HerStory Awards in Honor of Women’s History Month
On Monday, March 25, 2024, WFWP Dallas hosted a HerStory Awards luncheon to celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring three distinguished women of the Dallas area. WFWP and Global Women’s Peace Network leaders Ester Davis and Laura Hornbeck, longtime friends, worked together for six weeks planning and organizing this event.
Each of the recipients of the HerStory Awards gave a soul-stirring talk of about 5 minutes each:
Dr. Elba Garcia has served as Dallas County Commissioner for District 4 since 2010 and was previously elected to the Dallas City Council. She earned her degree in dentistry in Mexico, then immigrated to Texas, was re-certified and established a private practice in southern Dallas County. She is a wife and proud mother of two sons. She described how she had to challenge prevailing opinions of what a woman could do, beginning with becoming a dentist and then deciding to run for public office. She praised the influence of her grandmother – her “abuela” – who lived to the age of 104 and who encouraged her to follow her dreams.
Ms. Apryl Davis is the administrator for the Dallas City Councilman for District 14 and she is also a substance abuse counselor. A single mother of two, Ms. Davis spoke openly and honestly of her struggle to overcome drug addiction in younger years. She finally walked away from addiction with the help of her parents, the deep love for her children, and support from the counseling program for which she now volunteers. Her mother, father and older son were in attendance as well and gave extra energy to the gathering.
Ms. Norma Adams-Wade became the first African-American reporter for the largest newspaper in the area, the Dallas Morning News, and has since won many awards for her journalism. She sought to shine a much-needed positive light on her community, and she was active in the civil rights movement. She spoke with passion and energy about never letting limitations define you and offered many inspirational points about her journey.
A total of thirty-eight (38) people attended the event with a great majority new to the GWPN community. It was truly a networking experience during which participants could share business cards, personal information, and encouragement for their varied activities. The seafood meal at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen near downtown Dallas was delicious, and the participants expressed their enjoyment for the happy and inspiring time together.
