May is National Foster Care Month, a national initiative led by the Children’s Bureau to raise awareness about foster care and recognize the dedication of families, foster parents, child welfare professionals, mentors, and policymakers who help youth find permanent, loving homes.  

In the Metroplex East region of North Texas (a nine-county area including Dallas, Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro and Rockwall counties), EMPOWER - a child welfare collaborative focused on meeting the unique needs of Texas children and families - launched a campaign to highlight the urgent need for foster parents and the life-changing impact they have on children. 

The campaign, Empower Dreams, Foster Futures, is a user-friendly, intuitive platform that helps navigate the process of becoming a foster parent with ease and precision. It also connects those interested to personalized resources and agencies that best support their unique needs. 

All children deserve a safe and loving place to call home, and sometimes they need a place to land for a short time. Foster parents can provide that and advocate for and with biological families.

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^th 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. ( (See list at the end of the release)*

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:  

• Trey Crawford introduced Haleigh Jones,  Crawford, Wishnew & Lang Attorney.
• Maria Mendez introduced Cristal Retana Lule, Children’s Health Vice President of Community Relations.

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.

Awards Selection Committee Co-chair and previous Maura Award recipient Brenda Jackson introduced the 2025 Maura honorees and their presenters.

• Kim Lyle introduced Jennifer Bartkowski, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO.
• Mylinh Luong introduced Anne Chow, The Rewired CEOFounder.
  • Samantha Barakat introduced Dr. Rupa DeSilva, Parkland Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center Professor.
  • Christopher Johnson introduced Dr. Carine Feyten, Texas Woman’s University Chancellor and President.
  • Former TXWF Board Chairs Caren Lock and Shonn Brown introduced Cynt Marshall, Marshalling Resources Founder and The Dallas Mavericks (retired CEO), who was unable to attend the event.

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 40^th Annual Luncheon at the Omni Hotel on November 14.

Partners:

Merrill, a Bank of America Company, and Crockett & Associates

Haynes Boone

Oncor

Media Sponsors: D CEO, Dallas Business Journal

#BESTSELF sponsor: Capital One

Additional partners:

Catherine M Coughlin Fund for Women's Leadership of TXWF

Maura McNiel Fund for Women's Leadership of Texas Women’s Foundation

TWU Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership

The Rewired CEO

Marshalling Resources

Southwest Airlines; and

EY

For additional partners and patrons, visit https://txwf.org/join-us/events/lfac-event/

About Texas Women’s Foundation:

One of the largest women’s foundations in the country, Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) knows that now more than ever is the time to create more equitable communities to build #StrongWomenBetterWorld. TXWF raises funds from a broad base of donors, including individuals, foundations and corporations. These resources support more than $6 million in investments each year that advance economic security and leadership for Texas women and girls through research, advocacy, grantmaking and strategic/educational initiatives. Since its inception in 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $85 million in Texas women and girls. The Foundation’s statewide research on issues impacting Texas women and girls provides corporate, state and local decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs across the state. Its advocacy, grantmaking and educational initiatives support solutions that help Texas women and girls survive and thrive. In addition, Texas Women’s Foundation is an acknowledged leader and advocate in the gender lens investing movement, deploying 100 percent of its invested assets – endowments, operating investments and donor-advised funds – in a gendered impact portfolio that yields strong financial returns and social benefits to women and girls. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month – a time to explore causes and treatment methods for scoliosis, which affects approximately 7 million people in the United States, as reported by the National Scoliosis Foundation.

“Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, often resembling an S or C shape when viewed from behind. This can lead to spinal or truncal imbalance and pain that may interfere with one’s daily activities,” says Jeremy Denning, MD, a neurosurgeon with Dallas Neurosurgical & Spine and chief of the Neurosurgery Department at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano. “Thankfully, early detection and tailored treatment plans can significantly improve quality of life.”

