WOVI, Inc., proudly presents:
Event Details:
Event Details:
Join Us for the 2026 Pauline Shirley Mentor of the Year Awards!
WOVI’s Annual Mentor of the Year Awards Celebration is our opportunity to meet and honor outstanding women mentors who encourage and promote women in organizations, corporations and throughout our community.
Join us as we recognize Mentor of the Year Candidates and their nominators, and announce the award recipient of the Pauline Shirley Mentor of the Year for 2026.
Register today to join us on Zoom, Friday, October 23, 7:00-9:00 pm CT! JUMP TO REGISTRATION
Friday’s virtual event will be emceed by Debra Sanford, President of WOVI’s Management Council, and features our special guest speaker, Catherine Dodge, Senior Change Management Partner at DFW International Airport!
Come ready to be inspired and delighted by our nominees, women who have made a difference in the lives of their coworkers and the community through mentoring. Hear about the history of WOVI and the Mentor of the Year Award! This is an evening you’ll want to share with other women in your life, so invite them to register as well, and Zoom in on Friday evening, October 23, 2026! REGISTER or SPONSOR BELOW!
Women of Visionary Influence, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to educate, inform, enhance, enrich, and inspire women through mentoring and leadership development, and was established in 2001 by a group of twelve dedicated women led by Pauline Shirley, Past International President of Toastmasters and founder of Leaders on Fire, and Teresa Smith. WOVI is the first women’s organization dedicated to mentoring. We encourage, empower, and support a multicultural group of women to do extraordinary things and create a permanent confidence in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. All women seeking to maximize their influence are invited to join and participate in this membership organization to gain and enhance leadership and mentoring skills. We help you find your path and stay on it.
Meet our Special Guest Speaker
for the Mentor of the Year Awards Event!
Catherine Dodge
Senior Management Partner at DFW International Airport
“Beyond the Formal Mentor: Building a Network of Learning, Encouragement, and Opportunity”
Mentorship does not always begin with a formal mentor. We often imagine mentorship as a structured relationship between an experienced guide and a developing leader. Yet many of the people who shape our lives never carried the title of “mentor.”
They were the ones who answered a question, shared a piece of wisdom, opened a door, believed in us, or showed us what was possible. These moments of connection — often informal, unexpected, and unplanned — can be just as transformative as traditional mentoring.
Join us for a personal and practical conversation about the power of the connections we build along the way, the people who influence us in surprising ways, and how we can create that same sense of community, courage, and belonging for others. You may not have one defining mentor story. You may have something even more valuable: a network of people who helped you become who you are.
About the Speaker
Catherine Dodge describes herself as an “accidental transformation leader.”
With a degree in Western philosophy and religion, she once imagined a future in academia. But student loans led her into the corporate world — and ultimately into a 26‑year career with Goldman Sachs. Beginning as an analyst, she moved into project management and eventually discovered her calling in change management. Along the way, Catherine noticed a pattern: projects rarely failed because of missed tasks or timelines. The real challenges were people, culture, communication, and how individuals experience change. That insight reshaped her career and her purpose.
Today, Catherine, as Sr. Change Management Partner, leads the development of change management practice at DFW Airport, combining her corporate experience with a belief that meaningful transformation is ultimately about people — connection, clarity, and the courage to move forward.
Meet our Emcee
for the Mentor of the Year Awards Event!
Debra Sanford
WOVI Management Council President
Debra Sanford is a dynamic force within Women of Visionary Influence, serving as President of both the WOVI Management Council and the Arlington Mid Cities Chapter. A Distinguished Toastmaster and lifelong mentor, she is known for creating circles of strength wherever she leads—bringing community, communication, and courage to life through her example.
Recently retired after a career spanning NASA, Boeing, the University of North Texas, DFW International Airport, and Danone North America, Debra blends strategic leadership with a heart for service. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to empowering others, fostering connection, and elevating women’s voices at every stage of life.
Her impact reaches far beyond the workplace. From guiding Toastmasters clubs and youth leadership programs to supporting employee resource groups, directing music ministries at her church, and serving on the Board of The Voices of Fort Worth, Debra’s life is a testament to purpose, positivity, and legacy.
Debra brings her visionary energy to the Mentor of the Year celebration—honoring mentors who strengthen our community, elevate our communication, and inspire courage in everyday moments.
Sponsorship Information:
Sponsorship Information:
WOVI 2026 Mentor of the Year Event Sponsorships
For Corporations, Businesses, and individuals wanting to give a full measure of recognition by being a WOVI SPONSOR! Sponsorships are available through October 19, 2026.
WOVI Sponsor benefits may include:
- Registration(s) for Event
- Company information and sponsorship level on WOVI’s website
- WOVI Chapter membership(s)
- Social media promotion as a WOVI Sponsor
- Ad in the Digital Program (see submission details below)
- Sponsor Slides broadcast during event breaks
For detailed sponsorship levels with benefits, please CLICK HERE to download the 2026 Sponsorships Form.
- Select your sponsorship option and complete payment by PayPal below
- Then fill out the registration form below, OR fill out and submit the Sponsorships Form by email
- Sponsorship applications must be received by October 19, 2026
- We will contact you for additional information related to your sponsorship level benefits
Sponsorship Payment and Registration
>>> REGISTER AND PAY HERE.
Registration Information:
Registration Information:
WOVI 2026 Mentor of the Year Event Registration
The virtual conference is only $30 for WOVI members, $35 for non-members. (SPECIAL discount for WOVI member plus one non-member guest for only $50!) Registration includes Zoom link to attend WOVI’s Pauline Shirley Mentor of the Year Awards Event and Digital Program. Plus – door prizes will be given away!
Event Payment and Registration
>>> REGISTER AND PAY HERE.