By Leona Dalavai Scott
I’ll admit it – when I saw the Dallas-Fort Worth Association Executives (DFWAE) Champions of Change Luncheon was being held in Frisco, I hesitated. Driving across Dallas traffic from the Mid-Cities area always gives me pause. But I’m so thankful I made the trip.
Why? Because what I experienced reminded me exactly why I stay connected to this incredible community of association professionals in North Texas.
🎉 Celebrating Friends and a Season of Change
This year’s luncheon was particularly meaningful. DFWAE is currently operating without professional association management support, relying on the strength of its volunteers more than ever – and they’ve risen to the occasion in remarkable ways.
I attended to cheer on many of my friends who’ve given their heart and time to this organization. And as I walked into the ballroom, I was struck by something powerful – new faces everywhere. That’s a great sign for any association: fresh energy, new members and curious guests checking us out.
🔄 A Full-Circle Career Moment with NAWIC
The only table with a seat open was one I now believe was God-appointed. I sat next to the entire (and all-female!) team from the National Association of Women in Construction – the very first place I worked after graduating from the University of Kansas more than 30 years ago. I started there as a communications coordinator/editor. What are the chances?
It was a beautiful full-circle moment, reminding me how this industry has shaped so much of my life.
On Diversity & Belonging
“Under Shasta’s leadership, DFWAE has become a more diverse, welcoming association. People of color are stepping into leadership and enriching our community with their gifts.”
💡 Leadership Lessons from DFWAE President Shasta Foy
DFWAE’s current president, Shasta Foy, is entering the second year of her two-year term. I’ve worked in associations for over 30 years – and I’ve seen many strong board leaders. But what Shasta brings is rare: clarity of vision, bold communication, and an incredible ability to mobilize others.
She leads with stamina, passion, and direction. In a volunteer-run season, that kind of leadership isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. She knows when to step in and when to call out the strengths in others. (And yes, I was once “voluntold” by her to join the marketing committee after she discovered my background at a holiday luncheon in 2019. Best decision ever.)
Her commitment to inclusion also deserves applause. When I first entered the association space decades ago, I rarely saw anyone who looked like me. But under Shasta’s intentional leadership, DFWAE has become a more diverse and welcoming organization. People of color are now stepping into leadership roles and enriching our community with their gifts. It didn’t happen overnight, but the results are undeniable—and I’m so grateful.
🎤 A Keynote That Moved Me
Our keynote speaker, Anh Nguyen, delivered a message that deeply resonated. As a fellow first-generation immigrant and marketing professional, she shared the emotional story of how her father’s dream to become a pilot helped their family escape Vietnam and seek freedom in the U.S.
Anh focused on resilience, responsibility, and reflection—themes that many of us in the nonprofit and association space can relate to. She even left us with three reflection questions at each table, beautifully tying her story to our own leadership journeys:
- What strengths have I been carrying quietly?
- What story have I minimized that might be the spark someone else needs?
- What part of my leadership deserves to be honored—by me?
🤝 Building Up, One Leader at a Time
On the way out, I bumped into Darrin Scheid, from the American College of Emergency Physicians. He mentioned that an article I’d written for their magazine, ACEP Now, had over 12,000 clicks. It meant a lot – he didn’t have to share that, but it’s a testament to the kind of leaders DFWAE attracts. They uplift and encourage each other in both big and small ways.
And before I left, I had the chance to connect with Anh personally and share how much her keynote meant to me. (Fun fact: I even gave her and Asha Desai a ride to the parking lot – another sweet moment of connection.)
🌟 There’s a Place for You at DFWAE
As I reflect on the day, I want to say this to anyone in the association space in the DFW area:
There’s a place for you here.
Whether you’re new to the profession or a seasoned pro, whether you’ve been recognized or are just finding your way – you belong.
I remember attending one of my first DFWAE awards luncheons years ago, clapping for others and thinking, “Maybe one day that could be me.” A few years later, it was – I received the Star Marketing Award, and eventually, the President’s Award. It all started with one volunteer role.
So if you’re looking for community, growth, and the chance to serve with passionate, mission-driven professionals, come join us. Learn more at dfwae.org.
Hope to see you at an upcoming event!
