Honorees

Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans is one of the most decorated female veterans in U.S. history and a nationally recognized advocate for resilience, service and leadership. A native Texan from Abilene, Gretchen enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 19 and dedicated nearly 30 years to serving her country. As a senior military intelligence analyst, paratrooper and Command Sergeant Major, she led and supported high-tempo missions around the world, including operations in Grenada, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In 2006, while serving as a sergeant major in Afghanistan, Gretchen was injured when a mortar blast threw her into a concrete bunker wall, causing a traumatic brain injury and 95% hearing loss. Her injuries ended the military career she loved, but they did not end her commitment to serving others. Her distinguished service earned her numerous honors, including the Bronze Star for valor and heroism in combat and the Purple Heart.

Determined to redefine what was possible after injury and adversity, Gretchen founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team that inspires veterans and individuals with disabilities to overcome limitations through teamwork, perseverance and courage. The team became the first totally disabled team to compete in World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji on Amazon Prime.

An accomplished author and motivational speaker, Gretchen received the 2022 ESPY Pat Tillman Award for Service. Today, Gretchen continues to live out her mission of serving others, using her experiences to uplift veterans, families and communities across the country. Her life is a powerful testament to the belief that even in our most difficult moments, we can remain unbroken and continue to make each moment matter.

Presbyterian Village North (PVN) residents Celine Hubler and Susan deLarios embody creativity, service and community. Through their unique talents, leadership and generosity, they transformed an unconventional idea into one of the Forefront Living Foundation’s most memorable fundraising initiatives. The dynamic duo created a beloved calendar featuring PVN residents that celebrates aging with humor, confidence and joy while raising support for the mission of Forefront Living.

Celine’s lifelong commitment to service was shaped by the values of simplicity, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. Following a distinguished 45-year career in advertising, including leadership roles with some of New York’s top creative agencies, she brought her exceptional eye for design, organization and storytelling to PVN when she moved to the Dallas campus in 2024. From producing community publications to documenting PVN’s history through commemorative projects, Celine continues to share her creative gifts, enriching the community she calls home.

Susan’s life has been guided by faith and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. After a successful career in investment management and years of volunteer leadership with organizations like United Women in Faith and Hope’s Door, she arrived at Presbyterian Village North in 2020, ready for a new adventure. What began as a lighthearted conversation about a resident calendar soon evolved into a bold fundraising campaign. Susan’s enthusiasm, perseverance and ability to inspire others brought together 26 PVN female residents who embraced her vision to prove that purpose, laughter and generosity have no age limit.

Together, Susan’s vision and leadership, combined with Celine’s artistic direction and creative expertise, produced a calendar that celebrates confidence, friendship and the vibrant spirit of the PVN community. Their partnership demonstrates the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when creativity and compassion come together to serve others, inspiring countless people and helping advance the mission of Forefront Living.

In more than 25 years of education and nonprofit leadership, Dominique McCain has reached 100,000 Texas children and 50,000 educators.

Dominique serves as President and CEO of Educational First Steps and is the founder of The ConnectED Agency. Across both roles, she works to expand access to high-quality education and strengthen outcomes for children, families and educators throughout North Texas and beyond. She chose early childhood deliberately, as it remains the stage of a child’s education that receives the least investment and the least attention.

Dominique’s devotion to the community is not limited to her job requirements. She gives of her time, expertise and personal resources to build education systems that are equitable and lasting. She approaches her work as a servant leader, grounded in gratitude and respect, and she builds relationships that allow cross-sector leaders and community stakeholders to collaborate rather than simply share the same networks.

Integrity is the cornerstone of Dominique’s personal and professional life. She leads with transparency, accountability and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right. Accordingly, she is trusted by partners across the field. As a 2026 Presidential Leadership Scholar, she has extended her reach nationally and sharpened her ability to transform ideas into action.

Patty and David Miller exemplify the spirit of the Each Moment Matters Luncheon through their dedication to strengthen families, advance education and create opportunities that improve lives for generations to come.

Longtime champions of early childhood development, the Millers have dedicated their time and philanthropic support to help children and families thrive during the most critical years of life. Their involvement with the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Center for Children and Families helped expand access to research-based programs that empower parents, support healthy child development and prepare young children for future success.

Patty Miller, a graduate of UTD’s Human Development and Early Childhood Disorders program and former Chair of the Center for Children and Families Advisory Council, has devoted herself to helping families understand the positive impact of early learning experiences. Together with David, a Lamplighter School Life Trustee, she champions programs that equip parents with the knowledge and tools needed to nurture their children’s growth from infancy onward.

In 1987, Patty and David became the founding family of Oak Hill Academy in Dallas, a K-12 private school for learning-different children, where they still serve as Life Trustees.

Through their support, initiatives such as Juega Conmigo expanded into underserved communities across North Texas, providing free, bilingual parent-child learning programs that strengthen family relationships and foster school readiness. These programs not only serve children today but also create lasting benefits across generations.

The couple’s commitment to the community reflects their belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and every parent should have access to resources that help them succeed. Their generosity brought developmental screenings, educational programming and family support services into neighborhoods where they are needed most.

Beyond their philanthropic contributions, Patty and David are respected leaders who inspire others to invest in the well-being of future generations. Their leadership is marked by a genuine desire to make a profound difference. They understand that lasting change begins with strong families and healthy children, and they are committed to advancing that vision throughout North Texas.