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Nicole Small and Dr. Carine Feyten photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) hosted another successful Dallas Leadership Luncheon on March 6 at The Arts District Mansion, where the university recognized Nicole Small as the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award recipient. A signature fundraiser for TWU, the event supports scholarships for graduate students while celebrating leaders who have made a significant impact on education and the quality of life in the Dallas community. The presenting event sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

The highlight of the luncheon was a moderated conversation with Small, who is the CEO of LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and education philanthropist Abby Williams, who with her husband Todd Williams received the 2024 TWU Leadership Award. The event also featured the announcement of $77,000 in scholarship awards presented to the 32 graduate students selected for the 2025 class of Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholars. Six of those were recognized: Abi Rainey (College of Arts and Sciences), Bradaisea Ridge-Law (Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship), Dr. Savitha Sundar (College of Health Sciences/Occupational Therapy), Jenny Reynolds (College of Health Sciences), Kiara Whitney (Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell College of Nursing), and Christiana Parra (College of Professional Education).

Luncheon speakers were the program emcee, Lisa Rampy, Vice President of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement; Shannon Mantaro, Executive Director of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, the luncheon sponsor; Ralph Hawkins, event chair and a past Leadership Award recipient; and TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten.

The TWU Dallas Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Virginia Chandler Dykes, a TWU alumna and TWU Board of Regents member who was a noted healthcare leader and champion for education. Dykes’ sons Dr. Ron Chandler and Chuck Chandler attended, as was Virginia’s longtime friend, Patricia Crocker.

Since 2002, the event has raised $2.42 million for graduate student scholarships.  Returning as the event’s presenting sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

Additional thanks to these sponsors:

Luncheon Sponsor: Texas Woman’s University's Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

VIP Reception Sponsor: Billingsley Company

Pioneer Platinum Sponsor: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Pioneer Investors: Sue S. Bancroft, Carol & Don Glendenning & Leigh Glendenning Roberts

Pioneer Premier Partners: Children’s Health, Haynes Boone, The Hersh Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, Nicole and Justin Small/Justin and Nicole Small Fund, Valeo Partners 

Learn more about the Dallas Leadership Luncheon at twu.edu/DallasLeadership.

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Jekyll & Hyde Julia Rose Hartman as Lucy Harris; Cameron Vargas as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde; and Nicole Brady-Chen as Emma Carew (photo: Keith Warren)

Lyric Stage presents its third show of the season, Jekyll & Hyde, a dramatic and intense musical highlighting a talented cast of 22 local actors, at the Lyric Studios Space from March 28 to April 19. Tickets are now on sale.

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, the performance features a thrilling score of pop-rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.

The story is about an evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself. Both women are in love with the same man, and both are unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde. The production is rated PG-13.

Location: Lyric Stage Studio, 1170 Quaker St., Dallas, TX 75207

Information:

https://www.lyricstage.org/season31

Tickets:

$30 to $50, are now on sale at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/7561

Creative Team:

Producer – Catherine Carpenter Cox

Director - Michael Serrecchia

Musical Director - Larry Miller

Choreographer and Costumer– Tricia Guenther

Set, Lighting and Sound Designer – Scott Guenther

Cast:

Cameron Vargas – Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde

Julia Rose Hartman – Lucy Harris

Nicole Brady-Chen –  Emma Carew

Ben Meaders – Simon Stride

Hunter Lewis –  Gabriel John Utterson

AJ Martinez – Lord Savage

Christine Phelan – Lady Beaconsfield

Andy Searcy – Sir Archibald Proops

Hector Garcia – Sir Danvers Carew

James Williams – General Lord Glossop

Doug Fowler – Bishop Of Basingstoke

Jayden Russell – Nellie

Colton Daniel – Spider

Alexandru Istrate – Poole

Jacob Thomason – Ensemble

Madeline Carter – Ensemble

Sydney Hamil – Ensemble

Caitlin Martelle – Ensemble

Jessie Prince – Youth Ensemble

Justin Prince – Youth Ensemble

Wyatt Hartz – Youth Ensemble

Varsha Jagarlamudi – Youth Ensemble

About Lyric Stage:

Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of the development and preservation of the musical, a unique art form. In its thirty-year history, Lyric Stage has produced more than 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and two Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

Connect with Lyric Stage: Facebook or Instagram

SHOW DATES:

Fri., March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Sat., March 29, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sun., March 30, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 4, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 5, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sun., April 6, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 11, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 12, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sun., April 13, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 18, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 19, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

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BOMLA ribbon cutting Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy; Chris Blackburn, Texas Counter Fitters Co-Founder; Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas; Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo; Teresa Charnock, Executive Director, Dwell with Dignity; Kristyn Ampofo, Community Projects Designer, Dwell with Dignity; Nakia Douglas, Founding Principal, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, celebrated the grand reveal of its largest project to date: a library transformation at Dallas ISD’s Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy (BOMLA). The Eula Harris-Williams Library Media Center, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning and growth, reflects the vision of more than 400 students who shared their ideas for the transformation.

“This library is a testament to what thoughtful design can achieve and the heart of what our work is about,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “It’s been an incredible honor to help bring the vision of the BOMLA community to life. Their creativity and insight have shaped a space that will serve as a foundation for learning, connection and growth for years to come.”

Members of the BOMLA community, including students, educators and local leaders, gathered to celebrate the library’s transformation. The event included remarks from Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA, and Chris Blackburn of Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, as well as performances by the BOMLA band and a tour of the transformed spaces.

Renovated spaces include:

  • Library: A welcoming environment with updated seating for reading, studying and group collaboration.
  • Campus Community Hub: A space where students can access uniforms, school supplies, toiletries and food, underwritten by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
  • Podcast Room: A creative studio for students to record and share their stories.
  • Student Success Center: A private space for college and career counseling, helping first-generation college-bound students prepare for the future.
  • Historical and Art Center: A showcase of Oak Cliff’s rich history through photography and student artwork.
  • STEM Learning Space: Featuring stones, gems and minerals donated by Texas Counter Fitters, this hands-on area introduces students to geology and STEM learning.

“This library is more than a transformation – it’s a testament to the potential within our students and the power of their voices,” said Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA. “It’s a space where their ideas come to life, and they can find the tools, inspiration and support to pursue their dreams with confidence.”

The transformation of the BOMLA library was a collaborative effort between Dwell with Dignity, BOMLA and key sponsors including Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the State Fair of Texas. Their generous contributions and commitment to the BOMLA community helped turn the vision for this library into a reality.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

 

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Chris Blackburn, Founder and Owner, Texas Counter Fitters:
“The young men of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy are incredibly impressive. They are dedicated to their studies and shine outside the classroom as well, demonstrating talents in music, photography and art. We understand the power of having a beautiful space to inspire these young minds. That’s why we wanted to partner with Dwell with Dignity to transform the library AND create a brand new podcast room for the boys to tell their stories.”

Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas:
“At the State Fair of Texas, our mission extends far beyond 24 days. We are deeply committed to strengthening our community through education, growth and opportunity. Supporting projects like this library reflects our dedication to creating spaces where students can learn, dream and prepare for a brighter future.”

Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo:
“United Way Metropolitan’s Southern Dallas Thrives initiative is excited to expand our campus-based Community Hub resources and services to Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Designed to holistically support sector scholars through targeted academic engagement and resources that help families thrive, we are thrilled to increase this network of support on the campus. Through this collaborative approach alongside community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our students remain positioned to continue to thrive.

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. D. Legington, M.Ed./CI, Visual Arts Educator, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to, Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:
“This transformation of the library would put new life into the heartbeat of this school.  The library is the focus point of all small gatherings in the school. Its use goes far beyond our students, faculty and staff, but for our community and other visitors. "This 2025 Transformation gives us a heighten sense of pride and joy as the central hub of higher learning through reading, art, music, and technology. Thank you, Dwell with Dignity and United Way."

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Drew Robinson

Drew Robinson,  former Major League Baseball player and current mental health advocate for the San Francisco Giants, will headline Grant Halliburton Foundation’s 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on Tuesday, March 25, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Joining him as moderator is Eric Nadel, voice of the Texas Rangers and mental health advocate.

