News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
New Friends New Life Annual Luncheon Matthew and Camila McConaughey, Meredith Land

Nonprofit raises $1.1M at extraordinary luncheon deepening the awareness of human trafficking, recognizing supporters and programs, sharing voices of survivors, and honoring ProtectHER Awardees

Over 1,200 guests joined New Friends New Life (NFNL) on Sept. 20 at the OMNI Dallas Hotel for a memorable luncheon, raising $1.1 million to benefit the nonprofit’s mission to restore and empower trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and to drive awareness of this issue and its prevalence.  The luncheon featured a conversation with power couple Camila and Matthew McConaughey, whose conversation moderated by NBC 5’s Meredith Land, ranged from their love of Texas to the work of their just keep livin Foundation, support of Uvalde, their New York Times bestselling books, and passion for University of Texas Longhorn football. Prior to leaving the stage, the couple offered a surprise $100,000 fundraising match, which they led auction-style, resulting in a fast and furious audience match of $100,000. 

“Camila and Matthew McConaughey exceeded our highest hopes as keynote speakers through their humility, passion, and kindness,” said Bianca Davis, CEO, NFNL. “We could not be more grateful for their support and for their unscripted call to action! In that one surreal moment, The McConaugheys reminded us that when we show up for survivors, our community shows up for us.”

The luncheon kicked off to the music of Sapphire Strings and greetings from luncheon Co-Chairs JoJo Fleiss and Lisa Rocchio, who recognized luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs Robin and Norm Bagwell for their longtime commitment to the work of NFNL. Rocchio shared that while attending the 2023 NFNL Luncheon, she was shocked to hear the statistics of sex trafficking in Dallas and brought her neighbor Fleiss on a  NFNL bus tour led by the Men’s Advocacy Group, demonstrating the prevalence of sex trafficking in this community. Both immediately knew they wanted to become more involved.

Pastor Bryan Carter, Concord Church, led the opening prayer, followed by recognition of this year’s ProtectHER Award recipients: Southwest Airlines and Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), shining examples of organizations that support the protection and value of women and girls in the community. NFNL Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy introduced a video about this year’s recipients, sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Accepting the awards were YMSL President, CEO and Founder Pam Rosener and Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility for Southwest Airlines Laura Nieto.

video about the Liberty Street Garden, a partnership of NFNL, the Meadows Foundation, and Bonton Farms, highlighted an important next step in the journey of restoring and empowering survivors. The garden not only provides income but also work experience in a healing environment, helping to prepare those served by NFNL for future employment.

Following a series of audio testimonials from survivors, NFNL CEO Bianca Davis highlighted the prevalent sense of hope, healing, growth, and gratitude throughout the nonprofit’s hallways, coupled with the knowledge that members, and the staff that serves them, are dealing with significant trauma. She then shifted to the main takeaways of her address.

“I want you to walk away from today knowing two things,” continued Davis. “First, human trafficking is big business. By using force, fraud and coercion, traffickers are profiting $350 billion globally selling human beings for sex or labor, leaving an estimated 50 million victims in their wake. Texas ranks second in the nation for the highest number of human trafficking victims, and here in North Texas, sex trafficking is a $99 million industry. Women and girls are the prime target, and the average age of a girl sold in the sex trade is 15. Secondly, those who fall victim are not trapped in this illegal industry by choice. No one signs up for the physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional trauma, financial bondage, shame, criminal record or lack of access to education or gainful employment. NFNL is working to strengthen the most vulnerable by removing barriers to education and economic opportunities. In addition to our Liberty Street Garden, we have an onsite legal advocacy clinic and recently opened an onsite learning academy where women are being prepared to pass their GED exams,” which generated a supportive round of applause.

Davis encouraged the audience to join the fight and thanked all for taking a Stand for Her. To the audience’s delight she then led her introduction of the McConaugheys with, “Alright, Alright, Alright!”

Meredith Land kicked off the conversation summarizing all the places the duo had been spotted lately and welcoming them to Dallas. She asked about their move to Texas, which was a decision they agreed was not hard and decided while sitting at a red light. Growing up in Brazil in a family of farmers and ranchers, Camila said the values in Texas were much the same, including saying, “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir,” and Matthew still has family in the state.

