Rockwall, TX May 2026

CELEBRATING WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE

The Never-Ending Balancing Act of a Working Mom

May has always felt like a celebration of strength, beauty, and resilience, and this issue is no exception. Our Ladies Issue is dedicated to the incredible women entrepreneurs in our community who are building businesses, leading with passion, and showing up every day with purpose.

As a fellow woman entrepreneur, this one is especially close to my heart.

I know firsthand that behind every success story is a balancing act that often goes unseen. The early mornings, the late nights, and the constant pull between business goals and family priorities. There are days when the lines blur, when you question if you are giving enough to the people who matter most, and moments when you wonder how it all fits together. And yet, we continue, driven by purpose, passion, and the desire to create something meaningful.

As a wife, a mother of three, and the owner of six franchises, I understand the constant juggle. Life does not slow down, and neither do the responsibilities. What has grounded me through it all is the belief that we are not meant to do this alone. Through leading women’s business and networking groups, I have seen firsthand the power of connection. When women come together to support one another, share resources, and open doors, incredible things happen.

I truly believe in lifting as we climb and choosing collaboration over competition. There is space for all of us to succeed, and when one woman wins, it creates momentum for others to rise alongside her.

The women featured in this issue embody that same spirit. They are visionaries, risk-takers, and community builders. They have faced challenges, embraced growth, and carved out paths not just for themselves, but for others to follow. Their stories are not just inspiring, they are real, relatable, and rooted in hard work.

What I admire most is not just what these women have built, but how they have done it, with heart, grit, and an unwavering commitment to both their businesses and their families.

This issue is a celebration of all of you. The dreamers, the doers, the women who wear many hats and somehow make it all work. You are seen, you are valued, and your impact is greater than you know.

Here is to continuing the journey together.

With gratitude,

May 2026

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Deborah Dove | debie.dove@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Valerie Merrick | valerie.merrick@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Ashton Burns | ashton.burns@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Debbie Warner | debbie.warner@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITERS

Tiffany Ditto, Deborah Dove

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heather Lenae Photography, Heather Caplick: Heather Lanae Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kali Kasorzk, Harley Wren, Windy Busher, Amy Salvagno, Amy Tinnin, Lakisha Otis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ryan Bayron: Happy Box Productions, Amy Salvago, Amy Tinnin, Jodie Jolley: Aven Willow Portraits

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

inside the issue

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-21: The Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce brought the jungle to life with its Annual Awards Dinner, themed “Into the Wild.” Guests enjoyed an adventurous evening complete with live animals, celebrating the businesses and leaders who make Rockwall thrive. Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners, whose contributions continue to strengthen the local community.

Photography by Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce

ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BECKY HILLYARD

From Side Hustle to Style Empire

The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”

She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s, she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.

Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?

A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.

Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?

A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.

Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?

A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.

Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?

A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?

A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.

This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”

— Becky Hillyard

Nonprofit of the Month Sponsored by Artisan Masonry & Granite

OBTAINING NEW GROUND

ARTICLE BY LAKISHA OTIS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OBTAINING NEW GROUND

Obtaining New Ground (ONG) is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the stability, independence, and long-term self-sufficiency of teen and young mothers through education, mentorship, and community centered support. Grounded in the belief that young mothers deserve equitable access to opportunity, guidance, and resources, ONG works to disrupt cycles of economic hardship by equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and support systems necessary to build sustainable futures for themselves and their children. Through its structured continuing education programs and weekly virtual learning sessions, ONG provides participants with practical and transformative instruction in financial literacy, child development, and workforce readiness.

These educational opportunities are intentionally designed to meet young mothers where they are, recognizing the unique challenges they face while balancing parenthood with personal advancement.

Beyond educational instruction, ONG fosters an empowering community environment where participants are encouraged to grow with confidence, resilience, and purpose. The organization integrates mentorship, peer engagement, and collaboration with community professionals who volunteer their expertise to support program participants. This holistic approach allows young mothers to access both practical resources and meaningful encouragement as they pursue personal and professional growth.

Participants who complete ONG’s educational courses receive certificates of completion recognizing their commitment to learning and self-improvement. These credentials serve not only as milestones of achievement but also as tangible tools that support participants in pursuing employment opportunities and continued education. By celebrating these accomplishments, ONG reinforces the value of perseverance and the importance of investing in one’s future.

