True Grit> LILY
True Grit> LILY CABATUWEISS ’75, ’80Cultural Leaderand AlumnaFrom Studioto SpotlightHow Lily Cabatu WeissTransformed the ArtsAlumna Lily CabatuWeiss’s ’75, ’80 journeyfrom a young dancer inEl Paso to the executivedirector of the DallasArts District exemplifies an unwaveringdetermination and a commitment tofueling innovation in the arts. Born inAnchorage, Alaska, and raised in El Paso,she is the youngest of five women bornto first-generation Filipino parents. Theyinstilled in her the importance of astrong education and encouraged her tofollow her dreams, using the arts as acatalyst. She discovered dance in publicschool, inspired by her TWU-educatedhigh school dance teacher. “Dance wasin every public school in my district, andmy teacher was an innovator whoinspired me,” she says.TWU connections played a crucial rolein Weiss’s career. Her first boss, TWUDistinguished Alumna Mary MarthaLappe ’62, ’68, and mentor RosannMcLaughlin Cox, Ph.D. ’74, helped shapeher path. “They helped me launch mycareer and have been role modelsthroughout,” says Weiss.Weiss pursued her passion for dancewith relentless drive and the support ofher family, earning degrees from TWU.She then dedicated 38 years to Booker T.Washington High School for thePerforming and Visual Arts in Dallas asa member of the dance faculty, chairof the dance department and thesecond artistic director for the school,transforming its dance program intoa national model and mentoringthousands of students.PASSION IN MOTIONHer artistry and impact extendedbeyond the classroom. “I’ve danced withJohn Mead and Dancers in New Yorkand Japan, was awarded the TexasChoreographers Award from the TexasCommission on the Arts and was a guestchoreographer in the Dance EducationDepartment at New York University,Dallas Black Dance Theatre, amongothers.” These experiences reinforcedher belief that true grit is aboutperseverance, adaptability andpioneering new artistic expressions.In 2016, Weiss transitioned to artsadministration, becoming executivedirector of the Dallas Arts District —the largest urban arts district in the U.S.Under her leadership, the district hasflourished, enhancing Dallas’s culturallandscape and fostering creativerisk-taking. “The arts are an economicdriver,” she says. "Businesses moveto North Texas because of strongeducational offerings, a thriving artscommunity, vibrant cultural institutions,and innovative and inspirational leaders.”TRANSFORMING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTWeiss spearheaded the Dallas ArtsDistrict CONNECT Master Plan, approvedunanimously in 2021, to enhancepedestrian engagement and integrate thedistrict with surrounding neighborhoods.She also expanded the Signature BlockParty Series, free public events featuringover 100 artists and attracting more than50,000 visitors annually. These initiativeshave made the district more dynamic,inclusive and accessible.A LIFELONG ADVOCATE FOR THE ARTSActively engaged in the arts community,Weiss serves on the board of TITAS/DANCE UNBOUND, which bringsworld-class dance and musicperformances to Dallas. She remainsdeeply connected to TWU, crediting theinstitution for shaping her artistic visionand leadership. “TWU alumni are realrelationship builders,” she says.Weiss’s story is an inspiration toaspiring artists and leaders alike.Through decades of mentorship anddedication, she has proven that passionand perseverance can transformcommunities, ensuring the arts continueto thrive for generations to come.What inspires youto support TWU?Send us a note at advancement@twu.edu“They helped me launchmy career and have beenrole models throughout.Your alumni base is whatdrives the institution.The connection is forever.”24 TEXAS WOMAN’STEXAS WOMAN’S 25
