JA Dallas Hosts Annual Business Hall of Fame Gala
By Contributor: Isabella Castillo
On February 22, Junior Achievement of Dallas hosted its 27th Dallas Business Hall of Fame gala, raising a record-breaking $1.25 million in support of the organization’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success in a global economy.
Stephen Tigh, JA Dallas Board Chair, and Keshia Bruno, JA Dallas Vice President of Educational Impact began the evening by presenting Palak Patel, a senior at Plano East Senior High School, as the 2025 Student of the Year.
Patel was selected from a competitive pool of applicants for her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community impact. She received the Sandi Smith Scholarship, a $10,000 award to support her higher education journey.
“Junior Achievement has helped me sharpen my technical skills,” said Patel. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that challenges and failures aren’t roadblocks—they are stepping stones to growth.”
WFAA-TV Anchor Dia Wall introduced the mission video, featuring JA’s role in creating light bulb moments that help North Texas students see and pursue the possibilities for their futures.
Chris LaTurno, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, said, “Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, workplace readiness. These are important lessons we teach students. Junior Achievement alumni are more likely to have a college degree, higher earnings and start a business. Let’s dream big and go big for our students, for your businesses and for our region.”
The fundraising gala honored three distinguished leaders, Allie Beth Allman, Curtis C. Farmer, and Dale Petroskey, and celebrated their contributions to the Dallas business community and region.
JA Dallas students introduced each Dallas Business Hall of Fame honoree.
Myles Davis, senior at Leadership Prep School in Frisco, introduced Allie Beth Allman, Executive Director of the Board and Founder of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
Mason Gutierrez, 8th grader at Dallas Hybrid Preparatory at Stephen J. Hay in Dallas, introduced Curtis C. Farmer, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank.
Samara and Samone Anderson, students at Solar Preparatory School for Girls in Dallas, introduced Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber.
Funds raised provide local students with learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, designed to empower today’s students to become the next generation of leaders.