Recognizing that access to reliable childcare remains one of the most significant barriers preventing young mothers from pursuing education and employment, ONG further strengthened its mission by launching the ONG Learning Center. This afterhours childcare initiative was developed to provide a safe, nurturing, and affordable environment for children while their mothers pursue evening education, workforce training, or employment opportunities.

The ONG Learning Center operates with a family centered philosophy that prioritizes the safety, development, and well-being of each child. By offering childcare services at below market rates, the center helps remove a critical barrier that often limits a young mother’s ability to advance academically or professionally. Mothers are able to pursue their goals with confidence, knowing their children are receiving attentive care in a supportive learning environment.

Through its integrated model of education, mentorship, and childcare support, Obtaining New Ground continues to create pathways toward longterm stability and generational progress for young mothers and their families. By investing in the empowerment and development of young mothers today, ONG is helping cultivate stronger families, healthier communities, and a more resilient future for the next generation.

To support ONG’s mission and the work they do in the community, please consider donating and following Obtaining New Ground on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected. Want to volunteer or become a sponsor?  Learn more and apply at https:// www.obtainingnewground.org

“ONG fosters an empowering community environment where participants are encouraged to grow with confidence, resilience, and purpose.”

ARTICLE BY TIFFANY DITTO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER CAPLICK: HEATHER LANAE PHOTOGRAPHY

GLASS CEILING WINDOWS

MEET THE WOMEN BEHIND PARAGON WINDOW COMPANY: DANI AND EMILY ARE BRINGING INTEGRITY, EXPERTISE, AND A FRESH PERSPECTIVE TO THE TRADITIONALLY MALE-DOMINATED WINDOW INDUSTRY

On any given day, Emily and Dani Mitchell might be found walking through a homeowner’s living room with sample windows in hand, talking through grid patterns, glass options, and curb appeal. But the conversation rarely stays strictly about windows. More often, it drifts toward family, pets, grandchildren, or travel plans, small details that transform a sales appointment into something closer to a conversation between neighbors.

That approach is intentional.

As co-owners of Paragon Window Company, a Rockwall-based business they launched together in 2025, Emily and Dani are determined to do things a little differently in an industry that has long been dominated by men.

“We’re just nice to people,” Emily says with a laugh. “I don’t mean that in a conceited way. I genuinely care about what’s going on in their lives.”

That simple philosophy, treating clients like people rather than transactions, has quickly become the foundation of their company.

Before founding Paragon Window Company, Emily and Dani both worked in the construction industry. Emily worked in design consulting and construction sales, while Dani worked for more than a decade as a property adjuster, climbing roofs and inspecting homes after storms.

However, their motivation for making the shift from employee to employer was different.

For Emily, what started as helping homeowners choose finishes and materials on remodeling projects quickly evolved into a passion for working directly with homeowners to improve their spaces.

“I loved going into people’s homes and helping them envision what their house could look like,” she explains. “You build this little relationship with them.”

But after years in the male-dominated industry, she began to feel uncomfortable representing companies that didn’t always deliver the level of service she believed homeowners deserved.

Meanwhile, for Dani, the fact that people doubted her ability motivated her.

“As an adjuster, there were houses I’d pull up to, and people would say, ‘You’re going to get on the roof?’” Dani recalls. “I’d say, ‘I sure am—watch me.’ I’ve always enjoyed someone alluding that I can’t do something and proving them wrong.”

When the pair decided to create their own path, windows were the perfect starting point to combine their shared knowledge.

Also, unlike many construction trades, the window business doesn’t require warehouses full of inventory. By working directly with manufacturers and certified installers, they could focus

“WE’RE JUST NICE TO PEOPLE,” EMILY SAYS WITH A LAUGH.

“I DON’T MEAN THAT IN A CONCEITED WAY. I GENUINELY CARE ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THEIR LIVES.”

their energy on helping homeowners understand their options and guiding them through the process.

Instead of seeing their gender as a disadvantage, the two believe it often becomes an unexpected strength.

When Emily sits down across the kitchen table from a homeowner explaining window performance or energy efficiency,

the reaction is often surprise, followed by trust. In many cases, homeowners appreciate the attention to detail and relationship-focused approach they bring to the process.

“We hear it all the time: ‘I’m so glad it’s a woman. They’ll catch the little details,’” Dani adds.

On installation day, Dani oversees the installers and jobsite logistics, while Emily focuses on the homeowner experience, documenting the transformation, and making sure the customer is happy with the results.

“We want to be someone different in this industry,” Emily says. “Not just somebody trying to sell you something. We’re here to make sure it’s done right and guide you every step of the way.”

