Dr. Danika Franks is a passionate mentor and empowerer of young people. As Assistant Dean of Students for TCU and UNT Health Science Center School of Medicine, she cares for her students through career advising while also doing life alongside her husband, Chauncey Franks, TCU Football Team’s Chaplain. Mother to three children – Eli, Eden, and Ellie – she also loves interior design, describing her décor style as a cross between Bohemian-Anthro- Traditional- Minimalist. Try saying that fast! A graduate from Midwestern State University and UT Southwestern, Dr. Franks is a brilliant educator, example, and friend. You won’t want to miss her story!

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Virginia is a founding board member of Six Square: Austin's Black Cultural District, an organization focused on preserving Austin's Black history and heritage in East Austin and curating ongoing cultural and economic contributions of Black Austinites. She is currently serving as Curator for the Austin Shapers (a hub of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers), on the board of KLRU (Austin's Public Broadcasting station) and was vital in re-launching the National Urban League's Young Professionals program Austin.

Denise is the Vice President of Community Affairs at St. David's Healthcare and is a pillar in the Austin philanthropic community. She plans and executes corporate communications and community affair strategies daily and is active in many other organizations, including The American Heart Association's Go Red For Women Campaign and The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. 

Encouraging women to love God and others with their all, Kat teaches the Bible with humor and heart. She engages disconnected women exploring God with the relevance of the scriptures, commissions rooted Christians to flourish in their God-inspired assignment, and refocuses the Church to outreach.

Feleceia, affectionately known as Zoe's Mom, is a passionate lover of God, His people and His purpose in her life and the lives of others. Her knack for creativity and business inspired her to start her own company. Now in its seventh year, the Zoe Communications Agency is a creative content and brand management company that builds strategic marketing solutions for cities, communities and businesses alike!

In episode 44, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview with LaToria Wilson from the 2018 Dallas February Luncheon.

Big hair and big personality aren't all this girl has to offer! With an energy all her own, LaToria brings an eclectic feel to the hip-hop music she makes. Whether it’s a high-energy anthem or a story she’s telling accompanied by soulful melodies, LaToria aims to offer hope, light, and truth through her music while providing an unforgettable experience. She writes about life from a Gospel-centered perspective.

LaToria has had the privilege of sharing the stage with a variety of artists such as Matthew Schuler, Dez Duron and Brandon Chase of the hit TV show, THE VOICE, Lecrae, Derek Minor, Ellie Holcomb, Tye Tribbett and many more. She has toured nationally and internationally, been featured in several magazines, had her music and videos featured on several radio and TV stations in several different countries. Her latest single Pushin Light is now available on all digital outlets and she is set to release her next project, Volume 2 of The Long Walk series, later this year. 

In episode 43, you'll get to listen to an exclusive interview with Justice Sue Walker from the 2018 Ft. Worth February Luncheon.

Coming from the educational halls of the University of Texas in Austin (undergrad) and Texas Tech University (no big deal, just her Law Degree here), Justice Sue Walker is an amazing woman in every way. She has worn (read: mastered) many hats in her career - adjunct professor of law for Texas Wesleyan School of Law, solo practitioner, briefing and staffing attorney for the Court of Appeals, and now serving on the Second Court of Appeals for Tarrant County since 2001. 

A highly honored and respected leader, Justice Walker has been named “Jurist of the Year” (2012), serves as a National Science and Resource Judge, was elected as a Fellow by Advanced Science & Technology Resource Center in Washington, D.C., AND as a Fellow in the Texas Bar Foundation. Aka, ladies, she is one phenomenal woman! We are thrilled to dig into her story and her passion for mentoring young professional women. 

Angie is a Manager in the Career Readiness Department at Houston ISD. She focuses on high school CTE programming and developing business partnerships to support CTE programs; with a goal to expose students to careers and opportunities in their CTE pathways. In her role, she organizes Houston ISD's annual When I Grow Up Career Expo and bi-monthly Chamber meetings with active business partners.

Angie is passionate about #equippingeducation and as a teacher used her 16 years of previous corporate experience to apply the "real world" in her CTE classrooms while also applying core academics resulting in students with both technical application and employability skills in addition to applied academics. 

Angie is active in the Houston community and is completing her 13th year as a volunteer with Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo where she's a Vice Chairman and Captain on two committees. She is also the Houston Chapter Director for Polished and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Houston Downtown.

Outside of work Angie enjoys blogging, creating lettered art, friends and family, and her rescue golden-doodle, Auggie. 