Regarding their just keep livin Foundation, Matthew highlighted the foundation’s after-school curriculum, which helps students meet physical goals, nutritional goals, and includes community service – something Matthew didn’t think would be popular, but “that’s what gives them ownership – where they are not just receiving.” Moving on to his New York Times bestseller Greenlights,Matthew shared how “it’s inevitable that you are going to get red lights in your life – something that stops us in our tracks. Sometimes you need to be stopped.  It’s like an intervention. The idea of the book is that all red lights do eventually turn green.  Yellow lights give us a choice – do we slow down or go fast? Sometimes we look for drama where it doesn’t exist.”

Meredith then asked Camila about her background and her New York Times bestseller, Just Try One BiteCamila shared how every mother can likely relate. She grew up in Brazil in a family of farmers, where her relationship with food started. She watched her grandmother making butter and the family cooking over a wood fire. “In the journey of my life I was forced to go back to my roots … what we cook and eat and how it’s all connected.” She shared how it’s important for a child to see how something grows and what it takes to get food from farm to table, a process that fosters a sense of gratitude. “The sooner people learn and understand, the sooner they take ownership of their own lives and health.”

Camila then discussed, Women of Today, a community-based website she formed to give women a chance to share with each other and learn from each other. Matthew then asked her to share what she said about women in Texas. “Women in Texas show up, and their word is very important. 

The conversation shifted to the tragedy in Uvalde, Matthew’s hometown. He recounted the moment they decided they would go – they would show up and listen. They spent a few days visiting with families and decided to bring their children down. Their purpose was to help however needed. “Families trusted us, bringing us into intimate moments.” This led them to D.C. where the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was signed, and then to the creation of the McConaugheys’ Greenlight Grants Initiative to help school districts nationwide access the billions of dollars of available federal funding to create safer school environments and ensure the well-being of children.

Regarding the event’s cause, Meredith highlighted the PSA Matthew participated in with the Texas attorney general about human trafficking, asking both to comment. Camila shared growing up in Brazil, she was made very aware of the potential danger. “When I moved here at 15, I thought I didn’t have to look over my shoulder, but now I’m having this conversation with my kids. Something really has to be done.”  Matthew added, “We have to realize that everyone needs to look out for one another with a keen eye before we can depend on law enforcement. It’s right here in our backyard. It’s an ugly scar.”

Closing with Matthew’s passion for UT football…  “We’re doing really well! I believe this team is still playing against how great they can be, and if they keep doing that, they are going to maintain the edge.”

Before leaving the stage, Matthew turned to Camila to share an idea that she had when they heard NFNL was $140,000 short of their goal. She asked if anyone “would like to match Matt and I up to $100,000.” The ballroom lights came on, and guests responded to the McConaugheys’ challenge with donations large and small to meet the goal and help further the life-changing work of NFNL.

Luncheon attendees included Anita Arnold, Kathy Crow, Linda Custard, Jennifer Gates, Michelle Grimes, Nancy Ann Hunt, Tonya and Charlie McKinney, Peter M. Miller, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Christa Sanford, Kit Sawers, Gail and Dr. Gerald Turner, Jessica Turner-Waugh, Stephanie Wilcox, Vickie Yakunin, Council Member Gay Donnell Willis and Commissioner Elba Garcia.

Media sponsors were NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 and PaperCity magazine.

# # # 

About New Friends New Life: Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girlswomen and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. The agency’s vision is to create a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams. In 2023, NFNL served 328 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. Since its opening, the YRC has served more than 550 girls. In 2015, NFNL organized its  Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. In 2024, D CEO Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards honored NFNL as “Organization of the Year” (midsize category). For more information, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
New Friends New Life Annual Luncheon Matthew and Camila McConaughey, Meredith Land

Nonprofit raises $1.1M at extraordinary luncheon deepening the awareness of human trafficking, recognizing supporters and programs, sharing voices of survivors, and honoring ProtectHER Awardees

Over 1,200 guests joined New Friends New Life (NFNL) on Sept. 20 at the OMNI Dallas Hotel for a memorable luncheon, raising $1.1 million to benefit the nonprofit’s mission to restore and empower trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and to drive awareness of this issue and its prevalence.  The luncheon featured a conversation with power couple Camila and Matthew McConaughey, whose conversation moderated by NBC 5’s Meredith Land, ranged from their love of Texas to the work of their just keep livin Foundation, support of Uvalde, their New York Times bestselling books, and passion for University of Texas Longhorn football. Prior to leaving the stage, the couple offered a surprise $100,000 fundraising match, which they led auction-style, resulting in a fast and furious audience match of $100,000. 

