At Home in the Garden – A Floral Finale was the theme of the Annual Meeting of the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden which featured Carla Fonts, founder of Dunbar Road Design, as the headline speaker.
        
It was a gorgeous day as everyone came together at A Tasteful Place at the Dallas Arboretum.  Tables were draped with rich orange tablecloths topped with gold chargers, fuchsia linen napkins and striking centerpieces of Delft-style pottery filled with orchids and fresh fruit echoing the color palette.
        
Chaired by Brenda Shute and Brenda Cary Brown, 5^th VP of Programs, the reception featured passed hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wines. Presentations began with Karen Sargent, 2023-2024 president, welcoming the crowd and bringing board members to the podium to give their reports. Allison Brodnax, chair of the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon, announced the sold-out event netted $314,496.66 and presented Karen with a huge ceremonial check.  Karen also presented Allison with a lovely thank you gift.
        
Linda Spina, 7th VP Donor Development and Dave Forehand, Vice-President of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, presented slideshow renderings depicting exciting new announcements of three significant projects. Linda said, “Through the fundraising efforts of the Women’s Council and donations by generous benefactors, we are excited to announce the construction of three gardens in A Woman’s Garden. These garden areas represent an additional investment of over $2 million by the Women’s Council and our donors.  Construction is about to begin, with garden completion of at least one project expected as early as later this year.”
        
Briefly, Linda said, “A re-envisioning for Pecan Parterre was completed by our landscape architect Warren Johnson and Dallas Arboretum VP Dave Forehand.   An exciting new feature in this garden is a walkway that extends from the upper level of the garden to the perimeter path at the lower level.”  Improvements include refurbishing existing hardscapes and new plantings.
        
The Burgess Serenity Garden plans were also revealed. “Pier and Glenn Burgess were captivated by an undeveloped area in our garden that was planned as a cloister or meditative space.  The area is one in a series of garden vignettes in A Woman’s Garden that provides views toward the lake,” Linda said.  Plans for that garden include new and existing plantings that will take advantage of the forest canopy, offer shade, green spaces and more year-round.
        
The Mother-Daughter Water Gardens Walkway is a new garden donated by Patty Dedman Nail and her family. Linda stated, “This garden will connect The Meadow, donated in honor of Patty’s mother Nancy Dedman, and The Woodlands and The Cliffside, donated by the Patricia Dedman Family Foundation.  It will serve as a living tribute to their very special mother-daughter relationship.”
          
Karen said that this year her theme of A Garden of Possibilities - Cultivating a Brighter Future has certainly come to fruition. Beginning with welcoming Sabina Carr, the new president and CEO of the Arboretum as the 600^th member of the Women’s Council, she thanked membership chairs Mary Ellen Winborn and Claire Catrino for their efforts in growing the membership to over 625, as well as to Dorothea Meltzer, chair of the Lisianthus Society, for guiding patron membership to a record 341 members.
        
Heartfelt thanks also went to A Writer’s Garden 2023 chairs Mari Epperson and Sharon Ballew with honorary chairs Ann Barbier-Mueller and her daughter Niña Tollette and daughters-in-law Bridget Barbier-Mueller and Kaitlyn Barbier Mueller.
        
Karen thanked the chairs of the many special events offered by the Women’s Council, their volunteers and committees.  She said that overall, the combined fundraising efforts of the Women’s Council, with additional donations from donor naming, memorials and honorariums brought in total income of $606,941.

        
Special recognitions included the presentation of the Leadership Award to Karen Keith for her work these past two years as treasurer and the Service Award to Carolyn Tobin for her many years of guiding the Women’s Council in technology.
        
In closing Karen said, “From these experiences grow the treasured friendships our members value and cherish. I am grateful for your friendship, your generous support and the gifts of your time and talents.”
        
Carla Fonts, as the featured speaker, spoke about the history of the name of her company, Dunbar Road, and shared her fresh approach to design in some of her recent projects and the art of bringing nature inside the home through color, texture and design.
        
Luncheon was served and included a first course of sweet corn chowder, main course of a trio of hearty salads and for dessert, a delicious and imaginative white chocolate lemon shell shaped like a lemon and filled with lemon cheesecake.    

Learn more about the Women’s Council and membership benefits at www.wcdabg.org
        
(Linda Spina contributed to this press release with quotes from her Updates on A Woman’s Garden, which contains more details on the Pecan Parterre, the Burgess Serenity Garden and the Mother-Daughter Water Gardens Walkway.) 

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S COUNCIL: Celebrating its 42^nd Anniversary.
Since 1982 the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s Garden, a principal garden at the Dallas Arboretum. A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the United States conceived by women, funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of women. Celebrating its 42^nd year, the support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council makes possible the continued expansion and development of A Woman’s Garden. The Women’s Council is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  www.wcdabg.org

ABOUT A WOMAN’S GARDEN: Celebrating its 27th Anniversary.
A Woman’s Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived, constructed and maintained by the funding efforts of women. Ablaze with color in every season, A Woman’s Garden sits majestically as a living testament to the passion and vision of the Women’s Council founders and the boundless energy and devotion of its members whose commitment to creating a garden dedicated to the universal spirit of women across generations is realized in its inspired design. Our beautiful garden celebrates the power, creativity, resourcefulness, passion and unwavering commitment of the women who came before us and those entrusted with its care now, and into the future.

