Founders

Karla Barber started her life's journey in Chicago but migrated north to Vermont where she spent her formative years. Her interests are many and varied. Initially headed for a journalism career, she abruptly changed her major to computer science during her first semester of college. She tried to minor in fashion design, but conventional thinkers in the school of engineering couldn't figure that out. Instead, she took design classes for fun and minored in business.

After a 22-year high-tech career, she retired in 2004 to spend more time with her family and increase her involvement in the local community. She serves on several non-profit boards including The Women's Museum, the Foundation for Women's Resources, Greenhill School Board of Trustees and the University of Vermont School of Engineering Dean's Advisory Board. Karla is the founding president of the Dallas Chapter of Women for WineSense and serves on the organization's national board as the director of technology. Upon retirement, Karla pursued a formal study of wine and holds wine certifications from the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers.

In addition to her Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont, Karla holds a master's degree in management information systems from the University of Texas at Dallas. She also is a graduate of Leadership Texas, Leadership America and Power of Self. Karla loves to travel, ride her bike, garden and study Italian. She and her husband have three teenage sons. As with the Chinese language, the word "no" is not in Karla's vocabulary, and she did live in Taiwan for two years after all. She loves to learn, and, the good news is, there are so many interesting things to pursue in life!

Judy Dedmon Coyle

Judy Dedmon grew up in a military family with early exposure to varying cultures, foods and ideas that influenced her world view. However, adjusting to not packing and moving every two-and-half years proved to be one of life's great challenges. From first grade to law school, she attended 18 schools. Now, as a 22-year Dallas resident, it's possible that she has conquered the restlessness of her early life.

The same cannot be said of her career choices since, well into her fifties, Judy is still open to new opportunities. In early 2009, after 12 years as a stay-at-home mom, Judy started a health and nutrition program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and is a certified health counselor. Judy graduated from Oglethorpe University with a degree in history and political science. She earned a Master of Arts in library science and law degree from Emory University. Four years at the Department of Interior practicing environmental and real property law somehow led to a 15-year stint at Fannie Mae in the legal department, management and ending up as senior vice president of the 10-state Southwestern Regional office in Dallas, overseeing 250 employees and more than 300 lenders. She retired in 1996 to spend more time with her family.

During her stay-at-home years, Judy reacquainted with her husband and children, exercised, polished up her healthful recipes and erased the effects of 15 years in corporate life. She wrote a yet-to-be-published book, volunteered for her son's schools, community, church and organizations including Children's International Summer Villages and Boot Camp for Goddesses. She joined three book clubs because, left to her own devices, she read books the world would not long remember. Today, she also travels the United States and the world.

Harriet Kelly (formerly Gibbe)

Today an award-winning writer, producer, fashion show director and former model and actress, Harriet Kelly began her career at eight as an actress in Houston. After graduating from the University of Texas with a radio-television and film degree, she worked in advertising in Houston and Dallas, winning awards for her corporate branding and mini-documentary productions. Harriet decided to perform again following a lengthy vacation from the stage and listed with a Dallas talent agency. Luck and work ethic helped her become one of Neiman Marcus' top runway models. Eventually the charm of turning circles on a runway diminished, and she moved up her career ladder by writing and by producing fashion shows for Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and others.

In 1999 Harriet embarked on a life-changing mission trip to Haiti. This trip opened her mind and broke her heart in ways she didn't know possible. She left emotionally devastated. With the support of three other women, she founded a nonprofit organization committed to supporting school-age children and women with micro-enterprise loans.

Unable to take today's constant bad news reported by traditional mainstream media, she took matters into her own hands. Starting with her closest friends and family, she began talking up good news and spreading the belief that good news leads to good health and a transformed world. Now, with the Good News Girlz Web site up and running, she can say, "and the good news is, THERE IS GOOD NEWS EVERYWHERE!"

Tamara Mattison

Tamara Mattison hails from Wisconsin - otherwise known as Cheesehead Country. She loves the Texas heat and sometimes feels like she is still thawing from the many years of bitter cold. This, however, does not make her a Dallas Cowboys fan, as she could never betray her beloved Green Bay Packers.

Like Judy, Tamara is a recovering attorney. She practiced corporate and securities law at leading law firms in California and Texas, with a focus on small, start-up companies. She also spent a year as in-house counsel at a Plano-based technology firm where she spearheaded its initial public offering. Prior to practicing law, she was in public accounting. She retired from the practice of law in 2001 to travel, read and catch up with the world around her. Tamara holds a Masters of Business Administration from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management, a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Once retired, her husband urged her to pick up golf and snow skiing at the ripe age of 42. Still with a high 20's to low 30's handicap and fighting moguls, she enjoys both sports immensely. She also attempted piano and joined two book clubs to stay connected with friends. One of her greatest joys is spending time with her grandchildren, who are truly the most beautiful creatures ever to grace this earth.

Note to editors:  High-resolution portraits of the founders are available on request.

Media Contact

Carol Barreyre, (214) 629-5157, carol@barreyre.com

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