2025 ARLINGTON STARS | DWTArlingtonS

2025
ARLINGTON STARS

MOLLY KULPA dancing for ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN

Molly Kulpa was born and raised in Arlington. She earned her graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Bush School of Government and Public Service and studied English and the performing arts as an undergrad at Texas A&M University at College Station. Molly is grateful to serve as the Advancement Supervisor at Alliance For Children, Tarrant County’s children’s advocacy center. Alliance For Children’s mission is to protect Tarrant County children from child abuse through teamed investigations, healing services, and community education. The Advancement department is responsible for the fundraising events and campaigns to support Alliance For Children’s $7.9 million annual operating budget.

Molly’s love of nonprofit work started with her first internship at U & I Spread The Light (formerly known as Citizens Development Center), a nonprofit in Dallas. Molly has forged her career as a development professional in the nonprofit sector, working in fundraising for the Texas A&M Foundation, Catholic Charities of Central Texas, and now Alliance For Children. She actively participated in local nonprofits and gave back to the community during her time with the Junior League of Bryan-College Station, volunteering in the nursery with Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, and serving on the advisory board of Camp Kesem at Texas A&M University. Molly now serves as the co-chair of Alliance For Children’s J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Council and is a proud member of the Arlington Rotary Club. She is thrilled to be part of the 2nd annual “Dancing with the Arlington Stars” event to raise crucial funds and awareness for her favorite cause, Alliance For Children, and many other amazing charities in the great city of Arlington. In her free time, Molly enjoys pilates, running, reading, traveling, live theater, and time spent with her family, friends, husband Thomas, and Goldendoodle.

BOWIE HOGG dancing for ARLINGTON LIFE SHELTER

Council Member Bowie Hogg, is a lifelong resident of Arlington and a proud product of Arlington schools from kindergarten to graduation. The energetic Texan is the youngest of four boys and comes from a long Texas heritage of public service to his community and state. Mr. Hogg has been an active citizen in Arlington during his years as a student and continued his civic involvement when he returned home after graduating from Texas A&M University.
Currently, Mr. Hogg serves as the Regional Vice President for the largest Digital Physical Therapy company in the country. He also serves on several boards of non-profit organizations and donates his time to numerous youth events.
Mr. Hogg also holds the honor of being selected from over 215,000 young, successful business entrepreneurs for the original edition of NBC’s hit show “The Apprentice”. This experience has added to Mr. Hogg’s desire to serve the public. This allowed him to follow his true passions in education, healthcare, and public service. Mr. Hogg is proud of his service and governance to the Arlington School Board. He was first elected to the AISD District Board of Trustees in 2008 and re-elected in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2020. During Mr. Hogg’s tenure with AISD as President of the Board, they received the Texas School Board of the Year award by the Texas Association of School Administrators and by the H-E-B Corporation was recognized as the Most Outstanding Board in the State of Texas, as well as a finalist for Large District of the Year.
Mr. Hogg and his wife Leslie, an Arlington native, small business owner, and UT-Arlington graduate, are raising their two daughters young daughters, Helen and Ellis in their hometown. The Hoggs are active members of First Baptist Church Arlington, and Bowie’s favorite evenings are Father/Daughter dances with Helen and Ellis.

HOLLY POTTER-HARVEY dancing for the AWARE FOUNDATION

Holly is a dynamic woman, balancing the roles of devoted wife, mother of four, Diet Coke connoisseur and community activist with grace and humor. As a proud Red Raider, she's deeply rooted in her community. Her passion for civic engagement is infectious, leading her to actively participate in organizations like PTA, ACOPTA, and AWARE.
Beyond her volunteer work, Holly's organizational skills shine as a full-time corporate meeting event guru at 360 Destination Group. She's the mastermind behind countless events, ensuring every detail is pushing the envelope and perfect.
When she's not juggling family, work, and community commitments, Holly embraces her inner dancer. She's excited to take the stage to raise funds for the best city in the world and support various charitable causes.
I am taking a leap of faith and hitting the dance floor to support the AWARE Foundation. This incredible organization rewards exceptional teachers in the Arlington Independent School District, ensuring our community's future is bright. As we all know, educators are the backbone of our society, and I am committed to honoring their invaluable contributions. Join in cheering me on as I dance my way to a better future for our students!

