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

Guided by our research and focused on advocacy, Texas Women’s Foundation remains committed to creating a society in which women and girls can fully participate. Through intentional grantmaking, we work to address the barriers to women’s economic security. And through evidencebased programming, we invest in women’s lifecycle leadership development – from the classroom to the boardroom – preparing them to lead in their lives, workplaces and their communities.

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.

#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 >

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 >

Executive Leadership Accelerator

A bespoke leadership experience for executive women – anchored in research and purposefully designed to deliver deep, personal and professional growth to
help accelerate your career and personal development. This premier leadership development program is designed for senior level women in Texas who aspire to C-suite roles. Learn More>

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>

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.