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Kathy Beazley
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Photo credit is Panda Fest TX, LLC.

Panda-monium is about to take over North Texas! Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festivals, is making its Dallas debut this fall at Carpenter Park in Downtown Dallas. The family-friendly event runs November 7–9, 2025, with tickets going on sale Tuesday, September 17.

Guests can look forward to a weekend filled with 60+ food vendors, live performances, panda-themed fun, and family-friendly activities that showcase the rich diversity of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures.

Founded by BiuBiu Xu, the creator of New York City’s acclaimed Dragon Fest, Panda Fest began as a one-day pop-up and quickly grew into a multi-city, multi-day celebration. The festival has sold out in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul—cementing its reputation as a must-attend cultural event. In 2026, Panda Fest will return to those cities while also expanding to Dallas, Austin, Nashville, Charlotte, Hartford, and Phoenix.

“Dallas has such a vibrant, diverse community, and we are thrilled to bring Panda Fest here for the very first time,” said Xu.“After selling out in city after city, we know Texas is ready for the panda-monium—where food, culture, and fun come together in unforgettable ways.”

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • 60+ Asian Food Vendors: 150+ dishes from across Asia, including authentic street food, sweet treats, and creative fusion bites.

  • Cultural Marketplace: 15+ vendors featuring artisan crafts, clothing, accessories, and Asian heritage goods.

  • Live Performances: Traditional music, lion dances, K-pop showcases, arts like calligraphy and sugar painting, plus music and more.

  • Panda Attractions: A 15-foot inflatable panda, themed games, panda merchandise, and Instagram-worthy installations.

  • Family-Friendly Fun: Kids under 6 get in free (with perks!), strollers welcome, and pets allowed with guidelines.

FESTIVAL DETAILS

DATES & TIMES

  • Friday, November 7 – 4pm - 10 pm

  • Saturday, November 8 – 10pm - 10pm

  • Sunday, November 9 – 10pm - 8pm 

LOCATION
Carpenter Park
2201 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201
In the heart of Downtown Dallas!

TICKET INFORMATION

  • Tickets on Sale Sept. 17 atpandafests.com

  • Early Bird (Sept. 17–21): $10 (limited to 1,000 tickets per time slot) (Saturday tickets +$2)

  • General Admission: $14 (Saturday tickets +$2). Includes 2 free gifts: custom Dallas panda pin and panda headband

  • VIP Admission: $35 (Saturday tickets +$2). Includes 3 free gifts: one customized Dallas panda pin, panda headband and customized bag, plus exclusive bathrooms; fast pass for entrance

  • Gate Admission: $20 (subject to capacity; ticket holders receive priority entry)

Kids & Families:

  • Children 6+ require a ticket (adult ticket price).

  • Children under 6 are free (receive panda headband only).

TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 17

Early bird tickets go fast—secure yours atpandafests.com. Follow @PandaFestDallas or @PandaFestTexas on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for vendor spotlights, sneak peeks, and festival updates. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.

ABOUT PANDA FEST

Launched in 2024, Panda Fest has become one of the largest outdoor Asian food and culture festivals in the United States. With its unique blend of culinary tastings, immersive cultural performances, artisan markets, and panda-themed attractions, Panda Fest creates a vibrant, family-friendly space for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions. Pandas remain at the heart of the event, with themed installations, inflatables, and souvenirs making it a one-of-a-kind experience for attendees of all ages.

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Diner en Blanc 2019 Dallas photo Kinter Media 0091

The wait is over. On Friday, October 24, 2025, Dallas will once again be swept into an evening of mystery, glamour, and unforgettable celebration as Diner en Blanc returns to a brand-new secret location. 

More than just a dinner, Diner en Blanc is Dallas’ most enchanting social event of the year - a pop-up soirée where thousands dressed head-to-toe in chic white attire gather under the stars for a night of champagne toasts, gourmet dining, and dazzling spectacle. 

From the moment guests arrive at their departure points, anticipation builds. Then, as the secret venue is revealed, the city transforms into a scene of pure magic - a sea of white unfolding into an Instagram-worthy masterpiece of elegance, style, and community.

A Theme in Full Bloom

This year’s international theme, Blooming Elegance, invites guests to step into a floral fantasy where beauty and creativity take center stage. From couture-inspired attire to whimsical tablescapes, every detail celebrates the romance of French dining and the joy of gathering with friends both old and new.

