Kristen Jones ............................... 96 K
Aimee Pingenot Key 94-95
L Laura Lawrence 114
Karen Lee 114 M
Rebecca Marcus ........................ 106
Kate Mataya .............................. 105
Beth Maultsby....................... 94-95
Kelly McClure 105
Carla Medrano 96
Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky ... 94-95
Catherine Millet 106
Ameerah Morsy 96
Kathryn J. Murphy ............... 94-95 O
Lindsey Obenhaus 94-95
Michelle May O’Neil ................ 107 P
Cassidy Pearson 94-95
R Lerrin Reincke 94-95
Jody L. Rodenberg 99
S
Erika N. Salter 108
Katie Flowers Samler ........... 94-95
Jennifer Shannon ...................... 114
Karri Shojaei-Scott 109 T Mika Thomas 114
Cindy Tisdale 94-95
Anna Toker 110
Tama Tran .................................. 115
Cynthia Trickett 106 W
Natalie Webb ............................. 115
Deanne Wilson 96
Chandler Rice Winslow 94-95
Amy K. Witherite ...................... 111
Cathy DeWitt Dunn
in the early 1980 s, when cathy dunn was seeking professional financial and investment advice, she couldn’t help but notice she was shopping in a male-dominated industry. Advisors were eager to give their advice, but not always as eager to listen to her concerns and questions. “I had always been good with numbers and decided to study finance,” she says. “There needed to be more female financial advisors. Even today, women comprise only 31% of the profession.” Dunn’s studies led her to become a financial advisor herself, and she launched Women, Money & Power, a boutique company that helps women take control of their finances. Dunn also became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst to bring clarity to women dealing with financial uncertainties that accompany divorce. This success led to her open the full-service firm, DeWitt & Dunn Financial Services. Today, in addition to providing retirement planning services for her clients, she is the host of the popular DeWitt & Dunn Financial Services Radio Show where she
offers financial advice to listeners with a wide range of investment interests and needs.
Dunn, a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, cites her firm’s independence as one reason for its loyal and growing clientele. “We aren’t owned or influenced by any investments or companies, which means we can look for and offer the best strategies,” she says. “Above all, we listen and provide the individual attention our clients need and deserve. We give people the opportunity to pick and choose from different options. Our clients, particularly women, need to consider more than their investable assets. We aren’t here to tell them what they should do, but to educate them about how to achieve their long-term, comprehensive goals.”
Dunn also uses her decades of experience to mentor young women financial advisors. “To break the glass ceiling in this male-dominated industry, you have to love what you do and love taking care of your clients,” she says. “You’ll break through the barrier and be successful if you start there.”
Beth Good
CEO, RESOURCE ROYALTY
it ’ s what ’ s below the surface that counts, with both oil and gas mineral rights and Beth Good, CEO of Resource Royalty, a Dallas-based oil and gas royalty portfolio manager since 2010.
Historically, the energy business has been a male-dominated industry, but stereotypes have never been an obstacle for Good. She has worked her way up to this point via a successful career in public accounting, private equity fund management, and more than a decade as CFO. She is ready to launch a significant growth plan for her company which offers private placements in the independent broker/dealer community and has raised more than $145 million building portfolios of producing oil and gas mineral properties.
“My time is now,” Good says. “The challenges of being a woman in my industry don’t bother me. I know my business from oil patch to Wall Street, and I have spent 30 years preparing for this role. To start, I want Resource Royalty to be the go-to firm for professional investment brokers wanting to diversify their clients’ portfolios into energy. We have just announced our third offering this year. It includes
17 properties in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma with 24 producing wells and 48 wells drilled or filed to be drilled. We are just getting started.”
Good has studied investment trends for decades. One aspect of mineral ownership not commonly known to investors is that mineral properties offer an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar assets typically used in 1031 exchanges, which certainly contributed to a record year in 2022 for Resource Royalty.
