New Friends New Life (NFNL) has appointed Cole Edmonson, DNP, RN, FAAN, as the nonprofit’s new board chair for a two-year term. Dr. Edmonson succeeds Jane A. Rose who has served in this role since 2023. A healthcare executive, registered nurse, and former chief nursing and clinical officer with over three decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Dr. Edmonson has been an active supporter, advocate, and board member of NFNL. The mission of NFNL is to restore and empower trafficked and sexually exploited teen girls, women and their children, and drive awareness of the issue and its prevalence. 

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the chair of the NFNL Board and to support the nonprofit’s incredible CEO, Bianca Davis, as well as the phenomenal team in the impactful work they do every day,” said Cole Edmonson. “Their trauma-informed care model with critical wraparound services provide our members with the innovative, supportive, caring, and transformative services needed to change the paradigm from surviving to thriving.”

NFNL also announces the induction of five new board members: Deondriea Cantrice, Lynn Dowdle, Lonnie Falgout, Tracey Nash-Huntley, (returning), and Beth Thoele. Tiffany Odum, Junior League of Dallas project chair, has also joined the board for a one-year term.

Additionally, Amanda Muhammad has been named president of the NFNL Auxiliary Circle of Friends (COF) Board, where she will serve for two years. C. Davis Prescott will return for a second year as president of the NFNL Auxiliary Men’s Advocacy Group (MAG) Board. First on the agenda for COF President Muhammad is the spring fundraising event hosted by Circle of Friends – a Wine Tasting on May 6, while MAG President Prescott is preparing for the annual ManKINDness Breakfast on May 12.

Returning to the board are Adam Cannon, chief brand officer, Extended Stay America; Erin Nealy Cox, partner at Kirkland & Ellis and a former U.S. Department of Justice official; Laura Harris, journalist and co-anchor, NBC5; Fallyn Jones, senior vice president, Citigroup, Inc.; Millicent Knight, OD, FAAO, FAARM, FNAP, senior vice president, Customer Development Group, EssilorLuxottica; Camelia Lopez Shoemaker, prosecutor; Sarah K. Miller, philanthropist; Cheryl Monroe, vice president, controller and treasurer, Mary Kay Inc.; Laura Nieto, managing director of corporate responsibility, Southwest Airlines; Jane A. Rose, (immediate past chair), general counsel Irwin R. Rose & Co.; Elena Sacca Smith, group manager for the Office of Social Innovation, Toyota North America; and Jessica Turner Waugh, actor and community leader.

“While these dynamic leaders bring a broad range of expertise from across the Dallas community, their passion for our mission is singular,” said Bianca Davis, CEO, NFNL. “Because we know that the issue of human trafficking intersects across industries, the addition of board members from diverse professional and personal backgrounds will help prepare NFNL to continue delivering on its mission now, and into the future. I am excited and inspired to work alongside each of these committed and caring individuals.”

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

NEW CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026

NEW BOARD MEMBERS 2025-2026

Dr. Cole Edmonson is a distinguished leader in healthcare with a career spanning over three decades, from clinical nursing to executive roles in hospitals and industry. He currently serves as the CEO of the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC), championing nursing leadership in governance and policy. A recognized expert in nursing leadership, Dr. Edmonson is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, American Organization for Nursing Leadership, American College of Healthcare Executives. He is also an Executive Nurse Fellow Alum of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Edmonson earned his BSN and MSN from the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing and his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Texas Christian University. His career has been dedicated to advocating for vulnerable populations, advancing the profession of nursing, and fostering collaboration between prevention, acute care, and community health. Beyond his leadership roles, he has served on numerous local, state, and national boards, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and as past chair of the National League for Nursing Education Foundation. He also served as past president of the Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership and as a board member of the Texas Hospital Association. Dr. Edmonson is also dedicated to global health, serving as a supporter and service team leader with the International Esperanza Project (IEP) dedicated to strengthening communities in Latin America.

