☕️ Brewing Change: How Counsel Brew Co-Founders Bring Insight—and Fun—to the Airwaves
Meet Shereen El-Domeiri and Nicola Hobeiche, the dynamic co-founders and co-hosts of the podcast Counsel Brew, which launched in May 2024. Dropping a new episode every two weeks, their conversations are described as the best kind of coffee date: meaningful, surprising, and fun. The Co-Hosts: Law, Life, and Laughter Both Shereen and Nicola are attorneys working as in-house counsel and proud graduates of SMU Dedman School of Law. Though they grew up in Texas, their large extended families overseas keep their perspectives beautifully wide. They initially met after law school while studying for the bar exam. Since then, their careers have intertwined multiple times. The co-hosts are both moms, proud children of immigrants, and firm believers in the power of humor, caffeine, and connection to navigate life’s challenges. They actively support their communities through civil service and involvement in professional organizations. The Inspiration Behind “Counsel Brew” The duo created Counsel Brew to keep their partnership and laughter going, but with a clear purpose: to inspire others and themselves. They aim to share the experiences and knowledge gained over the last 20 years and create a safe and inspiring space for the next generations. They are also passionate about highlighting everyday heroes whose stories aren’t widely shared. The “brew” in the title comes from a shared tradition of pausing midday to connect over coffee or tea with family—a ritual of connection they hope to pass on. Defining the “Path to Badassery” The podcast focuses on “paths to badassery,” which the co-founders define not by titles or resumes, but by: Resilience. Authenticity and experience. The courage to keep rewriting your own story. They are drawn to guests who have faced challenges with grit and grace, who embrace the “messiness” of life, and who lead with heart. ⚖️ The Legal Edge: Structured Empathy Their background as attorneys significantly influences the show. They approach conversations with structure, empathy, and a dash of cross-examination flair, but they also know when to “ditch the script”. Their legal experience taught them that every person’s story has many layers, and within each unique experience lies wisdom that can guide others. The podcast uses three key questions—favorite brew, path to badassery, and something ridiculous (stupid sh*t)—but they embrace the spontaneity of unscripted conversations. A Purposeful Pause and Future Growth Counsel Brew itself reflects the importance of taking a purposeful pause. Whether it’s 10 minutes for coffee or an hour recording, the pause is a reminder to slow down, connect, reflect, and dream. This personal practice is a way to show their children that meaningful work doesn’t require “running on empty”. Looking ahead, they aim to grow the podcast community and audience. They are also working on a new project focused on professional development for attorneys transitioning to in-house counsel. Ultimately, they hope Counsel Brew continues to remind listeners, especially women listeners, that there is strength in connection, beauty in imperfection, and always time for another cup. Read more content like this at Richardson Life Magazine.
Discover Your Child’s Passion: The Benefits and Pathways of Richardson ISD Magnet Schools
information provided by Richardson ISD. Richardson ISD (RISD) Magnet Schools offer students specialized programs focusing on interest-based pathways. These unique opportunities are designed to deeply engage students by aligning education with their specific interests. Whether your child is passionate about robotics, theatre, or law, RISD has a dedicated program to help them thrive. 🏫 What Makes RISD Magnet Schools Unique? Unlike traditional neighborhood schools, which are based on residential zones, RISD magnet schools are open to students outside their local attendance zone, provided the family resides in Richardson. This gives parents the opportunity to choose a specialized school that perfectly matches their childs interests. RISDs magnet programs span elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Focus areas currently include: advanced math and science, technology, leadership, the arts, and law. RISD Magnet Program Offerings by Campus Elementary School Magnet Programs (Grades K-6) RISD offers three distinct elementary magnet programs. Campus Focus Areas Application/Tour Information Arapaho Classical Magnet Theater, digital media arts, house systems, fine arts, broadcasting Campus tours: December 2025 through February 2026. Register at: risd.org/magnetschools/elementary-checklist/. Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet Leadership-focused magnet Online application open: December 1 to February 28. MST Magnet Math Science Technology Magnet, house systems, gifted and talented strategies Junior High Magnet Programs (Grades 7 & 8) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson West Junior High Arts, culinary arts, theater arts, visual arts, and robotics Learn more at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/junior-high-checklist/. Westwood Junior High Math, science, and leadership magnet High School Magnet Program (Grades 9-12) Campus Focus Areas Application Information Richardson High School Magnet Program Arts, law, and science Online application open: January 13 to January 31, 2026. More information at: www.risd.org/magnetschools/high-school-checklist/. Note: All RISD magnet programs require an application, and eligibility/application processes vary by grade level. 🌟 How Magnet Programs Benefit Students Magnet programs provide students with the chance to explore what excites them most while building a strong academic foundation. Students learn alongside peers who share their interests and passions, which fosters a community where curiosity and collaboration thrive. As Principal Mottram states, students who find a program that nurtures their strengths and connects them with others who share their drive truly thrive. A Students Perspective: Yanira Salguero, a senior at Richardson High School (RHS) Law Magnet program, shared her gratitude: The Law Magnet program at RHS has prepared me for the future in so many ways it has also taught me how to be prepared and responsible when it comes to making decisions because decisions have rewards or consequences. Yanira credits the program and her instructor with showing her how to be responsible, reliable, hardworking, and an amazing citizen overall. 🚀 The Future of RISD Magnet Programs RISD is committed to the success of its students and is currently studying opportunities to expand the districts magnet program. This expansion aims to offer even more interest-based pathways and experiences. The proposed expansion focuses on three key areas: Improvement in current magnet programming and systems. Increased choice programming. Expansion of inter-district transfer options. Learn more about the magnet experience in RISD and explore the possibilities for your child at risd.org/magnetschools/. More about RISD content on Richardson Life Magazine.
Cancel Every New Year’s Resolution Except One: A Radical Path to Daily Joy
By Deborah Dobbs, MA Stop the cycle of ambitious, often-failed New Years resolutions. This year, ditch the 10 goals, the extreme challenges, and the 5 a.m. wakeups. For 2026, we propose a radical resolution: just more joy, every single day. Were all too busy, too tired, and constantly doom-scrolling. Joy has become a fleeting luxury. However, the key to unlocking consistent happiness lies in a simple, intentional shift that creates an upward spiral. 🧠 Joy Starts with Neurochemically Incompatible Gratitude The most powerful ingredient for daily joy is gratitude. Did you know your brain is chemically incapable of feeling anger and gratitude at the same time? They are neurochemically incompatible. By intentionally shifting your focus to gratitude, you can diminish anger. Even a simple routine, like writing what youre grateful for in a journal before bed, can noticeably improve your mood and energy within days. Remember: the gratitude must be authentic for this to work. The Power of Handwriting Your Thanks To give your gratitude a power-boost, try writing it by hand. Handwriting forces you to slow down, allowing you to truly feel and remember good moments more deeply than typing. Functional MRIs reveal that handwriting lights up more areas tied to emotion and memory. This process makes the joy you derive from gratitude stick longer. Scientific Proof: A 2016 brain-imaging study showed that writing a single gratitude letter can create a lasting mark on the brain. Three months later, the brains of those who wrote the letters showed a stronger lighting up of reward centers when they expressed thanks, compared to those who didnt. ⬆️ Ten Simple Tips for Building the Upward Spiral of Happiness Researchers like Barbara Fredrickson highlight that one spark of joy widens our world, makes us braver, kinder, more creative, and happier. This naturally leads to more joy, until it comes effortlessly. Here are ten simple, reader-submitted ways to intentionally add joy to your life today: Open the Windows (in the car or your home) Watch Reels of Babies Laughing Gaze at the Clouds Spend Time in Nature (Stand Barefoot in the Grass) Dance Spontaneously Scream Sing in the Car Overtip a Server Order the Fancy Drink Take the Long Way Home (Notice Something Beautiful) Do/Wear Something Special (without waiting for a Special Occasion) 🎯 Set Yourself Up for Joyful Success Dont leave joy to chance. Set yourself up for success by creating reminders: Use sticky notes on the fridge and bathroom mirror. Add More Joy to your daily calendar. Keep a running list of what works best for you. By next December, youll have a whole diary proving that, despite lifes challenges, you consistently chose a better, more joyful existence. Now, theres a resolution that can actually stick. Love this content? visit Richardson Life Magazine to read more article like this.
