Society / Profiles

Dallas Cancer Crusader Learned the Joy of Giving Back From Her Grandmother

Lisa Shirley is Still Wowed by the Power of the Cattle Baron's Ball

BY Caroline Lidl

In its third year, NorthPark Center’s Ambassador program boldly merges the worlds of fashion, art and philanthropy, by way of celebrating the city’s top influencers and the nonprofits they support. NorthPark’s chosen few embody a rare-air kind of style — a droup that contains equal parts fashion sense, civic leadership, and larger-than-life personality.

Now, we spotlight Lisa Shirley and learn about her passion for Cattle Baron’s Ball and the American Cancer Society. NorthPark is holding its Kickin’ It to Cancer Weekend with Cattle Baron’s Ball this Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22. NorthPark and its stores dedicate the entire weekend to raising money and awareness for cancer research with a percentage of sales donated to Cattle Baron’s Ball. There also will be a live DJ and some informal modeling shows in the common areas of the shopping center.

It’s a cause that is dear to Shirley as she details in this exclusive PaperCity conversation.

Why the Cattle Baron’s Ball. 

The beneficiaries of the proceeds from the Cattle Baron’s Ball go directly to innovative cancer research. I can’t think of anyone whose life has not been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. . . what an honor to be part of the solution.

A benevolent memory. 

My first year of membership — just being in awe and amazement of the magnitude of the ball and the resulting impact on the community from the work of 100 committed, caring and hard working volunteers!

Philanthropic influencers. 

My grandmother, who thought paying taxes was an honor — as in you were fortunate enough to be able to afford that — set the expectations that it was your civic responsibility to support the community and those in need.

Role models. 

My grandmother and a dear friend who believes in me more than myself and constantly pushes me to be better — and any woman who can have strong ideas and commitments to others without compromising themselves.

NorthPark Center is at the center of combining art and fashion. Describe your own art and fashion interests. 

Wallace Chan is an innovative Chinese Sculptor whose work I am fascinated with. Carolina Herrera embodies a unique combination of femininity and strength in her designs.

The perfect day.

Any day outside, sailing, hiking, skiing, or at the beach with my great friends and family.

Your day job.

I am in the fine-jewelry arena. I have spent my career in design or procurement of precious jewelry. After 25 years in the industry I started my own company two years ago — scary and exciting!

Looking forward. 

I would be remiss to not mention the Cattle Baron’s Ball, set for October 19, 2019.

NorthPark Memory.

All the time I have spent at Neiman Marcus — by far my favorite store!

Advice to your younger self.

Take more risks, be embarrassing, and fail a lot. It is the only way to learn, and no one really cares more than you do.

Our scars and our failures are what builds our character.

On the horizon. 

I love a fresh start and reinvention in any way.  I am scared and proud to be co-chairing the Cattle Baron’s Ball.  I look forward to growing my own business and traveling. Travel as much as as often as you can. It shapes your perspective on the world in general, and more often leads all to believe in life. We as humans all want and desire the same things, regardless of geography.

Part of the Special Series:

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