Celebrate our community trailblazers and changemakers on April 23, 2026, at Edison’s Dallas for the SWJC Texas Sized Event. Become a sponsor to support our mission of educating, empowering, and bridge building throughout our community.
Professional in the DFW Jewish community for 37 years, 17 as Exec. Director, SWJC
Founding Director, Secretary & Treasurer of Biblical Heritage Center, Inc.
Beloved community bridge builder and Israel advocate
Caring Couple Awards
Donna Arp Weitzman (Wife)
Former Mayor and City Councilmember of Colleyville, Texas
Authored seven books, two Amazon bestsellers (one book to become a movie)
Received the George W. Bush National Volunteer of the Year Award
Herb Weitzman (Husband)
Founder and Executive Chairman of Weitzman
Philanthropist recognized by education, health care, & the arts communities
Purpose-driven leader, who believes genuine care for others is his greatest success
Cheryl Brown Wattley (Mother)
Renowned lawyer focusing on social justice matters
Professor responsible for innovation in legal education
Author, historian, and civil rights activist
Elizabeth Wattley (Daughter)
President and CEO of Forest Forward
Named as 2026 Texas 100 Influential Pros to Know with the Dallas Business Journal
Visionary behind turning the Paul Quinn football field into an organic farm
Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest Awards
Clara B. Hinojosa
Founder and Executive Director of the Mexico Institute from 1990-2016
Collaborated with museums to present Frida Kahlo, Carlos Fuentes and more
Received the prestigious OHTLI Award for promoting Latin American art & culture
Jin-Ya Huang
Founder of Break Bread, Break Borders and TSP Consulting Group (The Sophisticated Pacifist)
Presidential Leadership Scholar; advocate for food access, women & girls’ education
Social practice artist / community impact innovator
Gina Weber
University professor, advocate for public education & cultural arts
Leader for Jewish/ Latinx communities committed to social justice, interfaith & immigrants
Values-driven champion for public service, environment, scholarship & int’l diplomacy
Terry Wilson-Gray
Breast Bridge Network Executive Director for 21 years of growth and impact
Created “Save Our Sister” campaign to educate and empower more than 5,000 women
Heart of Service: Deaconess to several churches, food pantries & nonprofit boards
Stan Golden Men of Action Awards
Kyle Ogden
President & CEO of Thanks-Giving Square
Manager of Faith Forward Dallas, Interfaith Council, & Kindness Week
Creating a Thanks-Giving District themed on welcoming, belonging & gratitude
Jonathan Palant
Founder of nationally recognized community choirs: Credo & the Dallas Street Choir
Professor, PhD in Music and conductor at UT Dallas
Connector, builder, servant leader, and devoted family man
Albert Valtierra
Founder of The Dallas Mexican American Historical League (DMAHL)
President of the Association of Mexican American Professionals (AMAP)
Recipient of the OHTLI Award, the highest honor given by the government of Mexico
Harbhajan Singh Virdee
Founding member/Chair of the Sikh Center, Gurdwara Nishkam Seva
Founding member of Interfaith Alliance of Irving, Texas
Member, Interfaith Council of Thanks-Giving Square for more than 25 years
2024 Award Recipients
Texas Sized Event
The Feel Good Event Of The Year!
Our Texas Sized Event recognizes outstanding leaders
from various disciplines and backgrounds who are
role models and trailblazers throughout our community.
SWJC Annual Meeting features a speaker or panel. We install our Officers & Board, and report on the past year. SWJC Building Bridges Grants are presented.
SWJC Award Recipients are a prestigious group of women, men and young adults who continue to make a difference in our community. These influential leaders build bridges amongst themselves, creating a synergy to do more good work.
