Dallas Women’s Foundation announced updates for its Unlocking Leadership Campaign on May 30 at its Leadership Key Club dinner hosted by Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, who serve as campaign co-chairs along with Paula and Ron Parker and Trea and Richard Yip. The Leadership Key Club is a donor level recognizing those who have contributed $100,000 or more.
Campaign Co-Chair Ashlee Kleinert said that the campaign was launched in 2013 to raise $50 million to invest in women’s economic security and advancing leadership for women and girls in the region. She said, “Women make up an extremely disproportionate share of households living in poverty. In Dallas County, 34 percent of all households are headed by women. However, 54 percent of households living in poverty are woman-headed. Also, 52% of all professional jobs are held by women, but only 14.6% of executive positions are held by women. Evidence shows that investing in women is the most effective way to lift communities, companies and even countries.”
Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Dallas Women’s Foundation president and chief executive officer, thanked the Kleinerts for their gracious hospitality, and said, “The success of this campaign reflects the leadership of our phenomenal co-chairs, campaign cabinet members and every single person in this room! Your inspiring generosity has enabled tremendous growth in our key programs and initiatives that have impacted literally tens of thousands women and girls in North Texas. We are deeply grateful for your role in reaching this campaign milestone, and with your help, we’ll reach our goal!”
Dawson Thompson gave updates on the Foundation’s key initiatives in economic security and leadership. In addition, she announced that the October 30th luncheon will feature Ava DuVernay, writer, producer, director and distributor of independent films. DuVernay, who directed A Wrinkle in Time and Selma, will be joined onstage by Michele Norris, noted American radio journalist, former National Public Radio host, and director of TheRaceCard project, who will moderate a dialog. Co-chairs are Lael Brodsky and Tricia Miller, and honorary co-chairs are Ambassador Ron Kirk and Matrice Ellis-Kirk.
Funds from the Unlocking Leadership Campaign are earmarked for the Foundation’s primary focus areas – women’s economic security and women’s leadership. The Economic Security Initiative aims to strengthen the economic security of 16,000 women and girls by 2021, and to date, has helped strengthen the economic security of more than 30,000 women and their families in the North Texas area. The campaign’s Leadership Initiative aims to provide 60,000 women and girls with leadership training and opportunities by 2021, and thus far has helped to train and support more than 41,000 women and girls as leaders.
In addition to the Unlocking Leadership Campaign co-chairs Ashlee and Christopher Kleinert, Paula and Ron Parker, and Trea and Richard Yip, the Campaign Cabinet members are Lael Brodsky, Ellenore Knight Baker, Kalita Beck Blessing, Julie S. England, Hilda C. Galvan, Caren K. Lock, Janie Strauss McGarr, Maribess Lehmann Miller, Retta A. Miller and Janice V. Sharry.
For those interested in donating to the campaign, contact Shawn Wills, Dallas Women’s Foundation senior vice president of development, at swills@dallaswomensfoundation.org or 214.525.5318.
Dallas Women’s Foundation is the largest regional women’s fund in the world. It is a trusted leader in advancing positive social and economic change for women and girls. The Foundation was built on the belief that when you invest in a woman, there is a ripple effect that benefits her family, her community and her world. Dallas Women’s Foundation has researched, funded and demonstrated the ripple effect since 1985 in North Texas, granting more than $37.6 million since inception and over $4.5 million annually to help create opportunities and solve issues for women and girls. With the support of its donors, the Foundation unlocks resources to improve education and quality of life, give voice to issues affecting women and girls, and cultivate women leaders for the future. For more information, visit www.DallasWomensFdn.org, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram.