Whitney Strauss Bio

In her role at Sunwest, Whitney works directly with the philanthropic division team to expand services including strategic planning and process management focusing on civic projects, corporate social responsibility impact, foundations and donor advised funds. Her clients have ranged from family private foundations, large nonprofit organizations, public/private civic projects, charitable causes for celebrities and athletes and international philanthropic work.

Prior to Sunwest, Whitney has had an extensive background in nonprofit and corporate social responsibility leadership including roles at the AdvoCare Foundation, March of Dimes, Greenhill School, Lockheed Martin, Dallas Regional Chamber and U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, Whitney is also a published award-winning children’s’ book author of the series “My Sweet Child Born in….” with additional titles in the work.

Whitney has extensive board service and board governance experience. Now, Whitney serves on the boards of Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, Texas Ballet Theater, Turtle Creek Chorale and the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. She also serves on the Global Advisory Board for the Asante Africa Foundation focusing on bringing educational opportunities to Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Whitney has also authored two award-winning children’s books and plans for future titles to read to her two sons, Bobby and Timmy.

Dr. Strauss has a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies of  behavioral science and human rights from SMU making her a true specialist in social change and impact. Her dissertation research focused on impact of food insecurity community-led efforts – particularly cultivating local food systems. Her research has allowed for her to be a speaker at SXSW, involved in the White House Conference for Hunger, Nutrition and Health and Food is Medicine efforts.

She is also a sustainer member of the Junior League of Dallas and Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, and her family is very involved with the North Texas Food Bank and Crossroads Community Services.