About Us

Leadership Initiative

Our Goal: Building A Culture In Texas Where Women and Girls are Full Participants At Every Level 

Women are more likely than men to be dramatically underrepresented in leadership positions. Yet evidence abounds regarding the countless economic and social benefits of women leaders in business and the community.

To make real progress for women and girls on all fronts, we must strengthen the pipeline of female leaders – from the classroom to the first job, the executive suite, the boardroom and the political arena.

Our Leadership Initiative

Texas Women’s Foundation established its Leadership Initiative, making a $2M annual commitment to develop and support programs, policies and practices that increase the number of women in leadership positions, and create and fund new opportunities for women and girls to lead.

Along with providing unique and effective programs for women and girls to acquire, refine and strengthen their leadership skills and potential, we also produce timely, targeted research on the issues impacting women and girls across our state. Our research helps focus the work of our Leadership and provides lawmakers and decision-makers with conclusive information to help shape policies relating to women and girls.

Leadership Programs For Women And Girls

Our Leadership Initiative invests in helping girls become strong women, and preparing women to lead in their lives, their workplaces and their communities, which in turn make our state a better place for all.

Executive Leadership Council

The Executive Leadership Council advances women’s leadership in the corporate sector because we know improving leadership diversity drives better business outcomes. ELC members fulfill their roles collectively and individually as visible, prominent advocates driving change within their own companies and the community. Members provide rising women executives with leadership development; some serve on corporate boards. Learn More >

Young Women’s Initiative - Dallas

Young Women’s Initiative-Dallas (YWI-Dallas) is a seven-year programmatic response and broad cross-sector collaboration aimed to empower and affirm young women of color ages 17-24 from Dallas’ southern and western sectors. Through research, collaborative grantmaking and advocacy, YWI-Dallas is amplifying the collective power of young women to identify and address core issues, and create solutions toward meaningful systemic change. Learn More >

#BestSelf

#BestSelf is a one-day intensive leadership development program for girls ages 11-16 that challenges stereotypes and helps girls be confident in the pursuit of their dreams. Through workshops by nationally known speaker-educators and interactive activities, girls learn skills in leadership, healthy conflict resolution and more, so they can embrace and be their “best selves.” Learn More >

Leadership Forum & Awards

Leadership Forum & Awards – Texas Women’s Foundation produces the Leadership Forum & Awards Dinner to elevate the voice of women leaders by bringing notable, high profile leaders to speak to audiences of women leaders. The event also celebrates trailblazers by awarding exemplary leaders in our community the Maura Women Helping Women Awards and the Young Leader Awards.  Learn More >

Empowered Women Empower Women

Watch a story featuring Texas Women’s Foundation Young Leader Award Recipients Brittany Barnett and Christa Sanford sharing their journey of inspiration, mentorship and empowerment.