“We’re not here just to take your money,” Dani adds. “We want to actually help you. There is a need for a small business window company in DFW that actually pays attention to the details, and we want to be it.”

In a field where homeowners often feel overwhelmed by technical jargon and high-pressure sales tactics, that promise, and the perspective two women bring to the business, may be exactly what sets Paragon apart.

To learn more, visit https://paragonwindowcompany.com.

BEAUTY Roundup

Taking care of your skin is about more than what you apply topically—it’s about supporting the body as a whole. When the body is properly nourished, rested, and supported, those benefits often appear through healthier, more radiant skin.

Many women are becoming more mindful of what they put both on and in their bodies. Incorporating herbal wellness products, mineral support, and calming daily rituals can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being. Simple additions like herbal teas, magnesium

for relaxation, or targeted supplements can support sleep, digestion, energy, and skin health.

Wellness and aesthetics work best when they complement each other. Professional treatments can enhance the skin’s appearance, while internal wellness helps maintain those results over time. At Revive, this philosophy is reflected in the products and programs developed by founder and certified master nurse injector Windy Busher alongside herbalist Kimberly Worthy, creating solutions designed to support beauty from the inside out.

ARTICLE BY HARLEY WREN AND WINDY BUSHER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF REVIVE AESTHETICS & HEALTHCARE

2. REVIVE HERBAL BEAUTY HAIR SKIN AND NAILS:

A hair, skin, and nails supplement formulated with key nutrients to support stronger hair, healthier nails, and radiant skin while promoting overall recovery and wellness from within.

1. REVIVE ENDLESS SUMMER BODY COLLECTION:

This luxurious trio— including body butter, sugar scrub, and nourishing body oil—helps exfoliate, hydrate, and soften the skin, leaving a radiant summer glow.

WINDY BUSHER

Windy Busher is the founder and CEO of Revive Aesthetics & Healthcare and a certified master nurse injector with advanced training in aesthetic medicine. With nursing licenses in both California and Texas, she is passionate about helping patients achieve natural, confident results through a combination of aesthetic treatments and wellness-based care. Windy partners with herbalist Kimberly Worthy to develop wellness products and programs that support skin health, longevity, and whole-body balance.

4. REVIVE HERBAL DETOX TEA:

A soothing herbal blend designed to support the body’s natural detoxification process while promoting digestion, hydration, and overall daily wellness.

5. REVIVE PEPPERMINT MAGNESIUM SPRAY:

A refreshing topical magnesium spray infused with peppermint that supports muscle relaxation, stress relief, and restful sleep while

3. ZO SKIN HEALTH ANTI-AGING PROGRAM:

A comprehensive medicalgrade skincare system designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage while supporting healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

GROWTH FACTOR SERUM:

A lightweight growth factor serum designed to support skin rejuvenation by improving the appearance of fine lines, texture, and firmness while promoting healthier, more youthful-looking skin.

7. REVIVE DAILY GREENS SUPERFOOD POWDER:

A nutrient-dense greens blend designed to support detoxification, digestion, natural energy, and hormone balance while providing essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients

Rockwall City Lifestyle’s Women of Influence

LOCAL FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS SHARE THEIR CHALLENGES AND REWARDS, PLUS PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR ACHIEVING SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY DEBORAH DOVE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Gail Fletcher

Proprietor, Sear Steakhouse and Lounge

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

I saw how powerful a great dining experience can be, and I wanted to create a place where people in our Rockwall community could gather, feel welcome, and make memories around the table. As a woman in the hospitality industry, I also wanted to prove that leadership, creativity, and resilience belong just as much to women in this space.  I was inspired by the idea of building something of my own—that reflected my standards, my passion for hospitality, and the kind of environment I wanted both guests and staff to experience. Opening Sear Steakhouse and Lounge wasn’t just about serving great food—it was about creating opportunity, building a team, and showing other women that it’s possible to lead, build, and succeed.

Joslin Sansom

Owner, Stretch Zone Rockwall

HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A BUSINESS WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

Balancing running a business with personal life takes discipline and the right mindset. I’m naturally someone who’s always on the go and doesn’t like to sit still, so owning a small business fits my personality well. Prioritizing tasks is essential, and I work with a strong sense of urgency so things don’t pile up and become overwhelming. One of the biggest factors in maintaining balance is having an incredible team that supports the business. Understanding the strengths and talents of your team and trusting them to take ownership is critical. Just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you should. When others are involved, it creates shared ownership and ultimately makes the business stronger while allowing you to maintain a healthier balance.

