This award recognizes women who have achieved excellence in their careers and whose contributions to business, industry, organizations, and the community are crucial to the success of the same. This is the YWCA’s 37th year to celebrate Women of Excellence, and Dillard is now one of only 311 women selected for the award since 1989.
“I felt very honored and humbled to have been nominated and selected as a YWCA Woman of Excellence,” said Dillard. “I was totally shocked and honestly in disbelief because there are so many amazing female leaders in our district and community.”
For Frenship, it was an easy decision to nominate Dillard who has undoubtedly made an impact on thousands of students and teachers during her 42 years in education. Dillard began her educational career at Lubbock ISD where she served as an elementary teacher for 16 years and then an assistant principal for four years.
In 2003, she joined the Frenship family as the Casey Elementary Principal and later the Bennett Elementary Principal until 2010 when she was selected to lead Frenship’s Human Resource Department. For the last 15 years in HR, Dillard has spent countless hours helping and recruiting over 1,500 educators to find their home at Frenship.
“She brings enthusiasm and passion to her work. Her passion and courage are contagious. These attributes as well as her willingness to ask questions and implement new ideas after decades of years of service are extraordinary,” said Frenship ISD Superintendent Dr. Michelle McCord in the nomination letter. “She has committed not only her professional career, but she has also committed her life to public education because she knows the difference public education makes in the lives of our children. She understands the future is at stake.”
From recruiting efforts and mentoring principals and aspiring administrators to getting to personally know the 1,400+ Frenship employees, Dillard’s dedication to Frenship is instrumental to the success of Frenship ISD. In addition to her responsibilities in Human Resources, she serves Frenship families through the Frenship Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides monetary support through teacher grants, student scholarships, and assistance to Frenship staff going through financial hardships. She is the longest serving Frenship Foundation board member, joining the non-profit in 21 years ago when it was first established in 2003.
“I love the students, staff, families, and community members at Frenship. I love the relationships that I have built over the years with each person. Frenship is truly an exceptional district that puts our students first but still continues to value and support the other stakeholders and their input,” said Dillard. “I love the family environment at Frenship and the pride that we all feel just being a part of this district. I love the collaborative feel of the district and the steps that we take to ensure that each stakeholder feels valued and heard.”
Servant leader, true educator, courageous mentor, inspiring role model, passionate advocate, and dedicated professional – these are just a few of the words used to describe Dillard and evidence of what makes her a “Woman of Excellence”.
“Without Rhonda’s heartfelt commitment and compassionate leadership, our community would not be what it is today. I am eternally grateful for her influence on my life and career,” said Stacy Davis, Crestview Elementary Principal.
Dillard and the other eight Women of Excellence will be celebrated during an award ceremony next month. To learn more about the YWCA Women of Excellence, CLICK HERE.