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.

Misguided Trust

by

Lauren Wagner

Exciting dystopian tale where water is the most precious resource and any illness is a death sentence.

Misguided Trust by Lauren Wagner is a new dystopian tale in which a future U.S. is divided into Clean Zones, and water is provided, protected, and restricted by the government. Illness of any kind will result in a resident being taken away, removed from their home, and never to be seen or heard from again. The fully realized world and its sympathetic main character are introduced with minimal embellishment, so the tale relies on her actions and interactions with those in her life. 

Sara Carson is the likable main character, living in relatively good circumstances compared to others. She’s kind and secretly helps those in need by lifting extra rations and medications and getting them to Maddox, who runs an illegal underground distribution network existing on the very edge of the Clean Zone society. Sara has a tragic history, losing everything important to her early in life, including a past love named Tommy. Tommy’s brother, Josh, has maintained contact with her, keeping an eye out for her continued safety while attracting the attention of the government enforcement officers himself. Her budding romance with Kye, a high-ranking enforcement officer, throws everything in her world out of whack. It was her determination and resilience in the face of it all that made this book impossible to put down until the final page was turned. 

I recommend MISGUIDED TRUST to fans of dystopian fiction. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc.—the leading producer of larger-than-life lantern festivals in North America and the trailblazers who introduced authentic Chinese lantern traditions to the U.S. and Europe—will return this winter to the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre, located at 1150 Pollock Pl, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

“We’re so happy to be back in Dallas this holiday season,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager at Tianyu Arts & Culture. “The DFW community is wonderfully diverse and welcoming, and we can’t wait to share our lantern festival with families in a bigger, brighter way.”

Back by popular demand for a second holiday season in North Texas, the Tianyu Lights Festival will transform the festival grounds of Texas Trust CU Theatre into a glowing wonderland of art, culture, and family fun. Visitors can explore two dazzling themed displays straight from 7-year-old boy, Koda’s imagination. Starlit Farm captures the peaceful beauty of summer nights in the countryside, while Magic Ocean dives deep into an illuminated undersea world of reefs and dreamlike creatures.

Each evening, live cultural performances add to the magic, featuring the dramatic mask-changing art of Face Changing (Bianlian), breathtaking acrobatics, and the graceful Peacock Dance. Shows are scheduled at 6:45, 7:50, and 9:00 p.m., weather permitting.

Guests are invited to shop, snack, and stroll through the festival grounds. The marketplace showcases handcrafted treasures like traditional Chinese lanterns and intricate inner-bottle paintings, while the food court offers hot drinks, sweet treats, and meals from both local and traveling vendors.

Families will especially enjoy the illuminated playground with interactive displays and photo-ready backdrops. New this year, kids can hop aboard glowing Magic Rides (available until 9:00 p.m. for a separate fee).

This year’s festival features 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures crafted from metal, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. With twinkling displays, rich cultural traditions, and activities for all ages, the Tianyu Lights Festival is sure to become a holiday tradition for neighbors and families across North Texas.

The Tianyu Lights Festival runs November 7, 2025, through January 18, 2026, open Tuesdays–Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m., and will be shining bright through all the major winter holidays.

Tickets range from $16 to $35 and go on sale October 8. Visitors can take advantage of special discounts:

• Early Bird (Oct. 8– Nov.5): 15% off General Admission & Child Tickets

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations looking to connect with thousands of families across the DFW metroplex during this holiday season.

For more information on tickets, sponsorships, or becoming a food vendor, visit tianyuculture.us/dallas.

Composed by Taylor Davis, the piece was commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale for their 40^th anniversary and premiered in May, closing out their season

St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir along with a professional orchestra will present The Poetry of Psalms, an original 40-minute work by composer Taylor Davis that weaves together Biblical psalms and secular poetry in a powerful musical conversation. The free concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m., in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, at 5801 W. Plano, Parkway.

Commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale (TMC) to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the piece received its world premiere in May with TMC and now comes to St. Andrew with Davis conducting and a professional orchestra drawn from across the DFW metroplex.

“When TMC asked me to commission this work, I came up with this idea because I find many of the psalms quite poetic, and I thought pairing a few of them with some of my favorite poems would be unique,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional worship and music at St. Andrew. “The psalms are poetic at heart, but I did not want to just present 45 minutes of sacred text. I wanted to bring in a modern voice – something secular but still spiritual, something that might enhance the psalms.”

The 40-minute piece consists of a series of musical pairings – each one matching a psalm with a poem.

“Almost in a call and response way, the texts volley back and forth,” said Davis. “For example, the Scottish poem As the Rain Hides the Stars paints a picture of trusting what we cannot see, and it’s complemented by Psalm 8, describing creation with the sun, moon, and stars of night. This is perhaps one of my favorite pairings: the poem sounds like you’re watching fireflies after a summer storm, and the psalm about creation is like a confetti cannon!”

“In another pairing example, Emily Dickinson’s Will There Really Be a Morning? is answered when Psalm 113 declares from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised,” he continued. “Each pairing lasts about four minutes with ten total movements inviting the listener on a journey through doubt, wonder, praise, and gratitude.”

