Northwood University honored some of America's great minds and philanthropists during a weekend of events celebrating women:

• The Distinguished Women's Forum and Luncheon -- featuring Distinguished Women panelists -- Friday, Nov. 5. The panel's topic was "Juggling Family, Work and Personal Happiness: Is It Achievable?"
  
• Barbara Taylor Bradford, a Distinguished Woman from the class of 2001 and New York Times best-selling author of "Playing the Game," spoke at a luncheon Nov. 6.
• The 41st annual Distinguished Women black-tie awards ceremony was Saturday, Nov. 6.

This year's Distinguished Women from the Dallas area:

Wanda R. Brice, Plano, Texas

Wanda Brice is currently CEO of The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future, a national museum and Smithsonian affiliate. A past President of the International Women's Forum-Dallas, Brice is a lifelong entrepreneur and public policy advocate; she has championed issues benefitting small business and women.

Jan Dedrie Strimple, Irving, Texas

Couture fashion model Jan Dedrie Strimple has been recognized worldwide for her unique career. In 2009, Women That Soar honored Strimple for empowering, supporting and inspiring other women on their personal and professional journeys. She has helped raise more than $3 million for education and services for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Elizabeth Acton, Dallas, Texas

Beth Acton is Chief Financial Officer of Comerica Bank, the largest bank with headquarters in Texas. Previously, she was Treasurer of Ford Motor Company's worldwide treasury activities. As Board Chair of Vista Marie, a non-profit that helps children recover from abuse, she headed the first ever capital campaign to build a new charter school.

Julie K. Hersh, Dallas, Texas

Julie Hersh, author of Struck by Living, is a mother, corporate wife, suicide survivor and advocate of mental health awareness. Board President of the Dallas Children's Theater, she is also an active supporter of the Suicide and Crisis Center and other non-profit organizations.

This year's Distinguished Women from outside North Texas:

Karen E. Burke, New York, New York

With a Ph.D. in Biophysics and an M.D. degree, Karen Burke has made significant contributions to medical research in several areas including Dermatology. The author of six books, she is included in the Castle-Connolly Guide of Best Doctors. Burke serves on numerous boards ranging from the medical field to education.

Kerry R. Graham, Paradise Valley, Arizona

Kerry Graham, a life member and three-time national President of the Ladies Professional Golf Association, has worked tirelessly to promote and expand the opportunities for women in golf. Graham's dedication to growing the game of golf and LPGA T&CP membership has earned her numerous awards.

Ruta Lee, Los Angeles, California

Ruta Lee has had an incomparable career acting in movies, television (over 2,000 appearances) and on stage. Over the past 45 years, as Chairperson or President, roles exchanged between herself and Debbie Reynolds, she has helped to raise millions for the Thalians Community Mental Health Center located in Los Angeles.

Petra Levin, Palm Beach, Florida

Petra Levin has been selfless in lending her celebrity to a long list of charitable organizations. She has worked tirelessly and raised millions for the Caron Foundation which she has chaired for the past six years. The former Miss Germany has chaired benefits for the American Folk Art Museum, where she is a Director, and for the Palm Beach Heart Ball.

Goldie B. Wolfe Miller, Bannockburn, Illinois

Goldie Wolfe Miller is one of the country's most successful female commercial real estate brokers with over $3 billion in transactions. Wolfe Miller's Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative at Roosevelt University-Chicago empowers women in commercial real estate to achieve leadership.

Margaret Daniels Tyler, Alexandria, Virginia

A bridge-builder, change-agent, and teacher, Margaret Daniels Tyler is Senior Program Officer, U. S. Special Initiatives for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Her responsibilities include providing strategic guidance for the $2 billion investments in scholarships, and advancing college completion goals for young adults of poverty and color.