Top Community Speaker Programs at the Dallas Founder Lions Club

At the Dallas Founder Lions Club, we take pride in being more than just a service organization—we are a hub for civic engagement, education, and leadership. One of the hallmarks of our meetings is our dynamic speaker series, where we welcome some of the most influential voices from our community to inform, inspire, and connect.

Our club meets on the first and third Friday of every month in the heart of Downtown Dallas, just steps away from where Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917. Whether you’re interested in learning about key local issues, networking with leaders, or discovering new ways to serve the community, our speaker programs offer something for everyone. The best way to check out our club is to attend one of our meetings and hear directly from one of these outstanding speakers.

Engaging speaker programs are a cornerstone of Lions Club meetings, enhancing both our member experience and our community impact. These programs help educate members on a variety of topics, from city government and education to business and social issues. They also serve as a source of inspiration, motivating Lions to take on new service initiatives that align with our mission. Just as importantly, these programs create networking and collaboration opportunities, strengthening our connections with local leaders, organizations, and changemakers.

The Dallas Founder Lions Club has built one of the most robust and consistent community speaker programs in Dallas, hosting influential leaders from government, education, business, and nonprofit sectors. Among our recent highlights was a fireside chat featuring Council Member Omar Narvaez and former Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano, moderated by Jeff Strater. This engaging discussion provided valuable insights into city leadership, community advocacy, and the future of Dallas.

Other recent speakers have included Dr. Bradford Williams, Vice Chancellor and President of Dallas College El Centro, who spoke on the role of higher education in workforce development and economic growth. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas ISD, shared updates on public education initiatives in our city. Joe Carreon, Dallas ISD School Board Trustee, provided an in-depth look at policies affecting students and schools across the district.

We have also had the pleasure of welcoming Beckie Callahan, Executive Director of the Japan-America Society of DFW, who shared the organization’s work in strengthening international relationships. Sol Villasana, attorney and author of Dallas’s Little Mexico: Settlement to Barrio, spoke about the rich history of one of Dallas’ most historically significant neighborhoods. Juan Galvan, Director of Park Programming & Events at Downtown Dallas Inc., discussed ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces and create a more vibrant downtown.

Our speaker lineup has also featured Rena Pederson, former Vice President and Editorial Page Editor at The Dallas Morning News, who shared with us the fascinating details of her latest book. Dr. Marc Diamond, founding director of the Center for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Southwestern, provided a fascinating discussion on the latest advancements in medical research and the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

If you’re looking for a place to engage with community leaders, expand your knowledge, and get involved in meaningful service, the Dallas Founder Lions Club is the perfect place to start. Join us at our next meeting, connect with like-minded individuals, and hear from one of Dallas’ top speakers firsthand.

Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of every month in Downtown Dallas at El Centro College. For more information or to attend a meeting, reach out to us at dallasfounderlionsclub@yahoo.com. We look forward to welcoming you!

Recent speaker Rena Pederson, former Vice President and Editorial Page Editor of the Dallas Morning News and author of the King of Diamonds.