Christal West Atkinson grew up a small town gal before transitioning to big city living, moving from Clifton, TX, to Frisco during high school.  Receiving her degree in International Relations and History from Salem College, she graduated, moved to Capitol Hill, and launched a 10 year career in Washington, D.C.  After working in the Office of Legislative Affairs/Chief of Staff (The White House, y’all) and the Treasury department – as Director of Scheduling and Executive Assistant to Secretary of Treasury, Christal took a position in 2009 for the Bass family in Fort Worth. 

Now an active member of the Junior League, elder at First Presbyterian church, wife of Jack, and mother of 16 month old, John, Christal has life experience some of us have never even dreamed of – and so much to share!  Snag a seat to learn at the feet of our sister friend, you’ll love what she has to offer!

Ashley Freer didn't start out as a Texan, but 10 years here have taught her to appreciate the big and the small differentiators of this great state, breakfast tacos and gorgeous sunsets included. As group director and PR specialist at Fort Worth-based Balcom Agency, Ashley drives strategy and client projects for national, regional and local clients with 18 years of experience behind her. And while her job is one of her favorite things in life, she's eager to talk about other passions, including theology, history, travel and community engagement. After deciding to follow a call to study the biblical languages and Scripture, Ashley spent three years earning a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Southwestern Seminary, graduating in 2009. She has been a part-time staff member for Christ Chapel Bible Church as part of Common Ground, its downtown outreach to working women, since her last semester in graduate school and is proud to call Fort Worth home. 

Amanda Hill is a native Texan, an attorney, mother, and writer.  She has her own law firm representing physicians and medical groups in Texas, as well as speaking to medical groups and practices across the state.  She was a contestant on “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” and had a fabulous time interviewing for a job with Martha on national television.  She is a blogger and writer of articles on essay regarding faith, humor, and motherhood. Her writing has appeared on sites like Scary Mommy, (in)courage, Blog Her, and Aiming Low.  She finished her first novel and is currently working on an adapted screenplay.  

Sharla Langston currently serves as the Minister of Generous Living at Northwest Bible Church, where she walks alongside God’s faithful stewards to encourage whole life generosity. This woman is all about giving!

In addition, Sharla serves the national ministry of Generous Giving, whose mission is to spread the biblical message of generosity in order to grow generous givers among those entrusted with much. Sharla is a founder of Women Doing Well, an organization created to help Christian women live and give in God’s image. In addition, she serves individuals and families as a giving coach by helping faithful stewards discover and execute their unique giving design. 

Sharla has a background as a petroleum engineer, U.S Congressional committee staff, and 10 years with Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the director of Lifestyle Stewardship. She spent 6 years with the National Christian Foundation helping givers maximize their resources for the Kingdom on their journeys of generosity.

Sharla is the author of The Crowd-Sourced Marriage, Leveraging Your Trusted Community to Marry Well. She speaks and encourages Christians who desire marriage to trust the community God has provided for them.

Sharla's story is unique for a few reasons: 1) she married later in life and 2) her entire career has been dedicated to helping others make the most of the resources they've been given by GIVING. Sharla is compassionate and loves encouraging young professional women. Join us in November to hear more of her story!

Jasmine Turner is a native Houstonian and works at LyondellBasell as a Cost Analyst, where she is responsible for budgeting and forecasting spending for capital projects at Lyondell’s Houston Refinery. Jasmine earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Corporate Communication from Baylor University and serves on the Baylor Business Network Advisory Board.

She is the President of the Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals (HAULYP) and board member of the Houston Area Urban League. HAULYP is an auxiliary of the Houston Area Urban League where their mission is to support the affiliate through advocacy, fundraising and service. Prior to her role as President, Jasmine served as Civic Engagement Chair, Secretary/Treasurer and Vice President of HAULYP. She also currently serves on the National Urban League Young Professionals Programs Committee.

Jasmine is a graduate of the Houston Black Leadership Institute’s Class III; a program affiliated with the Greater Houston Black Chamber. Along with her classmates, Jasmine launched the Empower 360 Initiative, an interactive curriculum for high school seniors that teaches them the importance of voting and being involved in the political process. 
Jasmine also volunteers her time with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and is a graduate of the United Way’s Project Blueprint Program.

Jasmine is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church and is a leader of the Young Adult Ministry. She is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Suzanne Taylor is serving as the City Director for Polished Fort Worth. She works as an associate attorney at Pope, Hardwicke, Christie, Schell, Kelly & Taplett, LLP practicing Estate Planning, Probate & Trust law. She spends most of her day drafting Wills and Trusts and meeting with clients on how to best plan for their future. Through her work and specifically meeting with young parents planning for their children’s future, she saw a theme in conversations about how the role of women is continuing to evolve and become more complex. Suzanne recognized the crucial importance of clinging to scripture, wise counsel, and the need for accountability as she and others pursue being Godly women during this transitional life stage in their careers and families. Through this desire, the Lord continued to open doors, bring other women into this pursuit, and challenge her with helping bring a ministry to Fort Worth for young professional women to learn how to be bolder in their faith and scripturally approach their many roles. Thus, Polished Fort Worth became a reality for her and others. Suzanne is thrilled yet humbled to serve as City Director for this ministry and continues to be overwhelmed with the Lord’s faithfulness and direction.

