Student Empowered by Texas Women’s Foundation Luncheon
The Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) recently held the 39th Annual Catalyst for Change Luncheon at Dallas’ Omni Hotel. The purpose was to empower and inspire women to flourish in various industries.
The TXWF is a foundation of leaders that pushes the meaning of social and economic change for women in Texas. They help bring awareness to the struggles that women in Texas face and how to overcome hardships.
TXWF has accomplished many things since its foundation in 1985 to help support Texas women who are in need. They have awarded $78.9 million in grants over 38 years to become the largest women’s funding system in the world with over $36 million in assets. Just this year alone – the foundation has invested $7.1 million in strategic initiatives and programs, as well as grants that support women’s economic security.
Several Lamar students were afforded the opportunity to attend the luncheon to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear from many empowering women like 2024 Miss Texas Annette Addo- Yobo and world-renowned journalist Ann Curry.
“It feels really nice to be invited to something so big like that,” sophomore Audrey Woods says. “It lets me know that people see the good in me and they want to encourage me to do big things.”
Annette Addo-Yobo was definitely a highlight of the luncheon, as she spoke to the crowd about how to make positive changes in society. She explained how being a woman doesn’t limit you to doing things you strive to do. She’s all about positivity which makes her the perfect fit to represent Texas in January at the Miss America Pageant.
“My goal is to empower women and young girls to stand up and fight for a change,” Annette states. “I am beyond grateful to make a speech and help project the voices of Texas women all around the world. The beauty of today is to make Texas women’s voices so powerful that they will make a difference in this community.”
Annette has already made history by becoming the first immigrant-born woman to win the title of Miss Texas. Reaching such a position was no easy feat.
“I was born in Ghana and raised in both Canada and the U.S.,” Annette says. “I had to face many challenges during my high school and college life because of my status as an immigrant. It was hard for me in the beginning but in 2022 I finally got my citizenship. I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up – I was always that girl who was friends with everybody but never had a friend group. I really struggled growing up but when I entered the pageant community two years ago I never felt more welcomed. I hope to empower others to speak up about their struggles and make everyone feel welcome. I don’t want anyone to feel alone, and so now I make it my mission to make others feel welcomed.”
Many other powerful women were on hand to give speeches at the luncheon including Effie Dennison of Texas Capital Bank, TXWF President and CEO Karen Hughes White, Target Field Operations Executive Sousan Ortega, TXWF Board member Carrie Freeman Parsons, and Krys Boyd of KERA.
Ann Curry has become a staple in the journalism community, as she is a National News Emmy Award-winning journalist. To date – Curry has won the Edward R. Murrow Award, three Gracie Allen Awards, the National Headliner Awards, and various philanthropic awards.
During the luncheon, Curry was interviewed by Krys Boyd who serves as Host and Managing Editor of KERA’S Think, talk radio program, and she focuses on how Curry uses her voice for telling stories that matter to society. She also talks about her father and their relationship growing up and how he is an inspiration to her to this day.
“When I was younger I asked my dad what I should be when I grow up,” Ann Curry tells Kyrs Boyd. “He said ‘Ann, whatever you do, do something that is of some service to somebody else. And then and only then when you breathe your last breath, that it mattered that you were born.’ And he would say it over and over throughout the years so I chose journalism as an act of service.”
The luncheon really opened the eyes of the students who attended. Sophomore Gia Knight was inspired by the speakers and their unique messages.
“It was very fun and I learned a lot about the foundation and these amazing women,” Knight says. “They have inspired me and given me new perspectives on what to do in the future.”
This unique field trip opportunity was made possible by English II teacher Dr. Kapreta Johnson.
