a Woman to watch

Kendra Scott celebrates International Women's Day with new watch collection and philanthropic foundation

Courtesy of Kendra Scott

Today is International Women's Day, and jewelry icon and philanthropist Kendra Scott is celebrating as Kendra Scott does best — launching an all-new collection and announcing a new charitable foundation.

A component of the Austin Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3), the mission of the Kendra Scott Foundation is to empower women and youth in the areas of health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. According to a release, Kendra Scott started her brand with the intention of doing good first and selling jewelry second, a philanthropic mentality that has been embedded into every facet of the company. The Foundation will allow Kendra Scott to do even more good and serve as an overarching platform to deepen the brand’s investment in changing the lives of women and youth.

Scott has proudly donated more than $50 million to local, national, and international causes since 2010. Centering around the pillars of wellness, education, and entrepreneurship, Scott's philanthropic efforts include a commitment to breast cancer research through Yellow for Pink by Kendra Scott; a creative arts program for pediatric hospitals called Kendra Cares; support for educators and underserved students; and growing the next generation of women leaders through the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

“My intention when I started this business was always to do good first and sell jewelry second, and the launch of the Kendra Scott Foundation will allow us to continue to do just that for decades to come,” said Kendra Scott, Founder, Designer, and Executive Chairwoman of the brand via release. “I have always strived to use my talents to improve the lives of others, especially women who need to be connected to sources that will help them flourish. This is why the Kendra Scott Foundation was created and why we are so driven and inspired to expand our impact and reach even more women and youth each and every day.”

Also launching on March 8, the brand released a new collection of watches and watch bands to add to their 2022 timepiece collection. New additions include the Iridescent Stainless-Steel band, available in the Alex Link Watch Band, featuring subtle spring hues; a refresh of the best-selling Dira watch with an Iridescent Sunray face and featuring a diamond embedded within Kendra Scott’s iconic medallion logo; and the Filigree Leather Watch Band. Designed exclusively for Apple Watch®, the latter is crafted with genuine Italian leather in luxurious shades and features the brand's signature logo as a pattern on the band.

The new collection of watches and watch bands range from $138-$288, and are available at KendraScott.com and in retail stores nationwide.

Courtesy of Kendra Scott

The Alex Gold Tone stainless steel 35m watch now comes in a new color, Light Iridescent.

pat saddles up

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes history with election of first female chairman of the board

Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Pat Mann Phillips saddles up in 2024.

In 2022, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo made history by making local rap icon Bun B the first Black headliner from Houston. Now, the venerable institution has made history again with the appointment of its first female chairman of the board.

Pat Mann Phillips, a rodeo life member since 2001, will begin her three-year tenure as chairman of the board starting with the 2024 Rodeo, according to an announcement. She takes over for departing chairman Brady Carruth.

“As the newly elected Chairman of the Board, I am humbled and honored to lead the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and our amazing team of dedicated volunteers,” Phillips tells CultureMap. "Together, we embark on a transformative endeavor to propel our organization to its fullest potential. By breaking new ground and pushing boundaries, we will elevate the rodeo experience to unprecedented heights, capturing the essence of our vibrant community and its unwavering spirit.”

Her first objective, according to the rodeo, will be to collaborate with the executive committee to lead the Rodeo, focusing on its core mission of promoting agriculture and supporting Texas youth and education.

Heralded by peers and staff for her high-energy, positive, genuine, compassionate, and humble nature, Phillips has served on myriad rodeo committees, various committees, including the Corral Club – Suites, Directions & Assistance, Jr. Rodeo, and Special Children's committees.

She was elected to the board of directors in 2012 and rodeo vice president from 2016 to 2018. During her tenure, she oversaw the Transportation, Magazine, Special Children's, Agricultural Education (formerly Ladies' Go Texan), Souvenir Program, and Communications & Special Services committees. She joined the rodeos executive committee in 2018.

Consummately Houston and rodeo, Phillips holds a BBA in Petroleum Land Management and a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University and boasts more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry. She is currently the executive director of Energy Services for Revenade, a global management consulting firm.

Rodeo is a family affair: She and her husband, Tim Phillips have contributed financially through auction buying groups, season tickets, and donations to the Rodeo's Educational Fund. Tim Phillips, a former chair of the Jr. Rodeo Committee, continues to serve on the Special Children's Committee, per the rodeo.

Pat and Tim Phillips also walk the walk: they own Trinity Spirit Ranch in Field Store, Texas and manage their family ranch in Johnson County, Texas. Pat is also a charter member of Texas Women Venture Fund and a member and former director of Ladies of Texas Tradition, per her bio. She is a mentor and board member in organizations including Amigas Para Niños and the American Association of Professional Landmen.

“Our rich traditions serve as the cornerstone of our mission, and it is my hope that through our collective efforts, we not only preserve these traditions but also ignite a flame of inspiration within others,” Par Phillips says. “I am thrilled to saddle up for this exhilarating journey ahead. Together, we will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come and making a profound difference in the lives of those we touch.”