Honored. Seen. Unstoppable: Reflections on Being Named to the Dallas 500

A couple of nights ago, I walked into the D CEO 500 celebration and felt something I don’t often allow myself in the middle of building a league, raising capital, and pushing an entire industry forward: pause.

I was honored as one of the 500 most impactful CEOs in Dallas–Fort Worth, a recognition earned through months of independent research by D Magazine’s editorial team. And beyond that, I was deeply humbled to be one of only seven leaders selected for the cover of the 2026 Dallas 500 issue.

This wasn’t just an award.It was a moment.

Because in Texas, sports is KING. And women, especially Black, lesbian women have historically been shut out of rooms where decisions about sports, business, and power are made.

So standing in that room, on behalf of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), a league built in a state where football is culture, and representing one of the fastest-growing women’s sports brands in the country this recognition meant more than I can fully explain.

The Moment That Stopped Me

A couple of days before the event, after giving a keynote, a group of young Black business leaders ran up to me hugging me, clapping, eyes bright with pride.

One of them said:

“We come to these conferences and award shows all the time… and we rarely see Black women on these stages. Then we looked up and said—wait… that’s a Black woman up there.”

That moment hit me harder than any list ever could.A reminder of why I stay in these rooms. Why I stay on these stages. Why the work matters. Representation is not vanity. Representation is fuel.Representation is instruction.Representation is possibility.

The Truth: We Have to Be Exceptional

Let me say this plainly: Women, especially Black women don’t get to be “pretty good.” We have to be exceptional. That’s the reality. And I embrace it with pride. This year has been heavy. For women leaders. For women in sports. For women in business.

And still, we rise.

So I have decided:I will not shrink.I will not dim.I will not step out of the (sometimes very hot) spotlight.

Because someone needs to see me there. Someone needs to know it’s possible.

To every woman who needs to see her face reflected in leadership, entrepreneurship, sports, or power, here we are, sis. Keep going. Your vision is worthy.

A Thank You to the Team Behind the Dallas 500

Thank you to D Magazine and D CEO for honoring me, for recognizing the business of women’s professional football, and for naming me one of North Texas’ most impactful leaders.

And thank you for choosing me as one of seven cover features for the 2026 edition.

How to Get the Dallas 500 Issue

Fans, partners, and supporters have already been asking how to get the issue. Here’s how:

• Purchase directly from D Magazine (online store or local retailers across DFW)

• Subscribe to D Magazine for full digital and print access

What’s Next

This recognition marks a moment, but it also marks the start of a new chapter.

In the year ahead, I’m focused on:

• Growing the WNFC’s footprint and accelerating the possibilities for women and girls in football

• Expanding league partnerships and elevating our game coverage

• Coaching football!!!

• Delivering more keynotes, workshops, and leadership experiences

• And yes, finishing my book

Most importantly, I’m focused on continuing the mission:to build a world where women in professional tackle football are seen, respected, and paid.

The work continues. And we are just getting started.