for engaging workshops focused on making smart, informed decisions, navigating the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, and harnessing the power of their voices to create meaningful change. From the interactive learning sessions to networking, dancing and connecting with peers, #BESTSELF inspired and delighted all in attendance.  

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

At the Celebration Dinner following the Forum, event co-chairs Debbie Dennis, chief customer officer and SVP human resources and corporate affairs at Oncor Electric Delivery, and Brooke Hopkins, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal, welcomed attendees and thanked key partners. 

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

The Foundation shared a compelling video on the barriers to women’s economic security, stability and success, after which Texas Women’s Foundation President and CEO Karen Hughes White shared: “On average, women make 83 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts. This number is much lower for Black and Hispanic women. Based on this, the average Texas woman stands to lose $750,000 in earnings across her lifetime. If this makes you mad, it should! We need to work together to create change.” 

She invited attendees to support the Foundation’s efforts to advance Texas women and girls and encouraged giving to maximize a $40,000 matching gift. More than $45,000 was raised in the room. 

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

Incoming TXWF Board Chair Cris Zertuche Wong closed out the program by thanking all in attendance and sharing: “Texas Women’s Foundation is investing in lifecycle leadership development for women — from the classroom to the boardroom — preparing them to lead in their workplaces, lives and communities. Because we know that when you invest in a woman, she invests in her family and her community! And because we believe that when a woman rises, she lifts everyone around her.”

She invited guests to attend TXWF’s upcoming 40th Annual Luncheon at the Omni Hotel on November 14. For more information, visit txwf.org.