Women of Influence

omen of Influence Women o nfluence Women of Influenc omen of Influence Women o nfluence Women of Influenc omen of Influence Women o nfluence Women of Influenc omen of Influence Women o nfluence Women of Influenc omen of Influence Women o nfluence Women of Influenc omen of Influence Women o SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Women of Influence The women on the following pages have had a remarkable influence on the people around them—their clients, business associates, friends, and communities. These women are in surgery, in front of juries, and caring for their patients. They are entrepreneurs and innovators, and they are educators and mentors. If you are curious about who is creating “what’s next” in Dallas and who will carve a path for the women who will follow their lead, look no further than these Women of Influence.

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Women of Influence

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Maria Aceves...............................112

Rachel Rizzieri Feist.............. 94-95

Nnenna Agim............................. 106

Kelly Caperton Fischer......... 94-95

Kristen Algert......................... 94-95

Diana Friedman..................... 94-95

Paula Allgood...............................96

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Kelly Ausley-Flores................ 94-95 B

Allison Geiger..............................98 Laura Benitez Geisler.................99

Angie Bain.............................. 94-95

Juliet Gibson.............................. 106

P. Lindley Bain....................... 94-95

Beth Good.............................. 92-93

Ginnie Baker................................96 Angel Berbarie....................... 94-95 Francesca Blackard................... 105 Hayley Collins Blair.............. 94-95 Linda L. Burk............................... 97 Kristiana Butler..................... 94-95 C

Kristy Carlton..............................96 Ally Caskey............................. 94-95

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Melanie Hafford.........................114 Shelley A. Hall............................100 Sylvia Hargrave...........................101 Angela Harper........................... 102 Mona Hosseiny-Tovar.......... 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

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Jennifer Shannon.......................114

DeAnna Irvin............................. 104

Angelica Rolong Cormier......94-95

Kristen Jones................................96

Genny Cordell.............................96

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Megan Decadi........................ 94-95

Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky.... 94-95

Katie Flowers Samler............ 94-95

Denise Johnston..........................96

Shadi Damanpour..................... 106

Carla Medrano.............................96

Jodie L. Hurwitz........................ 103

Monica Chung............................114

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Kelly McClure............................ 105

Erika N. Salter............................ 108

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Regina Crone..............................113

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Mary Hurley............................... 106

Claire Y. Chu...............................112

Ashly Cothern.............................113

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Aimee Pingenot Key............. 94-95 L

Karri Shojaei-Scott.................... 109 T

Mika Thomas..............................114 Cindy Tisdale......................... 94-95 Anna Toker..................................110 Tama Tran................................... 115

Laura Lawrence..........................114

Cynthia Trickett........................ 106

Karen Lee....................................114

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Natalie Webb.............................. 115

Rebecca Marcus......................... 106

Deanne Wilson............................96

Esther R. Donald................... 94-95

Kate Mataya............................... 105

Chandler Rice Winslow....... 94-95

Cathy Dewitt Dunn.............. 90-91

Beth Maultsby....................... 94-95

Amy K. Witherite....................... 111

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Women of Influence

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Women of Influence

Cathy DeWitt Dunn P R E S I D E N T & C E O, D E W I T T & D U N N F I N A N C I A L S E R V I C E S

i n t h e e a r ly 1 9 8 0 s , w h e n c at h y d u n n

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.”

972.473.4700 womenmoneyandpower.com dewittanddunn.com

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Women of Influence

Beth Good C E O, R E S O U R C E R OYA LT Y

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.”