Prior to practicing law, Suzanne served as Director of External Relations for the President’s Office at Texas Tech University. She is an avid Red Raider where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising as well as her Law Degree. Suzanne is married to a stud named Brandon who oversees the homebuilding process at David Weekley homes. Brandon and Suzanne have one child, Kate, who was born this past March. Brandon and Suzanne help teach the engaged/newly married Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Arlington and love being invested in the communities of Arlington and Fort Worth. Suzanne spends her free time loving on her sweet baby, helping her husband with home renovation projects, spending time with her family, eating watermelon, and playing with her little black puppy named Raider!

In episode 34 you'll join us at our October 2017 Polished North Dallas Luncheon. Today's guest is Melissa Wickham. Melissa serves on the Polished Board of Directors as the Special Events Chair. Naturally, we are excited to introduce you to her! Her education was in finance and leadership studies and she has spent 19 years in the business world, specifically in financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing and wholesale distribution. She currently serves as the Director of Finance, Assistant Controller at Interstate Batteries, where she has worked for over 10 years. Melissa serves on numerous boards and loves to travel. Her resume is stacked with experience and we get to glean from her wisdom at our next luncheon. If only we had time at a lunch to have her sing to us, as she has been singing her whole life.

Join our September 2017 Ft. Worth luncheon for a fascinating panel including Katey McFarlan Hellman, Kara Stout, and Samantha Stewart. Hosted by Suzanne Taylor, you won't want to miss this insightful group of ladies who are rocking their businesses. 

As Erica navigates her personal and professional journey, she asks God daily for one thing: "Lord, please use me as a tool to build your kingdom, leading me to the people, communities, and businesses that I can serve in your name." Erica's winding road to professional "success" is evidence that God can use you in the most unexpected and amazing ways, when you just say "yes" to every assignment he presents. 

Erica spent the first 10 years of her career in the financial industry, including investments, commercial banking, and loan underwriting. In 2007, God transitioned her into the public sector, where she led the Ex-Offender Reentry Division for the City of Dallas, for nearly 5 years. In 2013, she blended her private sector and public sector experience, as the Business Retention & Expansion Manager, for the Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation. There she supported the needs of Cedar Hill businesses, ranging from importing and exporting, commercial real estate, workforce, organizational structure, to accessing capital, and startup strategies. During this time, Erica found a true calling for building collaborations amongst non-profits, corporations, educators, community leaders, and government entities. Erica loves exploring new cultures, and has been called upon by the World Affairs Council to host international delegates from nearly 10 different countries. Erica recently stepped out on faith and began her own consulting firm, Expansion Solutions Consulting Services, to broaden her impact in the areas of workforce development, leadership development training, and economic development.

Erica also owns another company, that Conscious Couture Luxury Resale Events was birthed out of the Molett family's own tumultuous journey through the recession and a televised financial bootcamp, a small yard sale idea, and a few angels on earth. Conscious Couture combines fashion and philanthropy, to support the fight against human trafficking, showcase emerging designers, and create global girl power. Attendees shop the personal closets of celebrities and local style influencers, sample sales from designer runway collections, and rare finds from couture consignment boutiques. Most importantly, they leave inspired by the empowering Style Boss panels, with women who have succeeded in areas like fashion, philanthropy, sports, business, and journalism. 

You won't want to miss hearing Erica's story!

Tasha is a bridge-builder, reconciler and a compelling voice in the fight for racial justice. When she speaks, she expresses a passion for social justice issues across the globe.

She has taken this message to audiences across the country at events that include:  IF: Gathering, the Justice Conference, Youth Specialties, Catalyst, Barna's Pastor's Conference, the Orange Conference and many others. 

A native of North Carolina, Tasha attended East Carolina University, earned a Masters in Business from Liberty University. She has served as Children’s and Next Gen Director and recently joined staff at Gateway Church Central in Austin, Texas as the Director of Operations.

In Addition to her church positions, she has simultaneously cultivated "Be the Bridge," a ministry to equip and provide tools for those who are actively involved in taking the next steps toward racial solidarity.

At the heart of this incredible women, Tasha uses her platform to encourage racial reconciliation among all ethnicities, to promote racial unity in America, and to develop others to do the same.