The Town Musicians of Richardson: Gigi Griffin Miller’s Inspirational Mosaic Masterpiece
By the time visitors reach the front door of the Richardson Animal Shelter—whether to drop off donations, adopt a pet, or volunteer—they are greeted by an unofficial welcome committee: a playful tower of colorful animals crafted in vibrant mosaic tile. These figures shimmer with ceramic textures, jewel-like colors, and whimsical expressions. This cheerful sculpture, titled “The Town Musicians of Richardson,” references the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” In the tale, abandoned animals’ band together, leaving their old lives behind for a new future—a perfect parallel for a city animal shelter, where unwanted pets arrive uncertain and leave with new families and new beginnings. A Welcoming Emblem for a New Chapter The installation is part of the shelter’s 2025 renovation, which includes a new façade and a more inviting entrance. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Master Plan, the sculpture reinforces the idea that municipal services can be places of care, hope, and personal connection. Community Hands in the Clay Although artist Gigi Griffin Miller designs and builds her sculptures herself, she intentionally invites local involvement. For the Richardson installation, she hosted a community tile-making event for volunteers, fosters, and shelter staff. Every piece crafted by residents was later fired and installed into the base of the sculpture. The entire piece is made of ceramic mosaic tiles that Miller crafts by hand. Memorial tiles, pet prints of fostered animals, and the names of beloved pets are forever memorialized in the sculpture. Miller chose to make the base’s decorative “flowers” the site of these meaningful additions. “That’s where all the memories are,” she explains, literally forming the foundation for the animals above. Built With Purpose, Built to Last Miller’s work is known for durability as well as sentiment. Her mosaic “The Fish” in Kerrville, Texas, famously survived catastrophic flooding, becoming a local symbol of resilience and hope. The scale of “The Town Musicians of Richardson” presented a unique construction challenge, forcing Miller to work outdoors in the Texas heat for months. She insisted on the size—something large enough and colorful enough to catch the eye of drivers, drawing them toward “the real treasures,” the adoptable pets inside. Public Art and Creative Placemaking Miller’s artistic practice is rooted in community development and what she calls “creative placemaking.” She firmly believes civic involvement fosters inclusion and personal investment in shared spaces. Her philosophy centers on the idea that public art should feel like it belongs to the people who encounter it every day. As she puts it: “There’s something magical about art that is community-made. It transcends the individual tiles and creates a sense of place. A community work of art can be a place to return to and serve as a reminder that I existed here in this special place and time.” Miller concludes that “Art is transformative,” especially when it lives where everyday life happens: outside a shelter door, near kennels and adoption rooms, next to the open-hearted families deciding to give an animal a home. Want to read more stories like this? Visit Richardson Life Magazine.
Mark & Michael Parmerlee: Two Generations of Leadership Shaping Richardson, TX
The last name Parmerlee is synonymous with business and civic impact in Richardson, TX. The Parmerlee presence is a powerful two-person engine: Mark, the long-established business leader who built Golden Tree Restaurants into a regional force; and Michael, who has spent the past decade carving out his own path as a civic organizer and connector. The story of Mark and Michael is not about succession, but about parallel influence—a father whose business and philanthropic reputation helped shape modern Richardson, and a son whose deep civic involvement has cemented his place as an outstanding community leader. They work side by side, each in his own lane, carrying the same ethos of integrity, service, and commitment to the city. Mark Parmerlee: The Builder and CEO of Golden Chick Mark Parmerlee is the President/CEO/Chairman of Golden Tree Restaurants, the parent company of the Golden Chick brand. Starting his career as a dishwasher, Mark purchased Golden Fried Chicken in 1989 and has guided the concept through multiple evolutions over 36 years. Today, under Mark’s leadership, Golden Chick employs over 6,254 people and is on track to surpass 250 locations by 2025. His tenure is defined by prioritizing franchisee profitability, food safety, and advancing training programs. Anchoring Golden Chick in Richardson Mark made the critical decision early on to place the company headquarters in Richardson. Believing in the city’s schools, location, and its “big small-town feel,” the family eventually purchased all five buildings in the Arapaho Gardens complex, anchoring the company permanently in the city. Mark’s sons attended Spring Valley, Westwood, and Richardson High School (RHS), solidifying his commitment to RISD. A Life of Charitable Giving and Service Mark consistently ties Golden Chick’s presence to local support. The Arapaho location’s popular funnel cake fundraiser donates fifty cents of each sale to nearby schools. Mark has been a champion of youth leadership through Scouting, serving as Scoutmaster and currently on the Executive Board of Circle 10 Council. As co-founder of the Sporting Clays Invitational, he has helped raise over $7 million for ScoutReach, supporting underserved youth. Mark’s guiding principle is simple: “Be honest. Be respectful. Be caring.” Resilient Leader and Future Philanthropist A little-known fact is that Mark is a two-time liver transplant recipient, with his last transplant occurring more than twenty years ago. Despite his resilience, Mark is preparing the company for his eventual retirement to focus on travel, landscaping, his ranch, and, most importantly, philanthropy. He plans to give back more time, not just support from a distance. Michael Parmerlee: The Connector and Civic Leader If Mark is the builder, then Michael Parmerlee is the connector—the person who shows up reliably across Richardson’s civic landscape. Michael forged his own path through community service before