214.691.5234 resourceroyaltyllc.com

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i t ’ s w h at ’ s b e l o w t h e s u r f a c e t h at c o u n t s ,

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Women of Influence

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Women of Influence

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

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FA M I LY L AW

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Women of Influence

women lawyers with the support they need to grow presence at Goranson Bain Ausley, beginning with foundtheir legal careers. ing partner Angie Bain, who helped establish the firm in All the attorneys at GBA work alongside their clients as 1987. Today, GBA is the largest family law firm in Texas trusted partners every step of the way, ensuring that famiexclusively practicing family law. Of the 41 lawyers at lies and their futures remain secure. GBA attorneys support GBA, two-thirds are female, and women account for and collaborate with each other to bring the best thinking to more than 50% of partners at the firm. their cases and achieve the most favorable outcomes possible.

In addition, one of the firm’s partners, Cindy Tisdale, They pursue strategic, constructive, and intelligent resoluis president of the State Bar of Texas, and two of GBA’s tion with every means possible to protect assets and perwomen lawyers, Diana Friedman and Kathryn Murphy, sonal relationships. GBA attorney Angel Berbarie says, “We are recipients of the Sam Emison strive to give our clients peace of mind Award, one of the most coveted knowing they are being represented Dallas | Plano | Fort Worth awards in family law. Female menby lawyers who have been recognized Granbury | Austin torship at every level is part of the as being among the most respected, 855.816.7799 firm’s culture, providing younger accomplished, and ethical in Texas.” gbafamilylaw.com women lawyers have a strong and impressive

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

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Women of Influence

STANDING, LEFT TO RIGHT:

Denise Johnston, Ameerah Morsy, Deanne Wilson, Genny Cordell, Kristen Jones SEATED, LEFT TO RIGHT:

LISA MEANS

Carla Medrano, Ginnie Baker, Paula Allgood, Kristy Carlton

Beaird Harris PAU L A A L L G O O D, C PA , M A N AG I N G PA R T N E R , B E A I R D H A R R I S , P L L C

pa u l a a l lg o o d a n d t h e dy n a m i c b e a i r d h a r r i s t e a m

She is an inspiration to women who aspire to achieve professional intentionally partner with successful people, including female excellence while enjoying a rewarding family life. executives, business owners, physicians, and retirees. They can Allgood and the team recognize that true financial empowerment help manage tax and accounting needs, advise on how to financomes from viewing all facets of finance and taxes holistically. They cially run a successful business, and help you build wealth so you understand the challenges and opportunities that women professioncan live the life you want. als face and will support and guide you on your Allgood is a shining example of the achievefinancial journey. Through integrated services, perments that women professionals can attain. sonalized guidance, and the inspirational example Starting as an intern at Beaird Harris, she set by Allgood, they believe you can achieve prodemonstrated that it’s possible to strike a balfessional excellence, enjoy a fulfilling family life, ance between a thriving career and a fulfilling and make a positive impact in your community. personal life and now serves as managing partTogether, they’ll help you embrace the possibilities 972.503.1040 ner of the firm’s public accounting practice. and unlock the full potential of financial success. bh-co.com

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LISA MEANS

Women of Influence

Linda L. Burk, M.D. O P H T H A L M O L O G Y; C E O, DA L L A S E Y E & E A R

d r . l i n da l . b u r k h a s l e d a c o m p r e h e n s i v e , a l l- wo m e n

for a medical career. “Many start as a file clerk and eventually become ophthalmology practice for more than 30 years. Her mission? To prooffice managers, nurses, or optometrists,” Dr. Burk says. “I encourage vide her patients with the best vision possible by treating their eyes them to reach their potential and show them how hard work pays off.” with the same level of care and attention she would give her own. A Dr. Burk was the third female ophthalmology resident at Duke board-certified cataract surgeon, she is fellowship trained in cornea and University—something she achieved with few mentors. “There glaucoma and performs corneal transplants and wasn’t anyone to show me how to balance famglaucoma implants. Dr. Burk serves as a leader and ily, work, and running a business, which is a big mentor within her practice and in the local medipart of my purpose at this stage of my career,” cal community. She is a clinical professor of ophshe says. “My dream at 14 was to become a docthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical School, tor, so I worked hard for 18 years to achieve that sharing her knowledge with young surgeons, and goal. I tell young women that just when you is a sought-after international speaker. She also think you can’t do it, work harder. Keep your 214.987.2875 trains high school graduates as a launching point eye on your goals.” dallaseyeandear.com

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Women of Influence

Allison Geiger, CFP

®

PA R T N E R , H E R I TAG E F I N A N C I A L P L A N N I N G

With decades of experience, she and her team at Heritage award winning, fee-only, fiduciary firm. No sales. No commissions.