And what does the future hold? “There is a great deal of opportunity for women in our business, and that is propelled by renewed awareness in the world regarding the long-term value of fossil fuels that goes beyond just providing fuel for cars and trucks,” Good says. “From golf balls to flooring, tennis shoes to eyeglasses, oil is used in lubrication, manufacturing, medical, defense, and countless other items we take for granted every day. Fossil fuels are here to stay, and we are here to provide accredited investors a reliable path to generating the ‘mailbox money’ that is so attractive.”
Goranson Bain Ausley
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Rachel Rizzieri Feist, Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky, Megan Decadi, Hayley Collins Blair*, Ally Caskey, Kathryn J. Murphy*, P. Lindley Bain*, Lindsey Obenhaus*, Angel Berbarie*, Katie Flowers Samler*, Aimee Pingenot Key*, Esther R. Donald, Chandler Rice Winslow
*Board Certified in Family Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
women lawyers have a strong and impressive presence at Goranson Bain Ausley, beginning with founding partner Angie Bain, who helped establish the firm in 1987. Today, GBA is the largest family law firm in Texas exclusively practicing family law. Of the 41 lawyers at GBA, two-thirds are female, and women account for more than 50% of partners at the firm.
In addition, one of the firm’s partners, Cindy Tisdale, is president of the State Bar of Texas, and two of GBA’s women lawyers, Diana Friedman and Kathryn Murphy, are recipients of the Sam Emison Award, one of the most coveted awards in family law. Female mentorship at every level is part of the firm’s culture, providing younger
women lawyers with the support they need to grow their legal careers.
Dallas | Plano | Fort Worth
Granbury | Austin
855.816.7799
gbafamilylaw.com
All the attorneys at GBA work alongside their clients as trusted partners every step of the way, ensuring that families and their futures remain secure. GBA attorneys support and collaborate with each other to bring the best thinking to their cases and achieve the most favorable outcomes possible. They pursue strategic, constructive, and intelligent resolution with every means possible to protect assets and personal relationships. GBA attorney Angel Berbarie says, “We strive to give our clients peace of mind knowing they are being represented by lawyers who have been recognized as being among the most respected, accomplished, and ethical in Texas.”
NOT PICTURED:
Cindy Tisdale*, Mona Hosseiny-Tovar, Cassidy Pearson, Kristen Algert*, Kelly Ausley-Flores*, Kristiana Butler, Kelly Caperton Fischer, Angelica Rolong Cormier, Angie Bain*, Diana Friedman*, Beth Maultsby*, Lerrin Reincke
Beaird Harris
paula allgood and the dynamic beaird harris team intentionally partner with successful people, including female executives, business owners, physicians, and retirees. They can help manage tax and accounting needs, advise on how to financially run a successful business, and help you build wealth so you can live the life you want.
Allgood is a shining example of the achievements that women professionals can attain. Starting as an intern at Beaird Harris, she demonstrated that it’s possible to strike a balance between a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life and now serves as managing partner of the firm’s public accounting practice.
She is an inspiration to women who aspire to achieve professional excellence while enjoying a rewarding family life.
972.503.1040 bh-co.com
Allgood and the team recognize that true financial empowerment comes from viewing all facets of finance and taxes holistically. They understand the challenges and opportunities that women professionals face and will support and guide you on your financial journey. Through integrated services, personalized guidance, and the inspirational example set by Allgood, they believe you can achieve professional excellence, enjoy a fulfilling family life, and make a positive impact in your community. Together, they’ll help you embrace the possibilities and unlock the full potential of financial success.
