Dallas Fort Worth Nonprofit Business Journal

Tag: Junior League of Dallas

  • The Leadership Academy brings Girl Scout volunteers together in partnership with Junior League of Dallas

    The Leadership Academy brings Girl Scout volunteers together in partnership with Junior League of Dallas

    On Saturday, April 11, 2026, Junior League of Dallas members and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas leaders and caregivers gathered together at the Dallas County Girl Scout DreamLab powered by Eddie Bernice Johnson in South Dallas for the Leadership Academy, an exclusive, hands-on leadership development workshop designed for Girl Scout volunteers. This national pilot program is led by the Association of Junior Leagues International and Girl Scouts of the USA and has been implemented in just three leagues across the country so far. It is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of Girl Scout volunteers, helping them build confidence, improve communication, and develop values-based leadership while modeling those behaviors for the girls they lead. Facilitated by Junior League of Dallas members, the workshop fostered meaningful collaboration between local Girl Scout councils and the Junior League of Dallas, reinforcing a shared commitment to leadership training, community impact and volunteer development.
    “We are honored to lead this pilot program on behalf of Junior Leagues everywhere in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our mission has always been to cultivate women leaders who address critical community needs through trained volunteer service, strategic funding and principled leadership. As the mom of a current Girl Scout who has already benefitted greatly from the organization’s incredible curriculum and inspiring troop leaders, this collaboration feels especially meaningful. We cannot imagine a better partner than Girl Scouts to help equip and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”

    ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS
    The Junior League of Dallas cultivates women leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Source: Press release

  • The Junior League of Dallas and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to launch Leadership Academy Pilot Program

    The Junior League of Dallas and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas to launch Leadership Academy Pilot Program

    The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) announced the launch of Leadership Academy: A Volunteer Leadership Experience, a new pilot program designed to strengthen leadership skills among Girl Scout adults’ (leaders and caregivers) personal leadership skills and model positive behaviors for the girls they lead.

    Junior Leagues across the world have a mission to develop women to do a world of good. As part of that mission, Junior Leagues train their members to lead and become even better volunteers. Girl Scouts believe every girl has the power to change the world. Our two organizations naturally align to train girls and women to better our communities. 

    This initiative is part of a national pilot through the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), taking place in just three Leagues across the country, and the Junior League of Dallas is proud to lead the way. As part of this shared mission to develop women and girls as changemakers, JLD and GSNETX are collaborating to deliver a unique workshop series that equips adult volunteers with the tools, confidence, and inspiration to model positive leadership behaviors for the next generation and to foster collaboration between local Girl Scout Councils and Junior Leagues.

    Volunteers will develop their personal leadership style and confidence through self-awareness, collaboration, relationship-building, and effective communication, all grounded in a commitment to a shared purpose. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with other passionate Girl Scout volunteers and JLD leaders, while contributing to a national pilot program that will shape future volunteer development.

    “We are honored to lead this pilot program on behalf of Junior Leagues everywhere in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our mission has always been to cultivate women leaders who address critical community needs through trained volunteer service, strategic funding and principled leadership. As the mom of a current Girl Scout who has already benefitted greatly from the organization’s incredible curriculum and inspiring troop leaders, this collaboration feels especially meaningful. We cannot imagine a better partner than Girl Scouts to help equip and inspire the next generation of women leaders.”

    The Leadership Academy will be facilitated by Junior League of Dallas members, who will plan the programs, schedule dates, book meeting facilities and speakers, create advertising and messaging to recruit participants, and handle all other training needs. GSNETX will manage registrations through their events portal and share program details with its members.

    Source: press release

  • Junior League Dallas awards Grants for Innovative Teaching

    Junior League Dallas awards Grants for Innovative Teaching

    The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI) recently awarded 33 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,500 each through the annual Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program.

    In its history, this JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $2.27 million to Dallas ISD educators, and this year, it will indirectly impact more than 69,750 students. It is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $77,400 was distributed to support deserving educators’ winning projects during a ceremony held September 18, 2025, at Junior League of Dallas Headquarters.