Financial Planning have expertise working with clients from all Allison Geiger and her team at Heritage Financial Planning differenbackgrounds including executives, government leaders, physicians, tiate themselves from other financial planning firms foremost because attorneys, trust beneficiaries, entrepreneurs, and those who go to they are fiduciaries, not just salespeople masquerading as money work every day in their careers of choice. Geiger is most proud of experts. As fee-only fiduciaries, they have a legal her 20-plus year relationships with her clients obligation to put their clients’ best interests first. and having the privilege to see their compreWith her experience in public accounting hensive planning come to fruition. and tax advisor-oriented financial services If you seek a fee-only, fiduciary financial firms, Geiger’s clients receive holistic financial planner who is making recommendations planning along with careful consideration of based on your needs and not what commisthe tax implications that become more comsion can be made, then you owe it to yourself 214.446.2100 plex as the years progress. to give Allison Geiger a call.

HeritageFinancialPlanning.com heritage financial planning is a nationally recognized,

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Women of Influence

LEFT TO RIGHT:

VANESSA GAVALYA

Jody L. Rodenberg, Laura Benitez Geisler

Laura Benitez Geisler & Jody L. Rodenberg P E R S O N A L I N J U RY L AW; S O M M E R M A N , M C C A F F I T Y, Q U E S A DA & G E I S L E R , L . L . P.

seen injury or life-altering loss requires that we really understand led by male lawyers. Today, women are influencing personal injury how it has impacted their lives in order to more effectively advolaw in the Dallas area and beyond—Laura Benitez Geisler and Jody cate on their behalf,” Geisler says. “Big or small cases, we take pride Rodenberg among them. Recognized by their peers as among the best in knowing we have given our clients a strong voice in the courtpersonal injury lawyers in Dallas, Geisler and Rodenberg are driven room,” adds Rosenberg. Beyond the courtroom, Geisler has served by their passion to help others. These women as president of the Dallas Bar Association, the have emerged as leaders in this area of law by only Hispanic lawyer to hold that position in combining their tenacity and legal acumen with the organization’s 150-year history. Rodenberg, an empathetic approach and perspective. Both inspired to become a lawyer by her high school are shaped in part by the wisdom gained from debate experience, is on the board of directors learning to balance the rigors of a demanding of the Dallas Urban Debate Alliance, which career with the dynamics of motherhood. “The provides Dallas ISD students with the skills to 214.720.0720 ability to help people recover from an unforebecome informed leaders in their communities. textrial.com p e r s o n a l i n j u r y l a w h a s l o n g b e e n a s p e c i a lt y

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LISA MEANS

Women of Influence

Shelley A. Hall,

M.D., F.A.C.C., F.H.F.S.A., F.A.S.T.

C A R D I O L O G Y; H E A R T P L AC E

Dr. Hall’s entire career has been dedicated to advanced heart doctor, she was 8 years old. The plan was pediatrics, but in medifailure and transplantation, serving on state and national orgacal school she shifted gears to cardiology instead. She quickly nizations. She is the current UNOS chancellor-elect for Texas developed a passion for transplantation and heart failure. “To and board member for American Society of Transplantation. She me, it was the perfect combination of specialization while still is the president of the Texas Chapter of the American College taking care of the entire patient,” she says. of Cardiology, the first woman to serve in Dr. Hall, a cardiologist with HeartPlace, this role. She has been honored 10 times as chose the right specialty. Board certified Best Doctor in Dallas by D Magazine. After in heart failure/transplant, she is the chief raising five children, Dr. Hall and her husof transplant cardiology at Baylor Scott & band, Dr Rick Snyder, try to escape to the White Dallas, the largest heart transplant beach whenever possible for relaxation and program in Texas and consistently top 10 sun after they completed a goal of visiting in the country. all seven continents.

