Innovation Luncheon: New Year, New Challenges, & New Leaders

There’s a fresh crop of leaders in the social impact sector in 2026, and the Social Innovation Luncheon Series is your first chance to hear their good ideas and new insights about how to address root causes advancing justice.

Join Social Venture Partners Dallas on Monday, March 2, at the Cooper Hotel for a panel discussion with local nonprofit executives new to their organizations, moderated by Catherine Cuellar, the new SVP Dallas President & CEO. Hear from:

• Denise McGovern, Executive Director of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, supporting access, literacy, and opportunity for all of Dallas through the Dallas Public Library system.
• Gabrielle “Gabe” Madison, CEO of Metrocrest Services, which offers a comprehensive bundle of services to address gaps in finances, employment, health, and nutrition to holistically help end poverty.
• Laura Ward, CEO of Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas, which increases career and workforce readiness at every stage of life.
• Christine Crossley, Executive Director of City Year Dallas, an organization that develops and deploys young civically minded AmeriCorps members to bridge the gap between what students need and what schools can provide by delivering whole school and targeted student support in under-resourced Dallas County schools.

During this session, you will hear each leader’s perspective on their organizations’ impact. Please bring your friends and prospective partners to learn about our new work, meet new leadership, and collaborate across sectors to strengthen the Dallas social impact sector in 2026 and beyond.

*SILS tickets are not considered a charitable donation for tax purposes.

* Members of the media/press should email Seth Block, Director of Collective Impact (sblock@svpdallas.org) for press credentials. We ask that members of the media attending SILS for reporting purposes request press credentials and do not purchase a ticket.