Lyda Hill

Miss Hill is a businesswoman, volunteer, philanthropist and environmentalist. With Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates, she is a member of The Giving Pledge, a group of the nation’s wealthiest individuals and families who have committed to donating the majority of their wealth to philanthropic causes either during their lifetime or after their death. For more than 30 years, Miss Hill has exemplified leadership in the business and non-profit communities. She started her own travel company and built it into the largest travel agency in Texas. From that business base, she managed other family owned businesses, including Colorado Springs’ Seven Falls, Kissing Camels Estates land development, and the Garden of the Gods Club. When she joined Young President’s Organization, she was one of only five female members. In addition, Miss Hill has made significant impact in several civic arenas. She created the Volunteer Connection to promote volunteerism throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, a model that has been replicated in more than 70 cities and earned her the President’s Volunteer Action Award from the White House. She was appointed to President Reagan’s Advisory Board for Private Sector Initiatives. In Dallas, she led the first campaign for the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), one of her many community passions, and helped build the VNA’s new headquarters. In addition, she initiated a planned giving program at VNA and the VNA Caring Society. She is a Life Member of the Board of Directors and serves as a Director of the VNA Foundation. Miss Hill sits on the M.D. Anderson Advisory Board and the Garden of the Gods Foundation Board. She organized the first LPGA Skins Game for Dallas Easter Seals; began the M.D. Anderson Board of Visitors annual Living Legends Luncheon; and for the Garden of the Gods Foundation, created the Summer of Celebration. In addition, she is a significant donor to Dallas’ Museum of Nature and Science, which is under construction. Her extensive mineral collection will be housed in the museum, as well.