214.820.6856 when dr. shelley hall initially announced she would be a

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Women of Influence

Sylvia Hargrave, M.D., F.A.C.S. O P H T H A L M O L O G Y; D I R E C T O R A N D C H I E F S U R G E O N , T H E H A R G R AV E E Y E C E N T E R

dr. sylvia hargrave has seen her career come full

surgery and corneal transplantation to ophthalmology residents circle since she first began caring for patients more than three decades and cornea Fellows. She has trained more than 150 ophthalmoloago. Some of the children she treated then are still her patients—as gists from around the world. “I have always loved giving back what are their own children and spouses. “It has been wonderful to watch I had given to me through education and mentorship,” she says. them grow up and start their own families,” she says. “I am taking As a member of the board of trustees of Methodist Health care of a second generation of patients, which System Foundation, she helps the foundahas been extremely rewarding.” tion fulfill its fiduciary, programmatic, and Dr. Hargrave was recruited by Methodist financial responsibilities. A former National Dallas Medical Center, where she serves as chief Institutes of Health-funded researcher, Dr. of ophthalmology, in 2003 and founded The Hargrave is also a Diplomate of the American Hargrave Eye Center after a career in academic Board of Ophthalmology and a Fellow of 972.572.6262 medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. the American College of Surgeons and the 972.572.0423 While there, she taught advanced cataract Castroviejo Cornea Society. hargraveeyecenter.com

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Women of Influence

Angela Harper SENIOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF RISK OFFICER, VERITEX COMMUNIT Y BANK

angela harper grew up in a small west texas farming

employee No. 3, and Veritex was a $140 million bank at the time. town not far from Lubbock, where she attended college at Texas Today, Veritex has numerous locations across Texas and is a $12.5 Tech University. In the late 1980s, many female college students billion bank. Harper has been instrumental in this growth, implemajored in either nursing or education, so she chose the latter. menting a successful risk management program. She credits her During college, she worked part time at a local bank. She develsuccess to the opportunities banking has provided and now mentors oped a passion for banking and changed her young women in the field. “Women currently major to finance. Her first job, a bank regularepresent 30 percent of the finance industry; tor, allowed her to get a big-picture look at the we are confident this number will continue industry. Malcolm Holland, CEO of Veritex to grow. In the meantime, I am expanding Community Bank, took notice of her skills my knowledge to keep up with the increasand work ethic and asked her to help him ing complexities that come with working for start Veritex in Dallas. Today, Harper serves a larger bank. There is still so much I can do 972.349.6200 as chief risk officer for Veritex Bank. She was for the bank and for others,” Harper says. veritexbank.com

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Women of Influence

Jodie L. Hurwitz, M.D. C L I N I C A L C A R D I AC E L E C T R O P H YS I O L O G Y; N O R T H T E X A S H E A R T C E N T E R

physiology in medical school. At the time, few women were pursuing of her patients throughout North Texas and beyond for more than this specialty—and not much has changed. “Only 12 percent of elec30 years. She is a part of the 15-member North Texas Heart Center trophysiology physicians are women,” she says. “Women tend to go team, serves as the director of the electrophysiology lab at Medical into fields where there are women leaders; if they don’t see someone City Heart Hospital, and president of the North like themselves, they aren’t as likely to pursue Texas Electrophysiology Society. Dr. Hurwitz it.” Today, Dr. Hurwitz is an impressive example also serves as the president of the Heart Rhythm of what these female physicians can achieve.

