Like Mother Like Son
Nancy Lieberman & TJ Cline
For legendary basketball star Nancy Lieberman, “Basketball and sports have become for me the single most important part of my childhood.” Growing up in New York with a single mother who often faced financial challenges, Nancy found her joy in basketball; it was her source of happiness. In contrast, her son TJ Cline had a very different upbringing. By the time he was born, Nancy had already achieved remarkable milestones—being named national player of the year twice in college, winning an Olympic silver medal with the U.S. women’s team, and becoming the first woman to play in a men’s professional league.
As a child, TJ witnessed his mother playing in the WNBA, coaching the Texas Legends, and becoming only the second woman to serve as an assistant coach in the NBA. In 1986, she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and now she heads the all-male team Power in the Big 3 League, which won the 2018 championship. Nancy champions the idea that “Women can coach men and win.”
Through basketball, Nancy has gained invaluable lessons in responsibility, accountability, and competition, hoping that TJ would learn the same from sports. However, when asked about feeling pressured to play basketball, TJ responded, “Honestly never.” He believes that having the autonomy to choose has enhanced his love for the game. It wasn’t until high school that he took basketball seriously, and despite scoring 50 points or none at all, Nancy always expressed her love for him. Now, basketball is integral to his identity; he played in college and currently competes in the Israeli Premier League, traveling the world to pursue his passion. Being the son of a basketball legend (his father also played professionally) brings certain advantages. “Sometimes I sit back and watch film with her, and she points out things I’d never even see,” TJ shared. Their shared love for basketball has strengthened their mother-son bond, creating a deeper connection.
Nancy takes immense pride in TJ and is thankful for his achievements, but she is even more proud of the man he has become. She admires his “quiet strength” and has witnessed his dedicated efforts to be a strong role model and a “real giver,” collaborating on projects for her nonprofit, Nancy Lieberman Charities. This organization has sent 54 high school seniors to college, impacted 3.1 million children via Dream Courts in inner cities, and provided countless opportunities for children through basketball camps that emphasize healthy living, educational value, and life skills while enjoying the game she loves. TJ believes their charity work embodies the true family legacy. “Helping the kids through the game that I love has been so fulfilling, and I’ll do this ‘til I die, and then my kids will.” Nancy learned early on that sports serve as “the great connector.” She believes that anyone who can play can be her teammate, irrespective of age, gender, color, or religion. Overcoming stereotypes as a Jewish woman in a male-dominated field, Nancy aims to instill confidence in children, showing them they can overcome their hurdles as well. “I sure as heck can get out there and change a kid’s life,” she asserts. This lesson has resonated with TJ, who expresses, “The biggest thing we share is the belief that if I can help even one kid, I’ve done my job.”
Gratitude, mutual respect, hard work ethics, and the importance of making a meaningful impact are principles that guide Nancy every day and are evidently passed on to her son. “I wanted to be my son’s hero,” Nancy reflects. There’s no need for concern—she is indeed his hero, and he has emerged as a worthy inspiration for others.
Like Mother Like Daughter
Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins & Annia Jenkins
Many mothers and daughters might envy the remarkable bond between Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins and her daughter Annia Jenkins. This dynamic pair stands out for the respect and affection they share, their stylish dedication to business, and their commitment to community service.
“We’ve always been close,” Annia shares. Growing up in Louisiana surrounded by strong women, Annia cherished time spent with her mother and grandmother. She believes that losing her grandmother only intensified her connection with her mother. “It roped us together even tighter,” Annia notes. Cynthia reflects that her relationship with Annia mirrors the one she had with her own mother, built on mutual respect for each other’s strengths and shared moments. Even when Cynthia returns to Louisiana, the two bond by watching TV shows together over the phone. Annia relies on her mother’s wisdom, while Cynthia admires Annia’s “bulldog tenacity.”
This tenacity is also evident in their luxury concierge business, All Things Beautiful & Co., which crafts experiences for discerning clients. Annia describes their reputation for “jaw-dropping ambience” in Dallas. The duo orchestrates intimate gatherings or grand events, catering to individual client needs. Their measure of success often lies in the “oohs and aahs” from clients experiencing their work. They emphasize the importance of privacy and confidentiality, engendering trust that keeps clients returning for their extravagant services.
