Lake Highlands Luminaries: Shaping a Brighter Dallas
Stories of Eight Neighbors Inspiring Change, Building Community, and Lighting Up Lives in the Heart of Dallas.
Stephen Murray
Forerunner Mentoring
Stephen Murray, serving as the Executive Director of Forerunner Mentoring, leads the charge in realizing their vision to empower young men in Lake Highlands who lack father figures at home to fulfill their God-given potential.
Stephen and his wife, Katy, have called Dallas home for over a decade and are raising their two children, Ben and Maren, in this vibrant community. His journey with Forerunner began as a volunteer mentor in 2017.
A proud alumnus of Texas A&M University, Stephen brings a diverse background in marketing and church ministry to his role. His passion lies in facilitating people's experience and living through the reconciliation, mercy, and hope embedded in the Gospel. He firmly believes that the love of the Father is the most profound revelation one can ever encounter.
Beyond his professional commitments, Stephen is an advocate for mentoring, enjoys skeet shooting, finds solace in the pages of non-fiction books, and excels in the art of storytelling. Sharing life's moments with close friends is one of his cherished pastimes.
Under Stephen's leadership, Forerunner Mentoring continues to impact the Lake Highlands community by providing vital mentorship and support to young men in need. The organization thrives in its mission to foster a new generation of strong, compassionate individuals who fulfill their potential and contribute to a stronger community.
Forerunner Mentoring's programs, including one-on-one mentoring, after-school initiatives, and family support events, are transforming lives in Lake Highlands, and Stephen's dedication is at the heart of this incredible journey.
Discover how Forerunner Mentoring and Stephen Murray are making a difference in the lives of young men and the entire Lake Highlands community at ForerunnerMentoring.com.
Kathleen Kurzqjeski - President
Lara Lewis - President-Elect/Light Up The Highlands Chair
Lake Highlands Junior Women’s League
Kathleen Kurzqjeski and Lara Lewis are the dynamic duo leading the charge in the Lake Highlands Junior Women's League (LHJWL), making a difference with their three years of involvement.
Lara is the President-Elect and the powerhouse behind the Light Up the Highlands event. This annual festivity is a heartfelt gift back to the community. LHJWL is known for its impactful projects, including organizing the Run the Highlands 5K, annual school supply drives, upgrading local recreational areas, and beautifying various corners of Lake Highlands. Lara dedicates approximately 3 hours per week to volunteering, orchestrating fundraisers and planning the Light Up the Highlands event, scheduled for November 26th at the Town Center from 4-6.
But LHJWL is not just about work; it's about building a close-knit community. Members enjoy social activities like happy hours, game nights, and league-sponsored events in addition to committee and member meetings. They invite everyone who shares their passion for community betterment to join them.
Kathleen, the current President, has been serving Lake Highlands for four years. Her focus is on enhancing the neighborhood to create a better place to live, work, and play. She knows that the power of the community lies in hands-on leadership. Kathleen spent three years managing the Light Up the Highlands event, sharing her vision of a vibrant and thriving Lake Highlands with the rest of the community.
Not only do these women bring their own talents and efforts, but they also engage their families, involving them in fundraisers and events, proving that LHJWL is a collective effort. The league, founded 19 years ago, is a place for young women in Lake Highlands to get involved, have fun, and make a tangible difference. They engage in large projects, such as the recent installation of a wheelchair swing at Flag Pole Hill and the creation of the splash pad at the rec center.
The League fosters a sense of belonging in the community, making Lake Highlands feel even smaller while providing opportunities to meet like-minded women in the same life stage. The leading ladies of LHJWL embody empowerment, community engagement, and the spirit of giving back.
Carolyn Murray- President
Heather Marburger - President-Elect
Lake Highlands Women’s League
Meet Carolyn and Heather, the powerhouses behind the Lake Highlands Women's League (LHWL). Their dedication to the organization is nothing short of remarkable, with a combined 20+ years of service between them.
Carolyn Murray, a longstanding member of the LH Women's League, has held various board positions, including Home Tour Chair and Fundraising and Cultural roles. Currently, she's serving as the President of the League.
