2019 Parade of Stars Award Winners

Back Row (L-R): Pamela Thompson, Patricia Rodriguez Christian, Hul Kenney, Suzanne Cruz-Sewell, Indu Sanka, Melinda Zito O’Brien, Cody  Kuhn

Front Row (L-R): Rachel Sanchez, Grace Hastings-Case, Linda Valdez Thompson, Marie McGrath

The 2019 Parade of Stars Awards Gala was held at the Omni Dallas on January 31st. The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards presentation, followed by an after-party and dancing.  The popular heads-or-tails fundraiser game returned, and new for this year there was a gift card grab that sold out before the cocktail reception ended. 

The awards gala is an opportunity for the Women's Business Council - Southwest to recognize Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Corporate (Sustaining) Members that have gone above and beyond to support women-owned businesses and promote supplier diversity initiatives. We would like to say congratulations to the 2019 winners along with a huge thank you to our sponsors, staff, and all attendees for contributing to a successful event!

Event Photos

List of Nominees and Award Category Descriptions

2019 Parade of Stars Award Winners

Corporation of the Year - DFW Airport (received by Linda Valdez Thompson)

Buyer of the Year - Cody Kuhne, American Airlines

Corporate Advocate of the Year -  Grace Hastings-Case, Oncor

Corporate Volunteer of the Year - Suzanne Cruz-Sewell, DFW Airport

WBE of the Year (over $20 million) - Rachel Sanchez, Prestige Maintenance USA

WBE of the Year ($5 million to $20 million) - Pam Thompson, Anderson Asphalt & Concrete Paving

WBE of the Year (under $5 million) - Marie McGrath, Demand Lighting

WBE Rising Star - Indu Sanka, FIRST SIGNS Graphic Solutions

WBE Advocate of the Year - Patricia Rodriguez Christian, CRC Group

WBE Volunteer of the Year - Hul Kenney, Employment Screening Services

Regional Volunteer of the Year - Melinda Zito O’Brien, Energy Utility Group