The 2026 Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Forum and Awards Celebration brought together some of North Texas’ most influential leaders for an evening that was as intentional as it was inspiring—rooted in recognition, elevated by dialogue, and driven by a shared commitment to advancing women.

Held at Moody Performance Hall, this year’s event went beyond ceremony. It created a space where leadership was not only honored—but actively examined, challenged, and passed forward.

The evening unfolded with a thoughtfully curated agenda that blended recognition with real-time learning. From opening remarks by Lynn McBee, President of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network, and 2025 Young Leader Award winner Cristal Retana Lule, to the presentation of the 2026 Maura Women Helping Women Awards and Young Leader Awards by co-chairs Brenda L. Jackson and Cris Zertuche-Wong, each segment reinforced the Foundation’s mission: investing in women and girls to build a stronger Texas.

The Leadership Forum—emceed by Karen Borta of CBS11—anchored the experience. Sessions like “Purpose, Power & Poise,” “Voices That Shape Change,” and “The Heart of Leadership” created space for candid, solution-oriented conversations. The format was clear: this wasn’t just about celebrating success—it was about unpacking what it takes to achieve it and sustain it.

Honoring Women Who Lead and Lift

The centerpiece of the evening recognized the 2026 Maura Women Helping Women Award recipients:

• Debra Hunter Johnson
• Kim Bizor Tolbert
• Margie Aguilar
• Olga Hickman, PhD
• Thear Suzuki

Since 1978, the Maura Awards have honored women who lead the way in improving the lives of women, their families, and their futures across Texas. This year’s honorees reflected a cross-sector impact—from public service and corporate leadership to community-based advocacy.

Also recognized were the 2026 Young Leader Award recipients:

• Prisma Garcia
• Amanda Valentine

These rising leaders represent the next generation of impact—women under 40 who are not only succeeding in their fields but actively creating pathways for others to follow.

The evening also included a Special Recognition Award honoring High Tech High Heels (now High Tech Rising) for expanding access and opportunity for women, and the inaugural Champion Award, presented to Allen Nye – CEO of Oncor, recognizing a male executive advancing women in the workplace.

Leadership in Action: A Moment That Moved the Room

During one of the forum’s standout conversations, emcee Karen Borta sat down with Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert to explore what it truly means to be the most powerful woman in the city. Reflecting on a 30-year career in public service, Tolbert spoke candidly about the role of faith, the lessons instilled by her family, and the responsibility she carries to bring other women along with her. She emphasized the level of poise required to lead—especially under the constant scrutiny of City Hall—while remaining grounded in purpose. Yet, her message was clear: every day, she shows up ready to work. That balance of strength, humility, and discipline resonated deeply with the executive women in the room, many of whom saw their own journeys reflected in her words.

One of the most defining moments of the evening came from Debra Hunter Johnson, founder of Reciprocity Consulting—who chose to transform her recognition into a call to action. Instead of a traditional TED-style talk, she delivered what she called a “Deb-Talk.”

“We can’t wait 50 years…. the time is now.”

Her message was direct and resonant: the system isn’t broken—it’s functioning exactly as designed. And for women experiencing stagnation in the workplace, that design must be confronted and dismantled. She even stated with love the responsibility of white women to uplift the other women they see around them that need advocacy when advancing. The room responded in real time. Her remarks culminated in a standing ovation—an acknowledgment not just of her words, but of the truth many in the audience recognized.

She didn’t stop there.

Debra carried that momentum into a multigenerational dialogue, joining Young Leader honorees Prisma Garcia and Amanda Valentine for a powerful conversation on bridging generations and building for the future—a moment that underscored the evening’s central theme: leadership is not static; it is shared, taught, and evolved.

Another powerful moment came during the “Voices That Shape Change” conversation featuring Margie Aguilar and Dr. Olga Hickman, which deeply resonated with the Latino community in the room. The discussion centered on the importance of using one’s voice in spaces where it has historically been overlooked—not just as women, but as women of color navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. Aguilar shared a compelling story from her work as a producer on a sports campaign, where she advocated for authentic cultural representation. She emphasized that it wasn’t enough to simply dub content into Spanish; the language had to reflect the specific culture—in this case, Mexican—and be supported by journalists who could speak directly to that audience with credibility and nuance. Aguilar described that moment as life-changing, reinforcing the responsibility to ensure that representation is not only present, but intentional and accurate.

The significance of the Maura Awards is rooted in history. Past honorees include trailblazers such as Eddie Bernice Johnson, Vicki Meek, and Cora Cordona—women whose legacies continue to shape Dallas and beyond.

That lineage was felt throughout the evening. Not just in names, but in the standard set for what leadership looks like when it is rooted in service.

More Than a Moment

From the Leadership Forum to the closing cocktail reception, the 2026 Texas Women’s Foundation Leadership Awards made one thing clear: recognition is only part of the work.

The real impact lies in what happens next.

In the partnerships formed.
In the conversations continued.
In the systems challenged.

And in the next generation of women who will not only step into leadership—but redefine it.

Because when women rise with intention, entire communities move forward.