LHWL is not just about volunteering; it's about making an impact. Members actively participate in service projects focused on education, supporting scholarships for LHHS seniors, and collaborating with community partners. Their annual Home Tour serves as both a fundraiser and a delightful community event, weaving the fabric of the Lake Highlands community closer together.
Heather Marburger, who joined the League in 2017, has quickly risen to leadership positions. She co-chaired the Home Tour in 2022 and is the incoming President. Her enthusiasm is evident in the extensive time she dedicates to volunteering across various organizations.
Heather's family is no stranger to volunteerism, as they're actively involved in the National Charity League, Young Men's Service League, and church initiatives. With a collaborative spirit, Heather encourages others to join LHWL. A simple chat with her or any League member can set you on a path of meaningful community involvement.
Both Carolyn and Heather emphasize the incredible camaraderie and lasting relationships fostered within LHWL. They are prime examples of how volunteer leaders can make a positive difference in our community. Join them and the rest of the League as they continue their incredible work, shaping a brighter future for Lake Highlands.
Lake Highlands PID: Confirmed
Vicky Taylor
SAVE A PAGE
Lizzie Pierce
White Rock Que- Dallas Rape Crisis Center
For a decade, White Rock Que (WRQ) has been sizzling its way into the hearts of the Lake Highlands community. Founded by a team of dedicated volunteers, including Lizzie Pierce, this annual BBQ fundraiser has transformed into a monumental event, making a significant impact on the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC).
Lizzie, who was the first survivor in a series of neighborhood assaults, experienced the invaluable support and resources provided by DARCC. This experience became the catalyst for WRQ, which, from its humble beginnings as a friendly backyard BBQ competition, has grown into a massive gathering of over 1,500 attendees. It was even voted one of DFW's Best Charity Events in 2022.
This year, WRQ celebrated its 10th annual fundraiser. The team behind this initiative goes above and beyond, tackling a multitude of tasks, from planning and scheduling to promotion, orchestration, and fundraising. Last year, the event raised an impressive $125,000 for DARCC, a testament to the unwavering commitment of the WRQ team.
Families are an integral part of this inspiring journey. Kids get involved with set-up, clean-up, and ticketing. Siblings and parents contribute by selling raffle tickets, hosting the VIP lounge, and assisting wherever needed to make the event a resounding success.
Follow @whiterockque on social media, buy tickets to next year's event, and remember that DARCC's vital work continues year-round. Consider donating directly to them or explore year-round volunteer opportunities.
WRQ is not just a BBQ competition; it's a symbol of community, compassion, and the power of individuals coming together to make a difference. Join them in this 10th-year celebration and support their mission to create a safer, more supportive Lake Highlands for everyone.
Josh Brown
Josh’s Shoes
Josh’s Shoes: One Youngster’s Big Strides to Make a Difference
In November 2021, Josh embarked on a mission that would soon create ripples of compassion throughout the Lake Highlands community. His project, Josh’s Shoes, has been making significant strides towards giving back for almost two years.
In his dedicated role, Josh collects shoes from generous individuals across the Lake Highlands area, amassing them in his garage and living room every month or two. These collected shoes represent hope for many in need. Josh diligently records the progress, taking photos of the donations, and subsequently bags them to be delivered to various nonprofit organizations.
On average, Josh spends approximately five hours each month to ensure his initiative's success. But he's not alone in his journey. His family stands alongside him, actively participating in sharing the Josh's Shoes project with the Lake Highlands community.
Josh set a remarkable goal for himself: to collect and donate 2,025 pairs of shoes before his graduation in 2025. Astoundingly, he achieved this ambitious goal ahead of schedule, even before his junior year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Josh's dedication and the outpouring of support he's received.
Josh's Shoes is more than just a project; it's a symbol of kindness and the impact that one young individual can make when they set their mind to it. Lake Highlands is indeed a better place due to his heartfelt endeavor.
Support Josh's Shoes and be part of this heartwarming journey by contributing your used shoes to his doorstep and being part of a story of generosity and hope.