Those fortunate enough to attend the ladies’ Krewe de Etoile Mardi Gras party can witness their extravagance firsthand. Inspired by the traditions of Louisiana, they are driven by the desire to give back to the city that welcomes them. Every year, Annia and Cynthia select two charities to benefit from the event—one well-known and one that may be underfunded. They have collaborated with organizations like the North Texas Food Bank, the Martin Luther King Scholarship Foundation, City Square, and Rays of Light, among others. Cynthia instilled the significance of philanthropy in Annia and her brother from a young age. “Volunteerism is the currency, the rent you pay for living on this earth,” Cynthia explains.
The vibrant efforts of these women are anything but small-scale. They proudly celebrate life alongside each other, their clients, and those who benefit from their charitable endeavors. For these Louisiana natives, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!”
Like Father Like Daughter
Ike Vanden Eykel & Lindsey Vanden Eykel
Lindsey Vanden Eykel observes, “Law school teaches you about the law, but it doesn’t teach you how to practice law.” Lucky for her, her father Ike Vanden Eykel, attorney and CEO of Koons Fuller, the second-largest family law firm in the U.S., has been her mentor. Ike acknowledges that being the boss’s daughter carries pressure, yet he observes, “She has withstood that pressure very well.” Now, she works just two doors down from her dad’s office. “It’s invaluable to be able to walk down the hall to talk to him about anything,” Lindsey shares. Ike takes justifiable pride in his daughter, who holds deep admiration for him.
Lindsey’s appreciation for her father deepened in January, with the birth of her son. As a new mom, she has come to understand the depth of her parents’ love and the lessons she wants to instill. She recognizes how Ike effectively balanced work and family life, a quality she aspires to embody. While dedicating himself to his family, she also witnessed his strong work ethic and commitment to his clients. This shared hardworking spirit defines them both. Lindsey was an accomplished gymnast, traveling internationally with the U.S. National Team and winning National Champion titles twice. Ike noted, “She knew that if you want it, you have to go after it,” and he envisioned how her discipline in athletics might translate into law.
Their shared determination has fostered a true commitment to their clients. Both father and daughter understand that they often assist people during challenging life moments, striving to offer the utmost support. Their commitment extends beyond the courtroom, impacting the community they live in. They adhere to the principle, “To whom much is given much is expected,” and take pride in the philanthropic efforts they engage in together. The Koons Fuller Family Law Foundation has allocated hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to various organizations across the state. Lindsey emphasizes that the value of giving back is a principle she learned growing up, noting, “Watching my dad live what he preaches has been invaluable.”
For Ike, witnessing his daughter follow in his footsteps has been “extremely gratifying.” Observing her as a mother and seeing her give 100% effort with the same fervor she applies to everything in her life is “truly remarkable.” This upcoming generation has big shoes to fill but is fortunate to have a committed mother and grandfather ready to provide every opportunity.
Like Father Like Son
Howard Wang & Jowin Wang
If you ask anyone in the Dallas area about the best place for Chinese food, Howard Wang’s name will bubble to the surface. Patriarch Howard has brought family recipes and traditions along with over 30 years of experience, and he is thrilled that his son Jowin is now managing their Frisco restaurant. Since the launch of Howard Wang’s China Grill in Preston Hollow in 2005, the restaurant has gained acclaim for its exquisite Chinese dishes served in a modern setting, quickly becoming a popular destination. With additional locations in Uptown, Southlake, and the latest at The Star in Frisco, anyone in the metroplex can savor their signature offerings, with Jerry Jones himself—a frequent diner at the Dallas locations—enticing loyal Cowboys fans to The Star near the Cowboys practice facility.
Howard openly states, “The restaurant business is not easy,” a fact he knows all too well. Eight years after immigrating to the U.S., his parents opened a restaurant in Irving, where he learned the trade. Now, Jowin stands as the third generation in the family venture, appreciating his father’s approach of starting at the bottom like everyone else. Over the years, Jowin has gained experience in every aspect of the restaurant, other than the kitchen. “It’s one of the most difficult businesses to go into,” Jowin says, “but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Experiences working in the restaurant present profound life lessons. Jowin feels his father has molded him and his younger brother (who is training as a manager at another location) with sound values and a strong work ethic. As a father now himself, he grasps the sacrifices Howard made for his business and family, wishing to pass those values onto his kids. Howard has taught his sons that “If you want a better lifestyle, you have to work hard.” Their achievements stem from this shared ethos… as well as the delicious cuisine they offer. Now, with multiple locations embedded in their communities, actively supporting local schools and events, they look forward to their new endeavor in Frisco. “It’s something I’m passionate about,” Jowin expresses. There is no doubt that this passion has been instilled in him by his father.