“Camila and Matthew McConaughey exceeded our highest hopes as keynote speakers through their humility, passion, and kindness,” said Bianca Davis, CEO, NFNL. “We could not be more grateful for their support and for their unscripted call to action! In that one surreal moment, The McConaugheys reminded us that when we show up for survivors, our community shows up for us.”

The luncheon kicked off to the music of Sapphire Strings and greetings from luncheon Co-Chairs JoJo Fleiss and Lisa Rocchio, who recognized luncheon Honorary Co-Chairs Robin and Norm Bagwell for their longtime commitment to the work of NFNL. Rocchio shared that while attending the 2023 NFNL Luncheon, she was shocked to hear the statistics of sex trafficking in Dallas and brought her neighbor Fleiss on a  NFNL bus tour led by the Men’s Advocacy Group, demonstrating the prevalence of sex trafficking in this community. Both immediately knew they wanted to become more involved.

Pastor Bryan Carter, Concord Church, led the opening prayer, followed by recognition of this year’s ProtectHER Award recipients: Southwest Airlines and Young Men’s Service League (YMSL), shining examples of organizations that support the protection and value of women and girls in the community. NFNL Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy introduced a video about this year’s recipients, sponsored by Thomson Reuters. Accepting the awards were YMSL President, CEO and Founder Pam Rosener and Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility for Southwest Airlines Laura Nieto.

A video about the Liberty Street Garden, a partnership of NFNL, the Meadows Foundation, and Bonton Farms, highlighted an important next step in the journey of restoring and empowering survivors. The garden not only provides income but also work experience in a healing environment, helping to prepare those served by NFNL for future employment.

Following a series of audio testimonials from survivors, NFNL CEO Bianca Davis highlighted the prevalent sense of hope, healing, growth, and gratitude throughout the nonprofit’s hallways, coupled with the knowledge that members, and the staff that serves them, are dealing with significant trauma. She then shifted to the main takeaways of her address.

“I want you to walk away from today knowing two things,” continued Davis. “First, human trafficking is big business. By using force, fraud and coercion, traffickers are profiting $350 billion globally selling human beings for sex or labor, leaving an estimated 50 million victims in their wake. Texas ranks second in the nation for the highest number of human trafficking victims, and here in North Texas, sex trafficking is a $99 million industry. Women and girls are the prime target, and the average age of a girl sold in the sex trade is 15. Secondly, those who fall victim are not trapped in this illegal industry by choice. No one signs up for the physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional trauma, financial bondage, shame, criminal record or lack of access to education or gainful employment. NFNL is working to strengthen the most vulnerable by removing barriers to education and economic opportunities. In addition to our Liberty Street Garden, we have an onsite legal advocacy clinic and recently opened an onsite learning academy where women are being prepared to pass their GED exams,” which generated a supportive round of applause.

Davis encouraged the audience to join the fight and thanked all for taking a Stand for Her. To the audience’s delight she then led her introduction of the McConaugheys with, “Alright, Alright, Alright!”

Meredith Land kicked off the conversation summarizing all the places the duo had been spotted lately and welcoming them to Dallas. She asked about their move to Texas, which was a decision they agreed was not hard and decided while sitting at a red light. Growing up in Brazil in a family of farmers and ranchers, Camila said the values in Texas were much the same, including saying, “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir,” and Matthew still has family in the state.

Regarding their just keep livin Foundation, Matthew highlighted the foundation’s after-school curriculum, which helps students meet physical goals, nutritional goals, and includes community service – something Matthew didn’t think would be popular, but “that’s what gives them ownership – where they are not just receiving.” Moving on to his New York Times bestseller Greenlights,Matthew shared how “it’s inevitable that you are going to get red lights in your life – something that stops us in our tracks. Sometimes you need to be stopped.  It’s like an intervention. The idea of the book is that all red lights do eventually turn green.  Yellow lights give us a choice – do we slow down or go fast? Sometimes we look for drama where it doesn’t exist.”

Meredith then asked Camila about her background and her New York Times bestseller, Just Try One Bite. Camila shared how every mother can likely relate. She grew up in Brazil in a family of farmers, where her relationship with food started. She watched her grandmother making butter and the family cooking over a wood fire. “In the journey of my life I was forced to go back to my roots … what we cook and eat and how it’s all connected.” She shared how it’s important for a child to see how something grows and what it takes to get food from farm to table, a process that fosters a sense of gratitude. “The sooner people learn and understand, the sooner they take ownership of their own lives and health.”

