The Dallas Leadership Luncheon, founded by Virginia Chandler Dykes, is a Texas Woman’s University signature event honoring one of Dallas’ most accomplished citizens, heightening the visibility of the university, and raising funds for graduate student scholarships. Scholarship funding is key to helping TWU attract the best and brightest graduate students from across the nation.

This year's event will honor Nicole Small with the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award. Small serves as chief executive officer of LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, related entities which use their resources to fund game-changing advances in science and nature, empower non-profits and to improve the local communities of greatest importance to the organizations’ founder, Lyda Hill.

In these roles since early 2014, Small is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of both entities, including their financial and investment activities, as well as their philanthropic initiatives. LHP is committed to finding and funding innovative solutions both in the non-profit and for-profit worlds. This involves an exciting array of work ranging from making biotech investments that impact cancer to working with conservation NGOs. LHP is committed to advancing breakthrough treatments and is working to shape the next generation of scientists, biotech leaders and companies in North Texas.

As part of LHP’s ongoing commitment to building a strong biotech ecosystem in North Texas, Small also plays a leading role in the development and growth of Pegasus Park and all its related entities.