They are the movers and the shakers, the kind of savvy, community-conscious, and supportive people who work to help make their neighborhoods better. We talked with several outstanding Park Cities women to learn about their career achievements, passionate life priorities, and steadfast dedication to the core values they hold dear.
Lesley McCaslin
Lesley McCaslin came from close-knit family of sports fans. She graduated from the University of Texas in Austin concentrating on theater, dance, and journalism.
The single mom has three children who are her life -- she’s grateful for their “joyful hearts and fun dispositions.”
Lesley has worked as a broadcaster for 15 years. In Oklahoma City she covered the Thunder on Fox Sports for seven years, commuting between Dallas and OKC.
In 2020 she returned to Dallas and went to work at Benchmark Bank and Title. Three years later, Bally Sports invited her back to cover the Rangers, then the Mavericks.
She jumped on it and plans to do both jobs, “As long as they’ll let me.”
Her storytelling is “ … a craft … I’m always trying to improve,” with community outreach largely attached to whatever sports Lesley’s covering. She also mentors would-be journalists.
As a kid, her cousins lived in the Park Cities. “When we visited (from Lubbock), I thought it was the most beautiful neighborhood. I wanted to live there someday.”
What she didn’t know was the supportive nature of her future community.
“I want my kids to be grounded, kind, loving people. I believe they can be that here and that there are many people who can help show them the way.”
Lauren Payne
“Family and friendships are at the core of my priorities,” says Lauren Payne. “I thrive on cultivating intentional and meaningful connections.”
She is a dedicated member of her neighborhood marathon group and also enjoys yoga, and biking.
Lauren shares quality time with her husband, John, on the tennis court, and relishes outdoor adventures with their three young children. “I find joy and energy in the richness of my relationships,” she says.
During the pandemic, Lauren founded COVID Concierge 214, which specialized in concierge COVID testing services in Dallas.
She transitioned the company to Clinic Concierge, expanding personalized medical care to her client base. Lauren is now growing the innovative, on-demand healthcare company into new markets.
Clinic Concierge enables patients to access top-tier healthcare precisely when and where they need it. “The patient’s convenience is our priority, and their location is our destination,” she says.
Lauren’s life revolves around discovering the hidden gems within neighbors and the transformative power of collective support.
“As a mother of three young children and a business owner, I can attest that it truly does take a village.
I wouldn't be able to thrive as a mother, wife, friend, and CEO without the unwavering love and support of my neighbors.”
Kelsey Crain
A passionate, deep thinker, that's Kelsey Crain, a 9th-generation Floridian who also comes from a long line of West Texas farmers. In 2022 she started Petite Paloma, an innovative company that specializes in small batch, matching boots for moms and daughters.
Her husband Scott left his job in software sales for a “very pink and very girly” boot company. “I’m the creative, he’s the brawn … full-time parents and business partners.”
Paloma is Spanish for dove, delicate and gentle like Kelsey’s designs. Since the boots are made in Mexico, it’s a nod to the culture, while petite ties to children. Petite Paloma underscores Kelsey's creative spirit, harmoniously blending vibrant Florida culture with a traditional Texas aesthetic. The Crains’ two youngsters both have boots named in their honor.
Kelsey loves designing and meeting with customers while enjoying motherhood. “I think the family aspect sets us apart,” as does supplying fresh thought to a legacy business.
Petite Paloma also has an admirable heart for philanthropy and gives back regularly via fundraisers for nonprofits. “I’m not originally from Dallas but I’ve come to know and adore the Park Cities … a really supportive community.”
And in Texas, there’s always places to wear boots, “A gala or a backyard party, boots are almost always appropriate!”
Catalina Gonzalez Jorba
Originally from Colombia, Catalina Gonzalez Jorba moved to Dallas at age 17 to attend SMU, which is where she met her husband, Santiago, a year later. “We’ve been together for 20 years, married for 15, and have four boys who fill our world with joy.” The kids all go to different schools to fit their individual needs, she says.
Cata gives back to her community serving on the board of the Dallas Museum of Art, as an event chair for the Perot Museum Night at the Museum, a Board Member of the Texas Ballet Theater, and championing Community Partners of Dallas. She is the founder and designer for Dondolo, a luxury brand that makes children and women heirloom-quality clothing. “From the beginning, my dream for the brand was always ‘giving back,’ both by supporting my native country and the Dallas community,” she says.
Dondolo is manufactured in Colombia made by local women. Each design features handmade touches and supports social causes that help empower mothers and children.
As a Park Cities resident, she’s community connected. “As an immigrant, I was worried about fitting in. To the contrary, I have experienced a very lovely and friendly community… Always willing to help and support with open arms.”