Camila then discussed, Women of Today, a community-based website she formed to give women a chance to share with each other and learn from each other. Matthew then asked her to share what she said about women in Texas. “Women in Texas show up, and their word is very important. 

The conversation shifted to the tragedy in Uvalde, Matthew’s hometown. He recounted the moment they decided they would go – they would show up and listen. They spent a few days visiting with families and decided to bring their children down. Their purpose was to help however needed. “Families trusted us, bringing us into intimate moments.” This led them to D.C. where the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was signed, and then to the creation of the McConaugheys’ Greenlight Grants Initiative to help school districts nationwide access the billions of dollars of available federal funding to create safer school environments and ensure the well-being of children.

Regarding the event’s cause, Meredith highlighted the PSA Matthew participated in with the Texas attorney general about human trafficking, asking both to comment. Camila shared growing up in Brazil, she was made very aware of the potential danger. “When I moved here at 15, I thought I didn’t have to look over my shoulder, but now I’m having this conversation with my kids. Something really has to be done.”  Matthew added, “We have to realize that everyone needs to look out for one another with a keen eye before we can depend on law enforcement. It’s right here in our backyard. It’s an ugly scar.”

Closing with Matthew’s passion for UT football…  “We’re doing really well! I believe this team is still playing against how great they can be, and if they keep doing that, they are going to maintain the edge.”

Before leaving the stage, Matthew turned to Camila to share an idea that she had when they heard NFNL was $140,000 short of their goal. She asked if anyone “would like to match Matt and I up to $100,000.” The ballroom lights came on, and guests responded to the McConaugheys’ challenge with donations large and small to meet the goal and help further the life-changing work of NFNL.

Luncheon attendees included Anita Arnold, Kathy Crow, Linda Custard, Jennifer Gates, Michelle Grimes, Nancy Ann Hunt, Tonya and Charlie McKinney, Peter M. Miller, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, Christa Sanford, Kit Sawers, Gail and Dr. Gerald Turner, Jessica Turner-Waugh, Stephanie Wilcox, Vickie Yakunin, Council Member Gay Donnell Willis and Commissioner Elba Garcia.

Media sponsors were NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 and PaperCity magazine.

# # # 

About New Friends New Life: Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. The agency’s vision is to create a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams. In 2023, NFNL served 328 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. Since its opening, the YRC has served more than 550 girls. In 2015, NFNL organized its  Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. In 2024, D CEO Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards honored NFNL as “Organization of the Year” (midsize category). For more information, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
New Friends New Life Luncheon Camila and Matthew McConaughey to headline luncheon. "A Conversation with The McConaugheys” will highlight the work of the couple’s just keep livin Foundation as well as personal stories of life, love, career, family, and the importance of “legacy choices.”

“A Conversation with The McConaugheys” will highlight the work of the couple’s just keep livin Foundation as well as personal stories of life, love, career, family, and the importance of “legacy choices” 

 

New Friends New Life (NFNL) announces Camila and Matthew McConaughey will headline its annual luncheon, on Friday, September 20 at noon, at the OMNI Dallas Hotel. Academy Award-Winning Actor Matthew McConaughey is the CEO of the just keep livin Foundation and its founder along with his wife, Camila. “A Conversation with The McConaugheys” will highlight their work with the foundation, which focuses on empowering high school students to make healthy choices for a better future, and will also include highlights from their careers, family life, and philosophies for living. Luncheon co-chairs are JoJo Fleiss and Lisa Rocchio. Honorary co-chairs are Robin and Norm Bagwell.

“The McConaugheys’ work through their just keep livin Foundation impacts young lives in a powerful, pro-active way and is aligned with the work of New Friends New Life to fortify and support the vulnerable teen girls we serve,” said Bianca Davis, CEO, New Friends New Life.  “Additionally, the just keep livin Foundation provides an environment encouraging respect and healthy relationships – an important lesson NFNL also teaches high school boys through our ManKINDness curriculum.  We could not be more excited to welcome this charming and beloved duo to Dallas and look forward to a luncheon that will not only be informative and inspiring, but also memorable and fun.”

Texas native Matthew McConaughey is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men. A chance meeting in Austin with casting director and producer Don Phillips led him to director Richard Linklater, who launched the actor’s career in the cult classic “Dazed and Confused.” Since then, he has won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Ron Woodruff in “Dallas Buyers Club”; appeared in over 40 feature films that have grossed over $1 billion; and has become an author, producer, and philanthropist with his just keep livin Foundation – all the while sticking to his Texas roots and “jk livin” philosophy. He is co-owner of The Austin FC Soccer Club and a professor at the University of Texas in Austin. In 2020, McConaughey released his first book, Greenlights, which became an instant New York Times #1 bestseller and has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. His second book, a children’s book titled Just Because, debuted in September 2023 and was an instant New York Times #1 bestseller.