    “The Junior League of Dallas and Grants for Innovative Teaching committee are proud to support Dallas ISD educators and their students with this annual program. The projects awarded this year highlight creative teaching that elevates the learning experiences for thousands of Dallas ISD students,” said JLD President Dr. Lindsay Davis. “The funding of these grants is made possible through the visionary donations of our sponsors including Texas Instruments (Presenting Sponsor) and The Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation. Their continued generosity is an investment in the promise of every student’s potential.” 

    Some of this year’s grants include: Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development;, Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills; Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab and LitTech Explorers: Unlocking Literacy through Diversity and Innovation. The projects awarded will provide students with diverse experiences and highlight the innovation of the Dallas ISD educators.

    Structural Analysis of PTF1 Complexes in Pancreatic Development

    Biology students at Thomas Jefferson High School are researching key protein complexes critical for pancreas formation, using advanced tools like PyMOL and 3D printers. This interdisciplinary project combines biology, computer science, and engineering, addressing a serious genetic disease while giving students real-world scientific experience.

    Café Connections: Sowing Friendship, Serving Life Skills

    This project aims to empower students at W.H. Adamson High School with significant cognitive disabilities by providing them with hands-on experience operating a coffee and smoothie cart for the faculty at W.H. Adamson High School. Recognizing the need for inclusive opportunities for these students to develop essential life skills, the project focuses on three main components: social skills, money management, and interpersonal skills. By engaging in activities such as interacting with customers, handling transactions, and managing inventory, students are able to build valuable social and communication skills.

    Curious Hands: Revitalizing the PreK Sensory Lab

    This project aims to revitalize the pre-K sensory lab at L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School by introducing new materials that promote cognitive development, creativity, and social skills. Teachers plan to create an immersive space for students to explore textures, colors, and sounds through hands-on activities. With tools like a light panel, dinosaur bone kits, sensory rice, and more, the sensory center will support brain development, motor skills, and teamwork, fostering curiosity and learning for every child.

    “No other classroom factor influences student academic achievement more significantly than teachers,” said Andy Smith, TI director of giving and volunteering. “They not only act as mentors and advocates for their students but also equip them with skills for future achievements. We’re celebrating 15 years of supporting the Junior League of Dallas’ Grants for Innovative Teaching awards, and we take pride in being associated with a program that honors exceptional and innovative educators like this year’s winners from Dallas ISD.”

    Source: press release

  • On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    On the Move: nonprofit leaders taking on new roles

    This week: Camp Fire, Junior League of Dallas, CEC, Fort Worth Opera, and The Dallas Foundation.

    Camp Fire First Texas has promoted two members of its leadership team into newly established vice president roles. Tamara Clement has been promoted to Vice President of Development, and Sara Mitchell has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

    Clement, who previously served as Director of Development, joined Camp Fire in January 2021. During her tenure, she has led major fundraising initiatives, strengthened donor relationships, and advanced corporate and foundation partnerships. As Vice President of Development, she will oversee philanthropic strategy and revenue diversification to ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.

    Mitchell, who joined Camp Fire in February 2007, most recently served as Director of Marketing and Communications. Over the past 18 years, she has directed brand strategy, public relations, digital engagement, and customer experience for the organization. In her new role as Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Mitchell will continue to elevate Camp Fire’s story across North Texas, aligning with the organization’s strategic focus on marketing and storytelling as drivers of transformation.

    JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2025 – 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

    The newly appointed Board of Directors is committed to advancing the Junior League of Dallas’s impact across the Dallas community. Through the proactive leadership and engagement of our League’s trained volunteers, the Board of Directors will continue to harness the power of women, champion voluntarism, and address the city’s most urgent needs.

