WHAT: Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) will host several hundred girls, ages 11-16, and their educators and allies, together for a day of empowerment, teaching leadership skills, healthy conflict resolution and more, so these girls can embrace and become their “best selves.” The workshops, led by nationally known speaker-educators, build self-confidence and empower girls to challenge stereotypes, use their voice, pursue their dreams, mentor one another and help generate positive change for equity in their schools, communities and society. #BestSelf, a program established from Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Initiative, helps to build future leaders by empowering girls to be their best selves through programs that teach them about themselves, their friendships and healthy approaches to conflict.
WHO: Area middle school girls, teachers and parents from dozens of school districts and organizations.
Keynote speakers (see end for bios)*
- Dr. Jessica Gomez, Bilingual Licensed Psychologist with Momentous Institute
- Brooke López, IGNITE National program facilitator & TXWF Young Leader Award honoree (2018)
- Marty McDonald, founder of Boss Women Media
- Courtney Roberts, teen and founder of EveryDayBlackGirl, a place for black girls and women to converse
- Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN and women's health expert and also the founder of Her Viewpoint
- Mindy McKnight, Top 25 Women on YouTube and creator of Cute Girls Hairstyles YouTube channel
WHERE: University of North Texas at Dallas, 7300 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, Texas 75241
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
- Workshop 1: Living My Best Life (Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Tori Dixon)
- Workshop 2: Be Your Best Advocate (Brooke López)
10:30 a. m. - 11:00 a. m.
11:15 a. m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Workshop 1: Living My Best Life (Dr. Jessica Shepherd and Dr. Tori Dixon)
- Workshop 2: Be Your Best Advocate (Brooke López)
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
- Workshop 3: Representing Your Best Self (Mindy McKnight)
- Workshop 4: Surround Yourself with the Best (Dr. Jessica Gomez)
1:45 p.m. – 2:15 pm
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
- Workshop 3: Representing Your BestSelf (Mindy McKnight)
- Workshop 4: Surround Yourself with the Best (Dr. Jessica Gomez)
Best Self Speakers:*
Dr. Jessica Gomez is a Bilingual Licensed Psychologist and joined Momentous Institute in June 2013. Her previous experience includes work with children and families for over 10 years. She currently serves as supervisor on the APA Training Committee. Jessica received her doctorate in clinical psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from Adler School of Professional Psychology in Chicago, Illinois.
Brooke López: A recent graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s of science in public affairs and a minor in geography, Brooke, 21, has been interested in politics and government from an early age. She currently serves IGNITE National as a program facilitator and is a representative on its National Communications Advisory Council. At 15, she worked with her local congresswoman to propose a state bill, and at 16, she founded the nonprofit “Students of Change.” At 18, she was the youngest person to run for Wylie City Council. At age 19, she was the youngest woman and first Latina to be appointed as a boards and commissions officer for the City of Wylie. She’s received the prestigious Gold Presidential Volunteer Service award and was awarded Texas Women’s Foundation’s Young Leader Award.
Marty McDonald is the founder of Boss Women Media (BWM). She created BWM in 2016 as a personal need to connect with women who desired more. She wanted to be around women who desired more from their 9-5 jobs. After great success from the first brunch in May 2016, she knew there was a need for women to collaborate together. Marty established the foundation of BWM as a brand from each brunch and soon knew this was not just a social organization but an opportunity to help women cultivate the life they desired.
Mindy McKnight is currently ranked as one of the Top-25 Women on YouTube with her highly successful Cute Girls Hairstyles channel. While Mindy’s hairstyle tutorials began as a hobby, they have paved the way to a large family social media empire including over 23 million followers across all social platforms, 6 successful YouTube channels, and several highly successful off-platform businesses, generating more than 2 billion views in nearly every country worldwide. The family has received local, national, and global attention through various media outlets including ABCNews’ 20/20, Good Morning America, TODAY, Anderson Cooper, LIVE with Kelly & Ryan and The View. Mindy has also been a featured speaker at various conferences and events, including YouTube's Brandcast and recently published her first book "Viral Parenting: a Guide to Setting Boundaries, Building Trust, and Raising kids in on Online world" which debuted #1 on Amazon for parenting school-age children and in privacy and online safety.
Courtney Roberts is a 15-year-old freshman at Nacogdoches High School. Back in 2015, at just 11 years old, she created her Instagram platform EveryDayBlackGirl. She created this page as a safe space for black women and girls to converse and empower one another. Not only does she love activism, she also loves self-expression and liberation through fashion. Courtney speaks to young audiences at various events around the state about mental health, youth activism and self-worth.
Dr. Jessica Shepherd is an OB/GYN, women’s health expert and the founder of Her Viewpoint, an online women’s health forum that focuses on addressing taboo topics in a comfortable setting. She currently practices at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
Dr. Shepherd is an engaging and well known media personality that is seen regularly as an expert on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Talk, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey, CBS News, and FOX news. She is on the Advisory Board for Women’s Health and has written in other various journals including Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, Women’s Day, Self, Family Circle, Parents, Best Health, Essence, and Healthline.
As a health care expert, she strives to educate girls on their bodies and how to address their physical, sexual, emotional health in addition to the incorporation of wellness. She is a national speaker and has been the main stage event speaker for BlogHer Health and has been recognized as the cover for Cancer Wellness in February 2019.
She is an expert in her field, she has now expanded her reach to keynote talks and her national appeal has allowed her to work with celebrities including Brooke Burke, Erin Andrews, Dr. Jackie Walters from Married to Medicine and Laila Ali.
Special thanks to these sponsors: Nancy Ann Hunt with support from Capital One and JCPenney.
Texas Women’s Foundation, formerly Dallas Women’s Foundation, is investing to Transform Texas for Women and Girls, empowering them to build stronger, more equitable communities throughout Texas. One of the world’s largest women’s funds, it is a trusted leader in advocating for and advancing economic security for Texas women, girls and families, and ensuring women and girls are enabled and supported in taking leadership roles in every sector in the state. With more than $35 million in assets, Texas Women’s Foundation raises approximately $9 million a year to underwrite groundbreaking statewide research on issues affecting women and girls – providing decision-makers and lawmakers with critical data to inform policies, practices and programs in the state. Funds also sustain the Foundation’s $6 million in annual grants, mission-focused gendered asset investments, and support for innovative programs and solutions to help Texas women and girls thrive. For more information, visit www.txwf.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram or donate now.
# # #