LAUREN KERSCHEN dancing for CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN ARLINGTON

Lauren Kerschen, a graduate of TCU Neely School of Business, spent 13 years working for large retail corporations in Supply Chain Strategy and eCommerce. The switch to Real Estate fulfilled a lifelong entrepreneurial dream. After establishing herself in real estate, she launched DFW’s Finest Real Estate Group. Her vision, to change the standard of the consumer experience with real estate, is realized even further with the larger capacity and reach her team provides. DFW’s Finest has grown from 2 - 8 agents in the last year and YOY volume growth of over 150%.
Lauren is a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Arlington 40 Under 40 award. She received the Arlington Board of Realtors Pacesetter Award two years in a row. She’s a speaker on DFW’s Top Producer Panel and a guest on two prominent Real Estate podcasts. She has taught classes on social media strategy for brokerages across the metroplex and for women business owners at the Junior League of Arlington.
Lauren loves Arlington! She regularly highlights local businesses with video features on social media. A few past ones include, Cartel Taco, Grounds and Gold, Gracie Lane, Hypnotic Emporium, Western Hippies, and Four Sister’s. In February Lauren features Arlington in a Love Where You Live series. Her pride for her city and her community can be seen all over her social pages and online presence. She served the Junior League of Arlington’s fundraising committee for three years and is on the board for the Home and School Association at St. Joseph Catholic School in Arlington. She also serves as a cantor in the choir at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Arlington. With her eye on the future, expect to continue to see more of DFW’s Finest around Arlington!

CHRIS PETTITT dancing for LEADERSHIP ARLINGTON

Chris has a strong passion for leadership, service, and community involvement. He is an Operations Manager, but before entering the operations field he served for over four years in the United States Marine Corps. Here he honed skills in discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving that have shaped his approach to both his career and personal life.

A dedicated community leader, Chris serves as the Commander of his local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter, where he advocates for veterans' needs and supports various charitable initiatives. He is also a Director of the Independence Day Parade, helping to organize and celebrate one of the cities most cherished traditions that brings joy to thousands.

Perhaps one of his most impactful volunteer roles was with Leadership Arlington. He served as Youth Director for Leadership Arlington for three years, where he worked with young leaders to build character, foster community engagement, and develop leadership skills that they will take with them as they grow to become productive and contributing members of the community.

Outside of his professional and leadership roles you might find him cheering on his 13 year-old daughter Cassidee at one of her many performances, working out at the gym with his wife April or hanging out with friends on the patio at Division Brewing.

LETATIA OWENS TEYKL dancing for LEVITT PAVILLION ARLINGTON

In November 2019, Letatia Teykl became the executive director of Levitt Pavilion Arlington, a cornerstone of Arlington’s cultural and live music scene. During her tenure, Letatia has helped revitalize the Levitt’s role as both a catalyst for downtown economic development and an essential gathering space for the community through well-produced, genre-diverse free concerts and cultural celebrations, such as the Arlington Juneteenth Celebration, the Arlington Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Arlington Asian Heritage Celebration, and Dream Fest.
Faced with the challenge of the pandemic just months into her role, Letatia led the Levitt team in launching a no-audience, live-streamed concert series that reached over 300,000 viewers—making Levitt Arlington the only Levitt venue to put performers on stage during lockdown. In 2021, Letatia introduced the grant-funded “Share the Stage” initiative, which brought in 50 North Texas musicians as opening acts. In 2024, the Levitt introduced a companion initiative, "Levitt Spotlight," which offers promising Arlington area student vocalists the opportunity to perform before Levitt opening acts. Since taking the helm at the Levitt, Letatia has helped Arlington secure “Texas Music Friendly Community” designation and hosted the 2021 Texas Sounds & Cities Conference with the Texas Music Office. Under her leadership, the Levitt has strengthened partnerships with organizations like Arlington ISD and UTA, and also expanded its impact with the construction of the Levitt Center, a VIP concert viewing space and event venue, making the Levitt a top choice for hosting community events.
Letatia’s previous career in banking and community development, along with her Arlington roots (she's a proud Sam Houston High School alumna, as well as a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University) have provided an excellent foundation for her work at the Levitt as well as her service to the Arlington community. Some of her community accomplishments include co-founding of the Greater Arlington Chamber Women’s Alliance and selection for the SafeHaven "Legacy of Women" award and the YWCA "Tribute to Women in Business" award, as well as selection as a featured speaker for the Girls, Inc. of Tarrant County “Day of the Girl” Celebration. When she's not overseeing concerts and events at the Levitt, Letatia enjoys golf, live music, and spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters.
"Connectivity and collaboration are important themes in my life," said Letatia. "I cherish connecting with my family and friends, and I also value the collaborative role the Levitt plays in the Arlington community as well as the arts community in North Texas and beyond. Each day, I have the opportunity to bring together people in a shared love of live music, celebration of culture, commemoration of a special moment, or championship of a wonderful cause. My life has been enriched by the amazing experiences I've been able to lead or support throughout my career, and I couldn't be more grateful."

