Member, Philanthropy Committee

Michelle Alden is the Director of the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (“DVAP”), which is a joint effort of Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and the Dallas Bar Association. DVAP serves those who live in poverty in Dallas County. DVAP’s caseload consists of domestic relations, consumer protection, probate, wills, employment, juvenile, health, individual rights, housing, and income maintenance cases. Before practicing law in Dallas, she earned her B.A. in English from The University of Texas at Austin and her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law, where she served as an editor of the Texas International Law Journal. Michelle is a member of the Junior League of Dallas and enjoys performing in the Dallas Bar Foundation’s annual Bar None variety show, which raises money for scholarships at area law schools.

Member, Philanthropy Committee

Dallas Caulkins is a dynamic professional with over a decade of cross-industry experience spanning sales, healthcare, education, fitness, and music. Known for her adaptability and people-centric leadership, Dallas has thrived in roles ranging from Sales Associate, Project Manager, to Senior Regional Manager. Her ability to lead high-performing teams, develop systems, and foster strong relationships has driven measurable success in both corporate and client-facing environments. In addition to her professional work, Dallas is an active volunteer, part-time professional musician, and certified fitness coach, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to community, creativity, and wellness. With a foundation in the arts and a proven track record in diverse fields, she brings the same adaptability, leadership, and people-focused mindset to every endeavor—professional or personal.

Member, Biomed Committee

Ambika Cheruvu is currently a Managing Partner at GS Dallas Group, a franchise operations company with over 200 locations across nine franchise brands nationwide in the restaurant and services industry.

Before her role at GS Dallas Group, Ambika served as the CEO of the Knead for Health Group (K4H), a division of GS Dallas Group, from 2010 to 2016. Under her leadership, K4H grew from an initial investment of five locations in Houston to a 32-unit portfolio of Massage Envy and European Wax Center franchises across DFW, Houston, San Diego, Utah, and Northern Virginia. She led the acquisition of 19 units and the development of 8 units across the country.

Ambika is also a Managing Partner at Eternal Lotus Capital Partners, a single-family office with investments in the service, restaurant, hospitality, and real estate industries.

In her free time, Ambika is actively involved in the community, serving as a teacher and mentor to youth through Chinmaya Mission (Sunday School). She is also a mother of two young daughters, ages 1 and 3, and loves spending time with her family.

Ambika is an alumna of Leadership Dallas 2024. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor's Degree from Austin College. She also has certifications in the Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital from Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Mechanics of Private Equity from the International Faculty of Finance (IFF).

Chair, Biomed Committee Chair

Mona Elshenawy is a dedicated public health and government relations professional, as well as a passionate advocate for underserved communities. She brings extensive experience supporting municipal, county, state, and federal government programs across North Texas and beyond. Over the course of her career, Mona has served as both an employee and consultant to a wide range of government agencies, hospitals, and business entities, including:

• The City of Dallas
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at DFW Airport
• United States Congress
• Children’s Health
• Texas Health Resources
• The Perot Museum of Nature and Science
• Austin Public Health
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• City of Fort Worth
• Texas Department of Transportation
• The Salvation Army
• Carter BloodCare
   

Her leadership extends to serving on executive boards, task forces, and committees for several nonprofit and civic organizations, such as:

• DFW Airport Interfaith Chaplaincy
• City of Dallas U.S. Census Bureau Complete Count Committee
• Dallas County Child Welfare Board
• University of North Texas Health Science Center Community Advisory Board
• DFW Community Health Workers Association
• Texas Association of Healthcare Interpreters and Translators
• Texas House District 102 Public Health Steering Committee
   

Mona holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Texas Woman’s University. She is the proud mother of an energetic 15-year-old son who attends Richardson ISD. Born and raised in Dallas to Egyptian and Mexican American immigrant parents, Mona embraces her multicultural heritage and has built a life—and career—centered on bridging communities. As a native Spanish speaker, she is a certified interpreter, credentialed to facilitate complex public health and legal communications in both English and Spanish.

Vice Chair, Biomed Committee

Virginia “Vicky” Ayala Esparza is a Project Lead at Dallas College, where she supports initiatives that strengthen workforce pathways, employer engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Rooted in a deep commitment to equity and community service, she has spent her career in frontline roles that directly support individuals and communities. Her experience includes work with the YMCA, the Dallas Public Library, and continuing education programs, always centering access, service, and inclusive outreach.

Vicky has also supported volunteer efforts including winter backpack drives for unhoused neighbors, food distribution events, and Girl Scout programming for students in under-resourced schools.

A first-generation American and proud daughter of immigrants, she is also a first-generation college graduate, a mom of two, and a lifelong advocate for community connection. Vicky finds joy in local arts and culture, community events, and creating welcoming spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.

