Plano's Citizen of the Year takes inspiration from her family and fellow volunteers

A 23-year resident of Plano, Rebecca Egelston Caso accepted this year's Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award for her volunteer work and personal contributions to the city Oct. 2 at the Hilton Dallas/Plano Granite Park Hotel.

However, it wasn't standing under the spotlight that Caso said she cherished most from that night. Rather, it was receiving the award under the gaze of her family who has supported her work from the beginning.

Born and raised in Dallas, Caso experienced volunteer work at a young age as she accompanied her mother on volunteer outings throughout the city, playing the piano and helping out where she could.

"For [my family], [volunteering] has never really been a choice," she said. "I grew up watching my mom volunteer."

Now with a family of her own, Caso has not only left her handprint on a number of organizations throughout the city, but also passed down her volunteer roots to her two children.

"I have a family that supports [volunteerism]," Caso said. "I could not do, and

continue to do what I have done without a strong support system."

Caso, an attorney, started her career in litigation, but after the birth of her first child, she switched to a more flexible practice in real estate. As a volunteer, Caso has served in groups such as school parent-teacher associations and the Children's Medical Center Foundation. Caso also serves organizations throughout the county and Metroplex, such as the Junior League of Collin County and United Way of Metroplex Dallas. Caso is a recipient of the national ATHENA Leadership Award, honoring her assistance in helping women attain professional excellence.

One of her primary roles with these organizations is facilitation, in which she helps groups build capacity, develop strategic plans, set goals and foster

collaboration.

Jamee Jolly, president and CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce said Caso is the epitome of servant leadership.

"She not only volunteers of her time and talents, but she works hard to train others to serve in leadership and facilitator roles," Jolly said. "As Plano continues to grow, it is more important than ever to cultivate future leaders and I am so thankful for Rebecca's dedication to doing just that."

Despite being pulled in so many directions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Caso said she has never experienced burnout.

"My family recharges my battery," she said.

Her passion for service stems from several different things, she said, but one of the primary factors is the opportunity to mentor and train other women to become leaders. She enjoys spreading vision and inspiring others to grow, and Caso said she has put herself in places that return these sentiments.

"I'm fortunate that I have connected myself with organizations that feed that passion that I have. I'm also lucky that I work with people who continue to challenge and inspire me," Caso said. "I love my life."

Volunteer experience

• Caso's service as a volunteer in Plano includes, but is not limited to:
• Children's Medical Center Beyond
• Children's Medical Center Foundation
• Director and immediate past president of Plano ISD Education Foundation board
• Junior League of Collin County
• Leadership Plano, Class 24
• Collin County Council on Family Violence
• Journey of Hope Grief Support Center Advisory Board
• Collin County Medical Reserve Corps
• Plano Symphony Orchestra Advisory Council
• CASA of Collin County Board and Advisory Board
• Plano Children's Theatre, founding Board of Directors and Advisory Board member