NAWBO Dallas Ft Worth Leadership
2023-24 Board of Directors
Tolu Akindunni
President
Kate Winsor, President of Cadence Studios, leads a family business specializing in creating memorable audience experiences through comprehensive audiovisual services. Armed with a background in marketing and user experience, Kate’s journey began after graduating from the University of North Texas. In 2013, she founded a successful user experience consulting firm, sparking her passion for business operations. Joining Cadence Studios in 2017, Kate implemented innovative processes, driving exponential growth. Alongside her husband and son, Kate actively engages in Scouts and Taekwondo. Beyond business, she enjoys reading, traveling, and nurturing her garden, prioritizing outdoor pursuits in her spare time.
Kate Winsor
President-Elect
Teresa Hockett
Immediate Past President
Latasha Varnadoe-Iloabuchi is a dynamic CEO, accomplished accountant, and passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. As the CEO of The Varnadoe Group, a boutique business consulting firm, Latasha brings over 20 years of real estate accounting and business experience to the table. Her expertise and strategic insights have helped numerous clients achieve their goals and drive sustainable growth.
Latasha’s educational background includes a bachelor of science degree from Alabama State University, where she honed her analytical skills and developed a strong foundation in finance. Additionally, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which reflects her commitment to service and leadership.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Latasha co-founded The 1895 Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering BIPOC youth in Lincoln, Nebraska. Through this initiative, she aims to foster the development of education, career, life, and social skills, creating a brighter future for young individuals in her community.
My NAWBO Why: I wanted to become part of a collective voice that can influence policy decisions and create a more favorable business environment for women entrepreneurs.
Latasha Varnadoe-Iloabuchi
Director of Marketing & Technology
Karen "KJ" Johnson
Director of Programs
The Konfident Woman
Karen KJ Johnson is a highly skilled and influential leader, renowned for her inspirational women empowerment speaking, and her impactful leadership skills. As the Founder & CEO of The Konfident Woman, she empowers women to unlock their inherent brilliance, cultivate executive presence, & build unwavering self-confidence.
KJ possesses a rich and extensive professional background spanning three decades, marked by a distinguished track record in leadership, governance, sales, and fundraising, with a notable presence in both the corporate and nonprofit domains. Her current role as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Dallas underscores her exceptional leadership capabilities.
Furthermore, KJ’s commitment to promoting the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equity is evident in her appointment as the Program & Partnership Director for NAWBO DFW. KJ’s visionary outlook and her exemplary communication skills serve as the bedrock for her mission to enhance women’s self-worth, facilitate their advancement, and advocate for gender equality.
My NAWBO Why: I strongly believe when women are provided with the right tools and support, she can maximize her potential. NAWBO DFW provides both!
Karen Perkins
Treasurer
Alexis Britton
Director of Public Policy & DEIB
Alexis’ experience is helping individuals and businesses understand and navigate asset protection and wealth creation. She has extensive experience in the industry, beginning her career in personal lines insurance as a Property Adjuster and Claim Manager. Since 2015, she has devoted her time to developing insurance and wealth strategies for individuals, families, executives and entrepreneurs.
Alexis has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter and Retirement Income Certified Planner. In addition to her Series 6 and 63, she is licensed in multiple states. She is active in her community serving as a Board Member for NAWBO, Bridging the Gap Foundation and Texas Healthcare Advisory Council.
My NAWBO Why: I joined NAWBO for expertise and community provided by this organization to support women entrepreneurs.
Deb Purvin
Director of Mentorship