Photography courtesy of Simon Luna.
Texas Woman’s University will present the 2024 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to Preston Hollow neighbors Abigail and Todd Williams at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon.
The event, recognizing their lifelong commitment to community improvement and education, will take place on Thursday, March 21 at noon at The Arts District Mansion. This signature event, which generates funds for graduate student scholarships, honors the legacy of Virginia Chandler Dykes, the luncheon founder who died in 2022. Dykes, a TWU alumna, founded the luncheon.
Abigail and Todd were instrumental in founding a K-12 tuition-free public charter school by Uplift Education in 2007, also serve as the founding chairs of Teach for America’s DFW Regional Advisory Board.
“Ensuring access to a quality education is our life’s mission,” Abby said. “Todd and I are excited to have the opportunity to support Texas Woman’s University graduate programs, which is doing exactly that for countless students every day.”
Abby shares her own experience and her mother’s belief in the ability of education to break the cycle of poverty.
This year’s presenting luncheon sponsor is Luther King Capital Management and is chaired by Ralph Hawkins, committee members Arcilia Acosta, Lucy Billingsley, and TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten.
“The Dallas Leadership Luncheon is a favorite moment for us each year,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “Not only is it an opportunity to recognize outstanding Dallas leaders like Abby and Todd Williams; it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing graduate programs and the importance of providing access to graduate studies for students from all walks of life.”
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Texas Woman’s graduate student scholarships.
