2023 Maura Women Helping Women Award Recipients

For 44 years, The Maura Women Helping Women Award has recognized those who have led the way in improving the lives of women and girls. The Maura Award was named to honor the late Maura McNiel, founding president of the Women’s Center and among the founders of Texas Women’s Foundation, who set a standard of passion, spirit and commitment for women’s issues.

Breaking Economic Barriers

Soulstice Consultancy, LLC – Dallas, TX

Dr. Booker-Drew has spearheaded community development, network weaving, and the cultivation of meaningful and fruitful collaborations for over two decades. This conversation will cover the ways in which organizations can thrive with measurable and meaningful impact, and how their philanthropic investment can drive that impact. Dr. Booker-Drew will focus on the importance of making connections in order to break down barriers and build partnerships to support the economic growth of the non-profit community to make the necessary change we all seek in our communities.

Amplifying Activism

The Boone Family Foundation – Austin, TX

Aimee Cunningham is the President and CEO of The Boone Family Foundation and a highly experienced principal in the progressive movement. She leads its mission to create equity for women and girls to drive innovation and justice for students in public schools; and to steward and create accessible green spaces. She has led the charge supporting policies that impact women and families.

Building Potential

Houston Community College – Houston, TX

Dr. Burillo-Hopkins is the Vice Chancellor Workforce Instruction for the Houston Community College System and College President where she has been an advocate for workforce education, diversity and equity. She has been passionate in bringing innovative educational workforce programs and partnerships to enhance upper economic mobility for underserved communities. She has also been instrumental in developing technology summer camps for girls and increasing female participation in computer science and non-traditional areas.

Championing Upstanders

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum – Dallas, TX

Mary Pat Higgins is the President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum where she leads its mission to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference. Under her leadership, the Museum opened a new state-of-the-art facility on September 18, 2019, accommodating an expanded core exhibit focused on the Holocaust, other genocides and human and civil rights in the U.S.

Elevating Representation

Perkins Coie LLP, Office Managing Partner – Dallas, TX

Jill Louis is Managing Partner of Perkins Coie’s Dallas office, a member of the firm’s Corporate & Securities practice, and co-chair of the Infrastructure Development practice. Her practice focuses on advising companies with growth-oriented, liquidity-creating and transformational strategies. She is also the host of RelevantNOW, an environmental, social and corporate governance-focused podcast examining the intersection of business and public interest.

2023 Young Leader Award Recipients

The Young Leader Award recognizes breakthrough leadership exhibited by a woman under the age of 40 who is achieving success in a field, initiative or sector, and creating a path of opportunity for other women to follow.