By Tricia White | Managing Editor
The city of Dallas is set to shine a spotlight on some of its most inspiring citizens at the upcoming Southwest Jewish Congress (SWJC) Texas-Sized Event, an evening dedicated to celebrating individuals and organizations making the biggest impact in our community. From grassroots neighborhood leaders and educators to innovators and advocates, these honorees embody the spirit of imagination-innovation and care-compassion-connection that makes Dallas a truly special place to live.
Hosted by SWJC, the ceremony will take place on April 23, 2026, at Edison’s, 1724 Cockrell Street, Dallas, 75215, welcoming civic leaders, local businesses, and residents for an evening of recognition, storytelling, and community connection.
“Attendees will hear firsthand how these remarkable change agents are tackling challenges, building bridges, and igniting positive transformation across the city,” said Lorraine Friedman, SWJC’s incoming Executive Director. “Our Honorees create ripples of positive change that will continue to strengthen and uplift our community for years to come. “Honoring their work reminds us all what’s possible when a heart of service meets purpose.”
“This event isn’t just about awards — it’s about celebrating and shining a light on the people who roll up their sleeves and make Dallas better for everyone.”
Lorraine Friedman
Highlights of the evening will include:
• Recognition of a dozen community honorees making a significant impact in areas such as urban revitalization, education, sustainability, healthcare, and social justice
• Featured Speaker: Former Mayor, The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings
• Lifetime Achievement Award to Susan Myers, who has led SWJC for nearly two decades of leadership and service.
SWJC Texas Sized Event Details
- April 23, 2026, at Edison’s, 1724 Cockrell Avenue, Dallas, TX 75215
- 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Buffet Dinner and Program, including raffle
- For tickets and sponsorship information, go to www.swjc.org
Caring Couples
- Donna and Herb Weitzman (wife/husband) – whose philanthropic contributions total millions of dollars to UT Dallas and other Dallas organizations.
- Cheryl and Elizabeth Wattley (mother/daughter) – Elizabeth is the CEO of Forest Forward transforming a run-down neighborhood in South Dallas into a thriving arts district and the visionary behind the transformation of Paul Quinn College’s former football field into an organic farm. Cheryl is a renowned attorney focusing on social justice matters, an author, historian, and civil rights activist.
Audrey Kaplan Inspiring Women of the Southwest
- Clara B. Hinojosa – founded the Mexico Institute and helped bring the Frida Kahlo exhibit to the DMA and Albert Valtierra (who founded the Dallas- Mexican American Historical League) both recipients of the OHTLI Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Mexican government on individuals living abroad who promote goodwill and their culture.
- Jin-Ya Huang- founder of Brea Bread, Break Borders, Ms. Huang is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and advocate for food access and girls and women’s education.
- Gina Weber – university professor and advocate for public education and cultural arts
- Terry Wilson-Gray – founder of Bridge Breast Network, which provides quality breast cancer care to uninsured and underinsured women; her “Save Our Sisters” campaign has helped save more than 5,000 lives.
Stan Golden Men of Action Award
- Kyle Ogden – who has transformed Thanks-Giving Square into a center for gratitude and welcoming in downtown Dallas.
- Jonathan Palant – who founded the Dallas Street Choir for people experiencing homelessness.
- Albert Valtierra – founder of The Dallas Mexican American Historical League, and President of the Association of Mexican American Professionals
- Harbhajan Singh Virdee – founding member of Interfaith Alliance of Irving, Chair of the Sikh Center, and member of the Interfaith Council of Thanksgiving Square for more than 25 years
Lifetime Achievement Award
Susan Myers
After nearly two decades of dedicated service as Executive Director, Susan Myers is retiring from her role at SWJC. When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Susan reflects on the following: supporting Gil Elan, with his weekly briefings on the Middle East and Israel; implementing the SWJC Building Bridges Grant Initiative, which has been given to more than 40 local nonprofit organizations, and championing the legislation that created the American Indian Heritage Day in Texas celebrated on the last Friday of each September.
Susan’s dedication to the Jewish community spans nearly 40 years, including her pivotal role at SWJC since its founding in 2009. Her commitment has helped shape an organization that continues to educate, unite, and empower groups across North Texas. During the COVID-19 crisis, Susan helped to implement Building Bridges Feeding Heroes & Neighbors, an SWJC initiative that raised $50,000 to feed first responders and people experiencing homelessness.
“Susan leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and community connection.,” said Nelda Golden, co-founder of SWJC.
Susie Salfield Avnery, SWJC President, says: “Susan has created ripples of positive change that will continue to strengthen and uplift the community for years to come.”
Susan looks forward to spending more time with her husband, Jim, and family, which includes five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
FOR TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION, visit www.swjc.org.
ABOUT SWJC:
Southwest Jewish Congress is dedicated to building bridges throughout our community fostering collaboration and connecting people and ideas to drive lasting community change throughout Dallas and beyond. We educate, empower and uplift others to strengthen and unify our community.
