TXWF Young Leader and Maura Award Recipients: Amanda Valentine, Prisma Garcia, Thear Suzuki, Margie Aguilar, Olga Hickman, Ph.D, Kim Bizor Tolbert, Debra Hunter Johnson

On April 29, the Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) hosted a sold-out audience of over 600 attendees in the Dallas Arts District for its annual Leadership Forum and Awards Celebration. Founded in 1985, the non-profit organization is committed to driving meaningful social and economic change for women, girls, and families in Texas. Its signature annual fundraiser honors leaders across many industries who are transforming communities across the state.

This year’s Maura Women Helping Women Award recipients included Debra Hunter Johnson, Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Margie Aguilar, Dr. Olga Martinez Hickman, and Thear Suzuki. In addition, the event honored Prisma Garcia and Amanda Valentine with Young Leader Awards. High Tech Rising received a Special Recognition Award, and Allen Nye, CEO of Oncor, was presented with the inaugural Champion Award. 

Debra Hunter Johnson

Johnson, a Preston Hollow neighbor who was highlighted in this publication earlier in the spring, said of her personal commitment to the organization: “When women have financial security, families and communities are stronger. That’s why I’ve enjoyed my work with Texas Women’s Foundation, focusing on areas that affect financial health and building real wealth. The other issue that is of keen focus for me is instilling confidence in our young people. I want to keep them fired up and feeling powerful about their ability to shape the future.”

President and CEO, Karen Hughes White, another member of our Preston Hollow community, stepped into her role with TXWF in 2024 following a 25-year career in nonprofit leadership. “Friends, I hope you all are feeling as inspired and energized as I am,” she said, as the event drew to a close. “More importantly, I hope you are feeling hopeful about the future we’re building together.”

With the collective support of attendees, private donors, and corporate sponsors including Haynes Boone, Southwest Airlines, and Perkins Coie, this year’s Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum and Awards Celebration raised $385,000. Since 1985, TXWF has invested nearly $90 million in grantmaking and $25 million in research, advocacy, and educational programs, for a total impact of $115 million. For more information, visit txwf.org.