joining Golden Tree Restaurants as President and Associate General Counsel of GFC Leasing Corp, LLC. Michael’s extensive local involvement includes: Immediate Past President of Richardson East Rotary Club and current Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5810. Board Member of the Richardson Family YMCA. Active member of the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and Advisory Board Member. An enthusiastic alum of Leadership Richardson (LR) Class 33. Michael emphasizes that he chooses organizations based on the people he serves with: “Service is most meaningful when you’re surrounded by people you enjoy and respect.” He loves Richardson for its transit lines, accessibility, the presence of UTD, and the community’s understanding that a great city requires contribution. A Shared Legacy and Future Vision While Mark is eyeing retirement, Michael is in expansion mode. Both leaders are guiding Golden Tree Restaurants into new real estate ventures, including potential new Golden Chick locations within the city. Philanthropically, Michael is deepening his involvement with Rotary, including adding international service with an upcoming trip to Camaguey, Cuba, to help build a baseball field. The long-term vision is a Parmerlee family foundation. This foundation would allow them to take their decades of combined giving and civic network and scale their philanthropic work, providing a structured, long-term investment in the city that raised them. The Parmerlees are not just building a legacy; they are building momentum. Mark anchored the company in Richardson decades ago, and Michael is now one of the key leaders shaping what Richardson will look like in the next decade.
Altrusa Richardson: Women United by Service, Driving Positive Community Impact
When we talk about Altrusa International of Richardson, we are talking about the power of women uniting with intention, compassion, and a shared desire to make our community better. Many know Altrusa as an international service organization, but here in Richardson, it’s a home base where purposeful work and genuine friendship meet. We serve because we love our city, and we do it side by side, forming bonds that often last a lifetime. Our theme this year is Teamwork, Friendship, Service—three words that capture the spirit of our club. Whether we’re assembling books for local students, honoring women leaders, or celebrating a birthday at Ability House, we show up together with enthusiasm, confidence, and kindness. A Welcoming Community of Women Who Want to Give Back With roughly 70 members, Altrusa Richardson is a diverse group of women representing different professions, ages, and backgrounds. What unites us is the belief that our time and energy can help build a stronger, more connected Richardson, TX. Membership is open to all women who share this passion. Regardless of how members discovered the organization, they stay because of the bonds built through service. As a phrase we often repeat states, “We’re not just members—we’re Altrusa sisters.” Service brings us together, but friendship is what keeps us strong. Committees That Turn Compassion Into Action The heart of our organization lies in our committees, allowing members to focus on causes that resonate most personally. Community Outreach & Local Partnerships The Community Outreach Committee is one of our busiest groups. They recently supported the RISD Backpack Bash and the Richardson Reads One Book author event. Key partnerships include: Supporting the Warren Center’s Fantasy Football fundraiser. Participation in the Richardson Nonprofit Fair and Culture in the Core. Organizing a team for the Alzheimer’s Walk for the Cure. Donating coats and peanut butter to Network of Community Ministries. Facilitating the Apple Tree Court auction for senior residents. Hosting birthday and holiday celebrations for residents of Ability House, a home for adults with cerebral palsy that holds a special place in our hearts. The Kindness Committee and KAN Weekend Another committee reflecting our core values is the Kindness Committee, which promotes empathy and connection. Through a partnership with Richardson ISD, we help establish Choose Kind Libraries in elementary schools, providing books that encourage students to lead with compassion. One of our largest endeavors, the KAN (Kindness Action Night) Weekend, has grown into a multi-partner experience. During KAN, we assemble kits for nonprofits, collect books for the RISD Intake Center, and recognize groups in the community who exemplify kindness. We’ve spread kindness through creative acts, from treating first responders to cookies to crafting badge pulls for nurses. The goal is always the same: to spread kindness widely, meaningfully, and creatively. Leadership and Socializing Our Leadership Committee organizes workshops that help our members and the community grow as leaders. We also balance our service with bonding through a book club, bridge group, and a monthly Lunch Bunch—strengthening the sense of sisterhood. Honoring Women and Fueling Change: The Annual Luncheon Every October, our club hosts its only fundraiser: the Outstanding Women of Today luncheon. This is one of our most meaningful traditions, honoring women from across the region who have excelled in fields like small business, education, healthcare, and nonprofit leadership. We are constantly inspired by these honorees who not only excel professionally but uplift others. The luncheon allows us to raise the necessary funds to support dozens of service projects throughout the year, as well as crucial scholarships for Richardson ISD seniors and students residing within the Richardson city limits. We joyfully invest in the next generation of leaders and changemakers. A Shared Commitment to Making a Difference For us, service takes many shapes: packing backpacks, ushering at reading events, or sharing laughter at an Ability House birthday party. Our mission is alive in these small moments—moments when we witness someone feel cared for, recognized, or empowered. Altrusa Richardson is a community of women who believe in the power of service. We believe that kindness matters. And we believe that when women work together with intention, we can improve lives—our own included. For more information and to get involved, visit the Altrusa Richardson website at altrusarichardson.com.
