Victory in Dallas: 750 Women Raise $125K for Second Chances

DALLAS, TX – March 26, 2026 – By Laura Harris

The air in the Statler Hotel’s grand ballroom buzzed with a palpable sense of triumph on Friday, March 20, as more than 750 women leaders from across the nation gathered for the 4th Annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon. Under the resonant theme of "Victory," the sold-out event, presented by Cheryl Magazine, was more than a celebration; it was a powerful demonstration of collective action, raising over $125,000 in on-site donations to fund second chances for disadvantaged women.

Hosted by Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson, a global media executive and founder of the benefiting nonprofit Soul Reborn, the luncheon has rapidly become one of Dallas's most anticipated gatherings for Women's History Month. Co-host and community leader Adrienne Barrett captured the spirit of the day as she addressed the room. “We are here to celebrate Soul Reborn and 17 incredibly amazing, powerful women,” Barrett stated. “It’s no coincidence that this luncheon is during Women’s History Month. It’s a time we reflect on what women have accomplished, and it’s also a time to be inspired for what we will do.”

Fueling a Mission of Empowerment

The event’s core purpose was to support Soul Reborn, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to transforming the lives of disenfranchised, disadvantaged, and formerly incarcerated women through education and entrepreneurship. The funds raised will directly bolster this mission, which has already provided over $50,000 in grants to female-owned businesses and supported more than 10,000 women through its programs.

The philanthropic spirit was on full display as major contributions were announced. Sharyn Ellison, an honoree and co-founder of The Ellison Foundation, revealed a $50,000 contribution from Lowe’s, a company with a documented history of supporting minority and women-owned businesses through initiatives like its grant program with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). Texas Capital also pledged $50,000 to launch Soul Reborn’s new “The Six Month Incubator Entrepreneur” program, designed to equip 50 aspiring business owners with critical tools for success.

A particularly poignant moment came when Kelley Cornish, President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation and an honoree herself, surprised Dr. Polote Williamson with the Champion for Change Award. This made Dr. Polote Williamson the first woman in the foundation’s history to receive the honor. The T.D. Jakes Foundation, whose mission is centered on financial inclusion and community transformation, further solidified its support with a $25,000 pledge to Soul Reborn.

“It is not about who has the biggest title or the most followers. It’s about the heart behind the work, the sacrifices, and the faith,” Dr. Polote Williamson shared with the capacity crowd. “This is what God has called me to do until my last breath: to lift, to love, to support, and to make a significant impact.”

A Tapestry of Trailblazing Honorees

The luncheon celebrated the diverse achievements of 18 women who are shaping industries and communities. The honorees represented a broad spectrum of leadership, from media and finance to philanthropy and the arts, each a testament to the multifaceted nature of modern influence.

Among them was April Ryan, the veteran White House Correspondent and Washington Bureau Chief for The Grio, recognized as “The Tenacious Truth-Teller.” With a career spanning four presidential administrations, Ryan has been a crucial voice providing perspective on the intersection of race and politics. Another honoree, Cicley Gay, founder of The Amplifier and Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, used her platform to deliver a powerful reminder. “To the women in the room I hope to one day encounter, I want you all to be reminded that Black lives still matter, always, in all ways,” Gay stated, earning applause for her unwavering advocacy.

Dr. Karri Bryant, First Lady and Executive Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, highlighted the spirit of collaboration that defined the event. Speaking of the host, Dr. Bryant said, “You are literally the blueprint for sisterhood. You embody what it means, and you are an example to all of us.”

Other notable honorees included Kelley Cornish of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, recognized as “The Influential Catalyst” for her extensive work in corporate and nonprofit leadership; Valeisha Butterfield, founder of the Global State of Women; and Kimberla Lawson Roby, a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. In a heartfelt surprise, Dr. Polote Williamson also presented an 18th award, the “Dream Pusher” award, to her mother, Gretta L. Polote, for her foundational role in her daughter's journey.

The Architect of Influence and Opportunity

At the center of this powerful convergence of influence and philanthropy is Dr. Cheryl Polote Williamson. A multi-hyphenate leader, she is an award-winning filmmaker, multi-best-selling author of 19 books, and the CEO of Williamson Media Group. Through her various platforms, including Cheryl Magazine, she has consistently worked to amplify the stories of powerful women.

Her work extends far beyond media and events. As the founder of Soul Reborn, her efforts create tangible pathways to economic independence. The organization not only provides business grants but also awards academic scholarships, distributes essential supplies to low-income communities, and has provided thousands of meals and books of encouragement to frontline workers during the pandemic. Dr. Polote Williamson’s vision has guided over 470 individuals into successful entrepreneurship, embodying the very principles of empowerment the luncheon celebrates.

The funds and partnerships forged at the 4th Annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon will enable Soul Reborn to expand its reach significantly. A portion of the proceeds will be channeled into new grants for women-owned businesses and will sustain year-round programming, ensuring that the spirit of victory celebrated in a Dallas ballroom translates into real-world opportunities and lasting change for women striving to build new futures.