PAULA ALLGOOD, CPA, MANAGING PARTNER, BEAIRD HARRIS, PLLC
LISA MEANS
STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT: Denise Johnston, Ameerah Morsy, Deanne Wilson, Genny Cordell, Kristen Jones
SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT: Carla Medrano, Ginnie Baker, Paula Allgood, Kristy Carlton
Linda L. Burk,
M.D.
dr. linda l. burk has led a comprehensive, all-women ophthalmology practice for more than 30 years. Her mission? To provide her patients with the best vision possible by treating their eyes with the same level of care and attention she would give her own. A board-certified cataract surgeon, she is fellowship trained in cornea and glaucoma and performs corneal transplants and glaucoma implants. Dr. Burk serves as a leader and mentor within her practice and in the local medical community. She is a clinical professor of ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical School, sharing her knowledge with young surgeons, and is a sought-after international speaker. She also trains high school graduates as a launching point
for a medical career. “Many start as a file clerk and eventually become office managers, nurses, or optometrists,” Dr. Burk says. “I encourage them to reach their potential and show them how hard work pays off.”
Dr. Burk was the third female ophthalmology resident at Duke University—something she achieved with few mentors. “There wasn’t anyone to show me how to balance family, work, and running a business, which is a big part of my purpose at this stage of my career,” she says. “My dream at 14 was to become a doctor, so I worked hard for 18 years to achieve that goal. I tell young women that just when you think you can’t do it, work harder. Keep your eye on your goals.”
OPHTHALMOLOGY; CEO, DALLAS EYE & EAR
Allison Geiger, CFP ®
PARTNER, HERITAGE FINANCIAL PLANNING
heritage financial planning is a nationally recognized, award winning, fee-only, fiduciary firm. No sales. No commissions. Allison Geiger and her team at Heritage Financial Planning differentiate themselves from other financial planning firms foremost because they are fiduciaries, not just salespeople masquerading as money experts. As fee-only fiduciaries, they have a legal obligation to put their clients’ best interests first.
With her experience in public accounting and tax advisor-oriented financial services firms, Geiger’s clients receive holistic financial planning along with careful consideration of the tax implications that become more complex as the years progress.
With decades of experience, she and her team at Heritage Financial Planning have expertise working with clients from all backgrounds including executives, government leaders, physicians, attorneys, trust beneficiaries, entrepreneurs, and those who go to work every day in their careers of choice. Geiger is most proud of her 20-plus year relationships with her clients and having the privilege to see their comprehensive planning come to fruition.
If you seek a fee-only, fiduciary financial planner who is making recommendations based on your needs and not what commission can be made, then you owe it to yourself to give Allison Geiger a call.
Laura Benitez Geisler & Jody L. Rodenberg
personal injury law has long been a specialty led by male lawyers. Today, women are influencing personal injury law in the Dallas area and beyond—Laura Benitez Geisler and Jody Rodenberg among them. Recognized by their peers as among the best personal injury lawyers in Dallas, Geisler and Rodenberg are driven by their passion to help others. These women have emerged as leaders in this area of law by combining their tenacity and legal acumen with an empathetic approach and perspective. Both are shaped in part by the wisdom gained from learning to balance the rigors of a demanding career with the dynamics of motherhood. “The ability to help people recover from an unfore-
seen injury or life-altering loss requires that we really understand how it has impacted their lives in order to more effectively advocate on their behalf,” Geisler says. “Big or small cases, we take pride in knowing we have given our clients a strong voice in the courtroom,” adds Rosenberg. Beyond the courtroom, Geisler has served as president of the Dallas Bar Association, the only Hispanic lawyer to hold that position in the organization’s 150-year history. Rodenberg, inspired to become a lawyer by her high school debate experience, is on the board of directors of the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, which provides Dallas ISD students with the skills to become informed leaders in their communities.
L.L.P.
Jody L. Rodenberg, Laura Benitez Geisler
Shelley A. Hall,
M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.F.S.A., F.A.S.T.
CARDIOLOGY; HEARTPLACE
when dr. shelley hall initially announced she would be a doctor, she was 8 years old. The plan was pediatrics, but in medical school she shifted gears to cardiology instead. She quickly developed a passion for transplantation and heart failure. “To me, it was the perfect combination of specialization while still taking care of the entire patient,” she says.
