DALLAS – July 7, 2026 – The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) recently announced that Debbie Snell will receive its 2027 Sustainer of the Year Award, which recognizes a Sustainer who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, lasting community impact, and continued dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy in Dallas. In addition, Margo Goodwin will receive the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented every five years to a Sustaining member whose leadership and service have created lasting change in the Dallas community. Both awards will be presented at the 16th annual Milestones Luncheon set for April 9, 2027, at the Omni Dallas Hotel.

“Debbie exemplifies the very best of the Junior League, and we are equally proud to recognize Margo Goodwin, whose visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to service have left a lasting impact on both the League and our community,” said Lauren Combest, 2026 – 2027 Junior League of Dallas president.

Debbie Snell is a dynamic leader, visionary fundraiser, and dedicated community advocate whose impact on Dallas philanthropy spans decades. A proud Junior League of Dallas Sustainer for 34 years, Debbie has continued to use the leadership training and volunteer spirit fostered through JLD to support and elevate countless organizations throughout the Dallas community.

Known for her creativity, warmth and ability to bring people together, Debbie has chaired and supported many of Dallas’s most impactful charitable initiatives. Her leadership roles have included serving as Crystal Charity Ball Chairman, co-chair of the Celebrating Women Luncheon benefiting Baylor Health Care System, chair of the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon benefiting the Leukemia Society of America, and The Family Place’s Partners Card Cochair, where she was also part of the founding group of women who launched the initiative.

“As a longtime member of the Children’s Health family of volunteers, Debbie is a committed advocate for the wellbeing of children. She is a servant leader and a compassionate champion for kids, tirelessly deploying her time, treasure and talent in the service of others,” said Brent E. Christopher, president of Children’s Health. “Debbie has my enthusiastic support, and you couldn’t pick a more appropriate or deserving person to honor as the Sustainer of the Year.”

In addition to her extensive fundraising leadership, Debbie has held volunteer and board leadership roles with Children’s Medical Center Foundation, the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Easter Seals Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Center for BrainHealth, among many others. She is widely respected not only for her ability to lead successful fundraising efforts but also for her hands-on approach, mentorship of younger volunteers and unwavering commitment to service.

“Debbie is someone who transforms, uplifts, and inspires,” said Holly Hassmann, JLD Sustainer. “Her contributions have helped shape Dallas philanthropy and her legacy of giving continues. She is a strong and gracious leader who has made it her mission to mentor and share her gifts with others, improve our community, and make a difference in the lives of everyone who lives here.”

Margo Goodwin has spent decades serving the Dallas community through visionary leadership, mentorship and philanthropy. A longtime Junior League of Dallas Sustainer and former Centennial Co-chair, Margo played a transformational role in shaping the future of the League through the creation of the Centennial Endowment Fund, helping secure an initial $10 million commitment to establish the endowment, which was designed to support leadership training and community impact efforts for generations to come. She also helped raise an additional $5 million in matching gifts from League members and the community, further strengthening the endowment’s lasting impact.

“Margo embodies what it means to be a JLD mentor and to train the next generation of leaders,” said Andrea Cheek, former JLD Centennial Co-chair. “Her visionary leadership in JLD will be felt for generations to come, not only through the Centennial Endowment but in the mentorship and guidance she continues to give our members, which is the heart of what we do as an organization.”

Beyond the League, Margo served as the first female Mayor of Highland Park, a Highland Park Town Council Member, Chairman of the Baylor Scott & White Foundation Board, Chairman of The Senior Source Board, Crystal Charity Ball Chairman, President of the Highland Park Education Foundation, and in numerous leadership roles across organizations throughout Dallas. She is widely admired for her thoughtful leadership style, long-term commitment to service and willingness to mentor and guide others.

“Margo is one of the most humble, quiet leaders I know,” said Connie Blass O’Neill, JLD Sustainer and past president. “Once Margo commits to something, she stays deeply involved for decades and decades. The impact she has had on the Junior League of Dallas and our community is truly immeasurable.”

The Milestones Luncheon is an annual fundraiser benefiting the Junior League of Dallas Community Service Fund, which supports organizations working to combat critical issues affecting the Dallas community. Proceeds from the Milestones Luncheon allow the JLD to annually grant approximately $1 million to partner agencies and Signature Projects, building a stronger community through leadership development, civic education, and hands-on service.

The Milestones Luncheon will take place April 9, 2027, at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Sponsorship and further luncheon information will be available soon. Please visit https://www.jldallas.org/milestones-luncheon/.

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS

The Junior League of Dallas believes that by harnessing the power of women, we create lasting change, develop leaders who uplift their communities, and build a legacy of volunteerism, compassion, and a shared commitment to a brighter future. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 50,000 hours of volunteer service and $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. JLD’s 4,000+ members have access to leadership opportunities through thousands of cumulative hours of experiential and formal training annually. For more information, please visit JLDallas.org or follow JLD on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.