Leading with Heart: Amy Taylor on Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson and Community Engagement in Richardson, TX
Directing Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson Medical Center As the Director of Volunteer Services at Methodist Richardson, Amy Taylor oversees a vital team of nearly 200 active volunteers, consistently seeking dedicated individuals who wish to give back to the community. Her department supports several key programs: Daily Volunteers: Commit to a weekly four-hour shift, handling essential tasks like escorting patients and visitors, restocking supplies, and supporting the surgery waiting area. Unit Volunteers: College students pursuing careers in medicine who commit to a year-long, weekly four-hour shift, gaining direct experience working with nurses and healthcare technicians. Pastoral Care: Volunteers who partner with the Chaplain to offer spiritual comfort. Pet Therapy: Rigorously trained volunteers and their dogs providing comfort to staff, patients, and visitors during stressful moments. Junior Volunteers: Local high school students who participate each summer to gain an introduction to healthcare service. Amy emphasizes that working with people who are so committed to helping others is the best part of her job, citing the recognition of volunteer Jerry Nichols as a Richardson Real Hero as a defining, meaningful moment. Richardson Roots and Career Path A true local, Amy was born and raised in Richardson and is a proud RHS graduate. She holds a degree from Texas A&M and initially pursued marketing and promotions in radio and cable TV (working with networks like HBO/Cinemax and Oxygen). Her path shifted toward community involvement when she joined the Eisemann Center, which eventually led her to the Director of Volunteer Services position at Methodist Richardson. She describes the role as a “perfect fit” that allows her to help people directly within a healthcare setting. Deep Community Involvement in Richardson and Plano Amy’s commitment extends far beyond the hospital. She is highly involved in community leadership and the arts: Cultural Arts Commission: She actively serves here, helping to review public art submissions (including the new artwork at the Richardson Animal Shelter) and participating in the annual nonprofit arts grant process. Leadership Richardson: A proud member of Class 32, she is actively involved in the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association and maintains strong ties with her classmates. Richardson Chamber: An active member, supporting local business and community development. As her family is zoned to Plano ISD, Amy is also involved with Leadership Plano and the Vines High School Band Booster Committee and PTA, demonstrating her wide-ranging commitment to the local education system across both Richardson and Plano. Personal Life and Holiday Traditions Amy lives in the area, maintaining a small but close family unit. Her daughter is an aviation major at the University of Oklahoma, and her son is a percussionist at Vines High School. The family also includes two rescue dogs, Argo and Indie (Indie adopted from the Richardson Animal Shelter). In her free time, Amy enjoys local volunteering, attending concerts (like the annual Wildflower! festival), and traveling to warm destinations. For the holidays, her family keeps it simple: attending a Christmas Eve service followed by lasagna and Uno at her house, then gathering at her parents’ home on Christmas Day. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Methodist Richardson Volunteer Services to learn more about their programs.
