The Dallas ladies once again starred in the universe of Northwood University‘s 42nd Distinguished Women Award dinner Saturday night at the Ritz-Carlton. In addition to the NU Texas Board of Governor’s Martha Tiller and past recipients like Yvonne Crum, Barbara Daseke and Gail Warrior, the 2011 class of eight boasted three heavy hitters from Dallas — Robyn Flatt, Janet Pollman Kafka and D’Andra Simmons.
Each honoree was introduced by a Northwood student —
- Danielle Capper described Robyn as “a woman who loves dark chocolate and loves children.” The co-founder of the Dallas Children’s Theater thanked her parents, late husband and children saying, “It’s not about me, it’s about we” and “Inside each young person is a genius.”
- Abbey Burkhardt introduced Janet saying she had “embraced Hispanic culture, connecting Dallas to Spain and is now Spain’s honorary consul here.”
In turn Janet recognized her special “she-roes” including her mom, her sister and Dolores Barzune, who taught her how to give back.
- Miguel Ibarra presented D’Andra, who said she didn’t deserve the award, but she would try to live up to Northwood’s principles: honesty, integrity and responsibility focusing on entrepreneurialism and local free enterprise. She then turned the tables on the organizers, saying, “Northwood University, as you congratulate me, I congratulate you, because you are educating future leaders who will make a difference in our society and our global society as a whole.”
Also receiving the 2011 Distinguished Women Award were Brenda Hill-Riggins from Miami, Stacie McDavid from Fort Worth, Kimberly McWaters from Phoenix, Patricia Rhodes-Prowse from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and Pat Kerr Tigrett from Memphis.
The Saturday night black-tie gala followed Friday’s luncheon that included a panel moderated by Christine Meyers Moore on “Achieving Your Personal Goals: At Work, At Home and In Life,” a tour of Northwood University Texas Campus Lambert Commons, and many other activities.
* Photo provided by Northwood University
Markita Thompson says
Congratulations, D’Andra!
You are such beautiful role model for women of all ages. How wonderful to be recognized by Northwood University with the Distinguished Woman Award. You
are a joyful inspiration to everyone whose life you touch. Wishing you continued
blessings always. – Markita Thompson