Camila Alves McConaughey is a dedicated mother, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author. Born and raised in Brazil to a family of farmers, she grew up with a strong connection to the taste and aroma of food made using only fresh-picked ingredients. After moving to the United States in her teens to pursue a career in fashion, she later established herself as a well-known lifestyle expert – hosting the Food Network’s “Kids BBQ Championship” and Bravo’s “Shear Genius,” guest judging on “Chopped Junior,” and co-founding a frozen organic baby food brand, Yummy Spoonfuls. Camila regularly makes appearances on morning and daytime talk shows sharing her fresh, modern approach to entertaining, beauty and cooking.

Throughout her career, Camila has traveled the world and with each journey found a deep interest and connection to different cultures and communities around the globe. With this vision, in 2015 she launched the lifestyle and community website Women of Today, which encourages connection around content focused on family, food, fashion, wellness, home and more.

In 2022, Camila released her first children’s book Just Try One Bite, a fresh and hilarious new take on picky eating, which became an instant New York Times Bestseller. It is with whimsical role reversals in which three kids are determined to get their parents to put down the ice cream, cake, and chicken fried steak to just try one bite of healthy whole foods. 

In October 2023, Matthew and Camila launched their own tequila brand, Pantalones, the first joint venture for the couple. The dynamic duo resides in Austin, Texas, with their three children.

Luncheon Co-chairs JoJo Fleiss and Lisa Rocchio are both passionate supporters of community nonprofits and value community engagement. Working with the arts, museums, and charities, Fleiss, who has lived in Dallas since 2021 with her husband, Eric, and their children, believes in education through experience. She serves on the board of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and is a Lion of Judah with the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. She has served on the NFNL Circle of Friends Board with Rocchio, and she is active at her children’s schools.

“Sex trafficking devastates the lives of young women and girls, and NFNL empowers them by giving them the tools they need to make a fresh start,” said JoJo Fleiss. “It is an honor to have the McConaugheys headlining this well-known annual luncheon that raises critical funding to help so many. Without question, Lisa and I know that their passion to make a difference in the lives of others will help to amplify and support this important cause.”

Co-chair Lisa Rocchio has been an active member of the Crystal Charity Ball since 2018 and is on the board of the Texas Ballet Theater (TBT), where she serves on the nominating committee and has represented TBT as a NorthPark Ambassador. She previously served as president of the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Health, where she founded and chaired the Mahjong fundraiser, co-chaired Six Flags Family Night, and co-chaired the gifts committee. She and her husband, John, have adamantly modeled the true heart of a philanthropist to their three adult children.

“Once you learn about this issue, it is difficult to look away. After attending one of NFNL’s bus tours, which brings to life the reality of sex trafficking throughout Dallas, I made a commitment to raise more awareness of this issue,” said Rocchio. “My daughter and I have volunteered at NFNL for several years, and both JoJo and I have served as Circle of Friends board members. I am honored to co-chair this event and hope it will enlighten more individuals about this issue and the many ways NFNL is helping victims break through trauma and rebuild their lives.”

Honorary Co-chairs Robin and Norm Bagwell are well-regarded philanthropists, business and community leaders. Robin has been a member of NFNL’s Board of Directors since 2007, until recently rolling off the board, and is a former NFNL luncheon chair.  Norm Bagwell is the chairman of Bank of Texas and chairman of the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation.

Underwriting sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500. A limited number of individual tickets will be released in September and will begin at $250 each. To reserve your sponsorship or seats, please visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org/luncheon, email events@newfriendsnewlife.org or contact Chief Development Officer Priya Murphy at 214-217-8652.

# # # 

About New Friends New Life: Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. The agency’s vision is to create a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams. In 2023, NFNL served 328 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. Since its opening, the YRC has served more than 550 girls. In 2015, NFNL organized its  Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. In 2024, D CEO Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards honored NFNL as “Organization of the Year” (midsize category). For more information, visit http://www.newfriendsnewlife.org/luncheon.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Fallyn Jones New Board Member - NFNL

New Friends New Life (NFNL) announces the induction of three new board members: Fallyn Jones, senior vice president, Citigroup Inc.; Laura Nieto, managing director of corporate responsibility, Southwest Airlines; and Camelia Lopez Shoemaker, prosecutor. The new members began three-year terms April 1 with an optional second term.