In 2020, Robinson miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, Drew retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

Robinson said, “With many youth and young adults facing mental health challenges, it’s important that these issues are openly discussed and addressed. While it’s not easy to share my story, I hope to empower those struggling to speak up, ask for support, and remind them that they are not alone. I’m thankful for Grant Halliburton Foundation’s critical work and honored to support such an important cause.”

The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health. Event sponsorships and underwriting range from $600 to $25,000. Individual tickets go on sale in February for $250.To learn more and to purchase a sponsorship or underwriting opportunity, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

Chris and Brent Bolding are the 2025 Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon co-chairs. The luncheon vice chairs are Amy and Michael Roseman. The founding luncheon chair is Barb Farmer.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “We invite you to join us for this important conversation with Drew Robinson, who will share his story of hope, recovery, and suicide prevention. Drew’s journey highlights the importance of vulnerability and knowing how to seek help for yourself or someone you love. Our moderator and friend, Eric Nadel, who has openly shared his mental health challenges, will guide this meaningful and impactful discussion.

Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among Texas youth ages 10-24 (CDC). The Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon aims to bring focus to the vital work needed to educate the North Texas community on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work in North Texas schools and communities, Grant Halliburton Foundation aims to change this reality as it works to promote awareness and understanding of teen and young adult mental health and to prevent suicide.

About Drew Robinson: Robinson is a former Major League Baseball player, mental health advocate, and professional speaker. Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Drew was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school and went on to play parts of 12 seasons with the Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants organizations. In 2020, Drew miraculously survived a suicide attempt resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. 

Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Drew is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.  Drew currently works in the mental health and wellness department with the San Francisco Giants where he advocates for player mental health and peer-to-peer support. Drew resides in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ellie. Follow Drew on Instagram @Drewrobbb.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation
Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

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Sam and Carol Dalton

SPARK! Dallas has announced plans for its 10th anniversary in 2025 with SPARKtacular, a spectacular fundraising event on May 1, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at a private Dallas residence. This unique and immersive evening experience is designed exclusively for adults (21 and older) with elements of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), delicious food, expertly crafted cocktails and live music. Event Co-Chairs are Nell and Shelby Bush & Carol and Sam Dalton. Honorary Chair is Sarah Losinger.

Nell Bush said, “SPARK! Dallas needs your support to help provide STEAM education to more students. Its mission is to ignite sparks of creativity and curiosity inherent in all children through its unique environment, combined with exciting programming that inspires minds, builds confidence and shapes the future of all children.”

Carol Dalton added, “SPARKtacular is a first ever event that you won't want to miss! We invite you to join us for an evening of fun with elements of surprise at every turn, while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization.”

Meg Bittner, SPARK! Dallas executive director, said, “We need your help to provide STEAM education to students and educators in historically underrepresented communities. To date, we have had 16,000 students attend field trips in 2024, and 60% of those come from 40 Title 1 schools. For many, it is often their first field trip to a hands-on-creative environment, so SPARKtacular will help us reach more of them.” 

Sponsorships, which range from $500 to $50,000, are available. Tickets will be for sale closer to the date, if available. More information can be found at https://sparkdallas.org/sparktacular/.

About SPARK! Dallas:

A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators, and artists. The organization’s vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the workforce. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/ or call 214.421.7727.

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The Stewpot Galleria Dallas Mural Wall The Stewpot celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Stewpot, a Dallas-based mission of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas serving people experiencing hardship or homelessness, celebrates 50 years of impact in 2025 with events to engage the community in embracing and supporting those in need. The 50th anniversary theme, “50 Years of Loving Our Neighbors,” highlights The Stewpot’s long tradition of love in action.

The Stewpot’s 50th anniversary celebration includes a partnership with Galleria Dallas to feature the work of The Stewpot on its Gallery Wall and Art Window throughout January on Level 1.

Two community events were held on January 18 at Galleria Dallas. Visitors talked with artists from The Stewpot Art Program about their works and watched The Stewpot’s friends from The Dallas Street Choir perform near its Gallery Wall. At the same time, a pop-up “Love Your Neighbor” volunteer activity took place near the Play Place. Families helped assemble hundreds of hygiene kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Since its founding in 1975 to feed people on the streets downtown, The Stewpot has served more than 8.7 million meals and continues to provide comprehensive services and a community of support for those in need. To learn more about The Stewpot and its 50th anniversary celebrations, visit https://www.thestewpot.org/50-years

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Nicole Small

Texas Woman’s University will present the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to Nicole Small at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon, set for Thurs., Mar. 6, 2025, at noon at The Arts District Mansion in Dallas.

