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Access to affordable childcare and economic opportunities remain challenges for women across Texas, where women make up 46% of the state's workforce.
Those challenges were among the issues highlighted during the Metrocrest Area Chamber's Women in Business Empowerment Luncheon on Nov. 5, which brought together business leaders from Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch and surrounding North Dallas communities.
The event also recognized local women business leaders with the 2026 Women in Business Awards.
Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of the Texas Women's Foundation, highlighted the organization's efforts to close gaps in economic opportunities for women across the state.
The foundation's 2026 Economic Opportunity Index examines economic conditions in Texas counties and identifies how factors such as employment, education, health care and childcare affect women's ability to achieve financial stability.
The research builds on data collected from 2014 through 2024, providing a comparison of economic challenges and opportunities facing women across Texas.
One of the findings shows that where a woman lives can significantly affect her access to economic opportunities. The index allows communities to identify patterns in economic conditions and determine where additional resources and support may be needed.
Childcare remains one of the challenges identified in the research, with the cost of infant care creating a financial burden for working families.
The index provides information that communities and policymakers can use to address barriers, including childcare affordability and economic inequality.
"Unevenness is real, but is patterned, and patterns can be acted on," White said.
The research highlights how identifying economic disparities can help communities develop strategies to improve opportunities for women and their families.
Alongside the discussion of women's economic opportunities, the Metrocrest Area Chamber recognized women making contributions to the local business community during its 2026 Women in Business Awards.
Jessica Johnson of Johnson Management Company received the Women in Business Award for Addison. Johnson, who operates a McDonald's restaurant near Belt Line and Marsh Lane, is in her 10th year of restaurant ownership and operations and has expanded her business to 11 restaurants.
Robin Mainer, owner of Honest A-1 Auto Care, received the Women in Business Award for Addison. She has been in business for 10 years and described not being able to get a loan because she was a woman in the auto repair industry.
Kate Bergeron, founder and publisher of the Branch Herald, received the Women in Business Award for Farmers Branch.
Bergeron founded the Branch Herald three years ago based on the belief that strong communities need strong local news coverage to help residents stay informed and connected to the places they call home.
The awards recognized women business leaders in the Metrocrest area while the luncheon provided an opportunity to examine economic challenges affecting women throughout Texas.
For more information about the Texas Women's Foundation and its research on women's economic opportunities, visit txwf.org.
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