Texas Women’s Foundation has announced two additions to its stellar team: Lisa de la Garza as vice president - programs and Ashley Harris as vice president – development.
“We are delighted to welcome Lisa and Ashley to our team, and know that their outstanding expertise and successful records as leaders will catalyze even greater momentum around our mission to advance women’s economic security and women’s leadership, especially as we expand statewide,” said Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Texas Women’s Foundation president and chief executive officer.
Lisa de la Garza:
An accomplished and dedicated leader, Lisa de la Garza brings more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development, fundraising and advocacy. She is well versed in program development and management, and is an astute collaborator with a proven track record in working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Previously, she served as executive director and chief executive officer of Trauma Support Services of North Texas where she provided leadership and guidance in expanding services and programs across the Metroplex, including free, trauma-informed counseling to victims of crime and trainings to licensed clinicians and community partners throughout Texas. She has worked for the National Office of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), serving as the National Victim Services Training Manager where she developed and oversaw MADD’s Victim Services Training Program. For 18 years, de la Garza worked for Arrow Child & Family Ministries, a national foster care and adoption agency, serving in various leadership positions, and was instrumental in expanding the organization from two offices in Texas to 18 offices in Texas and three other states. A native of Texas, she received her B.A. in psychology and social work from the University of North Texas.
A certified development coach, de la Garza is dedicated to helping others develop a positive self-image, engage in their community and take pride in their accomplishments. She continues to mentor at-risk youth from diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma. She is actively involved in her community and is a member of the organization, 100 Women Who Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and currently serves as an Officer on the Board of Directors with Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth.
She remarked, “Joining an organization that invests in the power of women and girls to drive positive change feels right at home for me. From an early age, I knew I wanted to do what I could to help others succeed, to advocate for change, and to see girls and women be leaders in their community.”
Ashley Harris:
A passionate advocate for social justice and life-long learner, Ashley Harris brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, consulting, management and litigation. Her early exposure to people living in poverty convinced her that nonprofits are crucial to improving the lives of everyone in our communities. Following a 10-year career as a litigation paralegal at Winstead and Bank of America, she began her second career raising money as a nonprofit fundraising consultant with Dini Spheris. There she worked extensively with volunteer and executive leadership to plan and manage successful multi-million dollar capital campaigns for clients such as Resource Center-(Dallas); San Antonio Children’s Hospital Foundation; Circle Ten Council, Boy Scouts of America; American Cancer Society; and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. She has also led multi-million dollar annual fund campaigns for Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity and The Bridge, where she served as chief development officer.
A Congress-Bundestag scholar who completed high school in Germany, she graduated from Rhodes College with B.A. cum laude, triple-majoring in third world studies, German and literature. A devoted mother to her son, Jackson, Harris has raised money as a volunteer for The Kessler School and Association of Fundraising Professionals – Dallas Chapter, and developed and taught classes at CNM Connect.
She said, “I chose Texas Women’s Foundation for impact. The organization strives to be the best, thinking ahead of the curve and addressing women’s issues in an inclusive, meaningful way. Like so many of our donors and supporters, my values align with its mission. Being part of the team to drive statewide impact is truly my dream job.”
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.