Tracey Kozmetsky

The first-time honoree and native Dallasite raised her three children with her husband of 29 years in her historic childhood home. She started her career at Women’s Wear Daily and L’Oréal Professionnel before co-founding Engelking Kozmetsky Communications. She joined the Crystal Charity Ball in 2013 and serves on the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Advisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Tory Burch Foundation. She is an ex officio member of the UT Southwestern President’s Advisory Board and has been a Junior League of Dallas and Cattle Baron’s Ball member. She has served as Bradfield Elementary School PTA president, on the Board of Directors of Children’s Medical Center, and as a trustee on the Children’s Medical Center Foundation Board. She also completed two six-year terms on the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center Board of Trustees, where she served as president and development chair.

Tell us about yourself, your work, your family, and your connection to the Dallas community. 

As a native Dallasite, I have loved watching the city evolve with an ongoing commitment to excellence in every area, especially philanthropy. Aaron, my husband of 29 years, and I raised our three children, Jack, Will, and Claire, in my historic childhood home, which is nearly 100 years old.  After graduating from Texas Christian University, I worked at Women’s Wear Daily and L’Oréal Professionnel in New York City. Once back in Texas, I co-founded a small public relations firm, Engelking Kozmetsky Communications, that provided a wonderful way to stay professionally engaged while devoting time to my family and community.                  

Is this your first time to be recognized at the 10 Best Dressed Annual Fashion Show and luncheon? If not, how many times have you received this recognition? 

I am a first-time honoree. 

What charities are you currently supporting and why?  

Since joining Crystal Charity Ball in 2013, I continually look forward to supporting their beneficiaries, knowing firsthand what a rigorous process it is for a charity to be selected.  Promoting all aspects of healthcare is another meaningful priority for me, so I serve on the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Advisory Board and am an Ex Officio member of the UT Southwestern President’s Advisory Board.  Additionally, I am on the Board of Directors of the Tory Burch Foundation, whose mission is to support women entrepreneurs.   

Do you have past charitable involvement that you would like to highlight? 

I’ve been a Junior League of Dallas and Cattle Baron’s Ball member and have enjoyed countless hours volunteering with my children and for their schools, including serving as the Bradfield Elementary School PTA President. I was on the Board of Directors of Children’s Medical Center and a longstanding Trustee on the Children’s Medical Center Foundation Board. I completed two six-year terms on the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) Board of Trustees, where I served as President and Development Chair.  Because of their nomination, I received the North Star Award granted to Dallas’ top ten civic volunteers.  The DCAC also generously bestowed their Ruth Sharp Altshuler Award to my family for leadership and dedication to improving the lives of children.       

What are you most excited for in regards to Dallas philanthropy in 2024-2025? 

Though the campus won’t open for six to seven years, I am very excited about Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center’s collaboration to build a $5 billion, 2 million-square-foot pediatric campus.  It will be one of the country’s largest and most transformative pediatric hospitals and serve as a hub for innovation, research, training, and the development of life-saving technologies. 

What is your favorite eatery to get dressed up for? 

Cafe Pacific. I’ve been celebrating special occasions there for as long as I can remember.   

Tell us about your all-time favorite piece of clothing. 

Ever since my mid-1980s Christmas wish came true when I unwrapped a Guess denim jacket under the tree, I have found denim jackets to be timeless pieces. Although I have swapped designers over the years, my closet has never been without one.  At such a perfect weight, they also don’t wrinkle, travel easily, hit at the right spot, and surprisingly go well with just about any outfit.   

What cosmetic is always in your purse? 

Chanel Rouge Coco gloss in at least two color options  

What fashion statement this year do you dislike, and why? 

Micro Shorts.  Enough said! 

What is your fashion motto? 

“A woman makes an outfit her own with accessories.” — Oscar de la Renta