Common scoliosis symptoms include visible symptoms – such as a visible curvature of the spine, uneven shoulders or a tilted pelvis. Other symptoms might include back pain, fatigue, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties and limited mobility. Denning recommends regular scoliosis screenings by a qualified healthcare professional for anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has high risk factors.

“Most patients are diagnosed during childhood growth spurts, so children around 10-14 years old are considered high risk. Adult cases are less common, but scoliosis can occur at any age, so if you’re experiencing symptoms or have high risk factors, consult a healthcare provider,” explains Denning. “The exact cause of scoliosis is frequently unknown, referred to as idiopathic scoliosis – but it can also arise from congenital spine defects, neuromuscular disorders or degenerative diseases.”

A family history of scoliosis can increase risk, as can certain neuromuscular disorders. In addition, the National Scoliosis Foundation reports girls as being eight times more likely to develop more serious scoliosis cases, which are severe enough to require treatment. Not all cases require medical intervention, and treatment methods vary, depending on the severity of the condition.

Treatment methods for mild and moderate cases include physical therapy and strengthening exercises and/or bracing. Bracing is used to prevent curve progression in growing children or adolescents. More severe cases may require surgery.

“We always explore nonsurgical treatments first. If those treatments are ineffective or the patient’s condition worsens significantly, then we may recommend surgery,” notes Denning. “Surgical options range from minimally invasive techniques to correct the curvature, such as vertebral tethering, to more extensive procedures like spinal fusion.”

Denning adds that patients with mild to moderate scoliosis may find pain relief through at-home remedies such as strengthening and stretching exercises, posture awareness or heat therapy.

Junior Symphony Ball Shatters Records with
“Party With a Purpose” at Gilley’s Dallas

$580,500 raised for Music Education and Outreach Programs

The Junior Symphony Ball (JSB) Party With a Purpose shattered records raising $580,500 which will benefit the music education programs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. It proved once again why it’s one of the most anticipated events for high school students across the metroplex.

On February 1, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into an electrifying hub of music, dancing, and entertainment as over 2,850 sophomores, juniors, and seniors from over 25 schools came together for a sold-out celebration—marking the largest turnout in JSB history. The Steering Committee was comprised of more than 1000 students.

The lineup of the 2025 Co-Chairs represents schools across Dallas: Tanner Krug, Jesuit College Prep of Dallas; Gracelyn Nix, Highland Park High School; Jack Steed, Highland Park High School; Clara Tolleson, Episcopal School of Dallas; Johnny Willingham, Episcopal School of Dallas; Emerson Mayes, Bishop Lynch High School; Teddy Fleiss, St. Mark's School of Texas; Avery Black, Ursuline Academy; Zack Shapiro, Parish Episcopal School; and Kate Davidson, The Hockaday School. 

Their supportive and proud moms are: Holly Krug, Jonika Nix, Maygan Steed, Rebecca Black, Jojo Fleiss, Tricia Davidson, Amie Mayes, Kacy Tolleson, April Willingham, and Jori Shapiro. 

Now in its 67th year, JSB is the longest-running fundraiser of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League (DSOL), supporting vital DSO outreach programs such as Young Strings and Young Musicians.

True to its founding vision of “student-led, parent-guided” leadership, the event has grown from a small gathering of schools to an expansive, metro-wide celebration—while remaining committed to its core mission of supporting music education.

JSB 2025 was more than just a party—it was a record-breaking night of purpose, passion, and philanthropy.

Follow JSB on Social Media

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JSBdallas/
Instagram @jsbdallas

Photo by Jonika Nix

Key to photo:

From left to right: J. Denton Bricker (DSO Director of Events & Volunteer Services), Kate Davidson, Tanner Krug, Gracelyn Nix, Michelle Miller Burns (DSO Ross Perot President and CEO), Emerson Mayes, Jack Steed.

