Plano-based Toyota Motor North America and Baker Botts will be recognized for a pro bono legal clinic serving survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation.
Plano-based Toyota Motor North America and Baker Botts are among the recipients of New Friends New Life’s 2026 ProtectHER Awards, which recognize efforts to support and protect women and girls.
The organizations will be honored for their joint pro bono legal clinic during New Friends New Life’s annual Stand for Her Luncheon on Sept. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Actress, producer and entrepreneur Tracee Ellis Ross will headline the event in a conversation moderated by NBC 5 anchor Laura Harris.
Toyota has maintained its North American headquarters in Plano since 2017.
For the past two years, the Baker Botts/Toyota Pro Bono Legal Clinic has provided free legal services to members of New Friends New Life’s Women’s Program, which serves survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The clinic assists women with family law matters and legal issues affecting employment, housing and financial stability — barriers that can complicate survivors’ efforts to establish independence.
“Each year these partnering entities show up with expertise wrapped in empathy, lighting the legal path forward for our members,” New Friends New Life CEO Bianca Davis said. “Their unwavering commitment helps remove barriers that too often stand between survivors and the fresh start they deserve.”
New Friends New Life also named Elizabeth Carlock Phillips and Janet Jensen as 2026 ProtectHER Award recipients.
Phillips is being recognized for her advocacy for Trey’s Law, Texas legislation prohibiting the use of nondisclosure agreements to silence survivors of sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and human trafficking. The legislation was inspired by Phillips’ brother, Trey Carlock, who experienced childhood sexual abuse at a summer camp and died by suicide in 2019 at age 28.
Jensen, founder of The Jensen Project, is being honored for her work supporting organizations serving women and girls affected by gender-based violence. The organization provides funding, leadership development, technical support and opportunities for collaboration to agencies across the country.
Established in 2013, the ProtectHER Awards recognize individuals, companies and organizations working to advance the protection and dignity of women and girls.
Thomson Reuters is presenting the 2026 awards. Lottye and Bobby Lyle will serve as honorary chairs for the luncheon, while Beth Thoele, Brooke Russo, Kathy Helm and Marci Kramer will serve as co-chairs.
Proceeds from the event support New Friends New Life, a Dallas-based nonprofit that works with women and girls who have experienced sex trafficking and exploitation.
A limited number of individual luncheon tickets are available for $300, while sponsorships begin at $3,000. More information is available through New Friends New Life.