Presidential Sneak Peek

Step inside the new George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU

The George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU opens to the public May 1, but those wishing to get a sneak peek of the 43rd presidential library needn't wait. The property has already been toured by the media, and the center will live-stream its April 25 dedication, which will be attended by five living presidents, including Barack Obama.

The center encompasses more than 225,000 square feet and is surrounded by a 15-acre nature park replete with prairie landscaping and a wildflower meadow.

"George did not want this to be a monument to himself," said First Lady Laura Bush.

Former First Lady Laura Bush made a surprise appearance at the media preview of the center on April 24. She briefly spoke to reporters in the Rose Garden, which was modeled after the one at the White House.

"I hope people really learn and re-learn the history of the first decade of our new century," she said. "I think people will be very moved by the 9/11 exhibit, and I think that's important because we still, obviously, live with the effects of 9/11."

The University Park facilities are located near SMU's entrance and include a library, museum, presidential archives and public policy institute. In addition to the Oval Office replica, the center boasts the actual Bush White House "Situation Room," which was reconstructed piece-by-piece for the museum. The room is set up to connect Texas schoolchildren with students in California at the Ronald Regan Presidential Library.

Although it bears his name, Laura Bush said that her husband didn't want the center to just be about him. "George did not want this to be a monument to himself," she said. "He said that from the very beginning."

Bush's official portrait for the center is at least one example of sharing the spotlight. He appears alongside former British prime minister Tony Blair in the 7-by-9-foot oil painting.

George W. Bush's official portrait portrays him with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

George W. Bush and Tony Blair in Mark Balma's portrait The Ties That Bind

Photo courtesy of Mark Balma

George W. Bush's official portrait portrays him with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

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In the spotlight

8 Dallas entrepreneurs featured on prestigious Inc. Female Founder 500

Courtesy photo

Addison LaBonte, Sweet Addison's.

Eight Dallas-area female entrepreneurs have been honored on Inc.'s prestigious Female Founders 500 list for 2026.

The annual list compiled by Inc. Magazine recognizes female founders based in the U.S. who have built businesses that have moved their industries forward. The group collectively generated approximately $12.3 billion in 2025 revenue and $12.2 billion in funding to date, according to Inc.

"Each year, we are increasingly amazed by the extraordinary leaders on our Inc. Female Founders 500 list," Bonny Ghosh, editorial director, said. "The honorees on this year's list include innovators in AI, beauty and wellness trendsetters winning devoted fans, and nonprofit leaders making a real impact in their communities. Together, they're showing all of us what trailblazing female leadership looks like."

Below are the Dallas-area founders that made the 2026 list, and why they were selected by Inc.:

Addison LaBonte, Sweet Addison's: "For driving growth for the gluten-free baking company through new product launches and collaborations, scaling production, and retail partnerships to meet national demand."

Amber Capone, Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions: "For pioneering policy changes that promote the study of psychedelic therapies for veterans with service-related mental health conditions."

Amber Venz, BoxLTKSoftware: "For rebuilding the company's app into a creator-led social platform with new features, AI capabilities, and engagement tools."

Dani Austin, Divi Official: "For leading the hair and scalp care brand's growth through the launch of new products."

Daryl Ann Denner, nuuds: "For strengthening company culture and community engagement at the DTC apparel brand by prioritizing authenticity and customer-driven product development."

Robyn Gray, Gray Fit Training & Recovery: "For providing the athletic training that helped seven Texas volleyball teams reach the nationals."

Kelly Winget, Alternative Wealth Partners (Southlake): "For growing a boutique private equity firm into a holistic, full-service wealth management platform."

Suran Yoo, Silk or Lace (Plano): "For scaling the wig company's platform to better serve buyers and sellers, automating intake and payout while adding new customer features."

In total, 29 Texas female founders have been named to the 2026 list. They include Austin jewelry mogul Kendra Scott and Texas Space Commission board member Sassie Duggleby.

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A version of this story first appeared on our sister site, InnovationMap.com.