“Dallas has always embraced Diner en Blanc with passion and flair,” said Sandy Safi, President of Diner en Blanc International. “We’re thrilled to return with our talented organizing committee and can’t wait to watch the city bloom with creativity, elegance, and unforgettable memories.” 

The organizing committee includes Katherine Stimson, Candice Freeman, Shayne Carter, Kyra McKoy, Judy Solomon, Rosalind Bryant, and Tanara Martin, who together promise to make this year’s soirée more spectacular than ever.

How It Works

The secret is part of the thrill as is the head-to-toe white dress code. Guests gather at meeting points across the city and are escorted by volunteers to the venue, where they set up their own chic white tablescapes. Each guest brings:

• A table, two white chairs, a white tablecloth, and two white napkins (or can purchase a ticket package with table and chairs included).

• A gourmet picnic (with proper stemware and white dinnerware) or the option to pre-order a curated basket online.

In keeping with tradition, only wine and champagne are permitted and can be pre-purchased in advance through the official e-store.

As always, Diner en Blanc emphasizes sustainability and community spirit: guests leave no trace behind, ensuring the venue remains as pristine as when they arrived.

 

How to Join the Party

Eager Dallasites can secure a coveted seat at the table. Sign up for the Fan List / Phase 3 at dallas.dinerenblanc.com. Simply click “Attend Dîner en Blanc” to create an account and ensure you receive your invitation.

 

Thanks to our Partner

Dîner en Blanc – Dallas grateful acknowledges Chambord, for their support as the official national partner of the 2025 event.

 

It’s more than dinner - it’s a tradition, a spectacle, and a once-in-a-lifetime memory. Dallas, get ready to bloom.

 

About the Hosts of Diner en Blanc – Dallas

Sandy Safi isn’t just the President of Diner en Blanc International, she’s been the driving force behind the company for over 14 years, orchestrating unforgettable experiences in cities across the globe. Alongside her, a talented team ensures every detail is flawlessly executed: Katherine Stimson oversees production, Candice Freeman managing event logistics, Shayne Carter handles communications, Kyra McKoy leads transportation, Judy Solomon curates catering, Rosalind Bryant leads software and registration, and Tanara Martin coordinates volunteers. Together, they create a seamless, magical evening that guests will remember long after the night ends.

 

 

About Diner en Blanc 

Diner en Blanc is so much more than an event. It’s a unique cultural movement that empowers friends of friends to gather and celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community, year after year, with a pinch of mystery and large serving of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed all in white, guests arrive at a secret location for a chic picnic en masse. They bring their own tables, chairs, picnic baskets—all the trimmings—to sit down with friends and make new connections in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. The location remains secret up until the very moment of arrival. Over the course of the evening, guests from all backgrounds eat, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, as they appreciate the night’s magical experience.

 

To this day, over 120 cities in 40 countries have joined the ever-growing and international network to celebrate gourmet cuisine, offer extraordinary entertainment, and bring together vibrant individuals and bon vivants around the world. Diner en Blanc International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, every event in every city is hosted by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the original Parisian concept and wanted to bring it home and dress it up with local flair. For more info, photos, and videos of Diner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

 

About Chambord

Chambord is a premium black raspberry liqueur produced in La Sistière in the Loire Valley of France since 1982. It is infused with 100% natural ingredients, which include black raspberries–the sweeter cousin of the red raspberry–blended with the complex flavors of black currant, Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan citrus peel, honey and XO Cognac. With Chambord's commitment to quality, this velvety liquor has been a must-have amongst bartenders and cocktail lovers worldwide. www.chambordliqueur.com 

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DALLAS – September 8, 2025 – Sheraton Dallas is pleased to announce the appointment of two accomplished hospitality professionals to key leadership roles within its Food & Beverage team: Jessica Kraus as Executive Sous Chef of Restaurants & Bars and Blake DeAlessandro as Restaurant Manager. Together, their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership will play a pivotal role in elevating the hotel’s dining experiences and driving continued innovation across all restaurant and bar outlets.

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In just three days at Shelton's Feed My Starving Children event, 3,046 volunteers packed 641,304 meals — enough to feed 1,756 children for an entire year

As part of Shelton’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the school hosted the Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) MobilePack event on September 5–7.

