September 24, 2026 | 11:30 AM | Hyatt Regency Dallas
Featuring Keynote Speaker
Tracee Ellis Ross is an award-winning actress, producer, founder, and CEO. Ross is a leader whose cultural fluency and skilled storytelling allow her to forge meaningful connections with audiences and customers alike. For eight seasons, Ross starred in ABC's critically acclaimed comedy series BLACK-ISH, earning a Golden Globe Award, six NAACP Image Awards, and nominations for Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Critics Choice Awards for her portrayal of Dr. Rainbow Johnson. Ross previously starred in the Emmy and GLAAD Award-nominated series GIRLFRIENDS for eight seasons, earning two NAACP Image Awards and a BET Comedy Award for her portrayal of Joan Clayton.
In July 2026, Ross made her highly anticipated Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated play EVERY BRILLIANT THING, a one-of-a-kind solo show. Ross can also be seen in Season 2 of the Roku original series SOLO TRAVELING WITH TRACEE ELLIS ROSS. The first season set a record as Roku's most-watched unscripted original series. The docuseries follows Ross as she embarks on transformative solo adventures, showcasing her unique blend of humor, heart, and honesty. At each destination, she explores the intersection of beauty, fashion, design, food, and culture. Season 2 premieres July 20, 2026.
Ross recently announced a multiyear first-look scripted and overall unscripted deal with Fox Entertainment Studios via her production company Joy Mill Entertainment. Joy Mill Entertainment is dedicated to creating entertaining, culture-bending stories centered around identity and joy.
Ross is the owner, founder, and co-CEO of PATTERN Beauty, the global multimillion-dollar hair & body care brand she created for the curly, coily & tight-textured community and everyBODY.
Ross is a powerful voice for joy, self-acceptance, inclusivity, and equity. Through her speaking engagements, Ross continues to inspire conversations about identity, belonging, and the expansiveness of joy.
Honorary Chairs
Lottye & Bobby Lyle
SELECT Promotional Sponsorships Opportunities are available at $15,000. Email Priya Murphy, Chief Development Officer at PMurphy@newfriendsnewlife.org for details.
Gift Sponsor
VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Stage Sponsor
A limited number of individual tickets will become available in late August 2026 at $300 each. Please email events@newfriendsnewlife.org with questions.
