By: Shun Thomas, Ph.D.

Every so often, you meet someone who leaves an unforgettable mark on your life and your work. For me, that person is Linda Dunkel. She is the Co-Founder of DNA Consulting, and she is truly one of the smartest people I know. She is thoughtful, and always ready with an idea that inspires others to think bigger, dream bolder, and work harder. I love it when she comes to train our volunteers with our JLCC Past President Rebecca Egelston Caso, JLCC Sustainer Jane Shea for our Facilitative Leadership Program. They do not know it but I like to call the three of them “ the aunties.” In addition to seeing the three of them in action, I always look forward to hearing Linda’s stories and browsing through all the neat books that she brings with her. What makes her even more remarkable is the way she gives her time so generously.

She chooses to share her gifts with our organization, not because she must, but because she believes deeply in our mission of advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. She sees the impact of our work, and she is committed to helping us reach even further. But she does not stop there. Alongside supporting our mission, she also carries a vision of her own for our organization, a vision rooted in service, growth, innovation, and community. She sees what we can become and works tirelessly to help us move in that direction.

It is easy to admire someone for their intelligence or accomplishments, but what I admire most about Linda is her heart. She leads with compassion, she listens with care, and she inspires those around her. She helps the Junior League of Collin County see what we can become.