The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum announced 12 “In Her Shoes” honorees, celebrating women who have contributed tirelessly to the Dallas-Fort Worth community and beyond.

In conjunction with the museum’s special exhibition organized by the New York Historical Society, Walk this Way: Footwear from the Stuart Weitzman Collection of Historic Shoes, “In Her Shoes” aims to elevate the work and impact of 12 notable female leaders in the region and champion the various causes and communities they serve, the museum said.

“Our ‘In Her Shoes’ program allows the museum to amplify the incredible strides women have made right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, mirroring the pivotal roles of women showcased in the exhibition throughout history,” Mary Pat Higgins, president and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, said in a statement. “These women are exceptional role models and industry-leading pioneers who have impacted women and entire communities. We celebrate not only their individual accomplishments but their collective influence, which continues to shape our society for the better.”

‘In Her Shoes’ honorees

The honorees are:

• Camila Correa Bourdeau, executive director, March to the Polls
• Carine Feyten, Ph.D., chancellor and president, Texas Woman’s University
• Catalina Gonzalez, founder and designer, Dondolo
• Cece Cox, CEO, Resource Center
• Gayle Halperin, president, Bruce Wood Dance
• Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
• Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO, Downtown Dallas, Inc.
• Jo Giudice, director, Dallas Public Library
• Lisa “Lele” Sadoughi, founder and chief creative officer, Lele Sadoughi
• Mandy Price, co-founder and CEO, Kanarys Inc.
• Stephanie Elizalde, superintendent, Dallas Independent School District
• Zenetta Drew, Executive Director, Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Shoes as symbols of women’s issues and achievements

On view through July 14, the museum said that Walk this Way presents footwear—spanning nearly 200 years—from the collection of iconic shoe designer Stuart Weitzman and businesswoman and philanthropist Jane Gershon Weitzman. The museum said that shoes throughout the exhibition put a spotlight on important issues such as women’s labor activism, the fight for suffrage, and more.

“In Her Shoes” builds on this by bringing attention to local women, their achievements, and the causes close to their hearts, the museum said. Beginning May 23, the museum said visitors can learn more about each honoree and a pair of shoes from the exhibit that symbolizes each woman’s contribution to her field.

“Children come through our doors from all walks of life and every corner of the world, some as refugees seeking asylum from wars, cartels, and political and religious persecution,” DISD’s Elizalde said. “I’m proud that every single one of those children has a desk in a classroom where they receive a terrific education from some of the best teachers anywhere, and that education gives them the freedom to become anything.”

Kanarys’ Price said the exhibit points to pressing issues facing women.

“While women have made significant steps in the workplace, women of color are still underrepresented in the corporate pipeline, and among the most vulnerable are working moms facing childcare shortages and rising costs,” Price said. “There’s a pressing need to advocate for these women. As a working mom of two children, I take pride in our work transforming workplaces using our extensive diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging data.”

The honored women will be recognized May 23 at a reception at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

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