Texas Women’s Foundation promotes advancement for Texas women and girls through its core pillars of research, advocacy, grantmaking, and leadership programs. The vision and mission of the Foundation is to promote and support an equitable society where women and girls are full participants.
The Dallas-based Texas Women’s Foundation is the only foundation in the state solely focused on investing in the lives of women and girls and has invested more nearly $78 million to support its mission since inception in 1985. The Foundation’s leadership initiative invests in women starting in the classroom and going all the way through the corporate boardroom. This year, the Foundation is undergoing an exciting transition led by executive in residence and board member Hattie Hill and Carrie Freeman Parsons, board chair. They are the trailblazing leaders who are moving the Foundation’s mission forward as it continues its initiatives that support the advancement of women through economic security and leadership opportunities.
“Like many nonprofits in the area, Texas Women’s Foundation has experienced some disruption, which is why we are focusing on our key pillars, starting with research,” Hill says. “We are launching our next version of the Economic Issues for Women in Texas study and are really excited about this because there have been so many changes in Texas. Everything we do going forward will pivot from this critical research.”
Adds Freeman Parsons, “Recent research indicates women are falling further behind. We believe with some level of support or intervention, women will be able to break the cycle of poverty. By raising money and resources for community support, nonprofits can step into the places that are critical junctures for women. Texas Women’s Foundation is accessible to women, no matter where they are in their careers.”
Hill and Freeman Parsons believe change begins with getting more women on boards and in leadership roles, but this can’t take place without having basic economic security. “Women need good-paying jobs, health insurance, economical housing, and affordable childcare first, then equal pay in leadership in their jobs. When women are secure, communities are secure. These core tenants lead to success. We are big on collaboration. The Foundation can be the voice of women, but we need to bring in other organizations alongside us to collectively amplify that voice.”
The Guild 8150 North Central Expressway, Suite 110 | Dallas, Texas 75206
214.965.9977 | txwf.org