“Feed My Starving Children gave our students a chance to serve with purpose," says Suzanne Stell, Shelton's Executive Director. "Kids Feeding Kids is a powerful way to show our students that their actions — right here at Shelton — can make a global impact.”

The idea for Shelton to host a MobilePack came from former Shelton parent and board member Dee Velvin. Stell says Velvin’s suggestion planted the seed for bringing the event to Shelton as part of its 50th anniversary

The three-day event, organized by the nonprofit that provides nutritionally complete meals to children worldwide and hosted by FMSC volunteer Ron Carey, brought together more than 3,046 volunteers. Together, they packed 641,304 single-serving meals specially formulated to fight malnutrition and delivered to children in greatest need — enough to feed 1,756 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Friday, September 5, Shelton staff and students in grades five through twelve packed meals in the Main Gym. Third- and fourth-grade students also participated, accompanied by parent volunteers. Shelton shifts included 1,026 volunteers who packed 116,856 meals — enough to feed 319 children one meal a day for an entire year.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6–7, the MobilePack expanded beyond Shelton, welcoming volunteers from across Dallas — including families, scout troops, sports teams, book clubs and faith groups. The gym was filled with energy, music and collaboration, creating a memorable service-driven weekend.

For many Shelton families, the experience was personal and inspiring. Shelton parent Amanda Marrone said she and her son Isaac were eager to be involved. “We volunteered for Feed My Starving Children at their facility and had a lot of fun doing some of the races and activities. We wanted to be part of celebrating Shelton and helping the community.” Isaac, a Shelton third-grader, said, “I'm helping out today for the fun of it and to help others.”

Nine-year-old Zach Tauzel echoed that spirit of empathy, saying, “Helping kids who are hungry is important to me.” For third-grader Suri Ballianda, the impact was clear: “I like helping because you get to feed kids that don’t have food on the table every day like I do.” Her mother, Rachana Raman, shared that the project was an opportunity for deeper learning. “I wanted Suri to have a certain appreciation for what she has in her own life."

Students of all ages found meaning in the work. Marin Scaggs, an eighth-grader, said, “I want to make sure they have food so they can have energy, and also that they feel loved and have the necessities they need.”

Students also reflected on the deeper meaning of the event. Junior Baron Pogir said, “These children don’t have the luxury we do — their goal is just to survive. By volunteering, we’re extending our hearts to another continent and helping them. It’s a powerful reminder of kindness and selflessness, and I’m proud Shelton made this part of our 50th anniversary.”

Shelton staff were equally moved. Eddie Moreno, Shelton Computer Systems Specialist, called the event a powerful reminder of community service. “This is a great way to help the community," he said. "We’re helping kids and families all over the world. It’s a privilege to help. I’m proud to work at Shelton, where we help others.”

Shelton is grateful to every volunteer who helped turn hunger into hope. A heartfelt thank you goes out to FMSC's Carey, staff and volunteers and all the students, teachers, staff, parents, former parents, alumni, schools, friends and community members who gave their time, energy, and heart to make this event such an incredible success.

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A treasured end-of-summer tradition in North TX will be held once again when St. Jude Catholic Church in Allen hosts its 19th annual Carnival on Thursday, September 18, through Sunday, September 21. Held on the campus of St. Jude Catholic Church, 1515 North Greenville Avenue in Allen 75002, the 2025 St. Jude Carnival:

  • Is open to the public!
  • Parking is free!
  • There are no admission charges!

 

 

There are two key components to the 2025 St. Jude Carnival:

  • The Talley Midway Carnival, located in the south field of the St. Jude campus, is run by Talley Amusements, features its popular Ferris Wheel as well as other rides and games:
    • Thursday, 6-10 PM. UNLIMITED RIDES NIGHT.
    • Friday, 6-11 PM.
    • Saturday, 3-11 PM.
    • Sunday, 3-10 PM.

 

  • The St. Jude Courtyard Carnival, located between the church sanctuary and the parish courtyard, features food concessions, games for all ages, face painting, raffle, silent auction, music, & more! Saturday, 2-7 PM. Food is also available inside on Saturday, 1-8 PM.

 

Separate tickets will be required for the Talley Midway Carnival and the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival activities. The St. Jude Courtyard Carnival will be held ONLY on Saturday, September 20. There will be no refunds for any reason at either the Talley Midway Carnival or the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival. Children must meet posted height requirements for each ride in the Talley Midway Carnival.