“The psalms can feel sepia-toned—beautiful, but distant,” said Davis. “I wanted to add a little technicolor, and these poems do that. They help us see that sacredness isn’t locked away in old texts. It’s all around us—in everyday language, in the natural world, and in the questions we all carry.”

This concert is part of a broader effort by St. Andrew to offer meaningful, artistically excellent programming for the wider community. From classical music lovers to curious first-time concertgoers, The Poetry of Psalms aims to be both accessible and profound.

“At St. Andrew, we’re committed to creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to experience beauty and transcendence through music,” said Davis. “Concerts like this offer exceptional music people can't find outside the Dallas Arts District.”

More than just a concert, The Poetry of Psalms is the centerpiece of St. Andrew’s fall music programming – designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly high school and college music students in the DFW area. It also sets the stage for the Chancel Choir to take the concert to Carnegie Hall for an appearance in June 2026.

“St. Andrew’s Music Ministry offerings go beyond performance – they invite listeners into spiritual depth, communal reflection, and musical experiences that are transforming,” added Davis. “Through creative programming and outreach, we aim to connect people of all ages with the church through art. Join us on Sept. 28 for a transcendent musical experience – where sacred meets secular and tradition meets innovation.”

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.

Composed by Taylor Davis, the piece was commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale for their 40^th anniversary and premiered in May, closing out their season

St. Andrew Methodist Church’s Chancel Choir along with a professional orchestra will present The Poetry of Psalms, an original 40-minute work by composer Taylor Davis that weaves together Biblical psalms and secular poetry in a powerful musical conversation. The free concert will take place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m., in the sanctuary of St. Andrew, at 5801 W. Plano, Parkway.

Commissioned by the Texas Master Chorale (TMC) to celebrate their 40th anniversary, the piece received its world premiere in May with TMC and now comes to St. Andrew with Davis conducting and a professional orchestra drawn from across the DFW metroplex.

“When TMC asked me to commission this work, I came up with this idea because I find many of the psalms quite poetic, and I thought pairing a few of them with some of my favorite poems would be unique,” said Taylor Davis, creative director of traditional worship and music at St. Andrew. “The psalms are poetic at heart, but I did not want to just present 45 minutes of sacred text. I wanted to bring in a modern voice – something secular but still spiritual, something that might enhance the psalms.”

The 40-minute piece consists of a series of musical pairings – each one matching a psalm with a poem.

“Almost in a call and response way, the texts volley back and forth,” said Davis. “For example, the Scottish poem As the Rain Hides the Stars paints a picture of trusting what we cannot see, and it’s complemented by Psalm 8, describing creation with the sun, moon, and stars of night. This is perhaps one of my favorite pairings: the poem sounds like you’re watching fireflies after a summer storm, and the psalm about creation is like a confetti cannon!”

“In another pairing example, Emily Dickinson’s Will There Really Be a Morning? is answered when Psalm 113 declares from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised,” he continued. “Each pairing lasts about four minutes with ten total movements inviting the listener on a journey through doubt, wonder, praise, and gratitude.”

“The psalms can feel sepia-toned—beautiful, but distant,” said Davis. “I wanted to add a little technicolor, and these poems do that. They help us see that sacredness isn’t locked away in old texts. It’s all around us—in everyday language, in the natural world, and in the questions we all carry.”

This concert is part of a broader effort by St. Andrew to offer meaningful, artistically excellent programming for the wider community. From classical music lovers to curious first-time concertgoers, The Poetry of Psalms aims to be both accessible and profound.

“At St. Andrew, we’re committed to creating one-of-a-kind opportunities for people to experience beauty and transcendence through music,” said Davis. “Concerts like this offer exceptional music people can't find outside the Dallas Arts District.”

More than just a concert, The Poetry of Psalms is the centerpiece of St. Andrew’s fall music programming – designed to connect with younger audiences, particularly high school and college music students in the DFW area. It also sets the stage for the Chancel Choir to take the concert to Carnegie Hall for an appearance in June 2026.

“St. Andrew’s Music Ministry offerings go beyond performance – they invite listeners into spiritual depth, communal reflection, and musical experiences that are transforming,” added Davis. “Through creative programming and outreach, we aim to connect people of all ages with the church through art. Join us on Sept. 28 for a transcendent musical experience – where sacred meets secular and tradition meets innovation.”

# # #

St. Andrew Methodist Church, founded in 1986, is located on 21.2 acres in Plano, Texas, and has more than 7,000 members. The church hosts over 2,000 people each weekend for worship services in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. St. Andrew extends an open invitation for all to be a part of a community ready to embrace faith in Christ that is real, practical, and life changing. Many opportunities are provided to gather on campus and serve locally, regionally, and globally. Through Invite Ministries, St. Andrew’s publishing house, and Beacon of Light, a mental health ministry, St. Andrew offers innovative ways to reach Christians within its congregation and out in the community. The new 300-seat Hasley Chapel provides worship and other gathering opportunities in a scenic and more intimate setting. In 2022 St. Andrew became an independent Methodist Church seeking to live more like Jesus every day and to learn in deeper ways what it means to follow His teachings, live in community, and serve the world. 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call (972)380-8001.