Additionally, Crys Kelly, social analytics director, Iris Worldwide, has been named president of the NFNL Circle of Friends (COF) Board, and C. Davis Prescott, senior vice president, First Horizon Bank, is the new president of the Men’s Advocacy Group (MAG). These new officers will serve two years with an optional additional year. First on the agenda for COF President Kelly is the spring fundraising event hosted by Circle of Friends – a Wine Tasting on May 15 while MAG President Prescott is preparing for the annual ManKINDness Breakfast on May 17.

Fallyn Jones has over 15 years of experience in financial services. As senior vice president, senior compliance and ethics officer for Citigroup Inc., she develops and implements operational testing and controls for the company’s Global Ethics Office, with responsibility for business operations in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle- East, Africa, Latin America, and Mexico. Jones was named to Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2023, and her passion for the greater community and creating opportunities to advocate for women of color is evident through her commitment and achievements within education, civic engagement, community outreach and senior care. Jones resides in Dallas with her husband, son, and daughter.

Laura Nieto, a 25-year employee of Southwest Airlines, leads the company’s corporate giving and stewardship strategy. Founded on the principles of loving people, building resilience, and living responsibly, she oversees Southwest’s strategic community investments, employee engagement and volunteerism, foundation giving, sustainability programs and social impact initiatives. With a passion for developing innovative programs that engage and empower diverse communities, she is a D&I champion and community advocate. With a love for the outdoors, she is a marathon runner and has completed her quest to become a World Marathon Major Six Star Finisher. Nieto resides in Dallas with her husband and daughter.

Camelia Lopez Shoemaker is a skilled career prosecutor with more than 20 years of experience in the prosecution of complex cyber-crime, fraud, terrorism, and other criminal and civil matters at both the state and federal level.  In addition to the case work, she has experience as a senior leader setting policy and guidance for district and national impact regarding public-private partnerships and is a frequent speaker regarding cybersecurity, digital currency, and intellectual property matters. Camelia resides in Dallas with her husband and children and their 60-pound lapdog, Millie.

"These dynamic leaders bring incredible new expertise and passion to the mission of New Friends New Life,” said Jane A. Rose, board chair. "Their commitment and leadership will be invaluable as we work collaboratively to not only empower and restore the lives of trafficked and sexually exploited women and girls, but also as we bring the stigmatized issue of sex trafficking out of the shadows to educate the community on ways they can engage in the solution.”

The new board members join a diverse board of community representatives including: Jane A. Rose, NFNL Board Chair, General Counsel, Irwin R. Rose & Co. (who is in her second year as chair and will complete her term on March 31, 2025); Adam Cannon, Chief Brand Officer, G6 Hospitality, LLC; Erin Nealy Cox, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis and a former high-ranking U.S. Department of Justice official; Sherri Daniel, Certified Public Accountant; Dr. Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN; Healthcare Executive, Strategic Advisor, and Emeritus Chief Clinical Officer; Kelley Grayson, Regional VP, Provider Network Solutions; Laura Harris, Journalist and Co-Anchor, NBC5; Dr. Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, FNAP; Senior Vice President, Customer Development Group, EssilorLuxottica; Sarah K. Miller, Philanthropist; Paulette Miniter, Associate Attorney, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; Cheryl Monroe, VP Controller and Treasurer, Mary Kay Inc.; Christa Sanford, Partner, Baker Botts, LLP; Elena Sacca Smith, Group Manager, the Office of Social Innovation, Toyota North America; and Jessica Turner-Waugh, Actor and Community Leader.

For more information, visit newfriendsnewlife.org or call (214) 965-0935.

# # #

About New Friends New Life: Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1998, New Friends New Life (NFNL) restores and empowers trafficked and sexually exploited teen girlswomen and their children, and drives awareness of the issue and its prevalence. The agency’s vision is to create a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past and achieve their dreams. In 2023, NFNL served 328 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative reform and strategic partnerships that address systemic causes. In 2018, NFNL opened a drop-in Youth Resource Center (YRC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor to serve trafficked and high-risk teen girls. Since its opening, we have served 546 girls. In 2015, NFNL organized its  Men's Advocacy Group to engage men in the fight against sex trafficking and exploitation. For more information, visit http://www.newfriendsnewlife.org.