Stephanie Lynn Godoy

Founder, Owner, and Tax Strategist, S. Godoy & Associates LLC

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?

I’m not sure success is something you ever fully “arrive” at. Every time I have what should feel like a big win, my mind is already moving to the next step or the next goal. I tend to think years ahead instead of just celebrating the moment in front of me. Over time, my definition of success has shifted away from personal milestones and more toward legacy. I want to leave a mark on an industry that, in many ways, is broken and desperately needs more transparency, education, and honesty for the people it serves. If I can help change how people experience tax and accounting—making it more understandable, more trustworthy, and more human—then I would consider that real success.

Jessica Witty

Co-Owner, W3 Electric

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS OR JUST STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

My biggest piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to pivot. So many business owners get stuck waiting for the perfect plan or the perfect moment, and it never comes. Not every decision needs months of worry and second-guessing. Sometimes you just need to take action. Make the best decision you can with what you know right now and trust yourself to course-correct if you need to. Some of our best business decisions started as something else entirely. The willingness to say, “This isn’t working, let’s change it,” isn’t failure. It’s leadership. It’s how you grow. Done is better than perfect. Take the leap, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to adjust along the way.

Cherie Jones

Dedicated health insurance professional with over 11 years of experience serving her local community

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A BUSINESS WITH YOUR PERSONAL LIFE AND RESPONSIBILITIES?

I started my business because I saw how confusing health insurance can be for people. In a small town, it’s important to have someone local you can trust to walk you through your options and be there when questions come up. Living and working in the same community actually helps me balance both. I stay connected with clients while still making time for family and personal responsibilities. Because I structure my schedule around being available, my clients know they can reach me when they need help.

Velma McMillan

Owner and CEO, Blo Blow Dry Bar

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS JUST STARTING OUT?

My definition of success has definitely evolved. Early on, success meant growth, expanding locations, and reaching business milestones. While those are still important, success today means creating opportunities for others, building a strong team culture, and making a positive impact in our communities. I believe in leading by example and working side by side with my team—not in front of them and not behind them, but together, hand in hand. Believe in your vision and don’t let fear stop you from taking the first step. Building a business takes resilience, discipline, and patience. Surround yourself with people who support your goals, keep learning, and stay committed even when challenges arise.

Dr. Monica Fisher DDS

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ENTREPRENEUR?

Two years ago, Dr. Monica Fisher achieved a life-long dream of joining her family’s dental practice where her dad, Dr. Michael Fisher, and his business partner, Dr. Marisa Zitterich, have been serving the Rockwall community for decades. Her history with the practice as both a daughter of an owner, and a future owner herself, allows her to understand balance of business ownership in more ways than one.  “It is humbling and incredibly rewarding to be able to care for patients that truly are family. I have the honor to care for patients who were at the hospital when I was born, walked with my parents as they began the practice many years ago, were dear friends from childhood, and so much more.”

Jamie Dawson

DDS, Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry  Owner and Operator, Drybar Rockwall

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS? ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS?

I started my business because, as a single mom, it was important for me to build a legacy for my daughters centered around professional development and individual growth. I not only wanted to model resiliency in the face of adversity but serve as a testimony that self-worth is not obtained from the outside, but from what you build within through hard work, extreme focus, and perseverance. Never allow outside influences to dictate your personal timeline. Build at your own pace. Set individual goals and identify your own, personal pillars of success. Remember, this is your journey, and your investment. Learn from your mistakes and use every set back as a set up for learning and opportunity.

Julie Tanner

Co-owner of Tanners Garage Door

WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE BEHIND?

I hope people remember Tanners Garage Door as a company that truly cared about the people it served. We want people to know that when they called us, we showed up on time and did the job right. But more than that, we want our business to be known for giving back. Because Levi is a Marine Corps veteran, supporting other veterans is something that means a lot to our family. We try to use our business as a way to serve the community beyond just garage doors. At the end of the day, if people say the Tanners worked hard, took care of their neighbors, and never forgot the folks who served this country, that’s a legacy we’d be proud of.

Emily Mitchell

Founder & Sales Director, Paragon Window Company

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF SUCCESS?  ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS?