Dr. Hall, a cardiologist with HeartPlace, chose the right specialty. Board certified in heart failure/transplant, she is the chief of transplant cardiology at Baylor Scott & White Dallas, the largest heart transplant program in Texas and consistently top 10 in the country.
214.820.6856
Dr. Hall’s entire career has been dedicated to advanced heart failure and transplantation, serving on state and national organizations. She is the current UNOS chancellor-elect for Texas and board member for American Society of Transplantation. She is the president of the Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, the first woman to serve in this role. She has been honored 10 times as Best Doctor in Dallas by D Magazine . After raising five children, Dr. Hall and her husband, Dr Rick Snyder, try to escape to the beach whenever possible for relaxation and sun after they completed a goal of visiting all seven continents.
LISA MEANS
Sylvia Hargrave, M.D., F.A.C.S.
dr. sylvia hargrave has seen her career come full circle since she first began caring for patients more than three decades ago. Some of the children she treated then are still her patients—as are their own children and spouses. “It has been wonderful to watch them grow up and start their own families,” she says. “I am taking care of a second generation of patients, which has been extremely rewarding.”
Dr. Hargrave was recruited by Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where she serves as chief of ophthalmology, in 2003 and founded The Hargrave Eye Center after a career in academic medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. While there, she taught advanced cataract
surgery and corneal transplantation to ophthalmology residents and cornea Fellows. She has trained more than 150 ophthalmologists from around the world. “I have always loved giving back what I had given to me through education and mentorship,” she says.
972.572.6262
972.572.0423
hargraveeyecenter.com
As a member of the board of trustees of Methodist Health System Foundation, she helps the foundation fulfill its fiduciary, programmatic, and financial responsibilities. A former National Institutes of Health-funded researcher, Dr. Hargrave is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Castroviejo Cornea Society.
OPHTHALMOLOGY; DIRECTOR AND CHIEF SURGEON, THE HARGRAVE EYE CENTER
Angela Harper
SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF RISK OFFICER, VERITEX COMMUNITY BANK
angela harper grew up in a small west texas farming town not far from Lubbock, where she attended college at Texas Tech University. In the late 1980s, many female college students majored in either nursing or education, so she chose the latter. During college, she worked part time at a local bank. She developed a passion for banking and changed her major to finance. Her first job, a bank regulator, allowed her to get a big-picture look at the industry. Malcolm Holland, CEO of Veritex Community Bank, took notice of her skills and work ethic and asked her to help him start Veritex in Dallas. Today, Harper serves as chief risk officer for Veritex Bank. She was
employee No. 3, and Veritex was a $140 million bank at the time. Today, Veritex has numerous locations across Texas and is a $12.5 billion bank. Harper has been instrumental in this growth, implementing a successful risk management program. She credits her success to the opportunities banking has provided and now mentors young women in the field. “Women currently represent 30 percent of the finance industry; we are confident this number will continue to grow. In the meantime, I am expanding my knowledge to keep up with the increasing complexities that come with working for a larger bank. There is still so much I can do for the bank and for others,” Harper says.
Jodie L. Hurwitz, M.D.
dr. jodie hurwitz has been improving the heart health of her patients throughout North Texas and beyond for more than 30 years. She is a part of the 15-member North Texas Heart Center team, serves as the director of the electrophysiology lab at Medical City Heart Hospital, and president of the North Texas Electrophysiology Society. Dr. Hurwitz also serves as the president of the Heart Rhythm Society, an organization comprised of electrophysiologists from 94 countries. She is one in only seven female physicians to hold this office and the first from a private practice.
Dr. Hurwitz became interested in electro-
physiology in medical school. At the time, few women were pursuing this specialty—and not much has changed. “Only 12 percent of electrophysiology physicians are women,” she says. “Women tend to go into fields where there are women leaders; if they don’t see someone like themselves, they aren’t as likely to pursue it.” Today, Dr. Hurwitz is an impressive example of what these female physicians can achieve.
