The introduction to the evening’s events in the program said it well. We are inspired by the women honored annually at the Business Press’ Great Women of Texas event. This year’s ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 8 at the Fort Worth Club, high in the sky overlooking Fort Worth. It makes sense that it would be the perfect venue as each of these wonderful and accomplished women, likewise, tower above the norm.
Each has not only done extraordinary things, but has led an extraordinary life. Each has blazed a path that will forever have them remembered by those who follow. Personally, it is one of my favorite events to write about each year as I am always joined by my own great woman, the lovely Mrs. Junell. The event started many years ago by former Business Press owner/publisher Rich Connor continues to thrive under new owners/publishers Shevoyd and Anjie Hamilton.
“As I look around this room I see a lot of greatness,” said Master of Ceremonies Dr. Tricia Elliott, Senior Vice President of Academic and Research Affairs, Chief Academic Officer, DIO at JPS Health Network. Of the ladies receiving the evening’s accolades, she noted, “They are moving the world forward. They didn’t wait to be invited to the table. They built the table and built the chairs.”
The evening’s final honor, the Great Woman of Texas Award went to Jo Ellard, who was actually introduced by Connor who made a special appearance. In typical Connor fashion, he shared some humor as he introduced Ellard. “We were showing cutting horses at the same time – I did not like her,” he said with a chuckle. “She was taller than me and she was better than me.” Indeed, Ellard established quite the history in the cutting horse world before becoming the Chairwoman of the Board and CEO of Ellard Family Holdings. As a non-pro rider she was the youngest member ever to be inducted into the National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and continues to serve the NCHA Charities Foundation. Connor went on to congratulate Ellard for creating the Bowie House luxury hotel near downtown Fort Worth, one of the city’s newest and most beautiful landmarks. “She has built a world-class hotel in Fort Worth. She did it in a man’s world – and she did it because she’s tough and compassionate and she’s been my friend for a long time,” he said.
Ellard recalled being a previous recipient of a Woman of Influence Award at this same event in 2007. She compared success to moving farther away from goal posts on a football field while trying to kick a field goal. “Your goal is to keep moving farther and farther out – that’s what winners do,” she said. She capped her speech by saying to her fellow honorees, “This is our honor. I still don’t know why I’m standing up here. “This room is filled with not just women, but people who have accomplished great things. I’m just proud to be here with you.”
Dr. Opal Lee received the Lifetime Award. Few women, nay people, stand as tall as her, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” who worked with President Joe Biden to make it a national holiday. From teaching thousands of students to read to being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, her love for others has been felt by people of all ages, as noted in a letter from Jarrod Howard, CEO of the National Juneteenth Museum. It is scheduled to open later this year in Fort Worth even as Lee will turn 100 in October.
“Sit down young people,” Lee joked with the crowd. “If I could I’d do a holy dance.” Then, she continued, “We’ve got work to do. Do you hear me? We’ve got too many people who don’t have a place to stay, too many who don’t know where to get food, too many who don’t know how to get healthcare.” Among her most memorable accomplishments, Lee walked from Fort Worth to Washington D.C. at age 89, starting in September of 2016 and finishing in January of 2017. She delivered petitions with 1.5 million signatures as she advocated for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday.
Lillie Biggins was granted the Legacy Award. The first female president of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, she has helped define one of the best and most respected healthcare systems in Texas. Biggins was also inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 2014. “Healthcare is who I am,” Biggins said. “God had a purpose for me. If you can figure out what that purpose is you’ll never look back.”
The late former Fort Worth City Council member Gyna Bivens received the Pioneer Award. Having worked with her first-hand in the many years I covered the council for the Business Press, I saw up close the impact she had during her 12 years that included rising to Mayor Pro Tem. She especially made a difference in the Stop Six area, where she grew up, as she brought progress and development. Bivens passed away on Feb. 9 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Shevoyd Hamilton announced that she will be forever immortalized. “From now on the Pioneer Award will be named the Gyna Bivens Pioneer Award,” he said to great applause. The award was accepted by her younger sister, Melanie Cherice Bivens.
And, of course, the Women of Influence included a group of ladies who are doing just that, influencing and helping shape the future of our city and our society. Honored as such, along with some of the evening’s more notable comments, were: *Ekua O Anyanful, CEO/Wealth Planner, EA Wealth Management. “You have to create an environment where you can flourish by yourself. You can’t wait for others to do that for you.” *Rachel Arellano, City of Fort Worth, Chief of Staff for Council Member Jeanette Martinez. *Amanda Arizola, Co-founder/CEO, CoACT nonprofit social design studio and lab. *Dr. Rachael Capua, Vice President of External Operations and Dean of Tarleton State Fort Worth. *Dana Compton, Director of Business Development, Ridgemont Commercial Construction. “Any strong woman has chosen courage over comfort.” *Rachel DeLira, Owner/Photographer, Style FW Pictures. *Shawna Dover, Executive Vice President-Chief Human Resources Officer, First Command Financial Services. *Christie Eckler, Founder and Principal Strategist, CME Consulting, LLC & The Reality Lab. *Alyssa Guillory, Vice President of Marketing, Unity One Credit Union. *Romney Ellen Guy, Vice President of Workforce Development and Mission Services, Goodwill North Central Texas. *Stae Hall, Founder/CEO, Institute for Success and Leadership Training (SALT, LLC) and Empower EQ Inc. *Erayne Gee Hill, Founder/CEO, The Genuine Article, LLC. *Melissa Ice, Founder/CEO, The Net & The Worthy Co. *Aaryn Landers Lamb, Executive Director, Methodist Justice Ministry. *Veronica C. Law, Special Counsel, Duane Morris, LLP. *Monica L. Martin, Deputy Chief, South Division Patrol, Fort Worth Police Department. “I didn’t stop when people told me no.” *Rebecca Young Montgomery, Founder/CEO, Montgomery Strategies. “Be nice to everyone. We don’t know what they’re going through.” *Deb Oxman, Founder/Owner, Savor Culinary Services & Chef Deb Coaching. “People should pop more blueberries than pills.” *Deborah W. Peoples, Fort Worth Place 5 Council Member. *Dr. Di Ann Sanches, Chief Exceptional Officer/Division Chair Professor, DAS HR Consulting & Amberton University. *Leah T. Scoggins, Vice President of Talent Operations, Higginbotham. *Janice Spooner, Regional President, NBT Financial Bank. *Dr. Teresa Wagner, Associate Professor, UNT Health Fort Worth. *Laneece Yarbrough-Anderson, Student Engagement Specialist, Crowley ISD-North Crowley High School.
Congratulations to all of these mighty women. May they keep on opening doors for themselves and so many others in the days ahead. And if your name isn’t on this list this year, hang tight. It’s a big world with a lot more work to be done and looking for more leaders as we all march onward.