 

St. Jude Courtyard Carnival Pricing:

Most games at the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival will require at least two tickets. The St. Jude Unlimited Use Wristbands are $20 and are for Saturday, September 20, use only. Food and drinks are excluded from the St. Jude Unlimited Wristbands; extra tickets are required for these purchases. During the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival, there will be a tent located in the southeast corner of the courtyard and a table inside the South entrance of the Parish Life Center where the courtyard wrist bands, courtyard tickets, and raffle tickets can be purchased. St. Jude Courtyard Carnival tickets are priced at $0.50 each.

 

The St. Jude Courtyard Unlimited Use Wristbands for Saturday, September 20, can also be pre-purchased after weekend Masses beginning Saturday, September 6, and during business hours in the parish office beginning Monday, September 8. Pre-purchases of these wristbands come with a free snow-cone coupon for each wristband purchased.

 

Talley Midway Carnival Pricing:

While admission to the Talley Midway Carnival is free, individual games, rides, and food do have a cost. Attendees can download the Talley Tickets App or purchase a Magic Money Card at the Talley Midway kiosks. These cards are reloadable but are not interchangeable with wristbands/tickets for the St. Jude Courtyard Carnival. The Unlimited Rides Special Wristband is $35 for Thursday, September 18, use only and applies only to rides. Food and drinks require extra tickets. The Unlimited Rides Special Wristbands must be purchased at a Talley Midway kiosk. Individual rides require four or more tickets. 1 ticket = $1. Please note there is a one-time $3 service fee for the Thursday Unlimited Rides Special Wristband and Magic Money Cards.

 

For more information, especially ticket prices, visit: www.stjudeparish.com/carnival.

 

Saturday evening and Sunday morning & evening Masses at St. Jude Catholic Church will be offered at their regular times during the 2025 St. Jude Carnival.

 

 

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Temple Emanu-El ECEC

Join us for one of our Visiting Days! Come experience the ECEC magic and see what makes our Early Childhood Education Center so special.
 
 
Our school is Reggio Emilia-inspired, integrates the IB PYP framework, and is rooted in Jewish values and celebrations. With a STEM lab, nature-focused learning, farm-to-table experiences, yoga, and an inclusive, international community, it’s a place where young minds truly thrive. More than just a school, our community is a family—welcoming, supportive, and deeply connected. https://www.tedallas.org/learn/early-childhood-education-center/
 
???? Spread the word! Share with a family who might love ECEC.
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MLV Dallas, the professional women’s volleyball team making its debut in January 2026, has named Shannon Winzer as the team’s first head coach.

MLV Dallas, the professional women’s volleyball team making its debut in January 2026, has named Shannon Winzer as the team’s first head coach. Winzer, who most recently served as Head Coach of Canada’s Women’s National Volleyball Team (2021-2024), brings a wealth of international experience and a strong record of success to North Texas as the franchise prepares to kick off its inaugural season.

“We are building a world-class franchise in Dallas and Shannon Winzer’s top level international experience and track record are a perfect fit,” said Grady Raskin, President and CEO of MLV Dallas. “Shannon embodies everything we want in a leader—competitive excellence, player development, and a passion for growing the game. She is the right person to set the tone for MLV Dallas on and off the court.”

Winzer guided Canada’s national team through multiple Olympic cycles and has been recognized for her ability to develop and inspire elite athletes and build winning teams. Canada climbed from World No. 18 to a program-best World No. 8, delivered its best-ever VNL finish in 2024, and produced a historic performance at the 2022 World Championships. 

She was Head Coach of the Australian Women’s National Team and led the Volleyball Australia Centre of Excellence at the Australian Institute of Sport (2016–2019). Her coaching career in Australia also included roles as Assistant Coach for the Senior National TeamHead Coach of the U23 National Team, and Head Coach of the Melbourne University Blues, guiding them to four consecutive national titles.

Winzer will begin assembling her coaching staff and working with MLV Dallas leadership on player development ahead of the team’s first training camp in December.

“I am thrilled to be joining MLV Dallas and to help shape the foundation of this franchise,” said Winzer. “Dallas is a city that loves its sports, and I can’t wait to build a team that reflects that same energy and spirit. Our players will inspire the next generation of athletes and fans while competing—and winning—at the highest level of professional volleyball.”