Society, an organization comprised of electro“I love what I do,” Dr. Hurwitz says. “I travel physiologists from 94 countries. She is one in a lot for work, but when I return, I am always only seven female physicians to hold this office reminded how much I love my day job, taking and the first from a private practice. care of patients and working in the lab. I’m hap214.361.3300 Dr. Hurwitz became interested in electropiest on days I’m wearing scrubs.” nthc.com dr. jodie hurwitz has been improving the heart health

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Women of Influence

DeAnna Irvin G E N E R A L M A N AG E R , OA S I S P I C K L E B A L L C L U B

adventure park of rockwall is home to the largest

and then started my business,” she says. “In each role, I enjoyed teaching pickleball facility in Texas, Oasis Pickleball Club. A business doesn’t others about being healthy and self-empowerment. With this job, I have achieve this success without a smart general manager leading a great been given an opportunity to continue my work and provide guidance.” team. In this case, it’s Deanna Irvin. Irvin moved to Rockwall to grow Between making schedules, keeping the books, marketing, the lifestyle management business she began right out of college. “I hosting parties and events, and managing daily operations, Irvin was ready for something new and was given the spends time with her employees and ensures opportunity to help run Oasis and Urban Air, they believe they can reach their full potential, by the owner,” she says. “He saw my potential.” too. “I start my day by thanking God and for Irvin has continued her mentorship skills in the divine wisdom to do everything required this role. Most of the club’s employees are high for this extraordinary role,” Irvin says. “It takes school and college students working part-time, an amazing team to run such a big place, and I and for many, it’s their first job. “When I was little, cherish the opportunity to be a steppingstone 972.772.7768 I wanted to be a missionary, but I became a teacher in their lives.” oasispickleballclub.com

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Women of Influence LEFT TO RIGHT:

Francesca Blackard, Managing Partner; Kelly McClure, CEO and Managing Partner; Kate Mataya, Partner

McClure Law Group 1 0 0 % FA M I LY L AW

m c c l u r e l aw g r o u p i s a pa r k c i t i e s - b a s e d l aw f i r m

and collaborative law training. Their team includes a CPA attorney practicing 100% family law. The women at McClure Law Group— and in-house family law appellate counsel, which empowers them to Kelly McClure, managing partner and CEO; Francesca Blackard, provide advice of the highest quality and outside-the-box solutions. managing partner; and Kate Mataya, partner—are the perfect For a divorce, child custody battle, or a prenuptial or postnuptial combination of aggressive and compassionate. agreement, these women have a passionate drive and work diliWith creativity and tireless attention to detail, gently to obtain the best outcomes possible for the team at McClure Law Group serves a broad their clients. From beginning to end, clients of range of clients ranging from stay-at-home McClure Law Group can have confidence with parents to CEOs. These women, along with these women in their corner every step of the their dynamic team of attorneys, serve their way during what is unarguably one of the most clients with a diverse set of strengths—decades difficult times in their lives. The level of service of experience, financial acumen, creativity in provided at this family law firm is unmatched 214.692.8200 negotiation, extensive litigation knowledge, by others in Dallas-Fort Worth. mcclure-lawgroup.com

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Women of Influence FRONT TO BACK, LEFT TO RIGHT:

LISA MEANS

Shadi Damanpour, M.D. Mary Hurley, M.D. Juliet Gibson, M.D. Cynthia Trickett, P.A. Nnenna Agim, M.D. Rebecca Marcus, M.D. Catherine Millet, P.A.

