Our Founder

Lyda Hill is a life-long entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for science-driven solutions to global challenges.

From founding the largest travel agency in Dallas in the late 1960s, to leading the charge to construct the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center in Colorado Springs, to revitalizing Pegasus Park in Dallas into a social impact and biotech hub, Lyda Hill’s varied career reflects business savvy, entrepreneurialism, and a commitment to balancing profit with purpose.

In 2010, Lyda signed the Giving Pledge, a platform created by Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett to support high net worth individuals who wish to donate a majority of their wealth to charity. Lyda has not only pledged to give away a majority of her wealth; she has committed to donating the entirety of her wealth to philanthropy and supporting science in her lifetime.

Renowned for her unrelenting energy, can-do spirit, strong sense of purpose and contagious enthusiasm, Lyda aims to change the world by doing what others can’t do and won’t do, not what they can do and will do.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to philanthropy, Lyda Hill was honored with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022. This prestigious award serves as a testament to her dedication to making the world a better place throughout her life.

Lyda's Story

History Making Texan

Honors and Awards

Notable Recognitions

  • Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Rose Award, 2023
  • City of Colorado Springs, Spirit of the Springs Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022
  • Carnegie Institutions, Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, 2022
  • Texas State History Museum Foundation, History Making Texan Award, 2021
  • The Dallas Morning News, Linz Award, 2017
  • UCCS College of Business, Lifetime Entrepreneurship Award, 2017
  • El Pomar Foundation, Russell T. Tutt Community Leadership Award, 2016
  • YPO, Global Impact Award, 2016
  • Cooper Institute, Legacy Award, 2015
  • The Association of Junior Leagues International, Mary Harriman Award, 2015
  • SMU, The Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics & Public Responsibility, J. Erik Jonsson Ethics Award, 2015
  • The University of Texas at Dallas, Center for BrainHealth, Legacy Award, 2014
  • The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Bright Spot, 2014
  • The Association of Fundraising Professionals Dallas Chapter, Philanthropist of the Year, 2013
  • Colorado Springs, Philanthropist of the Year, 2013
  • Southwestern Medical Foundation, Sprague Award, 2012
  • The Junior League of Dallas, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2011
  • Hollins University, Outstanding Alumnae, 2009
  • Volunteer Center of Dallas, Lifetime Achievement Award, 2008
  • Association of Fundraising Professionals, Fundraiser of the Year, Dallas, 2007
  • Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, Community Enhancement Award, 2007
  • Colorado Springs Business Journal, Women of Influence, 2005
  • Leadership Dallas, Outstanding Alumni Award, 2004
  • University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Distinguished Service Award, 2002
  • Northwood University, Outstanding Business Leader, 1999
Lyda's Adventures

Exploring the World

From 138 countries (and still counting!), here are a few photos from Lyda’s travels where she sees firsthand the hope and opportunity of impacting the world.

Iceland
Northwest Passage
Egypt
St. John
Carlsbad Caverns
Iceland
Arches National Park