In addition to the Leadership Award presentation, the luncheon will also recognize the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholars: Christiana Parra (College of Professional Education); Kiara Whitney (College of Nursing); Jenny Reynolds (College of Health Sciences); Savitha Sundar (College of Health Sciences); Bradaisea Ridge-Law (College of Business); and Sarah “Abi” Rainey (College of Arts & Science).

“Nicole’s vision and leadership have enhanced the lives of thousands of North Texas residents, and what I love the most is her efforts to highlight the magnitude of women’s contributions to STEM fields,” said Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to honor someone whose life and work so perfectly embodies the spirit of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award and aligns with our strategic imperative at Texas Woman’s University to double the number of STEM opportunities for our students.”

About Nicole Small:

Small is the CEO of LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, where she leads efforts to fund groundbreaking innovations in science and nature, empower non-profits, and uplift local communities. Since 2014, she has overseen both organizations’ strategic direction, investments, and philanthropic initiatives. Her work spans a wide range, from advancing cancer-fighting biotech to supporting conservation efforts.

One of the spotlight achievements in Small’s current role is her co-founding of IF/THEN®, an initiative to inspire girls and women to pursue STEM careers through hands-on learning experiences and the promotion of positive portrayals of women in STEM fields.

From 2001-2013, Small played a critical role in the creation of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, merging several museums into a single institution and raising more than $200 million in support of the museum’s formation. She also served as the museum’s inaugural Eugene McDermott Chief Executive Officer.

Earlier in her career, Small founded a tech startup, served as an entrepreneur in residence for a California-based business incubator, and was a McKinsey & Company analyst.

Small holds a degree from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. She is a member of The Dallas Assembly, YPO, Charter 100, and the International Women’s Forum.  She also serves on the boards of Southwestern Medical Foundation, The Hockaday School, UTSW President's Advisory Board, and Texas 2036. She resides in Dallas with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs.

Small remarked, "I am truly honored to stand alongside the remarkable individuals and organizations that have received this award, all of whom have made a significant positive impact in North Texas. Through the IF/THEN Initiative, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation of women to pursue education and careers in STEM. Seeing young girls connect with positive role models and ignite their interest in STEM careers makes our team’s efforts worthwhile. Lyda Hill Philanthropies is also committed to advancing life sciences and biotech research to advance the world to a healthier population, and the innovative work being done by the companies at BioLabs and Bridge Labs at Pegasus Park is inspiring and remarkable.”

She added, “The Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award shines a light on not just individuals but on the contributions they have made to our community. I stand on the shoulders of great leaders, and those around me, who supported me in my opportunity to be involved in this work."

About the Luncheon:

Established in 2002, the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award is presented annually at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon to a Dallas leader who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in the community and to furthering the importance of education.

The award honors the contributions of TWU alumna, donor, and board of regents member Virginia Chandler Dykes (1930-2022) as an outstanding healthcare provider whose professional and civic achievements represent a lifetime committed to helping others. Recent award recipients include Abby and Todd Williams (2024), Lucy Billingsley (2023), Arcilia Acosta (2022), Cynt Marshall (2021), and Jennifer Staubach Gates (2020).Here’s more about Virginia Chandler Dykes.

Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Texas Woman’s graduate student scholarships.

Tables, tickets and sponsorships: Individual tickets and couple tickets for the Dallas Leadership Luncheon are $175 and $300 respectively; table sponsorships begin at $1,500. To purchase, visithttps://giving.twu.edu/DallasLuncheon

To learn more about the luncheon or request a sponsorship brochure, call 940.898.3870 or visittwu.edu/DallasLeadership

HANDOUT IMAGE (Nicole Small): HERE

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 $125 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support innovative programs, capital projects, student scholarships, and faculty endowments. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.edu ortwu.edu, or connect with TWU onFacebook@TexasWomansUniversity,Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, andLinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

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Palak Patel

Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) is proud to announce Palak Patel as the 2025 JA Dallas Student of the Year. A senior at Plano East Senior High School, Patel was selected from a competitive pool of more than 100 applicants for her outstanding academic achievements, leadership and commitment to community impact. As part of this prestigious recognition, Patel will receive the Sandi Smith Scholarship, a $10,000 award to support her higher education journey in college and pursuit of a career in business.

