Highlights from the evening on January 10, 2024 ( 20 mins)
Ruby Bridges Trailblazer Award
The NAACP Temple Branch is delighted to extend its warmest congratulations to our awardees on being honored with the prestigious Ruby Bridges Trailblazer Award. This recognition is a testament to their extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to breaking barriers in their field.
As the first to integrate the school system, Ruby Bridges paved the way for others to follow in her footsteps and shattered the oppressive chains of segregation. Similarly, they embody the essence of the word "trailblazer" by being the first to hold the distinguished title of AfricanAmerican Woman or woman. Their pioneering spirit, resilience, and dedication have set a remarkable precedent and opened doors for countless others to embark on a similar journey.
Their outstanding contributions have propelled them to the forefront of their field and left an indelible mark on history. Their courage in facing challenges head-on and commitment to fostering inclusivity have undoubtedly inspired and empowered those around them.
The Ruby Bridges Trailblazer Award is a well-deserved recognition of their groundbreaking accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that, like Ruby Bridges, they have paved the way for others to dream bigger and aspire to greatness in their own right.
May this award be a source of pride and motivation for them to continue blazing new trails and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Their achievements reflect their personal success and contribute to the progress of our society as a whole.
Once again, congratulations on this exceptional honor. May their journey inspire and uplift others, just as they have inspired us all.
Dell Ingram-Walker
First African American Woman Chief Operating Officer Vice President of Clinical at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s Hospital and Clinics
Christine Knix
First African American Woman on the Temple Police Department and Texas Ranger
Virginia Leak
First African American Director of Nursing at Temple College in 1988 to 2007 and started the First Registered Associate Nursing Degree, and Nursing Program at Temple College
Margaret Pleasant
First Woman Pastor at St James United Methodist Church in Temple Texas
Dr. Teresa Beamon
First African American graduate with a Doctorate in the Nursing Program at UMHB.
Brynn Myers
First Woman City Manager of Temple Texas
Dr. Zoe Grant
First African American City Council Woman of
Temple Texas
Entertainment for the evening is Fun, Energetic, Exciting, Great, Explosive, renowned, prominent, and it's Distinguished
Caterer
That Girl Netia
www.facebook.com/ThatGirlNetia
email: thatgirlnetia85@gmail.com
About the Speaker
Dell Ingram-Walker, MBA
Chief Operating Officer
Baylor Scott & White McLane Children’s
Medical Center
Dell Ingram-Walker has been a part of the Baylor Scott & White Health family for over 24 years. She began her journey as a Financial Analyst, but soon transitioned to managing clinic operations for the Department of Pediatrics.
Dell's Impressive Career Journey
Dell's career in pediatric management has been a remarkable journey of growth and achievement. Rising through the ranks, she went on to become the Vice President of Clinic Operations. She played an instrumental role in the growth of ambulatory services, leading the design, construction, and operations of ten pediatric clinics in Central Texas and San Marcos, including the flagship 112,000 square foot McLane Children’s Specialty Clinic. Her leadership was crucial in the successful implementation of Epic – their electronic medical record – and the certification of all clinics as Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Homes, the highest recognition.
In October 2018, Dell was promoted to the position of Vice President of Hospital Operations for McLane Children’s Hospital. She oversaw the opening of the hospital's $25M expansion of the ED, Procedure Suites, MRI, and PT/OT spaces while continuing to lead the clinics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played an active role in community awareness and led the hospital through the crisis. In recognition of her contributions, she was named Chief Operating Officer of McLane Children's Hospital and Clinics in 2021, becoming the first African American and African American female to hold the title at Baylor Scott & White McLane Children's.
Education and Community Involvement
Dell graduated from the University of Alabama
(Tuscaloosa) with a BS in Healthcare Management and earned her Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University – Central Texas. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), and the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). She serves on the Leadership Steering Committee for the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA).
Dell is actively involved in the Waco, Temple, and Killeen communities. She is a member of the Temple Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the Waco Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated, and the Temple Chapter of Altrusa International. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, Temple Children’s Museum, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, Temple, Texas. She is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Texas A&M University – Central Texas College of Business Administration and the upcoming UMHB Public Health Program Community Advisory Board.
Personal Life
Dell's husband, Greg, is a retired Army Blackhawk pilot and currently flies for American Airlines. They have two sons, William, a graduate of the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and Nicholas, a senior at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa).
In her free time, Dell enjoys weightlifting, golfing, shopping, and crafting. If you'd like to contact Dell, you can reach her at Dell.IngramWalker@bswhealth.org.
From the President
Dr. Zoe Grant
Occasion and Theme
The 2024 Founder's Day Celebration marks a moment to honor the visionary leaders who played a pivotal role in shaping the NAACP's mission for civil and human rights without discrimination. Our founders dedicated themselves to turning this vision into reality, investing countless hours to combat racial disparities that persist in American education, employment, housing, healthcare, and the criminal justice system. As a result, they hold a special place in the hearts of our members.
On this day, we reflect on the glorious past, successes, and ongoing achievements of our founders, whose legacy extends back to 1909. Additionally, this event supports the efforts of our Education Committee, contributing to the scholarships we award annually.
Theme: Living the Dreams of Our Ancestors in 2024
There are No Bystanders in the Battle for Justice and Equality
Living the dream of our ancestors entails embodying their aspirations to attend school, own land, and pursue professions like doctors, lawyers, and even presidents. Their relentless pursuit of equality and justice laid the foundation for our present opportunities and freedoms. Today, we carry the torch forward, acknowledging that age, gender, or any other distinction should not limit one's ambitions. In the ongoing battle for justice and equality, we recognize that there are no bystanders; each individual, regardless of age or gender, is an integral part of the collective dream to belong. As we navigate the path set by our forebears, we strive to ensure that their aspirations manifest in a society where everyone has an equal chance to fulfill their potential and contribute to the shared dream of a just and inclusive world.
Last year, we discussed our wealth of diversity determining our ability to see that we are STRONGER TOGETHER. We hold firm to that collective strength that makes a difference in our community.