Early on, success can feel very milestone and money driven. Today, success means earning the trust of homeowners and delivering work we’re genuinely proud of. When a homeowner tells us they feel confident recommending us to friends or neighbors, that means a lot. Success is also about building a business that operates with integrity and consistency. Trust your instincts and don’t wait until everything feels perfectly figured out, because that time will never come. Owning a business is a constant learning process, and growth happens by taking the next step even when the path isn’t completely clear. Surround yourself with supportive people, and stay focused on the value you want to provide to others.

Dr. Eva Mackey MD

Family physician and the owner Gem MD

HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN JUST STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?

Success is defined differently now than it was in the beginning. Early on, it was about getting enough business to pay the bills. Now I am more focused on creating a legacy beyond the business. I want the business to be more than just me and I want it to run independently of me. I want something that will be here and continue to serve the community long after I am gone. For other women who are thinking of being business owners, I would say that it is hard work and it is a labor of love. But if you have a clear vision and passion, it is extremely rewarding. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Dr. Marisa Zitterich DDS

DDS, Fisher & Zitterich Dentistry

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS, AND HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN WORK/LIFE BALANCE?

Being part of a family-owned practice allows me to provide more personalized care and maintain the autonomy to always put patients first. Starting your own business creates an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within your community. It allows you to provide jobs, essential services, and a sense of purpose to your hometown. Balance is essential when managing both a business and personal life. Success is never achieved alone—the support of a strong team and family is critical. Recognizing the strengths of those around you is key to carrying out the mission, vision, and core values of a practice. When a team shares the same goals and works together, anything is possible!

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ROCKWALL

2455 Ridge Rd, Ste 100, Rockwall, TX 75087 (469) 272-8969

YOUR WORK MATTERS. YOUR VOICE MATTERS. YOUR LEADERSHIP MATTERS. YOU MATTER.

TAKING OUR SEAT

BY JODIE JOLLEY AND RYAN BAYRON

AT THE TABLE

There is a moment many women experience, whether they admit it out loud or not. It happens in a boardroom, at a networking event, or even in a quiet moment at home. It is the question of whether we truly belong in the spaces we have worked so hard to reach.

I have felt it myself.

As a publisher of four City Lifestyle luxury publications, a business owner, a keynote speaker, and a woman deeply involved in supporting other professionals across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I have

spent years in rooms where decisions are made. I have also spent years balancing those responsibilities with being a wife and a mother. That duality has shaped my perspective on what it means to be a woman in the workforce today. The truth is, we are not the exception anymore. We are the majority in many ways.

Women now make up nearly 47 percent of the overall workforce in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more notably, about 72 percent of mothers with children under 18 are part of the labor force. This is not a trend. It is a transformation.

And yet, the internal and external narratives have not fully caught up.

Despite progress, women still hold only about 28 percent of C-suite positions, according to McKinsey and LeanIn’s Women in the Workplace report. While that number has grown over the past decade, it highlights an important truth. We are entering the workforce in strong numbers, but we are still claiming our leadership space.

Part of that gap is structural. But part of it is something more personal.

There is a quiet stigma that still exists. Some women feel judged for pursuing a full-time career, as if ambition somehow competes with being present at home. Others feel pressure to downplay their success, to soften their

“THE TRUTH IS, WE ARE NOT THE EXCEPTION ANYMORE. WE ARE THE MAJORITY IN MANY WAYS.”

accomplishments so they are more palatable. I have had conversations with women who hesitate to even share what they do professionally, worried it may come across as too much.

Layered into this is something many of us carry but rarely name. Imposter syndrome.

Even in rooms we have earned our way into, there can be a voice that whispers that we are not qualified enough, not experienced enough, or not as capable as others believe. Studies have shown that a significant majority of women in corporate environments report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. It shows up in hesitation, in overpreparing, and in the reluctance to speak confidently about our own accomplishments.

We are often taught to be humble, to let our work speak for itself. While humility has its place, it can also hold us back when it prevents us from owning our success. Celebrating your achievements is not arrogance. It is acknowledgment of your effort, your growth, and your value.

And then there is the stereotype.

For years, movies and media have portrayed successful businesswomen as cold, detached, or overly aggressive. It is a narrative that does not reflect the reality I see every day. The women I know, lead, and collaborate with are thoughtful, empathetic, and deeply committed not only to their work, but to their families and communities.

Strength and compassion are not opposites. They are partners.

In my own journey, I have learned that success is not about choosing between career and family. It is about redefining what balance looks like for you in each season of life. It is about building businesses that align with your values, creating opportunities for others, and recognizing that your ambition is not something to hide. It is something to honor.