Board Chair
Chair, Philanthropy Committee

Allison Ainsworth Johns is an Associate Attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala LLP where she focuses on trademark and copyright matters and assists with IP litigation. Allison earned her J.D. at American University Washington College of Law in Washington, DC where she served as an award-winning competitor on the national Mock Trial team and an editor of the International Law Review. Before law school, Allison attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a Bachelor of Science in political communication and held various leadership roles as part of UT’s Student Government. Allison grew up in McKinney, Texas, and she is happy to be back in the DFW area. She looks forward to serving her community and supporting the American Red Cross’s efforts as part of the 2024-2025 American Red Cross Young Professionals Advisory Board cohort.

Chair, Mission Committee

Member, Philanthropy Committee

Elena Martinez serves as the Obesity Prevention Program Team Lead within the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch at the Texas Department of State Health Services. With more than 12 years of public health experience spanning government, higher education, and nonprofit sectors, Elena specializes in fostering partnerships and driving strategic initiatives to improve community health outcomes across Texas. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling to new cities and spending quality time with her husband and son.

Clint is a restructuring consultant and valuation expert with over a decade of experience guiding companies through financial distress, turnaround strategies, as well as valuing businesses for various transactional and litigation purposes. With a strong foundation in corporate finance and strategic advisory, Clint specializes in evaluating distressed assets, restructuring debt and has advised clients/counsel across a range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and others. Outside of work, Clint enjoys podcasts/reading, traveling, and playing tennis regularly.

Member, Biomed Committee

Ami Mehta Patel, MBA serves as the Director of Strategy and Growth at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Frisco at PGA Parkway, where she oversees strategic planning and leads the development of key service lines across the campus. Ami brings a strong passion for advancing healthcare and is committed to initiatives that drive meaningful change. Her forward-thinking leadership supports the medical center’s growth while delivering new, impactful services to the community. Ami is a Dallas native who graduated from Greenhill School, obtained a degree in Finance from the University of Texas in Austin, and has a Masters of Business Administration with a focus in healthcare. Ami previously served as Director of Cardiovascular Services at Ascension Via Christi Health System in Wichita, Kansas and Senior Manager and Consultant at The Advisory Board Company, a healthcare consulting firm based in Washington, D.C.

Member, Mission Committee

Brittney is the Founder and CEO of The Coherence Collective, a social impact consulting firm committed to empowering organizations to accelerate the pace of change by guiding them through strategic problem-solving and fostering authentic partnerships to achieve their goals.

Brittney leverages her extensive expertise in strategy, operations, adult learning, and social innovation to ask hard questions and facilitate conversations around transformative solutions that empower organizations and senior leaders to create sustainable change with measurable results. Her approach combines root cause analysis & strategic foresight with a genuine connection to the communities most affected by the issues, ensuring every initiative is meaningful and impactful.

Brittney holds graduate degrees in Agriculture and Education Administration. She is a staunch advocate for STEM education and HBCUs, having attended Delaware State University as a USDA-1890 Scholar. Brittney is actively involved in the community and keeps a pulse on issues that resonate deeply with her through her work on various boards. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., serves on the Young Professionals Advisory Board for the Red Cross of North Texas, chairs the Emerging Leaders Steering Committee for the United Way of Tarrant County, and is Chair-Elect of the National Juneteenth Museum.

Known for both her sharp wit and as a quiet force who skillfully navigates complex challenges, Brittney remains dedicated to work that will leave the world better for those who come after her. Brittney resides in North Texas with her family and finds joy in spending time resting near bodies of water, exploring the bayou, blowing bubbles in the wind, and jumping on trampolines.

Experienced executive with 12+ years in finance, operations, and project management within the heating, cooling, and utilities industries. Currently serving as CEO of Moss Heating & Cooling, I drive the company’s vision and growth strategies while overseeing all aspects of operations to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term success. In addition, I am also CFO of Moss Utilities, I lead financial strategy, ensuring stability and guiding key decision-making processes to support the company's expansion with operational excellence. I have a proven track record in optimizing operations, managing complex projects, and leading high-performing teams to achieve business goals. I am passionate about delivering exceptional service, and creating a meaningful impact within the community through thoughtful leadership.

Member, Biomed Committee

Marco Robertson is a corporate attorney at Munck Wilson Mandala, LLP where he focuses on mergers & acquisitions, securities, and sports law, including name, image, and likeness (NIL) matters. He represents clients in complex corporate transactions and equity financings, with notable experience in private placements in the oil & gas sector. Marco also represents athletes, brands, and organizations on structuring and negotiating NIL deals, combining his corporate law background with a deep understanding of the evolving college athletics landscape. Marco earned his law degree cum laude from Tulane University, where he received the Dean’s Medal and led the Tulane Men’s Lacrosse team as head coach. He is also a proud Texas A&M graduate and former team captain of the Texas A&M Men’s Lacrosse team. A Dallas native, Marco is very excited to serve on the American Red Cross Young Professionals Advisory Board!