“I love what I do,” Dr. Hurwitz says. “I travel a lot for work, but when I return, I am always reminded how much I love my day job, taking care of patients and working in the lab. I’m happiest on days I’m wearing scrubs.”
DeAnna Irvin
adventure park of rockwall is home to the largest pickleball facility in Texas, Oasis Pickleball Club. A business doesn’t achieve this success without a smart general manager leading a great team. In this case, it’s Deanna Irvin. Irvin moved to Rockwall to grow the lifestyle management business she began right out of college. “I was ready for something new and was given the opportunity to help run Oasis and Urban Air, by the owner,” she says. “He saw my potential.”
Irvin has continued her mentorship skills in this role. Most of the club’s employees are high school and college students working part-time, and for many, it’s their first job. “When I was little, I wanted to be a missionary, but I became a teacher
and then started my business,” she says. “In each role, I enjoyed teaching others about being healthy and self-empowerment. With this job, I have been given an opportunity to continue my work and provide guidance.”
Between making schedules, keeping the books, marketing, hosting parties and events, and managing daily operations, Irvin spends time with her employees and ensures they believe they can reach their full potential, too. “I start my day by thanking God and for the divine wisdom to do everything required for this extraordinary role,” Irvin says. “It takes an amazing team to run such a big place, and I cherish the opportunity to be a steppingstone in their lives.”
GENERAL MANAGER, OASIS PICKLEBALL CLUB
McClure Law Group
mcclure law group is a park cities-based law firm practicing 100% family law. The women at McClure Law Group— Kelly McClure, managing partner and CEO; Francesca Blackard, managing partner; and Kate Mataya, partner—are the perfect combination of aggressive and compassionate. With creativity and tireless attention to detail, the team at McClure Law Group serves a broad range of clients ranging from stay-at-home parents to CEOs. These women, along with their dynamic team of attorneys, serve their clients with a diverse set of strengths—decades of experience, financial acumen, creativity in negotiation, extensive litigation knowledge,
and collaborative law training. Their team includes a CPA attorney and in-house family law appellate counsel, which empowers them to provide advice of the highest quality and outside-the-box solutions.
For a divorce, child custody battle, or a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, these women have a passionate drive and work diligently to obtain the best outcomes possible for their clients. From beginning to end, clients of McClure Law Group can have confidence with these women in their corner every step of the way during what is unarguably one of the most difficult times in their lives. The level of service provided at this family law firm is unmatched by others in Dallas-Fort Worth.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Francesca Blackard, Managing Partner; Kelly McClure, CEO and Managing Partner; Kate Mataya, Partner
Mary
Juliet Gibson, M.D.
Cynthia Trickett, P.A.
Nnenna Agim, M.D.
Rebecca Marcus, M.D.
Catherine Millet, P.A.
North Dallas Dermatology Associates
these accomplished women lead by example at North Dallas Dermatology Associates, within the walls of their practice, amongst their peers, and in the communities where they live. It is the passion of Dr. Mary Hurley, founder and medical director, that launched the practice 23 years ago with the vision to provide the utmost in patient care, and it’s the collective spirit of each woman that continues the path of integrity, grace, and compassion. NDDA provides comprehensive medical dermatology for adults and children, facial aesthetics, and an array of laser and body contouring treatments to help each patient look refreshed in a natural way.
“We place a priority on educating our patients about achieving and maintaining healthy skin at every age. Each treatment plan is specifically designed to meet the unique medical needs or cosmetic desires of the patient,” Dr. Hurley says. The team at NDDA are certified national trainers, medical society leaders, adjunct professors, journal authors, and award recipients. When they’re not in the office giving patients their undivided attention, you’ll find these inspirational women dedicating their time and talent to teaching dermatology residents, serving as faculty at medical conferences, or volunteering with local charities near and dear to their hearts. 214.420.7070 northdallasderm.com
FRONT TO BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Shadi Damanpour, M.D.
