Through gender bias, women in Dallas have long faced barriers climbing the career ladder. Stereotypes often left their professional efforts invisible—especially for Black women, who endured discrimination based on race as well. Thankfully, Dallas, like the rest of the United States, is evolving. Today, local women find it easier to make their mark, and female scientists are no exception. Their research and innovations are no longer gathering dust on shelves; they’re shaping our community. Learn more on dallaski.
Jennifer Stimpson
Jennifer’s love for science began in childhood. Her parents, both pharmaceutical researchers, fueled her passion. At age nine, her father launched his own business, formulating new medications while explaining every detail to his favorite daughter. Jennifer was fascinated by his lab equipment—measuring cylinders, flasks, and more.
As an adult, Jennifer graduated with a chemistry degree from Dillar University, making history as the first African American to earn a scientific degree from the University of Northern Iowa. She then turned to teaching, spending the past 20 years leading science courses at Hockaday School and Townview Magnet Center.
Not only has she inspired hundreds of students, but she’s also contributed to her parents’ pharmacy research. In 2022, the American Association for the Advancement of Science honored her with the IF/THEN Award.
Yolanda A. Parker
Yolanda Parker exemplifies quiet achievement. When she was named one of Dallas’s “Hidden Figures” by the National Society of Black Engineers in 2016, she shared the news only with close family. Her many awards sit on shelves at home, rather than on display at work.
A renowned applied mathematician, Yolanda has authored several textbooks designed to teach statistics and math to future educators. For 25 years, she’s taught “Statistics” and “Mathematics for Teachers” at Tarrant County College—South Campus, attracting hundreds of local teachers eager to learn her approach to complex topics.
Kenya Wilson
At first glance, Kenya Wilson seems like any other friendly Dallas resident. But her life’s passion is science. She directs the College & Career Readiness Team at Educate Texas. With expertise in biology, chemistry, and physics, she mentors middle- and high-school students aiming for careers in biomedical sciences.
Before teaching, she worked as a physical therapist. That experience lets her weave real-life stories into her lessons, bringing theory to life. Recently, Kenya took on a larger role as head of Educate Texas Districtwide’s new STEM initiative.
Tiffany Rix
Tiffany Rix is first and foremost a devoted wife and mother of two. With her husband’s unwavering support, she’s pursued her career ambitions without sacrificing family life.
She founded and serves as CEO of Inc. HacWare, a cybersecurity startup powered by artificial intelligence that protects businesses from phishing attacks. As cyber threats rise, her company has become essential to American IT security.
Tiffany’s contributions have earned her the Dallas Business Journal Women in Technology Award in 2022, finalist status for Cybersecurity Innovator by D Magazine in 2021, and the Best Innovator title from Dallas Innovates in 2020. With 15 years of experience, she also founded Female Founders of Dallas, a community supporting aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Juanita DeLoach
Juanita DeLoach began her career as a process engineer at Texas Instruments. Though she left the semiconductor giant after spotting inefficiencies, that experience paved the way for her next chapter—law. She developed a unique method for understanding corporate clients, making her a sought-after intellectual property attorney.
Juanita advises on patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, blending scientific insight with legal expertise. Clients travel from as far as China to consult with her in Dallas.
Victoria Brown
Victoria Brown is another modest scientist. She’s dedicated her career to improving children’s healthcare in Dallas while pursuing an MBA in Healthcare Management at the University of Texas.
She’s participated in numerous studies and clinical trials with vulnerable populations, earning grants from the NIH. Victoria focuses on developing the fastest drug therapies for people struggling with addiction—a goal rooted in her doctorate in pharmacology and neurology from Meharry Medical College.