TWU Magazine 2025

True Grit > LILY CABATU

True Grit > LILY CABATU WEISS ’75, ’80 Cultural Leader and Alumna From Studio to Spotlight How Lily Cabatu Weiss Transformed the Arts A lumna Lily Cabatu Weiss’s ’75, ’80 journey from a young dancer in El Paso to the executive director of the Dallas Arts District exemplifies an unwavering determination and a commitment to fueling innovation in the arts. Born in Anchorage, Alaska, and raised in El Paso, she is the youngest of five women born to first-generation Filipino parents. They instilled in her the importance of a strong education and encouraged her to follow her dreams, using the arts as a catalyst. She discovered dance in public school, inspired by her TWU-educated high school dance teacher. “Dance was in every public school in my district, and my teacher was an innovator who inspired me,” she says. TWU connections played a crucial role in Weiss’s career. Her first boss, TWU Distinguished Alumna Mary Martha Lappe ’62, ’68, and mentor Rosann McLaughlin Cox, Ph.D. ’74, helped shape her path. “They helped me launch my career and have been role models throughout,” says Weiss. Weiss pursued her passion for dance with relentless drive and the support of her family, earning degrees from TWU. She then dedicated 38 years to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas as a member of the dance faculty, chair of the dance department and the second artistic director for the school, transforming its dance program into a national model and mentoring thousands of students. PASSION IN MOTION Her artistry and impact extended beyond the classroom. “I’ve danced with John Mead and Dancers in New York and Japan, was awarded the Texas Choreographers Award from the Texas Commission on the Arts and was a guest choreographer in the Dance Education Department at New York University, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, among others.” These experiences reinforced her belief that true grit is about perseverance, adaptability and pioneering new artistic expressions. In 2016, Weiss transitioned to arts administration, becoming executive director of the Dallas Arts District — the largest urban arts district in the U.S. Under her leadership, the district has flourished, enhancing Dallas’s cultural landscape and fostering creative risk-taking. “The arts are an economic driver,” she says. "Businesses move to North Texas because of strong educational offerings, a thriving arts community, vibrant cultural institutions, and innovative and inspirational leaders.” TRANSFORMING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Weiss spearheaded the Dallas Arts District CONNECT Master Plan, approved unanimously in 2021, to enhance pedestrian engagement and integrate the district with surrounding neighborhoods. She also expanded the Signature Block Party Series, free public events featuring over 100 artists and attracting more than 50,000 visitors annually. These initiatives have made the district more dynamic, inclusive and accessible. A LIFELONG ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTS Actively engaged in the arts community, Weiss serves on the board of TITAS/ DANCE UNBOUND, which brings world-class dance and music performances to Dallas. She remains deeply connected to TWU, crediting the institution for shaping her artistic vision and leadership. “TWU alumni are real relationship builders,” she says. Weiss’s story is an inspiration to aspiring artists and leaders alike. Through decades of mentorship and dedication, she has proven that passion and perseverance can transform communities, ensuring the arts continue to thrive for generations to come. What inspires you to support TWU? Send us a note at advancement@twu.edu “They helped me launch my career and have been role models throughout. Your alumni base is what drives the institution. The connection is forever.” 24 TEXAS WOMAN’S TEXAS WOMAN’S 25