DWF 2009 Luncheon

Gail Collins joined the New York Times in 1995 as a member of the editorial board and later as an op-ed columnist. In 2001 she became the first woman ever appointed editor of the Times editorial page. At the beginning of 2007, she stepped down and began a leave in order to finish a sequel to her book, "America's Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates and Heroines." She returned to The Times as a columnist in July 2007.

Before joining the Times, Ms. Collins was a columnist at New York Newsday and the New York Daily News, and a reporter for United Press International. Her first jobs in journalism were in Connecticut, where she founded the Connecticut State News Bureau, which provided coverage of the state capitol and Connecticut politics. When she sold it in 1977, the CSNB was the largest news service of its kind in the country, with more than 30 weekly and daily newspaper chains.

Besides "America's Women," which was published in 2003, Ms. Collins is the author of "Scorpion Tongues: Gossip, Celebrity and American Politics," and "The Millennium Book," which she co-authored with her husband, Dan Collins. Her new book, “When Everything Changed” about American women since 1960, will be out in fall 2009.

The Dallas Women's Foundation is also proud to have Pat Smith as our Honorary Chair for the 2009 Luncheon.  Pat Smith is a wife, mother, former actress, broadcast journalist/TV host and former beauty queen knoqn for her dedication to church, civic and community activities.  She was the first black woman to win the title of Miss Virginia and was first runner-up in the 1994 Miss USA Pageant. Her television career includes host of Keep the Faith as well as recurring roles and guest appearances on such primetime hits as Beverly Hills 90210, Sunset Beach and The Wayans Brothers Show.  Pat was selected as a member of the prestigious Vogue 100 for 2009.

Pat is the Founder/CEO of "Treasure You," which is dedicated to building a community that supports, inspires and celebrates women in their journey to discover their self-worth.  Pat's charitable outreach includes battered women's shelters and breast cancer initiatives.

Pat is the President of Pat and Emmitt Smith Charities, which is devoted to creating opportunitiesfor disadvantaged children in the areas of arts, education, health, and wellness.