The 44^th Annual Equest Blue Ribbon Gala was a night where cowboy boots and big-hearted bidding came together in a spirited celebration that still has Dallas buzzing. On April 25, Gilley’s Dallas was transformed into a shimmering celebration of all things Equest, thanks to the visionary leadership of Gala Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and Honorary Chairs The Sam and Helga Feldman Foundation and Natalie and David Taylor. The event drew a sold-out crowd of 570 and raised $700,000, the largest fundraising amount in Equest’s 44-year history.

From the first “yee haw” delivered by emcee Calvert Collins-Bratton, guests knew this was no ordinary gala. The program unfolded as a masterclass in inspiration, with each speaker reminding the room that every dollar raised would help Equest deliver hope and healing through its transformative equine-assisted programs.

Equest Founder Susan Schwartz presented the Founders Award to Carol Chamberlin, whose three decades of service as volunteer, donor, and barn manager have made her a legend in the Equest family. The Citation Award went to Donna and Tim Weber and their daughter Katherine, an Equest client, in recognition of their tireless volunteerism and generous philanthropy.

New CEO Eric Lindh took the stage to share Equest’s bold vision for the future, focusing on the number “22,” a call to action inspired by the 22 percent of Dallas County residents living with a disability, the 22 veterans lost to suicide daily in the U.S., and the 22 percent of Americans living with mental illness, while less than half of those receive treatment. His pledge to expand services to first responders struck a chord, as did the moving testimonials from Equest clients.

The silent and live auctions were runaway successes. Auction Chair Norma Jean Schaltenbrand urged the crowd to “Bid boldly. Bid big. Bid with heart,” and Dallas delivered. Auctioneer Louis Murad encouraged bidders to raise paddles effortlessly, starting from initial $10,000 bids onward. He energized the room with live auction packages featuring fabulous trips around the world, including destinations such as France, Antigua, Montana, and more. But the most memorable moment came when a guest insisted Louis auction off his own sparkling jacket. Ever the showman, he obliged, and the jacket fetched $2,000, a purchase by Tim Weber who clearly knows a statement piece when he sees one.

Of course, no gala would be complete without a little razzle-dazzle from event designer Steve Kemble, who outdid himself with a blue ombré color scheme, elegant white rose tablescapes, and a “disco saddle” centerpiece that had everyone talking. As the evening drew to a close, guests tried their luck at casino games and danced the night away to Jordan Kahn’s Manhattan Orchestra. The sensational fundraising evening proved once again that when Dallas comes together for Equest, it’s always a blue-ribbon affair.

Additional notable attendees included Amy Green, Chair of the Equest Board of Directors; Lili Kellogg, former CEO of Equest; and an ensemble of distinguished charity leaders including Nancy Greenbach, Sara and Robert Hallam, Lynn McBee, Tanya and Danny Rice, Therese Rourk, Kristy and Patrick Sands, Anne Seanor, and Donna Weitzman, among many others.

Special thanks go to the sponsors whose generosity made the night possible, including: Ben E. Keith Co., Benchmark Bank, Beasom Stable, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bank of Texas, Pender’s, Cavender’s Boot City, Kiewit, Steve Kemble Event Design, Hopkins, Etro, Dallas Capital Bank, Holland & Knight, Pave the Way Jewelry by Joan Hornig, Quest Events, Susan Friedman Public Relations, Spirit Tours, Modern Luxury Dallas, NexPoint, Marsh McLennan Agency, Lela Rose, My Sweet Charity, Brilliant Fulfillment, and Commerce Street Capital.

About Equest

Founded in 1981, Equest provides equine facilitated activities, therapies and counseling to children and adults with physical, cognitive, sensory, coping and learning disabilities and veterans with adjustment challenges. The services provided include physical and occupational therapy, equine facilitated counseling and learning, therapeutic carriage driving, therapeutic horsemanship and competition. With 34 therapy horses, a dedicated team of professionals, and 869 volunteers contributing 20,611 hours annually, Equest transforms lives annually for more than 2,770 individuals. Equest was the first PATH International Premier Accredited Center in Texas and remains one of the largest in the country. www.equest.org