Deondriea Cantrice is a celebrated author, certified confidence coach, and an accomplished IT program and change management leader with over a decade of experience guiding global teams through transformation. A dedicated community servant, Cantrice has mentored youth and served on multiple boards at both state and local levels. She was named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year by Junior Achievement-Dallas. Her advocacy work took a powerful turn when human trafficking directly impacted her family, fueling her mission as a lived experience anti-trafficking activist. Today, she champions prevention, awareness, and survivor empowerment.

Lynn Dowdle, principal, Dowdle Real Estate, is a top producing real estate broker in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex with extensive experience in hospitality site selection and land sales, restaurant, ground lease, build-to-suit and development opportunities. She is a past long-term member and past president of the North Texas Commercial Association of Realtors and the 2023 Stemmons Service Award recipient. She has held board and leadership positions in the real estate field as well as in the community and received several honors from DCEO magazine, including being named to the Dallas 500. She is also the founder of If You Knew, raising money for clean water in Africa.

Lonnie Falgout, director, family security, at Palette Investment Company, is responsible for all security aspects surrounding an ultra-high net worth family. Prior to this role, he spent 17 years of decorated service as a special agent with the United States Secret Service, where he provided protection to seven former and current U.S. Presidents. He led high-profile investigations of our nation’s payment systems and provided technical forensic expertise in support of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Falgout earned a B.S. from the University of Holy Cross, New Orleans, and completed graduate level studies through the U.S. Department of Defense.

Tracey Nash-Huntley, community leader, is a former NFNL board chair and luncheon co-chair. She serves on the board of Goodwill Industries, Dallas and the advisory board of SMU’s Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility. She is a member of the Dallas Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and is passionate about creating a pipeline to STEM education and careers for underrepresented girls. Nash-Huntley is a founding member of The Village Giving Circle at Texas Women’s Foundation, a Junior League of Dallas Sustainer, a Life Member of the Jesuit Women’s Auxiliary, and a member of The Girl Friends, Incorporated, Dallas Chapter. She received a B.S. in industrial engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology after spending her first two collegiate years at Southern Methodist University.

Tiffany Odum, Junior League of Dallas project chair, has also joined the board for a one-year term. She serves as a PM&R (physical medicine and rehabilitation) program manager for the Veterans Affairs Health Care System.

Beth Thoele is the immediate past president of the Callier Center for Communication Disorders Foundation. She also serves on the boards of Methodist Health System Foundation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, the Senior Source and Lovers Lane United Methodist Church Foundation. She was previously chair for the Wilkinson Center Can Do Luncheon and a member of the Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School Advisory Council.

NEW CHAIR, CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AUXILIARY BOARD 2025-2026

Amanda Muhammad is an international mindfulness-based stress management & psychological safety consultant based in Dallas. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in business psychology and has a master’s in organizational leadership and a bachelor's in management and leadership. As a certified mindfulness trainer, compassion fatigue trainer, and yoga instructor, Muhammad combines academic expertise with accessible strategies to create healthier, more resilient workplaces. She is the founder of Mako Mindfulness, a boutique professional development company that helps schools and organizations enhance well-being, reduce burnout, and build cultures of psychological safety. She also serves on the mental health and wellness committee for the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and the Cooperative Extension Advisory Committee for Prairie View A&M University. She recently completed a cohort with DCEO Emerging Women Leadership Network.

RETURNING CHAIR, MEN’S ADVOCACY GROUP BOARD 2025-2026

C. Davis Prescott, senior vice President, First Horizon Bank, recently celebrated 16 years with First Horizon, formerly IBERIABANK. A native of Baton Rouge, he began his career in credit and private client services and then pivoted to middle market commercial banking. He joined the Dallas market in 2021. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a BBS in finance. He is a proud supporter of the Men’s Advocacy Group and other community organizations.

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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 2024, NFNL served 342 members (clients). NFNL also educates the community and works to eradicate the epidemic of sex trafficking through advocacy, legislative alignment 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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, 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.