North Dallas Dermatology Associates M E D I C A L A N D C O S M E T I C D E R M AT O L O G Y

“We place a priority on educating our patients about achieving North Dallas Dermatology Associates, within the walls of their and maintaining healthy skin at every age. Each treatment plan is practice, amongst their peers, and in the communities where they specifically designed to meet the unique medical needs or cosmetic live. It is the passion of Dr. Mary Hurley, founder and medical desires of the patient,” Dr. Hurley says. The team at NDDA are director, that launched the practice 23 years ago with the vision certified national trainers, medical society leaders, adjunct proto provide the utmost in patient care, and fessors, journal authors, and award recipients. it’s the collective spirit of each woman that When they’re not in the office giving patients continues the path of integrity, grace, and their undivided attention, you’ll find these compassion. NDDA provides comprehensive inspirational women dedicating their time medical dermatology for adults and children, and talent to teaching dermatology residents, facial aesthetics, and an array of laser and body serving as faculty at medical conferences, or contouring treatments to help each patient volunteering with local charities near and 214.420.7070 look refreshed in a natural way. dear to their hearts. northdallasderm.com t h e s e a c c o m p l i s h e d w o m e n l e a d by e x a m p l e at

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Women of Influence

Michelle May O’Neil FA M I LY L AW A N D A P P E L L AT E L AW; O ’ N E I L W YS O C K I FA M I LY L AW

a n y o n e i n t h e d a l l a s f a m i ly l a w r e a l m k n o w s

women to be a network of support—we just happen to share a love Michelle O’Neil’s successful results and reputation when it comes of shoes.” O’Neil co-founded Hell on Heels because she wanted to all matters of divorce. O’Neil’s commitment to her field, colher next chapter to involve living a life of significance by giving leagues, clients, and community is equally as impressive. Her aptly back. “I wanted to pass along the concept that success is not a named 1,500-member Hell on Heels mentoring and networking finite resource,” she says. “Just because one woman is successful group for women lawyers is rapidly growing, doesn’t mean another can’t be.” In addition enabling O’Neil to share her knowledge and to leading a busy law practice, O’Neil teaches experience to help other women lawyers rise family law at Baylor Law School and in online to the top. “Women have been assuming more free seminars, manages a real estate company powerful roles during the past 50 years, and, with her husband, and oversees social media unfortunately, have been under the impresfor their businesses. She also wrote a book, sion they need to compete against each oth“Wisdom from Momma,” and is a dog mom 214.DIVORCE er,” O’Neil says. “We formed this group for to five happy Yorkies. owlawyers.com

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Women of Influence

Erika N. Salter I M M I G R AT I O N A N D C R I M I N A L L AW

which includes seven lawyers. Salter specializes in employmenther grandfather who owned a successful construction company in and family-based immigration, deportation defense, green cards, Florida. Many of his immigrant employees became first-generation naturalization, and criminal law. She also mentors young attorhomeowners due to the benevolence and leadership of her grandfaneys and professionals in her field. “We help the unseen become ther. “I watched how his employees created better lives for their famiseen and give a voice to the unheard,” she says. “When other firms lies, which positively impacted the entire comtell our clients ‘no,’ my team finds the ‘yes.’ munity,” she says. “Immigration law resonated At the end of the day, we are all humans and with me because I knew first-hand what it was understand what it means to keep a family like to see a family rise to achieve their dreams.” together. We are not afraid to go the extra Salter has worked as an immigration and mile to get the job done. We never know who criminal law attorney for the past 17 years. She is going to come in the door, but we will lead began her firm with two legal assistants and them in the right direction because we are all 214.524.9217 eventually grew the company to 38 employees, they have in most instances.” erikasalterlaw.com when erika salter was growing up, she often shadowed

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Women of Influence

Karri Shojaei-Scott, BCBA, LBA OW N E R , M A R I G O L D L E A R N I N G AC A D E MY

Marigold are underway. “We have created an inclusive setting where for several reasons—a community need and a passion for special kids are set up to be successful,” she says. Each Marigold Learning education among them. Primarily, she was inspired by her son with Academy serves no more than 25 students ranging in age from 2 to learning differences. After working as a principal and teacher in Dallas, pre-teens. The curriculum is designed for students to make a smooth she opened Marigold, an accredited ABA learning center with an transition into public or private school with their mainstream peers. innovative approach where students with autism Marigold partners with local colleges and high are emerged into a structured school program schools to train and mentor teachers and interns in mock classrooms for a variety of therapies. so they can be part of this approach to learning.