Scents That Stir the Soul: How Nature’s Aromas Boost Your Mood and Ease Pain
By Deborah Dobbs, M.A. The smell of my mother’s spaghetti sauce still gives me a rush of joy. Aromas, particularly natural ones such as herbs and flowers, have a powerful way of tugging at our emotions. In our fast-paced world, tapping into these natural scents can be a simple path to better well-being. The Science Behind the Scent Our sense of smell is wired straight to the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system, making it a sneaky influencer of mood. Studies, including work by Weber and Heuberger (2008), have explored this connection. Participants who inhaled various natural plant aromas—like blooming flowers and herbs—reported feeling noticeably happier, calmer, and more alert compared to a control group. Importantly, those same studies showed that artificial smells offered no mood improvement. This evolutionary link suggests that real plant smells genuinely tune up our emotional health. Perhaps this is primitive, harking back to our hunter-gatherer days when a pleasant scent signaled safety or nourishment, firing up reward pathways in the brain that modern-day synthetics can’t mimic. Taming Pain with Pleasant Aromas Over the past few decades, studies have also zeroed in on our sense of smell’s role in taming pain. While findings are varied, evidence suggests that pleasant aromas seem to decrease pain intensity. A 2007 study found that people could hold their hand in ice water two times longer when inhaling a sweet-smelling odor (like vanilla), compared to those who inhaled neutral or unpleasant odors. Brain scans also reveal how smell can quiet “pain hotspots” such as the anterior cingulate cortex, thereby making pain more manageable. This highlights the potential of pleasant scents as a complementary tool for pain relief. Bring the Magic Home: Simple Tips Ready to harness the science of scent for a quick emotional tune-up? Here are few simple tips for bringing the “good” scents into our homes: Slow Cookers: Slow cookers are an easy way to set yourself up for a warm welcome home after a long day. The lingering aroma of a meal creates an instant atmosphere of comfort and calm. Natural Cleaning Products (DIY): Just five minutes of exposure to an unpleasant odor (like a harsh chemical cleaner) can spark anxiety and dampen a good mood. Replace chemical cleaners with DIY products (using citrus rinds, vinegar, or essential oils) that leave your home smelling naturally fresh and induce calm. Herbs: Many aromatic herbs are easy to grow (indoors or out). Plucking off a leaf and rubbing it between your palms can uplift your mood or enhance calm. If growing herbs brings stress, dried herb sachets (fabric pouches stuffed with dried herbs) provide whispers of positive scents without the maintenance. Natural scents can give your emotions a quick, science-backed tune-up. While they can’t guarantee that unwanted guests (like anxiety and stress) won’t enter your home, they can keep them from lingering too long. References Weber, S. T., & Heuberger, E. (2008). The Impact of Natural Odors on Affective States in Humans. Chemical Senses, 33(5), 441–447. Kontaris I, East BS and Wilson DA (2020). Behavioral and Neurobiological Convergence of Odor, Mood and Emotion: A Review. Frontiers Behavioral Neuroscience. 14:35. Prescott, J., & Wilkie, J. (2007). Pain Tolerance Selectively Increased by a Sweet-smelling Odor. Psychological Science, 18(4), 308–311. Sandri, A., Cecchini, M. P., Riello, M., Zanini, A., Nocini, R., Fiorio, M., & Tinazzi, M. (2021). Pain, Smell, and Taste in Adults: A Narrative Review of Multisensory Perception and Interaction. Pain and Therapy, 10(1), 245–268.
A Sparkling Night: Celebrating Outstanding Volunteers at the Richardson Real Heroes 2025 Awards
Dr. Mona Alnaeemi and Neil Stampe Honored at 15th Annual Celebration By Bonnie Kudlicki On Thursday, August 28, the Richardson Real Heroes 15th Annual Awards Celebration was a sold-out success at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. The event honored two exceptional recipients—Dr. Mona Alnaeemi and Neil Stampe—for their extraordinary commitment to volunteerism. Guests included the Richardson mayor, council members, city manager, and chief of police. The evening festivities, which included a celebration of prior real heroes, featured special guest, Texas-based singer, songwriter, and speaker Sara Hickman. Charles Eisemann presented each honoree with the coveted 2025 Annie Award for their outstanding volunteer work. Further cementing their impact, Congresswoman Julie Johnson bestowed each with a Congressional Commendation for their volunteer achievements. We are incredibly proud to celebrate the work of these two outstanding individuals who exemplify the spirit of community service in Richardson. Real Hero: Mona Alnaeemi, Ph.D. Mona and her family sought refuge from Kurdistan, north of Iraq, during the Saddam Hussein regime. Placed in Richardson upon arrival, they received help from a nonprofit group aiding refugees, which immediately compelled Mona to pay back by dedicating her life to volunteering. For 30 years, the impact of her selfless work has been life-changing for countless people in Richardson and beyond. With a Ph.D. in Human Services, Mona is now