2025 KEY LEADERS LUNCHEON
Presented by: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
October 2nd, 2025
12:00 PM
Omni Dallas Hotel
BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE: EDUCATING & EMPLOYING NORTH TEXAS
The YMCA Key Leaders Luncheon event is designed to connect key community and business leaders with timely local issues that have a regional impact while also sharing a few accomplishments and priorities of the Dallas YMCA.
North Texas stands at the forefront of economic growth and innovation, and its success depends on a workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s demands. This year's luncheon will bring together leading voices from education, industry, and civic leadership to explore how our region is aligning its talent pipeline for the future.
REGISTER NOW
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 19
LUNCHEON SPONSORS
2025 YMCA Key Leaders Luncheon Sponsorship Opportunties
For sponsorship information, please contact:
Melis Jones
Melis.jones@ymcadallas.org
(214) 435-1248
PRESENTING SPONSOR
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPONSORS (TABLE)
Allyn
Felix Lozano
Haynes Boone
Jill & Brent Magnuson
Jonathan Clarkson
Ken Malcolmson
Mark Hursh
Thrivent
CHANGING COMMUNITIES: ENSURING ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
The YMCA Key Leaders Luncheon event is designed to connect key community and business leaders with timely local issues that have a regional impact while also sharing a few accomplishments and priorities of the Dallas YMCA.
On October 17th, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas hosted its Key Leaders Luncheon at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. This year's luncheon focused on the critical issues affecting North Texas, including transportation accessibility, childcare, and workforce development. Expert speakers and panelists will share insights, strategies, and success stories that highlighted the importance of collective action in driving positive change.
Moderated by FOX4's Shannon Murray, the panel featured the unique perspectives of Nadine Lee, President & CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Lynn McBee, Workforce Development Czar of the City of Dallas, Tori Mannes, President & CEO of ChildCareGroup.
2024 CATALYST ADVANCING EQUITY WINNERS
2024 Catalyst Advancing Equity Award
Araceli Mercado
2024 Catalyst Advancing Equity Award
Metrocare Services and Grant Halliburton Foundation
BREAKING BARRIERS, FEEDING FUTURES: Fighting For A Healthier North Texas
The 2023 Key Leaders Luncheon focused on the pressing need for community health support and advocacy. Through a panel, we’ll discover how culinary education shapes healthier choices, how innovative programs bridge the gaps in food access, and how advocacy initiatives are reshaping policies for a healthier North Texas.
Moderated by FOX4's Shannon Murray, our panel featured the unique perspectives of:
Dr. Jaclyn Albin, M.D., CCMS, DipABLM, Associate Professor in the Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Benaye Wadkins Chambers – President & CEO of Crossroads Community Services
Timmy Newsome – Children At Risk Advocate and Former Dallas Cowboys football player
2023 CATALYST ADVANCING EQUITY AWARD WINNERS
SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY: Supporting Mental Wellbeing in Our Youth
This year's luncheon focused on a topic that has become more crucial to address due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressures of the social media age, and our increasingly competitive society: the mental well-being of our youth.
Moderated by WFAA's Cynthia Izaguirre, our panel featured the unique perspectives of renowned psychiatrist Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, Director of the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Jessica Gomez, Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of Momentous Institute, and Sonya Parker Goode, Director of Outreach and Education at Grant Halliburton Foundation.