Member Spotlight

Names:
Ginna Innamorati McLanahan & Molly Owen Soper

You just planned TAG's Sombreros & Seersucker Derby Party. What are you most looking forward to at the party?:
The margaritas and the lil' bits mini donuts!! But we're really looking forward to seeing it all come together - it's going to be such a fun party watching our sombreros and seersucker theme come to life, while raising awareness and funding for the Center for BrainHealth's critical research.

Besides planning the most fun party of the year, what do you do?:
We embrace our roles of domestic divas and chase around our 1 year old children!

Tell us a little bit about your families:
We grew up in Dallas and have been life long friends since elementary school. Molly met her husband, Steven Soper, in Washington, D.C. working for the 2004 Presidential Inaugural Committee. Steven is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and they have a one-year old daughter, named Mary. The Sopers recently moved to Austin, Texas. Ginna's husband, Ward McLanahan, is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and they met in the analyst program at Bank of America in New York. They are parents to one-year twins, daughter, Taylor, and son, Brooks.

What would your dream vacation look like?:
The list is endless - we dream big. Maybe Africa, the Amalfi Coast, Australia....we're only on the "A's"!!

Why are you a part of TAG?:
We helped start this young professionals group three years ago to support the Center for BrainHealth's mission. We were inspired by Molly's mom who was diagnosed with a terminal brain disorder, Primary Progressive Aphasia, four years ago, and Ginna's family who has been affected by Alzheimer's Disease. We wanted to help educate our generation on brain health, as well as raise awareness and funding for the important research done at the Center for numerous brain related diseases, disorders, and issues. And with Molly's mom's passing a few months ago, we're now more committed than ever.

Name:
Josh Flores

Involvement in TAG:
Stewardship/Volunteer Committee Member

Who do you work for and what do you do?:
EDGE Realty Partners - specialize in Retail Tenant Representation and Project Leasing throughout North Texas and surrounding states.

What is your all-time favorite movie?:
Toss up between Field of Dreams and Gladiator

If you could have a super power what would it be and why?:
Ability to fly so I would not have to sit in traffic

What would be your favorite night out?:
It would probably involve close friends and family at either dinner or Rangers game

Why are you a part of TAG?:
I have many good friends that I have known over the majority of my life that are involved with TAG. It is fun to be a part of a group that is passionate about brain awareness and is doing great things in the community.

Name:
Dan Harris

TAG Involvement:
Advisory Board Member, TAG Ambassador, and Fundraising Committee Member.

Who do you work for and what do you do? :
I work for Cassidy Turley, a full-service real estate firm based out of St. Louis. I am a tenant representation broker, which means I specialize in helping companies in Dallas find office space and negotiate their leases.

What are some of your favorite things to do in your free time? :
I like to golf, hunt and fly fish. Over the last few years I have put my vacation times to finding new places to fish. So far I’ve ventured to Montana, Colorado and Alaska. Hopefully New Zealand is next. I also try to get back up to Fayetteville and watch my Razorbacks whenever I can.

What are a few of your favorite Dallas restaurants? :
I would say #1 is Jack’s Burger House on Hillcrest. But my new favorite spot is Company Café on the Katy Trail.

What is the next fun trip you have planned? :
My girlfriend tells me I’m really looking forward to her friend’s wedding in Galveston in April. Other than that, I’m going to Colorado this summer and to Cuba in the fall.

Why are you a part of TAG? :
It didn’t take me long after my first TAG event to see that the people involved were very passionate about the organization and working together to make it better and well known in the community. This was a welcome change from a lot of the “happy hour” groups I had been a part of in the past. But above that, I loved that this is an organization that anyone can relate to. Whether it is with autism, addiction, cancer, Alzheimer’s, etc., almost everyone can draw a personal connection that can ignite some passion in wanting to be a part of progress in brain health research.

Name:
Catherine Vail

TAG Involvement:
Member since January 2011; serves on the Membership and Stewardship/Volunteer committees

Employment:
Citigroup

What are some of your favorite things to do?:
Run outdoors, listen to live music, cook, and travel

What are a few of your favorite Dallas restaurants?:
Javier's, Little Katana, R&D Cafe

Why are you part of TAG?:
I joined soon after moving to Dallas to meet new people and get involved in the community, and have stayed a member because I think it’s a great group of motivated young people working toward a unique and incredible cause!