Honoring Our Grassroots Lion Nominee: Maggie Lopez

The Dallas Founder Lions Club is proud to announce Lion Maggie Lopez as our official nominee for the 2025 Grassroots Lion Award at the upcoming District 2-X1 Convention. This special award is presented annually to a deserving member from each Lions Club in District 2-X1 who has been a Lion for five years or less and has made a significant impact through dedication to their club and community. The Grassroots Lion Award recognizes members who lead with heart and humility—those who often work behind the scenes but whose service and commitment help build the very foundation of their club’s success. In her first year with the Dallas Founder Lions, Lion Maggie Lopez has done exactly that.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Maggie Lopez has long been a believer in service, leadership, and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Training and Development from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and a Master’s Degree in Professional Studies in Education from Capella University. Since 2007, she has been an essential part of Dallas College El Centro, a centrally located campus in Downtown Dallas that serves a diverse student population with programs focused on career and academic advancement. Maggie currently leads as Senior Director – Campus Administrator, overseeing campus operations and services that directly support student success and community engagement.

Her passion for student development shines through in her role as faculty sponsor for two impactful student organizations: The Sister 2 Sister (S2S) Club at El Centro College is dedicated to empowering female students by fostering their academic and social development. It provides a supportive environment where members can connect, grow, and thrive within the college community. The Environmental Club focuses on promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues. Under Maggie’s guidance, the club encourages students to explore creative and actionable solutions to improve the campus and community’s ecological footprint. Through her mentorship and leadership, Maggie has helped students feel seen, supported, and empowered. She has twice been recognized as Student Club Advisor of the Year—first in 2016, and again in May 2024.

What many may not know is that Maggie’s Lions journey actually began years ago in her hometown of Corpus Christi, where she was a member and Secretary of the Corpus Christi Lioness Club. Now, with her professional life rooted in Dallas and a strong commitment to community and campus engagement, she’s found her way back to Lionism in a full-circle moment—this time with the Dallas Founder Lions Club. From the start, her enthusiasm, leadership, and warm spirit have been felt across the club.

Very early in her rejoining of Lions Clubs International and the Dallas Founder Lions Club, Maggie’s dedication was already being noticed. She was presented with special recognition by Lions District 2X1 Governor Radha Kaphle during the Governor’s and our Zone Chair’s official visit to the club. The award honored her immediate and meaningful contributions to the Dallas Founder Lions Club, her enthusiasm for Lionism, and the positive role she played in expanding the club’s growth and outreach. The presentation was a great moment for the club, as members joined in thanking and celebrating Maggie’s early impact.

In the past year, Lion Maggie has continued to play a vital role in our club’s growth and service: She worked closely with Club President Lion Nia, playing an integral role in ensuring the success of our meetings, service events, and new member engagement. Their collaboration has helped create a welcoming and effective club environment. She was instrumental in arranging our new meeting location at Dallas College El Centro, giving the club a convenient, vibrant home in Downtown Dallas, steps away from where Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917. Maggie helped facilitate and volunteered at our vision clinics held on campus, assisting with all aspects of the clinic operations and helping students access critical services. She volunteered during the District Diabetes Awareness event in November, supporting Lions’ health initiatives and outreach. And she has been a key force in recruiting new members, extending our reach and helping build a stronger, more engaged club.

Founded in 1916, the Dallas Founder Lions Club is the original Lions Club— among the clubs that helped inspire the formation of Lions Clubs International. Today, we honor that legacy through hands-on service, community leadership, and a deep commitment to the Lions motto: “We Serve.” Our projects range from vision and health services to youth mentorship, food security, and global outreach. We meet in the heart of Downtown Dallas, just steps from the historic Adolphus Hotel where our story began, and we continue to grow thanks to the passion and service of members like Maggie Lopez.

Lion Maggie truly exemplifies the spirit of the Grassroots Lion Award—steadfast, generous, and driven by the desire to serve others.

Congratulations, Lion Maggie Lopez, and thank you for the incredible energy, leadership, and care you bring to our club and community. We are honored to celebrate you as our 2025 Grassroots Lion.

Together We Can. Changing the world, one community at a time.