Women of Distinction | Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest

Brittany Halbert is the Human Resources Director at Lynch, Chappell & Alsup, and is also a wife, mother, friend, and community volunteer. Brittany is grateful and deeply honored to be named a Woman of Distinction.

Growing up in the Houston suburb of Katy, her mother stressed the value of being party of something bigger than yourself from a young age. She cultivated a passion for service and leadership and was involved in church, Girls Scouts, National Charity League and later joined Chi Omega Fraternity where she served as active member, alumni and advisor.

After graduating from Texas Tech University, Brittany channeled her passion for people to develop a career in Human Resources that has allowed her to walk alongside friends and coworkers through some of the highest highs and lowest lows life can offer.

Although Brittany stays busy balancing work and her two active sons with her husband, Matt, she is passionate about serving others and investing in the community. She serves on the Board of Directors for Hospice of Midland and Boys and Girls Clubs of Midland and will graduate from Leadership Midland through the Midland Chamber of Commerce in May 2025. She also volunteers her time with United Way, American Cancer Society, Chi Omega, and enjoys sharing the passion with her boy as they volunteer together with Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

Iris Hall-Sanders is the Senior Center Coordinator for the Southeast Senior Center in Midland, Texas, where she is dedicated to advocating for senior citizens and ensuring they have access to vital resources, wellness programs, and community engagement opportunities. With over six years in this role, she works closely with healthcare professionals, social workers, and volunteers to provide educational workshops, fitness classes, and enrichment activities that enhance the quality of life for seniors.

Born in Rotan, Texas, Iris moved to Midland in 1956. She pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from West Texas State University and a Master’s in Education from Sul Ross State University.

Her career in public service began in 1975 with the Texas Department of Public Welfare, where she served for over three decades in roles such as Child Support Investigator, Child and Adult Protective Services Worker, Regional Personnel Specialist, and Foster Home Developer & Faith-Based Recruiter. After retiring in 2009, she continued her commitment to education with the Midland Independent School District until 2017.

Iris has always been deeply involved in community service. She has served on numerous boards, including Midland Habitat for Humanity, the League of Women Voters, and the Midland Memorial Hospital Chaplain program. She is an active member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she serves as Minister of Education, and has been a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. since 1971.

The Girl Scouts’ motto and slogan sum up her philosophy well: “Be Prepared” and “Do a good turn daily.” Iris thanks God for the opportunity to serve Him and others in whatever capacity she can. She finds daily inspiration in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "Use me, God, show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself."

Katharine “Katie” Frances Purdy has lived in Pecos, TX for the past four years with her husband, Dr. Geff Purdy—Executive Director of the Rec—and their three children: Lilani Frances (7), Kelsea Quay (5), and Zander Allen (2).

Katie is the proud Owner and Operator of Memory Lane Equestrian Performance, where she works with individuals of all ages in equine training, riding lessons, and project horse development. She trains horses in both English and Western disciplines, preparing them for new homes and successful futures. Her passion for teaching extends to riders ranging from 4 to 75 years old, many of whom compete in IEA, 4-H, OHSET, and local horse shows.

She holds a CHA Master Instructor certification and was honored in 2018 with both the Regional and National Instructor of the Year awards from the Certified Horsemanship Association.

In recent years, Katie has enjoyed breeding and showing her thoroughbreds at the prestigious Thoroughbred Makeover through the Retired Racehorse Project in Lexington, KY. This experience has become a cherished family tradition, shared with her children, father, and stepmother. She’s also embraced the role of “show mom,” attending local playdays and passing on her love of horses to her daughters.

In 2024, Katie added a new chapter to her professional journey by becoming a certified Realtor. She now works with Sovy Realty Group, helping clients buy and sell homes and manage rental properties across the region.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katie is an active volunteer in the Pecos community. She coaches her children’s youth sports teams, helps at Austin and Zavala Elementary Schools, supports her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and gives her time to organizations such as the 20th Century Women’s Club, her local church, the animal shelter, and the community garden.

Larisa Lopez is a consultant, bookkeeper, tax professional, and NASM-certified personal trainer whose journey exemplifies resilience and determination. A first-generation college graduate, Larisa holds an associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in accounting.

In 2009, Larisa founded LL Services, the cornerstone of her career and family’s support. LL Services has grown into a thriving business that provides bookkeeping, payroll, consulting, QuickBooks training, and assistance with business formations and permits. Serving over 380 small businesses, Larisa takes pride in empowering entrepreneurs to launch and grow their ventures.

Her second business, Metro HR & Tax Services, trains future tax professionals and provides tax preparation services, while her third, MLN Trucking, is a family-run business specializing in flatbed and equipment hauling.

As a personal trainer, Larisa has transformed her own life, shedding over 140 pounds and inspiring others to prioritize their health. She is certified in STRONG Nation, CIRCL Mobility, WARRIOR Combat, and WARRIOR Strength, leading fitness programs in her community.

A proud mother of four, Larisa’s passion for helping others extends beyond her businesses. She volunteers with organizations like the West Texas Food Bank and Keep Odessa Beautiful, organizes annual school backpack drives, and helps women start businesses, often at no cost. Her mission is to leave a legacy of love, resilience, and empowerment for her children and community.

Susan Clark began her dance journey in Midland, Texas, where she moved at age three and took her first ballet class with Georgia Harston. By ten, she was a Junior Company member of the Permian Civic Ballet Association, training under William-Martin Viscount. Inspired by guest artists like Violette Verdy, Susanna Benavides, and Anne Burton, Susan knew by age eleven that she wanted to become a professional dancer.

At twelve, she earned a merit scholarship to study at the National Academy of Ballet in Illinois, where she balanced academics and intensive dance training. At sixteen, she launched her professional career with American Ballet Theatre’s Ballet Repertory Company in New York City, continuing her training with esteemed teachers like Patricia Wilde and Valentina Pereyaslavic.

Susan went on to dance with the Atlanta Ballet, earning her first Principal contract under Robert Barnett, and performing lead roles in Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Scotch Symphony, and Giselle. She later joined the Milwaukee Ballet, dancing as a Principal for eight seasons before transitioning to Ballet Mistress under Basil Thompson.

Her career also included working with Twyla Tharp in the film Hair and winning honors at the International Dance Competition in Osaka, Japan.

For the past 27 years, Susan has served as Artistic Director and School Director of Midland Festival Ballet, helping to grow the organization and inspire the next generation of dancers. She remains dedicated to sharing her passion for dance with students and the wider community, believing firmly that "it takes a village to keep the arts alive."

   

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