BARRY BONDURANT dancing for the NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR MUSEUM

Barry Bondurant was born and raised in Arlington. He attended Texas Tech University to study Business Management and lettered in Baseball. After leaving Tech, he pursued his lifelong dream career in the Fire Service. In 1983 started work for the Town of Pantego as a firefighter paramedic. From there he moved to the City of Mansfield in 1984 and continued his firefighting path. He was promoted through the ranks and in 2007 was appointed the 4th Fire Chief for the city. During his time firefighting, he also received his degree in Nursing from UT Arlington. In 2019 he retired to take care of his aging father, until his passing in 2020.
Barry married his best friend, Karen in 1988 they have 6 children and 4 grandchildren. Some of his hobbies included whatever the kids or grandchildren are into and playing golf. And he loves the Beach!
He's been a part of Rotary most of his life. He is a 3rd generation Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Arlington. His Grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and 2 cousins were all members of the Rotary Club of Arlington. Both his dad, 1955-56, and brother 1986-87, and Barry 2023-24 served as Presidents for this club. He has currently been a member for 33 years. But has been an unofficial member since he was 5.
Barry serves on various boards including the Rotary Board, Theatre Arlington, and Arlington Seniors Men’s Club.
Barry has a very special place for veterans. Both of his parents served in the WWII. His dad was a Captain with the 100th Infantry and his mother was a Lieutenant in the Army Nursing Corps. His Grandfather served in WWI and is the only WWI veteran buried in DFW National Cemetery. His dad's brother was a side gunner and radio operator on a B-17. And one of his Brother-in-law’s served in Vietnam.

MELODY FOWLER dancing for MISSION ARLINGTON

Melody Fowler was elected to the Board in 2018. She is married to Larry Fowler, and they have one son that is a graduate of AISD. Mrs. Fowler earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and her Master of Arts from Texas Woman’s University. She has taught for over 30 years at both public schools and at the college level. Mrs. Fowler currently works at Arlington Baptist University as VP of University Advancement, Dean of Freshmen, and a Professor of English.

Mrs. Fowler has volunteered to serve on many Arlington and AISD boards. She serves on the Board of Arlington Life Shelter, AISD Education Foundation, MPAC Arlington, Mayor’s Education Coalition, Arlington Charities, and fund-raising committee for Open Arms Health Clinic. She also belongs to The Rotary Club of Arlington, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Alliance, and Women Inspiring Philanthropy. She was recently selected to participate in Leadership TASB. Mrs. Fowler volunteered extensively for AISD PTA’s serving as room mom, grade rep, Site-Based Decision Making Teams, and President of the PTA at both the junior high and high school levels and was the recipient of the PTA Life Membership Award. Each year, Mrs. Fowler awards an athletic scholarship at Martin High School in honor of her late nephew.
I have chosen to dance for Mission Arlington because of all the great things Ms. Tillie and Mission Arlington do for the citizens of Arlington. Throughout the years I have heard stories from many Individuals, including students, how Mission Arlington has had a positive influence on their lives. One student in particular told me that when he and his family arrived in Arlington from another country, a church told them about Mission Arlington. He said without Mission Arlington's help, he doesn't know how his family would have made it. Since then, he has volunteered there on the weekends as a way to pay back for all that Mission Arlington did for his family. It is stories like this one that leads me to support Mission Arlington.

