Human Rights Dallas is guided by a committed team of leaders with deep expertise and a shared passion for advancing human rights for all. Our board and advisors bring decades of experience in advocacy, education, law, media, and community engagement.
Founders: Hadi Jawad and Dr. Rick Halperin, Photo: Anthony Lazon
Cofounder
Dr. Rick Halperin is co-founder of Human Rights Dallas and Director of the SMU Human Rights Program. A longtime human rights advocate, he has held leadership roles with Amnesty International USA and numerous human rights organizations and has participated in international delegations monitoring human rights conditions around the world.
Cofounder, President
Hadi Jawad is co-founder and President of Human Rights Dallas and a longtime Dallas human rights activist and community leader. He co-founded the Crawford Peace House during the Iraq War and helped establish the North Texas Civil Rights Project, now part of the Texas Civil Rights Project.
Vice President
Marina Ruiz is Vice President of Human Rights Dallas, a Dallas native, media personality, and community advocate. Through media, civic engagement, and nonprofit leadership, she has worked to inform and empower North Texas communities, expand voter participation, and advance human rights and dignity.
Member of the Board
Dr. Jennifer McNabb has worked for 14 years in jail and prison programs, developing curricula, teaching classes, and training educators and volunteers. She earned an interdisciplinary doctorate from Southern Methodist University, where her research focused on the effects of jail and prison environments on incarcerated people.
Member of the Board
Carol Donovan is a Dallas native, human rights advocate, and retired attorney-mediator with more than 40 years of legal experience. Her extensive civic and nonprofit leadership includes advancing equality and human rights, organizing the 2007 International Women’s Peace Conference, and founding the Castleberry Peace Institute.
Member of the Board
Avalyn Pace is a human rights advocate with experience supporting humanitarian efforts locally and globally. She serves as President of the United Nations Association-USA Dallas Chapter, helping educate and mobilize North Texans in support of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Advisory Council
Linda Abramson Evans is a longtime human rights and community volunteer with nearly 40 years of service across international, social justice, interfaith, medical, and arts initiatives. She founded the *Volunteer Guide to Refugee Service Agencies in Dallas/Fort Worth* and has held leadership and advisory roles with organizations advancing refugee support, immigrant inclusion, interfaith cooperation, and human rights.
Chair, Communications Committee
Dr. Michael Phillips is a historian and author whose work examines racism, racial violence, political extremism, and Texas history. An award-winning author and longtime educator, he was also a leader in the successful movement to remove Confederate monuments in Dallas.
Technology Advisor
Hosea Baker is a humanitarian, nonprofit technology leader, and human rights advocate with a passion for using technology in service of others. He works at Susan G. Komen, where he helps advance the organization’s mission through technology, digital strategy, and innovation. As Technology Advisor for Human Rights Dallas, he brings his experience to advancing human dignity, strengthening communities, and expanding access to information.