The head coach announcement marks another major milestone for MLV Dallas as it works towards the MLV season kick off in January 2026. MLV Dallas joins one of the nation’s most dynamic sports markets, with a mission to elevate women’s professional volleyball and create new opportunities for athletes, fans, and the community.

Several recent player signings showcase the caliber of talent joining MLV Dallas. The roster includes setterCelia Cullen, outside hitter Geli Cyr, middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord, opposite hitter Willow Johnson, outside hitter Isabel Martin, outside hitter Caroline Meuth, libero Kylie Murr, three-time All-American opposite hitterKelsie Payne, setter Natalia Valentin-Anderson, middle blocker Layne Van Buskirk, and standout attackerSofia Maldonado Diaz.

MLV Dallas plans to announce the official team name, the franchise’s home venue and the 2026 game schedule over the next few months. 

ABOUT MLV DALLAS

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership, and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

For more information about MLV Dallas, visit MLV DALLAS or follow the team on social media at dallasprovball.

Career Highlights — Shannon Winzer

  • Head Coach, Canada Women’s National Team (2021–2024); NextGen & Assistant Coach (2019–2020)

  • Guided Canada in VNL, World Championships, and NORCECA competitions

  • Elevated Canada to World No. 8 (program best); best-ever VNL finish (2024); historic 2022 Worlds performance

  • Founded Canada’s National Excellence Program; implemented nationwide talent ID & athlete monitoring

  • Head Coach, Australia Women’s National Team; led Volleyball Australia Centre of Excellence at AIS (2016–2019)

  • Assistant Coach, Australia Senior NT; Head Coach, Australia U23 NT

  • Head Coach, Melbourne University Blues — four straight national titles

  • General Secretary, FIVB Coaches Commission
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The Bone Records

by

Rich Zahradnik

 

Unique and original, with so much action, I was compelled to read this book from cover to cover in one day.

 

The Bone Records is one of those books where the phrases “action-packed” and “non-stop action” genuinely apply. The story is tense, and the pace is breakneck. I was enthralled with Grigg from the opening. 

The story has an engaging, sympathetic protagonist in Grigg Orlov (Grigoriy Andeiovich). With his mixed heritage, he grew up an outsider in the Russian immigrant community of his father’s people. He didn’t fare much better later when he pursued his dream of becoming a New York City police officer. He was jumped by a couple of academy classmates and severely injured enough that he was forced to withdraw. He lost his mother at an early age, so it’s always been just him and his father, and when his father goes missing, and the police show little interest in finding him, he pursues the matter night and day on his own. Their reunion is sudden and ends quickly with tragic and shocking results. 

There is a growing sense of menace as the story progresses, assisted by the noirish descriptions of the neighborhood, his living in his empty childhood home after he’s sold it, and the places he visits – old haunts that hold lots of memories of times with his father. The Coney Island setting is especially moody with the included bits of its history. Grigg gets much-needed and timely assistance in his investigation from some unlikely sources, but I really liked the growing relationship between him and his work manager, Jamie Carmichael. Again, I was slated to be shocked by the outcome. 

The use of bone records in the story was unusual and original and sent me down some internet rabbit holes. There are actually some of these for sale on eBay! I’d never heard of these before, and I couldn’t help but read more about them.

 The book is set during the Clinton-Trump presidential campaign. It features computer hackers and whole warehouses of keyboard jockeys posting political memes, posts, and disinformation, from all party viewpoints, which stoked the emotions of the denizens of social media, dividing and conquering as intended. 

With its fast-paced action, originality, atmospheric settings, and engaging characters, I was in the dark and off-balance, never knowing what the resolution would be until the end. I recommend THE BONE RECORDS to mystery and thriller readers who would enjoy a unique plot or a New York City setting in 2016.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

Kathy Beazley
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Photo courtesy of Deborah Roberts/ABC Award-winning journalist and ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts will headline the "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit" on Friday, Sept. 19.

Award-winning journalist and ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts will headline the "Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit" on Friday, Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Denton Convention Center (3100 Town Center Trail). In an engaging and impactful conversation titled “Lessons in Leadership,” Roberts will share her experiences as a journalist, advocate, and leader in public service, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of leadership, as well as the importance of women’s voices in public affairs.

Hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University (JNIWL), the Summit is a one-day conference uniting women in the fields of public administration, elected office, and government—as well as women who aspire to public roles—through informative sessions, inspirational speakers, and networking opportunities. The keynote conversation with Roberts will be moderated by Sara Madsen Miller, a JNIWL advisory board member and COO and co-owner of 1820 Productions, an award-winning Dallas-based video production company.

“While we’ve made significant progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles, particularly in public office,” said Shannon Mantaro, executive director and chief officer of the JNIWL. “This event is an opportunity for women to hear from other women who have taken a seat at the table, shaped policy, and broken access barriers to decision-making roles.” 

About Deborah Roberts: Deborah Roberts is an award-winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC’s 20/20, as well as a senior national affairs correspondent for Nightline, Good Morning America, and World News Tonight with David Muir

A media veteran, Roberts has traveled the world for her reporting. She has served as a substitute anchor for Good Morning America and World News Weekend, as well as a guest co-host on The View. Known for her compelling storytelling and dedication to social justice issues, Roberts has earned multiple Emmy® Awards and a Peabody Award for her impactful reporting. She is also the author of the New York Times bestseller Lessons Learned and Cherished, a collection highlighting the profound influence of educators on lives and leadership. 

About the event: In addition to Roberts’ keynote conversation, the Summit will feature an agenda packed with high-energy sessions, including: 

  • “Confidence is Not Rocket Science! Breaking the Grip of Imposter Syndrome”
    Maureen Zappala, speaker and author (opening session)

  • “Demystifying Successful Strategic Partnerships” – a panel moderated by Caryn Riggs, assistant city Manager/CFO, City of Bedford

  • “How to Achieve Excellence in Advocacy” – a panel moderated by Cristal Retana Lule, vice-president of community relations at Children’s Health

  • “The New Rules of Executive Presence” – LaShon Ross, deputy city manager, City of Plano

  • “All Politics are Local” – a panel moderated by retired Texas legislator Myra Crownover

  • Closing session address by Jen Hatmaker, best selling author and podcaster

The day will also include structured facilitated networking sessions led by experts, with topics covering political office, boards and commissions, advocacy, and legacy building. (A full schedule will be available prior to the event on the summit website.) 

The summit will also feature a presentation of the JNIWL Distinguished Public Service Award to The Honorable Myra Crownover, a retired Texas House of Representatives member (2000-2016) who formerly represented District 64, which includes Denton County. 

Tickets for the summit are available for $75 per person and can be purchased at https://twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state/. Event organizers note that the summit typically sells out, and early purchase is recommended. For attendees needing accommodations, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center. (To secure the block rate, reservations must be made by August 29.) 

 

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. Its three specialized centers—Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service. Find out more at twu.edu/lead, or connect with JNIWL on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram

ABOUT TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. In 2026, the university will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its founding. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook@TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, and LinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

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After a six-year hiatus, the high-energy corporate dodgeball tournament Dodge For A Cause bounced back in a big way at SMU’s Moody Coliseum. Thirty-two spirited teams faced off for bragging rights, diving, dodging, and ducking their way through a night of friendly competition—all in support of Vogel, a Dallas nonprofit dedicated to helping children and families overcome homelessness and poverty.

Sewell Automotive, competing as “The Dodgefather’s VII,” clinched the championship title, while Houlihan Lokey’s “Dip and Dodgers” claimed second place. But the biggest win of the night came off the court: more than $132,000 was raised to support Vogel’s mission.

While Dallas boasts the sixth-largest GDP in the nation and is home to over 20 Fortune 500 headquarters, the city faces a sobering reality. Each night, an estimated 4,800 children in Dallas go to sleep without a home, exposing them to lasting physical, emotional, and mental trauma. Vogel works to break this cycle by ensuring every child has a safe home, a self-sufficient family, and the foundation for long-term success in school and life. The organization provides developmental programs for children and supports parents in building stable, nurturing home environments. For families across Dallas, the return of Dodge For A Cause means more than just a night of dodgeball—it’s a step toward a stronger, more hopeful future. This year's event was presented by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, with Kainos Capital as the After-Party Sponsor. 

Your next opportunity to support Vogel's mission will be at Day One DFW. Celebrating its 10th year, this family-centered, all-inclusive event is held at The Irving Convention Center on New Year’s Day. Families can enjoy a full day of fun-filled activities and performances, making it the perfect way to kick off the year together. Learn more at vogelalcove.org