Via: Culture Map

By: Lindsey Wilson

While one ballroom at the Hilton Anatole recently held 1,500 of Dallas’ business and philanthropic elite, another held 200 young girls from middle and high schools across the region — both were giddy at the thought of hearing Elaine WelterothNew York Times bestselling author and former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, speak at the Texas Women’s Foundation 34th annual luncheon.

Co-chaired by Janiece Evans-Page of Fossil and Virginia Rose-Harris of Texas Health Resources, this year’s luncheon began with an energetic and uplifting performance from the M.O.M. (Mind Over Matter) dance crew, which got several attendees up on their feet.

Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall and Kimberly-Clark executive A. Shonn Brown also had a few inspiring words to say about TWF’s mission of empowering women and girls to build stronger, more equitable communities.

After an introduction from TWF president and CEO Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Welteroth emerged for a chat moderated by Target executive vice president Laysha Ward. Besides discussing Welteroth’s career trajectory and her realization that she was a “FOD” (first, only, different) among the generally white and male publishing world, the pair talked about Welteroth’s memoir More Than Enough and the power of a really good “boss lady bag.”

They were later joined by Young Women’s Advisory Council members Misaki Collins and Ivis Andrade, who put forth a few questions gathered from the students watching the luncheon’s livestream in the next room. Following the luncheon, the girls all got to meet (and take selfies with) Welteroth.

All told, the luncheon raised an incredible $1.5 million to advance economic security and leadership opportunities for women and girls.