What an honor it is to serve as the 2022-2023 Chair for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ mighty Women of Tocqueville. I accept this position from my brilliant friend, Michelle Thomas, whose vision for our collective impact—a mighty constellation…when all stars align—inspired beautiful outcomes for families across North Texas. I am thrilled to announce that, Michelle Horton, Partner/Principal, PwC, will join me in leading our efforts as WOT Chair-Elect. Together with our incredible WOT Steering Committee, we are dedicated to advancing the 15-year legacy of our Women of Tocqueville leadership.

As United Way’s Women of Tocqueville, our mission is to advance the efforts of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas in leveling the playing field of access and opportunity so that all of our neighbors can thrive. We believe that North Texas can be the absolute best place to live, work, and raise a family, but we recognize that not all of our neighbors have access to the resources and opportunities that make our community great. As the pandemic-era restrictions have eased, now is the time for our radiant WOT all-stars to get back into the community in a tangible and visible way—we hope you will join us!

In alignment with our north star, Aspire United 2030 goals, we will:

• Educate our WOT members and community on the challenges facing our region in the areas of education, income, and health.
• Energize our membership through tangible volunteer, advocacy, and investment opportunities that will positively influence community members, shape public policy, and fund economic opportunities.
• Engage our neighbors and newcomers through targeted outreach to share the United Way impact story and to create awareness of the Aspire United 2030 goals.

Raised in a family of educators, I have seen firsthand the impact that great teachers make on their students every day. I am drawn to the Aspire United 2030 goal of increasing by 50% the number of North Texas students reading on grade level by third grade. This year we will focus our volunteer efforts on education—the great equalizer. No matter the background, a quality education sets the trajectory of a child’s future, positioning them well for a lifetime of success. Our kids deserve the chance to shine!

Beyond volunteerism, there will be opportunities to support the direct investments of the WOT Fund for Women and Children which continues to grow, thanks to the generous support of our members. Our calendar is also filled with opportunities for us to connect and engage with each other through social events like WOT2Eat/Drink–including the impactful “DINE! Discover differences, Include one another, Navigate new perspectives…Eat!” dinners.

Whether it is our volunteerism, advocacy, or fundraising efforts, we will leverage our diverse perspectives, backgrounds, networks, and expertise to accomplish our goals—and knowing this group as well as I do, we will have a great time while we are doing it!

The energy and enthusiasm that the mighty Women of Tocqueville bring to this important work is unparalleled. It is this collective energy and passion that has inspired our 2022-2023 WOT theme—“Together we SHINE!  With Servant Hearts we Inspire our Neighbors to Engage in the community.”

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

Ladies, let’s do this!

Mandy J. Austin
2022-2023 Women of Tocqueville Chair
Dallas Market President, Bank of Texas

Michelle Horton
2022-2023 Women of Tocqueville Chair-Elect
Partner/Principal, PwC