Hurley, M.D.
Michelle May O’Neil
anyone in the dallas family law realm knows Michelle O’Neil’s successful results and reputation when it comes to all matters of divorce. O’Neil’s commitment to her field, colleagues, clients, and community is equally as impressive. Her aptly named 1,500-member Hell on Heels mentoring and networking group for women lawyers is rapidly growing, enabling O’Neil to share her knowledge and experience to help other women lawyers rise to the top. “Women have been assuming more powerful roles during the past 50 years, and, unfortunately, have been under the impression they need to compete against each other,” O’Neil says. “We formed this group for
214.DIVORCE owlawyers.com
women to be a network of support—we just happen to share a love of shoes.” O’Neil co-founded Hell on Heels because she wanted her next chapter to involve living a life of significance by giving back. “I wanted to pass along the concept that success is not a finite resource,” she says. “Just because one woman is successful doesn’t mean another can’t be.” In addition to leading a busy law practice, O’Neil teaches family law at Baylor Law School and in online free seminars, manages a real estate company with her husband, and oversees social media for their businesses. She also wrote a book, “Wisdom from Momma,” and is a dog mom to five happy Yorkies.
FAMILY LAW AND APPELLATE LAW; O’NEIL WYSOCKI FAMILY LAW
when erika salter was growing up, she often shadowed her grandfather who owned a successful construction company in Florida. Many of his immigrant employees became first-generation homeowners due to the benevolence and leadership of her grandfather. “I watched how his employees created better lives for their families, which positively impacted the entire community,” she says. “Immigration law resonated with me because I knew first-hand what it was like to see a family rise to achieve their dreams.”
Salter has worked as an immigration and criminal law attorney for the past 17 years. She began her firm with two legal assistants and eventually grew the company to 38 employees,
which includes seven lawyers. Salter specializes in employmentand family-based immigration, deportation defense, green cards, naturalization, and criminal law. She also mentors young attorneys and professionals in her field. “We help the unseen become seen and give a voice to the unheard,” she says. “When other firms tell our clients ‘no,’ my team finds the ‘yes.’ At the end of the day, we are all humans and understand what it means to keep a family together. We are not afraid to go the extra mile to get the job done. We never know who is going to come in the door, but we will lead them in the right direction because we are all they have in most instances.”
Karri Shojaei-Scott, BCBA, LBA
OWNER, MARIGOLD LEARNING ACADEMY
karri shojaei-scott founded marigold learning academy for several reasons—a community need and a passion for special education among them. Primarily, she was inspired by her son with learning differences. After working as a principal and teacher in Dallas, she opened Marigold, an accredited ABA learning center with an innovative approach where students with autism are emerged into a structured school program in mock classrooms for a variety of therapies.
Shojaei-Scott opened the first academy in Rockwall in 2012. Four other locations followed in areas where she felt children on the spectrum were underserved. The newest academy in east Dallas will open in October, and plans for Camp
Marigold are underway. “We have created an inclusive setting where kids are set up to be successful,” she says. Each Marigold Learning Academy serves no more than 25 students ranging in age from 2 to pre-teens. The curriculum is designed for students to make a smooth transition into public or private school with their mainstream peers. Marigold partners with local colleges and high schools to train and mentor teachers and interns so they can be part of this approach to learning.
Shojaei-Scott’s passion for special education is as strong as it was two decades ago. “People tell me I’m special because of what I do; I believe it’s because I’m living my best life working with staff who share my passion,” she says.
