Dallas native Lyla Hill was celebrated on the opening day of the 2026 State Fair of Texas when she received the prestigious Pride of Texas Award. The ceremony, held in front of the Hall of State at Fair Park, highlighted Hill’s decades‑long dedication to science‑driven solutions, entrepreneurial success, and generous support of Texas communities.
What the Pride of Texas Award Represents
Established in 2014, the Pride of Texas Award honors individuals or organizations that embody the qualities Texans hold dear: resilience, loyalty, generosity, and selflessness. This year’s recipient, Hill, exemplifies those traits through her business ventures, philanthropic initiatives, and commitment to improving the quality of life for Texans.
Hill’s Career and Philanthropic Impact
Hill began her entrepreneurial journey in 1967 with the founding of Hill World Travel. Over the ensuing decades she expanded her portfolio into health, education, and regional infrastructure investments. Notable projects include the revitalization of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in the 1990s and the transformation of Pegasus Park in Dallas into a hub for social impact and biotechnology.
Through Lyda Hill Philanthropies, she has connected surplus Texas produce with food‑insecure families and helped create public green spaces for residents throughout the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex. Hill is also a member of the Giving Pledge, committing her personal wealth to furthering science‑driven solutions and strengthening communities across the state and beyond.
Statements from State Fair Leaders
“Lyda has shown us that being a great Texan is about more than success. It is about leaving Texas better than you found it,” said Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations for the State Fair of Texas, as she announced the award.
State Fair President Mitchell Glieber added, “We honor those who embody the strength and dedication that improve our communities every day. Lyda Hill’s life work serves as an enduring inspiration, proving that through commitment and generosity we can build a brighter future for all Texans.”
Why This Matters to Texans
Hill’s focus on science, education, and community development aligns with the values of many Texas families who rely on local philanthropy to supplement public resources. Her efforts demonstrate how private initiative can complement government programs, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life in both urban and rural areas.
The award also underscores the State Fair’s role in celebrating Texan achievements that benefit the broader community. By highlighting Hill’s contributions, the Fair encourages other entrepreneurs and donors to consider how their resources might address pressing challenges such as food insecurity, access to education, and sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
Hill says she will continue to pursue “the impossible” by supporting projects that create lasting solutions for the places she calls home. Her ongoing work promises to inspire future generations of Texas innovators and philanthropists.
For more information about the Pride of Texas Award and upcoming State Fair events, visit the State Fair of Texas website.
Original reporting: Focus Daily News — read the source article.
