Texas Women’s Foundation, an investment and advocacy organization for girls and women, has appointed marketing and communications professional Karen Hughes White as its president and CEO after an extensive search process.
Over the past 20 years, White has led nonprofit organizations focused on the needs of women, girls and children, including working for Susan G. Komen, Tri Delta Sorority and St. Jude.
“As our foundation approaches its 40th anniversary, she is the perfect combination of strategic thinker, business-minded leader and team builder we need to execute our foundation’s strategies and programs to advance women’s equality in Texas,” Texas Women’s Foundation board chair Carrie Freeman Parsons said in a press release. “She is committed to elevating women’s voices and has a proven track record of working successfully with staff, board, volunteers and donors.”
White will be sworn in on April 29 and will deliver a short speech at the Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum & Awards Ceremony on April 30 at the Omni Dallas Hotel.
“Throughout my career, I have been humbled and inspired by the women I have served alongside, from the breast cancer survivors at Susan G. Komen Hospital to the brave patients and families at St. Jude Hospital to the brave, bold and kind members and volunteers at Tri Delta Hospital,” White said.
“When women feel empowered and supported, there is nothing they can’t do. I have seen it firsthand. That’s why I believe that by elevating women and amplifying their voices, together, we can change the world.”
The Texas Women’s Foundation has invested $78.9 million in women and girls since its founding in 1985. White said she is excited to lead the foundation as it prepares for its 40th anniversary, which includes raising funds for initiatives that support women’s economic mobility.
“Texas is home to 14.6 million women and girls and has a strong, thriving economy,” White said, “yet Texas recently ranked 47th out of 50 states for women. According to a study by the Texas Women’s Foundation, barriers to women’s economic stability include access to reliable child care, quality medical care and health insurance, and affordable housing.”
“With the support of donors and community partners,” she said, “Texas Women’s Foundation hopes to change that through a focus on strong advocacy, education programs, community engagement and grantmaking.”
With White at the helm, the foundation will have a renewed focus on supporting women in the workplace and will concentrate on strengthening its leadership and development programs.
“As we drive change, one thing is certain,” White said. “We need the support of donors, volunteers and community partners to spread our message and fund our work. Only together can we create true change and generational impact for women and girls across Texas.”
Ms. White began her nonprofit career in philanthropic marketing at Susan G. Komen, where she served as director of Komen’s Race for the Cure events, and as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the American Lebanese Syrian Federation Charities/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
White has helped expand the Tri Delta Foundation’s impact, more than doubling its assets for scholarships, educational grants and need-based assistance.
Tickets and sponsorships for the Texas Women’s Foundation’s Leadership Forum & Awards event, taking place April 30 at the Omni Dallas Hotel, are available for purchase at txwfleadership.org .