a Human Services Board Certified Practitioner and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She leverages her expertise to steer volunteer clients through myriad systems to find food, housing, school, counseling, English language instruction, and critical emotional support in a new city. Her ability to communicate in four languages allows her to connect with and serve a diverse population. Since 2010 at the Islamic Association of North Texas, she established a critical social service line, offering support to single mothers, widows, new refugees, and low-income families, helping them build sustainable, self-sufficient lives. Mona also co-founded the Dallas Institute for Immigrant Women in 2018 and serves actively with the Richardson Police Department and the Richardson Civil Board. Real Hero: Neil Stampe Neil retired at 49, but instead of resting, he committed to giving back. For 30 years and counting, he continues to contribute to the Richardson community in highly impactful ways. His volunteer ‘career’ began in 1995 when he joined the Richardson Rotary Club, holding many positions and aiding in a multitude of successful service projects. He was just sworn in as their 2025 treasurer. A proud graduate of Leadership Richardson’s Class 12 in 1996, Neil has kept that pride alive by acting as an advisor, a ‘rock’ (mentor), and curriculum chair for 11 subsequent classes, remaining an active member of the Alumni Association. In 2003, Neil added the Network of Community Ministries Handyman (part of Seniors’ Net) to his volunteer tool belt, doing no-cost home and safety repairs for seniors and the disabled. He later joined the Network’s Board of Directors, successfully assisting their growth through a $6.3 million fundraising campaign that secured their current headquarters. He was also a co-founder of a similar program, First Richardson Helpers, at First Methodist Richardson Church in 2016. Support Richardson Volunteerism Read Mona and Neil’s full biography, see their videos, and view awards celebration photos by visiting richardsonrealheroes.com. While there, please consider donating to the only city-wide program dedicated to volunteerism. RRH is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(C)(3) that relies on donors to fund its program.
Emerson Cox Renfro: Cultivating Community and Sustainability Through Compost in Richardson
The Compost Corner: Turning Scraps into a Movement By Patti Otte When Richardson resident Emerson Cox Renfro founded The Compost Corner in May 2023, she set out to turn everyday kitchen scraps into a movement. What began as a personal homesteading hobby has blossomed into a vibrant local business dedicated to teaching others the art—and joy—of composting right here in the community. What is Composting? Composting is the natural process of recycling organic waste—like food scraps, coffee grounds, and yard trimmings—into a nutrient-rich soil mixture called compost. Microorganisms, worms, and beneficial fungi break down these materials over time, creating a dark, crumbly substance that: Improves soil health Retains moisture Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers Drawing on her background in hospitality management and more than a decade in the restaurant industry, Renfro combines creativity, passion, and a keen eye for detail to educate clients about the many benefits of sustainable living. Education, Entrepreneurship, and Organic Treasures Through speaking engagements, classes, vendor booths, and now book signings for her debut children’s book Mama’s Mulch, Renfro shares practical how-to tips and inspires families to reduce waste and nurture their own gardens. Her Instagram feed is filled with videos on the fine art of composting, making the process seem simple and approachable. The Compost Corner is more than just a compost supplier. Renfro offers: Fresh compost, tools, and supplies online. Charming merchandise. A variety of organic goods at festivals and farmers markets, including seasonal canned goods, eggs, and sourdough starter kits, straight from her Richardson backyard homestead. Renfro has coined two playful yet powerful mottos that reflect her commitment to the environment: “Waste Not, Love Rot” and “Make Compost Great Again!” These guiding principles emphasize her belief that small, sustainable habits can make a big difference, keeping valuable nutrients out of landfills and returning them to the earth. A Business Built on Community Roots A Dallas native, Renfro and her family settled in Richardson’s Canyon Creek neighborhood in 2021, transforming their home into a flourishing homestead. After the birth of her daughter Joy, she sought a way to blend entrepreneurship with full-time motherhood. Introducing backyard chickens led naturally to composting—and eventually to a thriving enterprise. For Renfro, the key to growing a business is simple but profound: networking. “Word of mouth goes a long way,” she says. “Start conversations about your passions and build relationships—you never know what doors will open.” The Compost Corner is proudly a one-woman operation, embodying Emerson’s dedication to sustainability and community education. To learn more, visit thecompostcorner.com or follow @thecompostcorner on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.