I also believe strongly that we are more successful together.

The most powerful rooms I have been in are not the ones driven by competition, but the ones rooted in collaboration. When women share knowledge, open doors, and advocate for one another, the impact multiplies. We begin to shift the narrative from scarcity to abundance.

There is room for all of us at the table.

And more importantly, we deserve to be there.

To every woman reading this who has ever questioned her place, this is your reminder. Your work matters. Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. Whether you are building a business, leading a team, or balancing a career with raising a family, you are part of a generation redefining what success looks like.

Take your seat with confidence.

Speak about your work. Celebrate your wins. Own your story.

Not because you have something to prove, but because you have already earned it.

events

THURSDAYS IN MAY

Lakeside Beats All Summer Long

Rockwall Harbor: 2059 Summer Lee Dr., Rockwall, TX 75032 | 7:00 PM

When the sun sets over Lake Ray Hubbard, the music begins. DFW bands take the stage for an iconic outdoor concert series featuring everything from the Rockwall Philharmonic to a Taylor Swift tribute. Good vibes, breathtaking waterfront views, and live music make this a summer tradition worth keeping. Go to www.rockwall.com/event_cbl.asp for the full lineup.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS

Eleven Seasons of Free Live Music

San Jacinto Plaza: 114 W Mills Ave., El Paso, TX 79901

Forty-three free concerts under the open sky is not a summer plan, it is a summer gift. The San Jacinto Music Series returns for its 11th season with a mix of beloved favorites and exciting new artists performing in a beautiful open-air setting. Grab a blanket and show up ready. Get up to date information at www.facebook.com/sanjacintoplazamusic.

SATURDAYS IN MAY

Fresh & Local Mornings

Downtown Rockwall: 101 E Rusk St., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 8:00 AM

One of the Dallas area's best farmers markets is back for another season. With over 45 vendors offering fresh produce, grass-fed meats, artisan pastries, seafood, honey, and more, plus live music every week, Saturday morning grocery shopping just got a serious upgrade. Get all the details at www.rockwallfarmersmarket.org.

MAY 9TH

Boots, Black Ties, and Big Hearts

Tate Farms: 12992 FM 548, Rockwall, TX 75032 | 6:30 PM

HEAL-Corp shows up when communities need it most, from hurricane flooding in North Carolina to wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. Their elegant Black Tie and Boots gala is a chance to support a team of first responders who deploy with professionalism, precision, and purpose. Secure your spot by visiting www.heal-corp.org.

MAY 15TH

Rockwall Founders Day Celebration

Harry Myers Park: 815 E Washington St., Rockwall, TX 75087 | 11:00 AM

Step back in time at this community celebration of Rockwall's founding heritage. Living history presentations featuring Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and Abraham Lincoln take the stage throughout the day, alongside guided museum tours offering an up-close look at local artifacts and stories. For more information, contact rockwallhistory@gmail.com.

MAY 15TH

Downtown Nights, Live and Loud

Cookston Court: 111 E Main St., Royse City, TX 75189 | 7:30 PM

Listen to evenings come alive with live music on an outdoor stage in the heart of downtown. The Music on Main Street Series showcases artists across a range of genres, inviting guests to pull up a lawn chair, soak in the sounds, and explore local shops and restaurants nearby. Visit their website for the upcoming artist lineup.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY SALVAGNO

Elevated Cocktail for Brunch Beyond &

A Fun Cocktail That Is Sure To Impress

Whether you prefer to dine reclining pillow-side in pajamas or beside a beautifully dressed table, you’ll appreciate an elegant, elevated cocktail to make your brunch menu extra special. So while you’re indulging in a few extra pieces of bacon, savoring bites of flaky quiche and luxuriating over berry and whipped cream-topped pancakes, you’ll be sure to impress with this morning-friendly mix.

Gin Jam &

A simple ingredient drink unites the botanical complexity of gin with the rich sweetness of your favorite jam.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin

• 1 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce simple syrup

• 1 teaspoon raspberry (or your favorite) jam

• Spoonful of jam for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and jam to your mixing glass.

2. Add ice and shake for 10 seconds.

3. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass over crushed ice.

4. Top with a spoonful of jam and stir it in while you sip.

BERRY BRUSCHETTA

A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN

This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 baguette slices

• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)

• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries

• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.

4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.

5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.

6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)

7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.

8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.

9. Serve and enjoy!