Sitting Down with Nancy Nasher, Honorary Chairman at Crystal Charity Ball’s Fashion Show and Luncheon

Surrounding Crystal Charity Ball’s 52nd Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas, we’re shining a spotlight on the honorees, including Nancy A. Nasher, the Honorary Chairman.

The distinguished real estate attorney and devoted philanthropic leader, who holds an Honorary Doctor of Arts from SMU, is the co-owner of NorthPark Center and President of the Nasher Sculpture Center. In addition to serving as Founder’s Chair for Business Council for the Arts, Nasher serves on the board of Children’s Foundation, Harvard Art Museum, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, and Princeton University Art Museum.

What do you love about the Dallas community?

Dallas is a city that combines a can-do entrepreneurial energy with a deep commitment to civic engagement. This strong dedication to philanthropy and shared sense of responsibility continues to strengthen Dallas for future generations. 

What is your proudest accomplishment as a community volunteer?

I am proud of the NorthPark Center community partnerships that have become traditions over the years. There are so many important organizations that we support through events and exhibitions at NorthPark — Business Council for the Arts, Children’s Craniofacial Association, Children’s Health, Community Partners of Dallas, Dallas CASA, North Texas Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House of Dallas, Salvation Army, Shared Housing Center, SPCA of Texas, and more. They all contribute to our community in crucial ways, and we are honored to do our part in expanding their missions.

Outside of Crystal Charity Ball, what Dallas charitable organization is nearest and dearest to you?

The Nasher Sculpture Center is especially close to my heart because it reflects our family’s enduring commitment to Dallas and the arts. My parents spent decades building one of the world’s most important collections of modern and contemporary sculpture and then created a museum and sculpture garden as a gift for all to enjoy. Supporting that vision, and growing upon it, is both a privilege and a responsibility that [my husband] David and I value deeply.

What is something you’re looking forward to in the year ahead?

I am excited for the return of the extraordinary Fleurs de Villes at NorthPark Center in spring 2027, bringing together talented local florists with leading arts and cultural nonprofits in our region to create one-of-a-kind fresh floral installations throughout NorthPark. It is a wonderful celebration of creativity, beauty, and collaboration.

Why does serving the Dallas community matter to you?

It is important to me to help make art, culture, and philanthropy part of everyday life. At NorthPark, we have long believed that world-class art should be accessible to everyone, and we are proud to provide free access to museum-quality works seen by millions of visitors each year. We also champion meaningful experiences that invest in programs to improve our community.

What is something you’ve learned from working alongside the women of Crystal Charity Ball?

The women of Crystal Charity Ball demonstrate the extraordinary impact of disciplined leadership and sustained commitment. Having hosted many years of the committee check-ins at NorthPark boutiques over the years, we have seen firsthand how dedicated this group of women is to each other and to our community.