"Ascend to the Summit: Courageously Embracing Risk" is the theme of the 17th annual luncheon hosted by the National Association of Women Business Owners on Monday, June 10 at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel.    

             Stacy Allison, author, business owner and the first American woman to climb to the top of Mt. Everest, is the featured speaker on the rewards of taking risks, in the outdoors and in business pursuits.

              The woman who will receive the Louise Raggio Pathfinder Award that day wrote her own book on taking risks.  Colleen Barrett is currently president, chief operating officer and corporate secretary for Southwest Airlines Co., a high-frequency, low-fare, point-to-point airline which prides itself in its excellent customer-service qualities. 
           
             Prior to joining Southwest in 1978, Colleen worked for several years as an executive assistant to Herb Kelleher, Southwest’s current chairman, at his law firm. For Southwest Airlines, she has served as secretary of the corporation since March 1978; prior positions include vice president of administration and executive vice president  of customers.
 
            Colleen, who has a son and a grandson, is active in numerous civic and charitable organizations in Dallas as well as various state political campaigns, and has served on numerous boards and commissions.  She graduated with highest honors from Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts.
 
            To attend the luncheon, register online at www.nawbotx.org or call 214/428-7475.  An individual ticket for the luncheon, two workshops and the pre-event reception with Stacy Allison is $115; an individual ticket for the luncheon and the pre-reception is $90; and an individual ticket to the luncheon only is $75.  A table for 10 is $750. Workshop tickets are $25 per workshop.  Corporate sponsorships are available.