Arlington, TX – The Dallas Wings will shine a powerful spotlight on leadership, achievement, and impact as they host their third annual Inspiring Women Weekend from August 8–10 at College Park Center in Arlington. The weekend celebration, presented by GEM (Girls Empowered by Mavericks), will feature the Nancy Lieberman Women of Inspiration Awards and a variety of fan activations throughout the Wings’ home games on Friday and Sunday.

This year’s trio of honorees includes three women whose leadership has created lasting impact in the realms of sports, civic service, and youth empowerment: Jody Conradt, Jennifer Bartkowski, and Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.

All three will be honored during halftime of the Wings’ nationally televised game against the defending WNBA Champion New York Liberty on Friday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT, with Ron Thulin, Fran Harris, and Tiffany Bias-Patmon on the call for ION. The celebration continues throughout the weekend, culminating in more on-court tributes and fan appreciation initiatives on Sunday.

Honoring Icons of Inspiration

Jody Conradt, the legendary former Texas Longhorns head coach, will be recognized as the Trailblazer Woman of Inspiration. The second woman ever inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Conradt’s coaching career is highlighted by 900 wins, a 1986 national championship, and a pioneering role in legitimizing women’s basketball on and off the court.

Beyond her coaching record, Conradt is a lifelong educator and advocate for equity, diversity, and integrity in athletics. Her contributions continue today as a special assistant to Texas athletics director Chris Del Conte, and her legacy is etched into both the Naismith and Women’s Basketball Halls of Fame.

Jennifer Bartkowski, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX), is the Community Woman of Inspiration recipient. A driving force in youth development and STEM education, Bartkowski has overseen the creation of the 92-acre STEM Center of Excellence—a nationally recognized living laboratory for girls. Her leadership has helped redefine modern Girl Scouting through inclusivity, innovation, and mental health support, inspiring the next generation of female leaders in North Texas and beyond.

Rounding out the honorees is Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas City Manager, who will receive the Businesswoman of Inspiration Award. Appointed in January 2025, Tolbert is the first African American woman to serve in the position, and currently the only woman leading a top-10 U.S. city under a council-manager government system.

Tolbert oversees a $5.2 billion budget and more than 13,000 employees, having already driven major initiatives in city infrastructure and community resilience. Her credentials include a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas and leadership training through the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.

The honorees will participate in a halftime panel discussion on Friday, moderated by WFAA anchor Dia Wall, a North Texas native recently returned from Kansas City. The conversation will spotlight the personal journeys, professional challenges, and defining moments that shaped each woman’s career.

Weekend Highlights and Fan Activations

Beyond the awards and panel, the Inspiring Women Weekend will feature a full slate of fan-focused programming:

• Friday (Aug. 8): The first 2,000 fans will receive limited-edition Wings and GEM-branded cosmetic bags, while honorees will be recognized throughout the game.

• Saturday (Aug. 9): Season Ticket Members are invited to attend a special open practice and meet-and-greet session with Wings players and staff.

• Sunday (Aug. 10): The first 2,000 fans will receive Wings sunglasses, and the GEM Dream Team Skills Challenge will headline halftime. A female-owned business marketplace will be active on the concourse, showcasing local entrepreneurs.

• Community Recognitions: Throughout the weekend, the Wings will celebrate franchise alumni and highlight community leaders contributing to the advancement of women in business, sports, and education.

A Commitment to Empowerment

The Nancy Lieberman Women of Inspiration Awards were created to recognize leaders who exemplify excellence, innovation, and perseverance—values long championed by the Hall of Fame player and philanthropist Nancy Lieberman, who remains closely tied to the Wings organization.

“Inspiring Women Weekend is more than a celebration—it’s a commitment,” said a Wings team spokesperson. “It reflects our dedication to elevating the stories and leadership of women who shape our communities, our institutions, and our future.”