Vice Chair, Mission Committee

Dr. Christal-Joy “CJ” Turner has dedicated her life and career to promoting student success, equity and advocating for underserved communities. Born and raised in Arlington, Texas, her commitment to service began at a young age and stayed with her as she grew into various leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University, followed by a Master’s in Higher Education from Abilene Christian University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of North Texas, specializing in Research, Methodology, and Statistics. Dr. Turner has been a fierce advocate for minority student access and retention in higher education. Her passion for community impact led to the founding of The Bridge by H.O.P.E (Helping Others through Positive Education) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting minority and first-generation students by equipping them with the tools, skills, and motivation to succeed. Her work has been featured in media outlets, and her 2019 book Keep Going addresses post-graduate depression, toxic work environments, and navigating life transitions through mentorship and resilience. Christal-Joy exemplifies perseverance and service by using education and advocacy. She served in various leadership roles, presented research nationally, mentored thousands globally, and developed programs bridging aspiration and achievement. As a passionate servant leader, Dr. Turner brings compassion, lived experience, and a scholarly perspective to the American Red Cross NTX Advisory Board to further amplify her mission of uplifting communities and ensuring access to safety, dignity, education, and hope.

Vice Chair, Philanthropy Committee

Joe Urby is a seasoned strategic communications leader with over 16 years of experience in transforming corporate culture, enhancing operations, and driving results for global companies. Currently, he serves as the Director of Corporate Communications at McKesson Corporation, where he leads executive, internal, and external communications strategies. Joe is dedicated to strengthening McKesson’s reputation, positioning the company as a partner of choice and the best place to work in healthcare, and shaping the industry landscape through compelling storytelling and advocacy.

Previously, he spent 11 years at AT&T, where he held several roles in strategy, project management, and communications. His expertise in aligning people strategies with business objectives and building executive voice has consistently delivered high employee satisfaction and business value.

Joe graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Development.

Member, Mission Committee

Stephanie Valadez is a leadership coach, talent strategist, and culture builder with nearly 20 years of experience in workforce development, career coaching, and inclusive leadership.

As the founder of Steph Valadez Coaching, she helps professionals lead with clarity and confidence, navigate career transitions, and align their careers with their values. Her coaching practice supports individuals and organizations committed to purposeful growth, inclusive cultures, and work-life integration.

Stephanie has held executive roles in nonprofit leadership and people strategy, most recently serving as Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager at Heidelberg Materials North America. She previously led Per Scholas Dallas/Fort Worth, where she expanded employer partnerships and high-impact training programs. Under her leadership, the organization was named a finalist for D CEO’s Nonprofit & Corporate Citizenship Awards in 2021 for Most Innovative and was selected as the sole recipient of the inaugural Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy grant from Communities Foundation of Texas following a competitive presentation and voting process.

Stephanie’s work has been recognized with honors such as the Tech Titans Technology Advocate Award, and she is a trusted voice in leadership development and workforce innovation.

Deeply committed to service, Stephanie is an active volunteer with her children’s PTA and Metrocrest Services, reflecting her passion for giving back and building strong communities.

She holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Texas State University and an Executive & Professional Coaching certificate from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is currently exploring her next business venture—stay tuned.

Member, Mission Committee

Alexandria (Alex) Vargas serves as the Office Manager and Special Assistant to the Executive Team at the Dallas Regional Chamber, where she oversees office operations, manages executive calendars, and leads staff training and internal initiatives.

She brings a strong background in administrative leadership, having previously served as Office Coordinator at the DRC. In that role, she managed daily operations, HR onboarding, and special projects—including a full office security upgrade.

Key accomplishments include streamlining internal workflows, improving executive support systems, and mentoring students through the All Stars Project. Alex thrives when collaborating with others and helping create spaces where everyone feels seen and championed.

She is an active member of multiple committees at the DRC, including the Book Club, AI Club, and Employee Engagement Committee.

Originally from West Texas, Alex has loved making Dallas her home in recent years. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new workout classes, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Member, Philanthropy Committee

Tania Wittgenfeld-King is a visionary, equity-centered higher education leader with over 20 years of experience driving institutional excellence through strategic innovation and transformational leadership. Currently serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Relations and Enrollment Management at Southern Illinois University, she specializes in advancing access, closing equity gaps, and fostering inclusive ecosystems. Tania excels in building meaningful partnerships, mobilizing resources, and shaping organizational cultures that prioritize student success and socioeconomic mobility. Dedicated to leveraging higher education as a catalyst for social change, she is committed to creating equitable opportunities, expanding access to higher education, and promoting upward mobility through impactful community engagement.