Anna Toker, M.D.,
in her two decades as a colorectal surgeon, dr. anna Toker has won numerous awards for her mastery of surgery, including robotic surgery. During this time, she has developed a passion for using healthy nutrition as a way to avoid surgery, or to enhance recovery from surgery when it is the only option. In addition to her M.D., Dr. Toker also earned a master’s degree in microbiology with a focus on the microbiome. She combines this knowledge with her surgery experience to educate patients about the link between their overall health and gut health. She frequently speaks about nutrition and was recently appointed health commissioner of Ellis County. She is a recurrent guest on the feature
“Gut Check” on the television show, NIL House Nutrition, airing weekdays at 6 p.m. on Brinx.tv. This work inspired her to write an education program with the same name to teach people about digestive health. “It is my commitment to serve the community with the same dedication I have for my own patients,” she says.
In addition to her colorectal surgery practice, Dr. Toker also serves as medical director of SKANDii MedSpa, focusing on facial esthetics, nonsurgical weight loss, treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, and body sculpting in the MedGym. Outside of her busy medical and aesthetic practices, Dr. Toker enjoys spending time with her husband and their children on their small farm in Waxahachie.
Amy K. Witherite
amy k. witherite, the visionary founder of the esteemed Witherite Law Group, is a true trailblazer in the pursuit of justice. With 22 years of experience, she has built a reputation for championing cases that deliver results for her injured clients. From her early focus on medical malpractice to expanding into truck and car wrecks, her deep expertise spans all aspects of personal injury law. Her firm’s
800.227.9732 witheritelaw.com
success is a testament to her leadership, which has grown the practice with talented lawyers and multiple locations. Recognized by Super Lawyers for 21 years, Witherite’s commitment to integrity and client satisfaction sets her apart. With an unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations, she and her exceptional team continue to empower clients and make a lasting impact in the legal realm.
Maria Aceves
JUDGE, 192ND CIVIL DISTRICT COURT, DALLAS COUNTY
prior to taking the bench as the judge of the 192nd Civil District Court in Dallas County, Maria Aceves was a Dallas civil litigation attorney focusing on personal injury matters and representing injured individuals and their families. She also handled guardian ad litem appointments representing minor children’s interests in civil cases. Prior to leading her own firm, the North Texas native and SMU law school alum also did civil defense and catastrophic injury work for other prominent firms. And prior to that, she interned for a civil district court judge in Dallas County, which was step one in her full-circle journey. Aceves was named to the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association’s Women of Distinction list in 2022. Named a D Magazine Best Lawyer in 2022, she is also a Super Lawyers Texas Rising Star and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
214.653.7709 electmariaforjudge.com
Claire Y. Chu, M.D.
OPHTHALMOLOGY; PARTNER, NEWMAN TAUB & CHU VISION CENTER
in 1948, j. robert oppenheimer sent a telegram to Dr. Claire Chu’s grandfather, a prominent academic leader in war-torn China. “If there should be any steps that you would like to have me take in the next months to facilitate your coming to this country, please let us know.” President Gerald Ford later would award the National Medal of Science to professor S.S. Chern. Gradually, her grandfather’s vision dimmed due to cataracts, and he asked Dr. Chu to help him. For decades, she and her team have been dedicated to the application of the latest microsurgical techniques in cataract surgery. She has flourished in the Junior League of Dallas as well as in the UT Southwestern ophthalmology department. While she did not have the opportunity to provide cataract surgery for her grandfather, she looks forward to helping others achieve their vision potential.
972.392.2020 | 972.312.9312 eyesurgeonsdallas.com
LISA MEANS
LISA
Ashly Cothern, D.D.S.
GENERAL DENTISTRY AND HEALTH COACH
dr. ashly cothern operates a state-of-the-art dental practice where she has built a reputation for exceptional and comprehensive care. Her commitment to excellence has earned her the recognition of being named a Best Dentist by D Magazine an impressive 12 times. She also serves as an independent Optavia coach and believes that optimal wellness starts from within. By partnering with her patients and clients on their health journeys, she empowers them to make positive changes from the inside out. Dr. Cothern enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband Mike and their four children, engaging in physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and CrossFit. Her dedication, expertise, and passion make her an inspiring role model for women, showcasing the potential for making a positive impact through professional excellence and a devotion to holistic well-being.