Photos by Rob Wythe/Wythe Portrait Studio

Kitchen Design Concepts, a Dallas-based design and remodeling company located in the Design District, recently completed a kitchen remodel that features current design trends with a focus on functionality for the homeowner. 

The client was looking for a refreshed, updated kitchen area to enhance her enjoyment of her older home without the need for a complete tear down. By removing two closets, enlarging the laundry room and changing the footprint of the space, Kitchen Design Concepts was able to give her exactly what she desired while maximizing every inch of the area to ensure functionality. 

The kitchen design features sophisticated tuxedo style cabinets, with elegant white cabinets on top and white oak cabinets with a finish of straw stain below to add contrast, complemented by a set of floating shelves and honey bronze hardware to add a unique touch. The Casablanca Zellige tile backsplash brings a textured and sophisticated element to the kitchen. The laundry room features a patterned ceramic tile floor and beautiful green backsplash to add a pop of color to the newly refreshed space. 

This thoughtful renovation also includes an updated bar area, where the original 1930s cedar wood was carefully preserved. The cedar wood has been painted over, maintaining its historic charm while providing a fresh and updated look to match the contemporary design. This blend of old and new elements creates a unique and inviting space for entertaining. 

With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the ideal time to start a kitchen remodel. Craft a space that perfectly balances functionality and style, ensuring you are all set to host unforgettable holiday parties and family gatherings, making the busy holiday season a breeze.

The aviation industry is growing, and Galleria Dallas is partnering with Texas Woman’s University to bring attention to education and career opportunities in the aviation industry. It is estimated that over the next 20 years, the aviation industry will need to hire and train approximately three million recruits to fulfill the needs of the industry.

Texas Woman’s University is breaking barriers with its new educational exhibit on Galleria Dallas’ Gallery Wall on Level 1 next to Apple from Aug. 2-31.

The new Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences at Texas Woman's University aims to increase the number of women in commercial piloting and aviation management, thus strengthening the talent pipeline of aviation professionals and addressing the consistent underrepresentation of women in aviation fields. In 2023, TWU announced a $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation to support the new aeronautical sciences program. The gift, the university’s largest from a foundation, will support faculty, equipment and scholarships. 

Flight training is costly. However, TWU is consistently one of the most affordable four-year universities in Texas, and the Doswell school intends to offer one of the most affordable flight programs in the region. Students in the Bachelor of Sciences in Aviation Science program are eligible for all traditional forms of financial aid and scholarships as in any other collegiate program. 

"Every day, TWU students and graduates break barriers around the globe, harnessing their potential, purpose and perseverance to realize their dreams and contribute to their communities,” said J. Clinton Grant, TWU director of Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences. “We believe the Doswell School of Aeronautical Sciences will offer TWU students the opportunity to do the same in the world of aviation.”

On Saturday, Aug. 24, Galleria Dallas will celebrate TWU Day from 1-3 p.m. Grant will join students and faculty at the exhibit. They’ll not only share information about the program, but they’ll also have fun aviation swag and hands-on kids’ activities. TWU’s student athletes will also be on hand to greet guests and read to children on Level 3.

“Galleria Dallas has long been a passionate supporter for educational causes in North Texas,” said Galleria Dallas Director of Marketing Megan Townsend. “It is an exciting time to celebrate the Doswell School of Aviation and the career possibilities this exceptional STEM program will provide to our community.”

INFORMATION

What: Texas Woman’s University: Breaking Barriers at Galleria Dallas

When: Aug. 2-31, 2024. TWU Day, with appearances from TWU students and faculty, aviation swag and kids’ activities, happens 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 24.

Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. Located on Level 1 on the Gallery Wall next to Apple.

Cost: Free

Information: galleriadallas.com

About Galleria Dallas 

Galleria Dallas is an iconic shopping center with a unique collection of more than 200 retailers, restaurants and experiences including Nordstrom, Macy’s, the world’s only GAP, Banana Republic and Old Navy combo anchor, The Westin Galleria Dallas and the signature Galleria Ice Skating Center. Welcoming more than 12 million visitors annually, only Galleria Dallas delivers the consummate Dallas shopping experience. Visit galleriadallas.com for hours and to learn more about the shopping center. Galleria Dallas is owned by MetLife Investment Management, managed by Trademark Property Group, Inc.  Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75240.

