Women in the Know

Impacting our communities through leadership, collaboration and a heart for others

Our organization is a partnership of industry leaders seeking to proactively affect change in our communities.

Women in the Know members are high-level professionals dedicated to working with Dallas nonprofits and Fort Worth charities to provide support, education and fundraising opportunities. We host roundtables, forums and educational events throughout the year, inviting renowned professionals to speak on topics such as child poverty, healthcare law and labor regulations, human resources and more. Our local nonprofit events educate and provide positive discussion and ideas in order to impact change in our community.

Snapshot of Impact Areas
  • Created top-level awareness of women-owned businesses that Women in the Know members can leverage and support
  • Developed a conduit to generate and build businesses, showing a true ROI on investment in the network of Women in the Know
  • Helped fill NFP boards
  • Connected HR executive teams with Change Management specialists
  • Created mentoring of next generation executives
  • Assisted companies in identifying executive leadership
  • Provided a platform for community education and involvement

Get Involved

Working together as a collective group, Women in the Know members are able to influence — and experience — positive change in our communities. We provide support, care and love to charitable, nonprofit organizations that are near and dear to our hearts.

Meet The Board

Founders

Mary Emma Ackels Karam

Julia Dodd, RPH, MBA, JD

Executive Board

Mary Emma Ackels Karam

Jackson Walker
partner

Co-founder of Women in the Know as well as a preeminent Dallas healthcare contracting attorney, Mary Emma’s (Ackels) Karam’s dedication to client service and her reputation for integrity, tenacity and collaboration are what set her apart as a trusted and valued adviser.

Community Service: Catholic Charities of Dallas, St. Joseph’s Residence

Julia Dodd, RPH, MBA, JD

Women In The Know
President

As co-founder of Women in the Know and with more than 20 years of leadership experience in law, healthcare, risk management and business development, Julia is known for her partnership within the Dallas community and beyond.

Community Service: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Kimbell Art Museum, AVANCE of Dallas

Jennifer Giannini, CPA

Baker Tilly
Audit Senior Manager

Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience providing employee benefit plans and corporate audit and consulting services to entities of all sizes. Jennifer’s focus on adding value, beyond the provided services, has contributed to her success in this industry.

Community Service: North Texas Food Bank, The Child Care Group, Minnie’s Pantry, Booker T Washington Dance Guild

Barbara Malin

Jackson Walker
Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer

Barbara is known for her insightful and inspiring leadership, effective vision and mission development for organizations, team-building expertise, legal and business background and experience in managing diverse, collaborative efforts. 

Community Service: Women in the Know and the Fine Arts Board at St. Monica

Mandy Price

Kanarys, Inc
Chief Business Development and Marketing Officer

Mandy is a Co-Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of Kanarys, a social enterprise that works with organizations to build more inclusive cultures. Kanarys is committed to creating a world where diversity is sought after, inclusiveness is honored and equity is evident.

Community Service: ChildCare Group, TexProtects

Lynne Sanders

Wells Fargo
Senior Vice President | Business Development

Lynne leverages her banking experience to develop relationships that deliver value to Wells Fargo’s prospects and clients. She partners with business owners, chief financial officers, and centers of influence for Wells Fargo.

Alicia Seaton Clock, MBA

VACO
Partner

Alicia Seaton is a Certified Internal Auditor and is renowned for project resourcing, accounting, financial planning and analysis, tax compliance and reporting, SEC reporting, business analytics and so much more.

Community Service: Chase Oaks Church in Plano and Emily’s Place

Elise Young

TeledocHealth
Advisory Committee

Angela Anderson

KPMG
Senior Manager

Sandra Barron

Nefab Americas
Director of Human Resources

Devin Butler

Fidelity National Title
AVP Business Development

Star Carter

Kanarys, Inc.
COO and General Counsel

Laura Estrada

Garza Business Services
President & Owner

Gwendolyn Evans

RyanWest
President/CEO

Stacey Guillen

Kanarys, Inc.
Director of Business Development

Juanita Harris

AT&T
Assistant Vice President - Senior Legal Counsel

BJ Hayes

Susan Hensarling

Keep Austin Fed
Co-Founder

Jennifer Indyk

Lifescience Legal
Partner

Anna Koepke

jackson walker
Conference & Special Events Manager

Christie Lee

ECOM Trading
U.S. HR Manager

Sonja McGill

Spencer Fane LLP
Labor & Employment Partner & Commercial Arbitrator

Nicole Metcalf

Independent Financial
Sr. Vice President & Associate General Counsel

Nancy Natinsky

Tirgo
Owner

Helen Michelle Newsome

Morgan Stanley
Financial Advisor

Nancy Poinsatte

Self Employed
Independent Fund-Raising Professional

Gaby Rawlings

Jackson Walker
Associate

Tracy Ready

RCP Investments
Business Development Officer

Jennifer Schmiel

Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce
Senior Vice President

Wilemia Shaw

CHRO CONSULTANT

Karen Soefje

Baker Tilly
Partner

Pam Turay

CECO Environmental Corporation
Senior Vice President Human Resources

Christine Vance

MADD
Vice Present of Talent and Culture

Toni Vincent

Self Employed
Certified Public Accountant

Cliffie Wesson JD

Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals (Dallas)
General Counsel

Our Events

Join us in impacting change in the lives of those who need our help most.

Contact

Have questions, concerns or looking for volunteer opportunities? Please feel free to send us a message, and we will respond as soon as we can.

Our Sponsors