    The new Junior League of Dallas Board of Directors includes:

    • Lindsay Davis, President
    • Lauren Combest, President-elect
    • Kiki Gao, Administrative Vice President
    • Jenna Berg, Communications Vice President
    • Caitlin Holcomb, Community Vice President
    • Stephanie Kaye Ramirez, Development Vice President
    • Michelle Prudhomme-Coleman, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Vice President
    • Katy Ratley, Finance Vice President
    • Jessica Pantano, Membership Vice President
    • Keisha Dragone, Secretary
    • Melissa Jacobowski, Signature Projects Vice President
    • Cathryn McClellan, Strategy Vice President
    • Dulari Mehta, Training Vice President
    • Laura Johnson, Sustainer Advisor.

    The Community Advisory Board (CAB) is comprised of community leaders representing various areas of expertise: health and human services, government, media, business, law and the arts. The CAB provides strategic guidance in assessing community needs and helps communicate our purpose and programs to the community at large. The Community Advisory Board includes:

    • Byron Sanders, Arete Health, Inc., CEO
    • Norm Bagwell, Bank of Texas, Chairman
    • Brynn Bagot, Brynn Bagot Public Relations, President
    • Martine Philippe, City of Dallas – City Manager’s Office, Director of the Office of Arts and Culture
    • Ashley McIver, Communities Foundation of Texas, Senior Philanthropy Officer
    • Dr. Kesha O’Reilly, Dallas College, District 7 Trustee
    • Vickie Allen, Dallas Foundation, Chief Impact Officer
    • Michael Jackson, Dallas ISD, Executive Director of Magnet Schools
    • Meghan Kelley Wehner, Dallas Regional Chamber, Senior Vice President, Membership
    • Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Dawson Communications + Strategy + Governance, President & CEO
    • Jennifer Scripps, Downtown Dallas Inc., President & CEO
    • Alfreda Norman, Formerly – Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Senior Vice President (Former)
    • Jonathan Blum, Holland & Knight, Partner
    • Sarah Kahn, Housing Forward, President & CEO
    • Jessica Bass Bolander, Lockton Companies (Healthcare), Vice President
    • Margaret Black, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Managing Director
    • Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew, Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation, Board Chair & Founder
    • Dana Wilcox Ayres, Southern Methodist University, Associate Vice President, Program Services & Donor Relations
    • Anne Kogan, TACA, Director of Programs
    • Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation, President & CEO
    • Damion Pourciau, Turner Construction Company, Project Executive
    • Ruben Esquivel, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Vice President for Community and Corporate Relations
    • Gabrielle Madison, Social Impact Executive

    “This year, we’re leaning into the power of gathering with purpose, joy, and vision,” said Dr. Lindsay Davis, 2025 – 2026 president of the Junior League of Dallas. “Our Boards are committed to creating real connection among members, deepening our impact in the Dallas community, and reimagining what training looks like for the modern woman. We believe in the strength of this circle, and we’re excited to get started.” If you would like to learn more or get involved with JLD, please visit the JLD website.

    Fort Worth Opera announces the election of Katherine Polenz as Chair of its Board of Trustees, ushering in a new era of leadership as the organization launches Match the Momentum: 80 Years of Opera in Fort Worth, an ambitious, multi-year fundraising campaign designed to honor its legacy and secure its future.

    Polenz is the Founder of North Star Consulting and former Head of Marketing and Public Relations at the Kimbell Art Museum. Throughout her career, she has served in senior marketing roles at Texas Christian University, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Atlanta Ballet, and Opera Carolina.

    The Dallas Foundation is excited to welcome Felicia Williams as their new Director of Grants Administration. Felicia brings more than 15 years of experience in community engagement, corporate philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and grant program management. In her role, she will oversee our grantmaking processes to ensure effective, efficient, and compliant administration of philanthropic investments that strengthen Dallas and beyond.

    Nicholas Powell, MSML, PMP, LSSMBB, SHRM-CP, ACNP has been promoted to Vice President of Operations at the CEC (Community Enrichment Center). Nick has faithfully served our community with his work at the Community Enrichment Center. When he started 10 years ago we saw 30 to 50 families a day in our pantry. We now see an average of 175 families a day with several days a month over 200. His organizational skills help us move over 15,000 lbs. of food a day to families in need.