June 2026 News & Notes

Creating Momentum Together

Welcome to our June Newsletter!

Summer is finally here, as we can tell with the warm temperatures we have been experiencing! In addition to knowing summer has officially begun with school being out and the warmer weather, we know that June is the month of transition and growth.

It is also a time when the days are longer and full of sunlight, and the world feels full of possibilities. Many celebrate our graduates, who have worked hard, grown tremendously, and are now stepping into the next season with confidence and hope.

As June carries us into a season of transition, let’s continue moving forward with purpose, optimism, and gratitude for the growth ahead. Wishing everyone a productive and uplifting start to summer.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Vowels

2026 NLF Chair

NLF Scholarship Foundation

At our June Membership meeting, NLF Education Foundation distributed the funds raised by the NLF Board from our two annual events, along with the matching grant from the Hamm Foundation. Two of the scholarship recipients were invited to speak and share their plans following high school. More than 20 recipients attended plus several of their family members.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Nancy and Alan Hamm Foundation for their generous contribution to our scholarship foundation.

The NLF Education foundation awarded 26 scholarships totaling more than $40,000 to high school seniors in Northeast Tarrant County. There were 21 college scholarships and 5 technical/trade scholarships awarded to students from Birdville ISD, Carroll ISD, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Keller ISD and Northwest ISD.

We also awarded a technical scholarship in conjunction with the Shotwell Foundation to a student from Birdville ISD.

If you missed our Membership meeting it was filled with joy and celebration as we recognized all our recipients. Here are a few photos from our membership meeting.

In Memoriam

For those who aren't aware, we lost a longtime member of NLF on Saturday, June 6th.

Howard Shotwell was a dear friend and a strong supporter of me, as he was for so many others.

Howard was not only a dedicated member of NLF; he also served as our 2021 Board Chair, received the NLF Distinguished Leadership Award in 2022, and was a passionate advocate for Technical and Trade School students. His leadership and vision were instrumental in adding the Technical/Trade School scholarship awards to the NLF Education Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, July 25, 2 p.m. at the Hurst Conference Center. Lucas Funeral Home & Cremation Services will be handling the arrangements. Click here to review his obituary.

Please keep Howard and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Welcome to our New Members of the Northeast Leadership Forum

New Member, Position/Company

Brianne Goetz, North Richland Hills

Lin Thompson, Haltom City

Lora Hutchings, Town of Northlake

Hannah Mack, Colleyville Chamber

Recommended By

Tito Rodriguez

Troy Dunn

Garin Giacomarro

Chelsea Rose

We ask each of you to consider inviting someone you know who would benefit from the networking and information provided by the NLF to the next meeting you attend and ask them to become a part of this longstanding regional group of business and community leaders. 

Now’s The Time – Mark Your Calendar – Save the Dates

Date:

Tuesday, August 11

7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Wednesday, October 28

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuesday, December 8

7:45 a.m. - 9 a.m.

Meeting:

Membership Breakfast Meeting

Sponsored by: Metroport Meals on Wheels



29th Annual Heart of North Texas Conference

Membership Breakfast Meeting

Sponsored by: Atmos Energy

All Events and Meetings are held at the Hurst Conference Center.

Breakfast meetings open at 7:45 a.m. and the program will begin at 8 a.m.