214.696.9966 drcothern.com
Regina Crone, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, THERAPY AND BEYOND
dr. regina crone lives the “we make therapy fun” mission as the founder and president of Therapy and Beyond. A board-certified behavior analyst-doctorate, she received her Ph.D. from The University of North Texas, jumpstarting her lifelong mission to become a leader in autism treatment. She has been featured as a national speaker, provided testimony for legislation, and authored peer-reviewed research. As a former special education teacher, she approaches therapy from a child-centered learning standpoint. “I love seeing kids meet their potential and providing the tools that open a world of learning,” she says. In addition, she is the co-founder of Labeled & Loved, a nonprofit supporting special needs parents, and she founded Camden Hill Montessori, which has been awarded Best Early Childhood and Best Places to Work.
469.892.7500 therapyandbeyond.com
LISA MEANS
LISA MEANS
Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates
FERTILITY
drs. karen lee, mika thomas, laura lawrence, jennifer shannon, and monica chung have a mission to provide personalized care to each patient and have more than 60 years of collective experience in their field. The fertility center is proudly founded on superior IVF success rates, personalized patient care, cutting-edge technology, and affordable treatment costs. Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates offers a wide range of treatments, from IVF, ICSI, and IUI to pre-implantation genetic testing, egg freezing, and third-party reproductive services. These leading doctors understand that facing infertility can exact a huge emotional and physical toll, and they are dedicated to providing high-quality medical care in a sensitive, caring, and safe environment.
214.363.5965 dallasfertility.com
Melanie Hafford, M.D.
BARIATRIC SURGERY; UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER FRISCO
the path to becoming a weight loss surgeon is challenging, but for Dr. Melanie Hafford, one she is proud to have forged. “I always knew I wanted to become a doctor, but it took a while to embrace the idea of being a surgeon,” she says. “I was often told that, as a woman surgeon, I would have to choose between family and career.” Dr. Hafford stayed the course and chose both. Today, she is a mother and the director of bariatric surgery at UT Southwestern’s Frisco campus. Only 25% of surgeons are women, and 2% are black women—the reason Dr. Hafford uses her platform for community outreach and mentoring. “When I was coming through medical school, it was hard to determine which space you feel like you belong in,” she says. “My hope is for other surgeons to be able to see themselves in my story.”
Monica Chung, M.D.; Laura Lawrence, M.D.; Mika Thomas, M.D.; Karen Lee, M.D.; Jennifer Shannon, M.D.
VANESSA GAVALYA
Tama Tran, NP-C
FOUNDER, LILY MED SPA AESTHETICS & LASER CENTER
tama tran is a tenured aesthetic injector and nurse practitioner at Lily Med Spa and also serves as a national trainer for Galderma Pharmaceuticals. By becoming a “GAIN” trainer, she has demonstrated a mastery of Galderma’s range of aesthetic solutions and an ability to effectively teach others in the field. This designation signifies her expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in aesthetic medicine. Says Tran, “I firmly believe that aesthetics should enhance and accentuate a person’s unique features, rather than altering them completely. In my view, it’s all about embracing and celebrating individuality.” With her unwavering commitment to providing natural-looking outcomes, Tran ensures every client who walks through the doors of Lily Med Spa leaves feeling empowered, rejuvenated, and beautifully themselves.
972.503.5459 lilymedspa.com
Natalie Webb
FAMILY LAW
natalie webb is the name to know in all matters of family law. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, her experience includes highly complex property divorces, custody litigation, premarital and postmarital agreements, uncontested divorces, enforcement proceedings, custody modifications, protective orders and restraining orders, adoption and termination proceedings, child support, international child abduction, and paternity matters. Also trained in collaborative law, Webb is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and has been named a Best Lawyer Under 40 in D Magazine. She excels at crafting effective and creative solutions catered to individual client needs. With each case, she strives to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients through negotiation, mediation, and litigation.
