Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas is celebrating another year of growth, serving more than 4,800 girls this fiscal year and setting its sights on reaching more than 5,000 girls in the year ahead. As the organization begins its new fiscal year, Girls Inc. Dallas has announced its 2026-27 board officers, along with two new directors joining its board of directors. 

Jamie Lavin Buzzard steps into her second year as Board Chair, bringing a deep commitment to the mission of Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and the girls the organization serves. Joining Jamie in leading the organization’s board are Melinda Chausse, Chair Elect; Bhaskar Reddy, Treasurer; and Lacy Durham, Secretary. Together, with the full board, they will help guide Girls Inc. Dallas as it expands its reach and continues its mission of inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold. 

The organization is also welcoming Tracee A. Thomas and Abhijit Joshi as new directors, bringing extensive leadership experience in legal, financial services, operations, risk management and global business to the board. 

Thomas is a strategic legal executive with nearly two decades of global experience advising boards, CEOs and senior leadership across the aerospace, energy, chemicals, technology and manufacturing sectors. Thomas shares, “Girls Inc. Dallas is doing important work to ensure girls have the confidence, skills and opportunities to shape their own futures. I’m honored to join the board and contribute my experience in leadership, governance and strategy to an organization that is investing in girls today while helping build a stronger community for tomorrow.” 

Joshi brings more than 25 years of senior executive and financial services leadership experience. At Capital One Auto Finance, where he has served in leadership roles since 2018, Joshi has led customer care and operations, with a focus on digital-first customer experiences, self-service capabilities, modernization and operational performance. Joshi states, “What drew me to Girls Inc. Dallas is its focus on preparing girls to be confident, capable leaders. My career has centered on creating opportunities for people and organizations to grow, and I’m excited to bring that perspective to the board and support the organization as it reaches even more girls across Dallas.” 

With new leadership and directors bringing fresh perspectives and expertise, Girls Inc. Dallas is poised for another year of growth, expanding opportunities for more girls across the Dallas community.