DARLA PEZNELL AND FERNANDO BENAVIDES dancing for SHHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

DARLA: Darla’s greatest joy comes from being a mother and grandmother. She feels incredibly fortunate to have the continued love and support of her parents, who, at the ages of 85 and 82, are still active in giving back to their community.

With over 40 years of experience in healthcare, Darla serves as the Director of Palliative Transitions at Freedom Hospice, a role that allows her to support families during some of their most challenging times. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve her community in this way, providing compassionate care to those in need.

A lifelong learner, Darla earned her degree with honors and a perfect 4.0 GPA at the age of 50, balancing her studies with a full-time job and active involvement in her children's schools. She served as the PTA President at Arlington High School and the Public Relations Chair for the Sam Houston High School Alumni Association, all while attending school. Today, she is honored to serve as the President of the Alumni Association for a third term. She’s excited to help raise funds for the association through the DWTAS event. She is grateful for the opportunity to combine her love of community with her passion for fun!

Darla is also actively involved in many other organizations that are close to her heart. She serves as President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, and is one of the co-founders of Trending Women, a nonprofit organization designed to support and uplift women in the DFW community through small business grants and scholarships. She also contributes her time to the Ambassadors for Aging Well in Arlington, the Mayor's Council for Older Adults, TAGS and Care and Prepare, where she works to improve the lives of older adults in the area.

As co-chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance Inspired Women’s Luncheon, Darla loves bringing women together to celebrate their achievements and support one another. Throughout her years of service, she’s been fortunate to receive recognition, including the TAGS Janet Pacatte Award, the PTA Lifetime as well as the Extended Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Sam Houston High School Long Tall Texan Award. She’s been nominated for the IWL Hero Award six times, and while she humbly acknowledges the honor, she’s always quick to pass the credit to the amazing people she’s had the privilege of working with.

For Darla, the most fulfilling part of her journey is being part of a community that cares for and supports each other. She feels blessed to be able to give back in so many meaningful ways and continues to be inspired by the kindness and generosity that surrounds her.

FERNANDO: Fernando Benavides is a lifelong public servant and community leader dedicated to making a meaningful difference in Arlington and Mansfield ISD. As Vice President of the Sam Houston Alumni Association, he leads efforts to raise funds for scholarships and resources that support the students, staff, and the administration at Sam Houston High School, which serves the largest population of economically disadvantaged students in Arlington ISD. A former Sam Houston High School principal for seven years, Fernando is deeply familiar with these students' challenges and is passionate about helping others understand and address the unique obstacles economically disadvantaged students encounter as they strive to graduate and become productive community members. This year, he is dancing to further the Association’s support for the students and staff.
Beyond his work with the SHHS Alumni Association, Fernando has served as a Board Member of Men Serving God and as a volunteer coach with the YMCA and ACAO, reflecting his deep commitment to mentorship and positive community impact.
With over 30 years of experience as a public school educator, Fernando has held pivotal leadership roles, including as principal at Boles Junior High and Sam Houston High School, where he championed educational excellence and student-centered learning. He currently serves as the interim associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and Executive Director of High Schools in Mansfield ISD, overseeing district-wide initiatives that enhance student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
A proud U.S. Marine Corps and Desert Storm veteran, Fernando brings a strong sense of discipline and resilience to all his work. He is a devoted family man, husband to his late wife, Tiffany—an Arlington native—and father of five. Fernando's enduring commitment to service, community, and education inspires and elevates those around him.

STEVEN D. MORRIS dancing for THEATERE ARLINGTON

STEVEN D. MORRIS is the Executive Producer of Theatre Arlington. Mr. Morris was the Director of Theatre at Lamar High School for 27 years and when he retired the school’s auditorium was named for him. Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Speech and Theatre) from UTA and Master of Arts (Theatre) from the University of Houston Steve is a very active member of the community and serves as President of the Live Theater League of Tarrant County, is a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for LBGT and is on the Advisory Board for Downtown Arlington. He has also volunteered at The Arlington Animal Shelter, Arlington Life Shelter and Samaritan House. Steve was named an Arlington High School Distinguished Alumni in 2020 and he received the Man Enough To Be A Girl Scout Award from the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains in 2024. Steve is also very active with his church, Unity of Arlington.