Shojaei-Scott opened the first academy in Shojaei-Scott’s passion for special education is Rockwall in 2012. Four other locations followed as strong as it was two decades ago. “People tell in areas where she felt children on the spectrum me I’m special because of what I do; I believe were underserved. The newest academy in east it’s because I’m living my best life working with 972.722.3892 Dallas will open in October, and plans for Camp staff who share my passion,” she says.

MarigoldABA.com karri shojaei-scott founded marigold learning academy

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Women of Influence

Anna Toker, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S. C O L O R E C TA L S U R G E RY

in her two decades as a colorectal surgeon, dr. anna

“Gut Check” on the television show, NIL House Nutrition, airing Toker has won numerous awards for her mastery of surgery, includweekdays at 6 p.m. on Brinx.tv. This work inspired her to write an ing robotic surgery. During this time, she has developed a passion education program with the same name to teach people about digesfor using healthy nutrition as a way to avoid surgery, or to enhance tive health. “It is my commitment to serve the community with the recovery from surgery when it is the only option. In addition to her same dedication I have for my own patients,” she says.

M.D., Dr. Toker also earned a master’s degree in In addition to her colorectal surgery practice, Dr. microbiology with a focus on the microbiome.

Toker also serves as medical director of SKANDii She combines this knowledge with her surgery MedSpa, focusing on facial esthetics, nonsurgical experience to educate patients about the link weight loss, treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, between their overall health and gut health. and body sculpting in the MedGym. Outside of She frequently speaks about nutrition and was her busy medical and aesthetic practices, Dr. Toker recently appointed health commissioner of Ellis enjoys spending time with her husband and their 214.942.3740 County. She is a recurrent guest on the feature children on their small farm in Waxahachie. drannatoker.com

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Women of Influence

Amy K. Witherite P E R S O N A L I N J U RY L AW; F O U N D E R , W I T H E R I T E L AW G R O U P

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

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 800.227.9732 lasting impact in the legal realm. witheritelaw.com

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Women of Influence

Maria Aceves J U D G E , 1 9 2 N D C I V I L D I S T R I C T C O U R T, DA L L A S C O U N T Y

prior to taking the bench as the judge of the

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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. O P H T H A L M O L O G Y; PA R T N E R , N E WM A N TAU B & C H U V I S I O N C E N T E R

in 1948, j. robert oppenheimer sent a telegram to

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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.

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972.392.2020 | 972.312.9312 eyesurgeonsdallas.com

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Women of Influence

Ashly Cothern, D.D.S. G E N E R A L D E N T I S T RY A N D H E A LT H C OAC H

dr. ashly cothern operates a state-of-the-art

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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 F O U N D E R A N D P R E S I D E N T, T H E R A P Y A N D B E YO N D

dr. regina crone lives the “we make therapy fun”

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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

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Women of Influence

Dallas-Fort Worth Fertility Associates FERTILIT Y

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Monica Chung, M.D.; Laura Lawrence, M.D.; Mika Thomas, M.D.; Karen Lee, M.D.; Jennifer Shannon, M.D.

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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. B A R I AT R I C S U R G E RY; U T S O U T H W E S T E R N MEDICAL CENTER FRISCO

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the path to becoming a weight loss surgeon

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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.”

469.604.9150 utswmed.org/doctors/ melanie-hafford/

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Women of Influence

Tama Tran, NP-C FO U N DE R , LILY M E D S PA A E STH E TI C S & L A S E R C E NTE R

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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 FA M I LY L AW

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n ata l i e w e b b i s t h e n a m e t o k n o w i n a l l

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.

214.871.2730 webbfamilylaw.com

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