For Social Media:  @GalleriaDallas #GalleriaDallas @galleriadallasiceskating #galleriadallasiceskating

About TWU

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the nation’s largest university system focused on women. Texas Woman’s offers degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, nursing, health sciences, business and education. Campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston are joined by an e-learning campus offering innovative online degree programs. TWU serves the citizens of Texas in many ways, including:

• TWU produces 50% of all Texas allied health doctoral degrees
• Easing the teacher shortage by placing highly qualified professionals in the classroom
• Offering a liberal arts-based curriculum that prepares students for success in a global society

Conducting research that impacts the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity, osteoporosis, stroke and diabe

Texas Woman’s University has named Monica G. Williams, PhD, a seasoned higher education leader with a strong background in partnerships and fundraising, as the inaugural Houston campus president. She begins her role on Aug. 26.

Williams served nine years as foundation president and vice president of advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas and has also held leadership positions in fundraising at the United States Fund for UNICEF, Houston Works USA, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.

She played a key role in helping increase UNT Dallas’ enrollment by 60% during her service at that institution and was a lead architect for the university’s values-based strategic plan.

Additionally, Williams taught English in the Houston Independent School District, served as the inaugural director of Houston’s Sylvan at Work/Sylvan Learning Systems Office and worked at Neighborhood Centers Inc. leading its community-based programming.

Williams has an extraordinary record of achievement in leading philanthropic efforts, securing grants and stewarding gifts, and maintains close relationships with Houston stakeholders that she formed in the business, industry, nonprofit and civic sectors. 

“Dr. Williams is a born leader, with strong connections in Houston, and a deep understanding of the Houston culture and workforce needs, which on their own would make her an exceptional choice as our first president for the Houston campus,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “But it is her experience that sets her in high esteem with our campus for what we need right now, especially her experience of working with limited resources to build and grow within the constraints of our state-funded higher education ecosystem.”

As president, Williams will provide strategic leadership for the campus, located in the Texas Medical Center, which encompasses more than 60 medical institutions. It is the largest medical center and life science destination in the world. She will work with students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders — including alumni, community members, business and industry leaders, legislators and policymakers — to ensure Texas Woman’s is a key contributor to the higher education landscape in Houston.

“Texas Woman’s has a distinct role in producing outstanding professionals in health care and business for the Houston region, and I am honored to serve as the inaugural president of the Houston campus,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with the university community and building on a legacy of excellence by producing more talented professionals who will make our community and the state of Texas stronger.” 

The state Legislature established Texas Woman’s University System in 2021 as its seventh university system, enabling its Houston and Dallas campuses to transform, grow and continue serving the state and its communities as the nation’s only system with a woman-focused mission. The system made it a top priority to install leadership at both campuses. Monica Christopher became the Dallas campus’s first president in February of this year.

In addition to her lengthy record of fundraising and establishing partnerships, Williams served as an adjunct faculty member at UNT Dallas and at Texas Southern. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English and a master’s degree in communications at Texas Southern and a PhD in educational leadership at Prairie View A&M.

About TWU Houston

The TWU Institute of Health Sciences ? Houston Center is located in the heart of the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center, and offers advanced degrees in several health science programs. TWU Houston is one of three campuses of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, the largest public university in the nation with a woman focus, and has had a presence in Houston since 1960. 

With a primary focus on advanced degrees, TWU Houston houses six schools and programs, including the Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, the Dr. Sophie Lin Rydin School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, the nutrition and food sciences, health care administration and executive business programs.

BioNTX, the leading biotechnology and healthcare innovation trade organization in North Texas, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated 10th Annual iC3®Life Science & Healthcare Innovation Summit. Scheduled to take place on October 3-4, 2024, at the prestigious Loews Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, this landmark event promises to be the pinnacle gathering for bioscience and healthcare innovation leaders across the region.

The iC3 Summit, which represents the formula of Innovation = Capital × Collaboration × Commercialization, serves as the annual meeting for leaders in the industry and academia to converge and explore business strategies, investments and market trends and learn about new, cutting-edge North Texas bioscience research, innovation, products and services.

BioNTX is proud to partner with the Arlington Economic Development Corporation to bring forth this exceptional summit. Together, the organizations have demonstrated a tangible commitment to driving innovation, fostering growth and advancing the healthcare landscape for patients around the world.

With a projected attendance of over 1,000 industry professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders, the iC3 Summit is poised to be the largest yet. Attendees can expect unparalleled networking opportunities, insightful keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and access to a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in bioscience and healthcare.

"We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iC3 Summit," says Kathleen Otto-Rosenblum, CEO of BioNTX. "This event symbolizes a decade of collaboration, innovation, and progress in the North Texas bioscience and healthcare ecosystem. We are grateful for our partnership with the Arlington Economic Development Corporation and the unwavering support of our sponsors, who are instrumental in making this summit a resounding success year after year. We look forward to delivering unparalleled insights, connections and opportunities for all attendees at this year’s iC3 Summit."

Marty Wieder, executive director of the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, adds, “The Arlington Economic Development Corporation is excited to host BioNTX and the iC3 Summit at the new Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. Cutting-edge biotechnology is crucial to our state, regional and local economies, and we are eager to support the innovative work being done through BioNTX members.”

For more information and to register for the iC3 Summit, please visit the website here.