Patel has been involved with JA Dallas as a participant in the JA Career Speaker Series and as an intern with JA Dallas. In her application essay, she described the lessons she learned as an intern: “I found myself diving into projects that challenged me to think in new ways and take on responsibilities I had never expected. It wasn’t just about tasks and deadlines; it was about learning how to navigate the complex world of business and understanding the value of making smart, informed decisions.”

As the JA Dallas Student of the Year, Patel will play a key role in the upcoming Dallas Business Hall of Fame, presented by Ryan, LLC, on February 22, 2025, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. During the event, she will address an audience of business and community leaders, sharing her inspiring journey and future aspirations. The student will also be recognized at the Laureate Reception, an exclusive gathering honoring this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame Laureates: Allie Beth Allman, Curtis C. Farmer and Dale Petroskey.

The Dallas Business Hall of Fame benefiting Junior Achievement of Dallas celebrates the best and brightest in the Dallas business community who have made a meaningful impact in the region. Now in its 27th year, the gala raises essential funds to support Junior Achievement’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.

“Each year, the JA Dallas Student of the Year reminds us of the incredible potential of our young people,” said Chris LaTurno, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas. “Palak Patel exemplifies the qualities of leadership, perseverance and ambition that we strive to instill in every student who participates in our programs. We are proud to honor Palak at this year’s Dallas Business Hall of Fame and are excited to see her future unfold.”

The Sandi Smith Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior who has participated in Junior Achievement programs, with applicants evaluated on academic achievement, leadership and a personal essay. This scholarship underscores Junior Achievement’s commitment to fostering education as a pathway to opportunity.

About the Dallas Business Hall of Fame 

Since its inception, the Dallas Business Hall of Fame has raised more than $5 million to support Junior Achievement of Dallas’ mission of inspiring and preparing young people for success. The annual gala celebrates the achievements of Dallas’ most influential business leaders while raising critical funds to provide students with learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Through these programs, JA Dallas has reached over 700,000 local students, equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to become the next generation of leaders. For more information on the event, visit jadallasbusinesshalloffame.org.

About Junior Achievement of Dallas

JA Dallas prepares students for the business of life. The nonprofit organization equips young people with hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, workplace readiness and entrepreneurship so they can thrive in our complex world and workplaces.

Last year, more than 2,500 business and community volunteers helped lead JA’s proven learning experiences across Dallas, Collin, Denton and Kaufman counties, engaging more than 100,000 students in real-world skills that life and employers demand. JA alums are more likely to have a college degree, make higher earnings and start businesses. For more information, visit www.jadallas.org

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Students at the conference

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, more than 1,000 teen members from across North Texas will gather at the third annual Texas Peer-to-Peer Youth Conference to connect and learn from others about how to break the stigma of discussing mental health and to provide help and hope for their fellow students and communities. In its third year, this peer-to-peer conference sold out the first day of registration. Students will come from 29 school districts, private and charter school systems throughout North Texas and spend a day learning about how to help their peers through inspirational talks, interactive breakout sessions and mentoring.

The conference features a day of dynamic speakers interacting with conference attendees from across North Texas. It runs 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 900 E. Sanford St., Arlington, TX 76011. The conference is presented by a collaboration of Grace Loncar Foundation, Grant Halliburton Foundation and The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation, nonprofits founded in memory of loved ones lost to suicide. 

Peer-to-peer groups are the eyes and ears of a school, students trained to watch for at-risk peers, provide friendship, identify warning signs and seek help from adults. The groups work with school advisors to train students identified by their classmates as trustworthy peers. Through evidence-based training modules, these members are empowered to be a safe contact for their classmates. Peer-to-peer members are not taught to act as counselors, but rather, are educated on how to recognize signs of suicidal ideation, and how to properly and respectfully report this to an adult.

Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said, “It’s a privilege to co-host this conference for students who are helping their classmates through service, hope and kindness. We want to keep our young people healthy, hopeful and here, and these peer-to-peer teams are important in helping us do that.”

Currently, there are more than 2,500 peer-to-peer members on more than 200 campuses across North Texas. These students were invited to the conference to connect with members from other schools around the state, build a network of support and learn and collaborate with one another.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24 in Texas,” said Matt Vereecke, CEO of The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. “This conference provides these members an opportunity to learn more about how they can provide a safe and supportive space at their schools for students struggling with mental health and help reverse this staggering statistic.”

The conference sponsors include Lyda Hill Philanthropies (Hope Sponsor); Faith, Fight, Finish and Vincent Genovese Memorial Foundation (Kindness Sponsors); UT Southwestern (Encouragement Sponsors); Children’s Medical Center and Eating Recovery Center (Friend Sponsor).

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Opportunity Center Location

First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (FPC Dallas) will acquire CitySquare’s Opportunity Center and relocate the programs and services of its community ministry, The Stewpot, which serves those experiencing homelessness and poverty, to the 53,000-square-foot facility. The Stewpot and CitySquare are longtime partners with a shared commitment to meeting the basic needs of individuals in the community and helping them improve their lives.

With the steadfast support of donors and in response to community needs, The Stewpot’s programs have tripled in size in recent years, and the ministry has outgrown its current space. When CitySquare announced earlier this year that it would cease operations and sell its property by the end of the year, the church, on behalf of The Stewpot, engaged in active conversations with CitySquare about acquiring its property. CitySquare’s board of directors voted unanimously to accept The Stewpot’s proposal after a competitive and equitable process to select the best partner.

For several months, the church’s leadership has been working through due diligence, building inspections, environmental testing and detailed plans for the program transition. Members of FPC Dallas met on Sunday, Dec. 8, for a congregational vote and approved the acquisition. The closing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13. The Stewpot will begin moving into the new space later this month. As a part of the acquisition, The Stewpot will continue two of CitySquare’s core programs: its Food Pantry and its Neighbor Resource Center. Resource navigators at the Neighborhood Resource Center help people with housing options and other resources, including SNAP, WIC, healthcare, financial assistance, mental health services and more.

“This new facility will allow us to better deliver our programs and continue to support the 12,000 people served annually by CitySquare’s Neighbor Resource Center and Food Pantry programs,” said Brenda Snitzer, executive director of The Stewpot. “We are thankful for this opportunity to maintain vital services for the CitySquare community and grow the impact of The Stewpot. As we move forward in faith, we are grateful for continued support from funders and donors as we raise the dollars for this significant undertaking that will allow us to help more Dallas neighbors in need.”

CitySquare’s property, at the corner of Malcolm X Boulevard and I-30, is located only a mile from The Stewpot’s current facility on Young Street, across the street from the church. With this acquisition, The Stewpot will move its operations and offices, while continuing to serve more than 1,000 meals daily at The Bridge downtown.

“You can’t tell the church’s story without talking about The Stewpot,” said Rev. Amos Disasa, senior pastor of FPC Dallas. “We are excited to embark on this new journey on the eve of our 50th anniversary serving our neighbors downtown. The Stewpot is a community ministry, binding us together to love and care for one another.”

In 2025, the Stewpot will celebrate 50 years of positive impact and helping people break free from poverty and homelessness. The theme of “50  Years of Loving Our Neighbors” will be a centerpiece of its celebration throughout the year, marked by several milestone events. Since 1975, The Stewpot has served more than 8 million meals and has provided housing, education, stabilization, enrichment and, most of all, love to Dallas neighbors in need of support.

For more information and to support the work of The Stewpot, visit thestewpot.org.

Founded in 1856, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas (FPC Dallas), located in downtown Dallas, is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination. Together with its ministries—The Stewpot, FPC Day School, Encore Park and the FPC Dallas Foundation—it seeks the transformation of our city as ministers of reconciliation, peace and justice. For more information, visit fpcdallas.org.