Powerhouse women will take the stage at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House for the Planned Parenthood ofGreater Texas 31st Annual Dallas Awards at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 23, 2021.

The morning will feature a motivating conversation with Cecile Richards moderated by Matrice Ellis-Kirk. Richards is a national leader for women's rights, and social and economic justice. She is the co-founder of Supermajority, former President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, New York Times bestselling author of Make Trouble, and a lifelong organizer.

As a respected leader in both the corporate and civic worlds, Ellis- Kirk is an influential advocate for women and families. A devoted supporter of the arts, she has served on numerous boards and also on the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships and as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on Women’s Empowerment.

Paxton Smith, who gained national attention and support for her recent commencement speech as valedictorian at Lake Highlands High School, will be making a special appearance.

Dallasite Sally Dunning, will be honored with the 2021 Gertrude Shelburne Humanitarian Award for her impact on the lives of Texans through her tireless efforts in advancing the mission of Planned Parenthood.

“We are excited to celebrate the morning with an amazing group of women with strong Texas ties. Cecile Richards and Matrice Ellis-Kirk are champions for equal access to quality equitable healthcare, and Paxton Smith is a rising women’s advocate. Women and families have long benefited from our honoree Sally Dunning’s support,” say the co-chairs and best friends, Anne Clayton Vroom and Katherine Perot Reeves, “As two proud Texas women and mothers, we hope to see our fellow Texans turn out to support women and families, and Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas.”

Funds raised will be used to help provide essential healthcare and health education services to women, men, and young people who rely on Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, No. Matter. What.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas is committed to hosting a safe, in-person event and will be following all CDC guidelines. All guests will be required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccine status, and temperature checks will be required before entering the venue. There will also be a virtual option.

For event information, go to: http://www.ppgt.org/dallasawards For sponsorship information, email events@ppgt.org. or call 214-302-8382.