When not captivating audiences with her dynamic presentations and conscious-raising workshops, Tasha can be found exploring her new hometown of Austin, TX, drinking tea, laughing with friends, and viewing Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music all year long! 

Tasha is sure to inspire and encourage you! Don't miss hearing her powerful story. 

Amy Collins is the CEO & Co-Founder of RoRo’s Baking Company, located right here in Dallas, TX. They have a team of 8 female bakers who hand make thousands of Cinnamon rolls daily. All of their rolls are sold frozen in specialty grocery stores throughout Texas, surrounding states, and online. Haven't tried RoRo's yet? GET TO SHOPPING! You can thank us later.

With a big dream and lot’s of determination, RoRo’s has grown to gain national exposure.  Loved by Oprah & Good Morning America, RoRo’s has stayed true to where they started by preserving the art of handmade rolls made famous by Amy's grandmother.

When Amy isn't busy growing her company, she can often be found wondering the aisles of Central Market, at Orange Theory, or working on her 1950’s fixer upper in Richardson.  Amy is married to her Nashville college sweetheart, and they just celebrated 7 years of marriage! Amy and her hubby are completely obsessed with their two fur babies: Golden Retriever, Finnley, and Weimaraner, Tucker.  One of Amy's greatest blessings in life so far is experiencing the Lord’s faithfulness in the restoration of her marriage.  

She is a lover of all things white and gold, Rosemary Beach, and interior design, and she'll never turn down a new gel polish or a good iced coffee!  

Amy's story is one of hope and redemption! We know you're going to love hearing from her. 

Sabrina Martinez Harrison, 35 years old from Laredo, TX is an ambitious business-woman who balances career, ministry, and family. Sabrina takes pride in being a wife and mom first. Sabrina is the co-owner, marketing director, and interior designer of Mint Dentistry, founder of Equipped by Faith Ministries and executive director of the Keep Smiling Promise and Mint Gear. Sabrina has been integral in the success of many major initiatives at Mint Enterprises and Camila Rose Interior Design Firm. Sabrina graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in International Business. She continued her studies and earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M International University and 2 years later, a Master’s certification degree in Educational Leadership. Sabrina has great passion for giving back through philanthropic endeavors making a difference in the lives of hurting people around the world. Alongside her husband, Field Harrison, Sabrina works to equip leaders and individuals in maximizing their potential by living purpose-driven, God-inspired lives. Together they have two beautiful children, Field Christian and Camila and reside in Dallas, TX.

Sabrina is ambitious and so inspiring! You'll love hearing from her. 

Haley Robison is the chief executive officer at Kammok, an outdoor gear company based in Austin, Texas. Kammok designs performance gear for elevated camping, and their team is on mission to get people outside! Prior to joining the Kammok team, Haley worked as a curriculum designer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she designed and implemented “Career Design,” a new career methodology to help incoming MBAs assess their personal and professional priorities. She also spent three years as a consultant at Bain & Company, a global management consulting firm, advising clients on a wide range of strategic issues. An outdoor enthusiast, Haley completed the three-month National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 2011 and has also led climbing and backpacking expeditions focused on personal leadership for high school students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a joint master’s degree in Business Administration and Education from Stanford University.

Listen in as our Executive Director, Kat Armstrong, interviews our August 2017 Polished Dallas luncheon guest, Dawn Stephens. Dawn graduated from Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physics, from Rice University with a Master’s of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, and from the University of Georgia with a Juris Doctorate (say what?!) After working for a few years as an Associate for Needle & Rosenberg, she joined Texas Instruments as Patent Counsel. Then she took on the role as Corporate Administrator for a booming church plant, One Community Church, where she managed staff and volunteers in several departments.
 
While the seed for Dawn’s ministry passion was planted during the years she spent in Sunday School, her passion became more evident as she began serving in capacities more aligned with her gift/skill mix. The joy that she found in serving was inexpressible. As a single woman living away from home, her life changed dramatically through the community that she found in ministry. Given these, her ministry passions include creating room for people to use their gifts/skills in ministry and helping women, especially single women, grow through community.

Heather Humphrey brings over 30 years of team leadership, information services and financial experience within the homebuilding industry to her role as Chief Financial Officer for David Weekley Homes. Humphrey joined Weekley in 1993 and during her tenure has also served as the Company's Chief Information Officer leveraging technology to increase operational efficiencies. As CFO, Humphrey manages the capital structure of the company to meet current needs and support future growth. She is responsible for a variety of strategic initiatives, financial planning and reporting, controlling cash flow, management reporting, and record keeping. 

Prior to her career with David Weekley, Heather was a successful consulting manager with Kenneth Leventhal & Company, a national accounting firm specializing in real estate. 

Heather is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of the University of Redlands in California, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Computer Science concentration.