Interview by Jennie Trejo. Photos provided by the Perot Museum.
For over a decade, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science has been a hub for curious minds, captivating the community with its dynamic exhibits and cutting-edge programming. This year, the Museum will once again host its anticipated Night at the Museum gala on November 9, promising an evening of thrilling exploration, fine dining, and immersive experiences—all in support of its mission to inspire learners of all ages and connect North Texans to the endless wonders of nature and science.
This year’s gala chairs, Pamela J. Okada, M.D., a pediatrician and dedicated Museum board member, and her husband, Mark Okada, CEO of Sycamore Tree Capital Partners, bring both personal and professional passion to this role. Together, they share insights into their involvement, the importance of the Museum’s outreach programs, and their hopes for the evening’s impact on the Dallas community.
Pam: For me, as a pediatrician, there’s a deeper reason. Kids today are growing up in challenging times—economically and socially. But despite all that, they’re still kids, and they have physical health needs we must address. As a physician, I can help with their physical health, whether that’s in the emergency department, with vaccines, or ensuring their overall wellness. But the Perot Museum does something invaluable: it meets kids’ cognitive, social, and emotional needs. It’s a safe place where they can explore science and be exposed to things they might never see at home or in school.
Early exposure to education has a huge impact on a child’s future, which is why there’s so much focus on early childhood programs. For kids who may not have access to early resources, the Perot fills that gap, opening their minds to new possibilities in a secure environment. The museum even supports families by communicating in their preferred language, creating a welcoming space for the family unit. They also want to support teachers by enhancing lessons and providing extracurricular activities and other resources. It addresses all three main needs for a child: physical health, cognitive development, and social-emotional well-being. To me, supporting the museum is an obvious choice.
Mark: We have five kids and four grandsons, so there’s a generational dynamic that’s important here. I remember when we moved to Dallas 30 years ago, we were looking for things to do with the kids. We visited the old museum at the fairgrounds—you all might be too young to even remember it! It was a cool place to have fun with the kids, and while there was some educational aspect to it, this new museum is on a completely different level. I can’t even imagine how much better it could get with the Perot 2.0 concept. It’s remarkable to see the evolution from what it was to what it is now, and what it could become in the future. We hope our grandkids really embrace this place because we want the Perot to continue as a vibrant and growing force in education. It’s essential to us, especially since three of our kids are in STEM—one is finishing up her ophthalmology residency, and the other is in veterinary school. They love science.
Pam: It’s so fun to see our grandson Jacob, who lives here, and to watch his eyes light up with wonder. Our kids and grandkids have grown up in a different environment than Mark and I did. I grew up in inner-city LA, where we didn’t have many resources or opportunities beyond playing outside. For me, having access to higher education was a privilege. I was able to go to college on a scholarship and explore various health-related fields. Growing up, I didn’t have exposure to many of the sciences or museums that our community offers now. Mark and I feel strongly about supporting organizations that promote equity in providing science and education to everyone. Our parents were both farmers, and my dad eventually became a pastor, so our roots are in farming and service.
Pam: To me, it’s pretty straightforward: it’s about equity. These programs ensure that STEM is accessible to all children in our community. The Perot Museum’s efforts reinforce the values of equity, equality, non-discrimination, and breaking down barriers, making STEM truly available to everyone, regardless of background.
Mark: I would add that education needs connection, and for many students, getting to the museum can be challenging. There’s a barrier to experiencing the exhibits and everything the museum offers. So, the strategy of bringing the museum to them—whether through the Tech Truck or outreach programs—is a smart way to broaden that educational reach and make the Perot’s mission even more effective. Sometimes, those of us with the means take accessibility for granted, but for some of these kids, physically getting to the museum just isn’t possible. Bringing it to them is both necessary and impactful, and investing in programs that expand the museum’s reach and connectivity is definitely money well spent.
Mark: It’s a full experience, with so much food and entertainment. Wolfgang Puck does an incredible job with the food, and it’s available in all the different spaces you explore throughout the night. The entertainment is fantastic—the bands, the interactive exhibits—it all makes for a truly immersive event. Unlike other big galas that are mostly about dressing up, Night at the Museum offers a variety of activities, allowing guests to actually engage with the museum.
Pam: I think it’s about rediscovering the wonder and curiosity of childhood. This event gives adults the chance to step back and see things through a child’s eyes. It’s freeing—you can be a kid again and maybe even learn something completely new. Personally, I love the gems exhibit. Geology fascinates me now, even though I was always focused on biology as a kid. This experience lets you be in awe of all the science opportunities the museum has to offer. It’s a great way to feel like a kid again.
Mark: Well, ultimately, we want guests to grasp the vision and mission of the Perot Museum and feel inspired to take action. This event is about connection, awareness, and encouraging others to invest alongside us. People need to understand just how important the museum is in Dallas’s landscape. We often think of cities like New York, LA, or Chicago as having these incredible institutions, but I’d put the Perot up against any of them. It’s something we should be very proud of here in Dallas, yet it can’t thrive without ongoing support and investment. So, I’d hope that people recognize it as a world-class institution doing world-class work and feel motivated to invest alongside the Perot family to keep it going.
Pam: Yes, and to feel inspired! Listening to you, Mark, even I feel motivated to do more—to get my friends involved, encourage people who may not have visited the Perot, and even help spread the word beyond Texas. There’s also a lot of work being done to transform the museum’s outdoor space into a play area and an extension of the museum itself, incorporating nature and art. It’s becoming a more inviting space where children can experience world-class art and science, inside and out.
Mark: We have five kids and four grandsons, so there’s a generational dynamic that’s important here. I remember when we moved to Dallas 30 years ago, we were looking for things to do with the kids. We visited the old museum at the fairgrounds—you all might be too young to even remember it! It was a cool place to have fun with the kids, and while there was some educational aspect to it, this new museum is on a completely different level. I can’t even imagine how much better it could get with the Perot 2.0 concept. It’s remarkable to see the evolution from what it was to what it is now, and what it could become in the future. We hope our grandkids really embrace this place because we want the Perot to continue as a vibrant and growing force in education. It’s essential to us, especially since three of our kids are in STEM—one is finishing up her ophthalmology residency, and the other is in veterinary school. They love science.
Pam: It’s so fun to see our grandson Jacob, who lives here, and to watch his eyes light up with wonder. Our kids and grandkids have grown up in a different environment than Mark and I did. I grew up in inner-city LA, where we didn’t have many resources or opportunities beyond playing outside. For me, having access to higher education was a privilege. I was able to go to college on a scholarship and explore various health-related fields. Growing up, I didn’t have exposure to many of the sciences or museums that our community offers now. Mark and I feel strongly about supporting organizations that promote equity in providing science and education to everyone. Our parents were both farmers, and my dad eventually became a pastor, so our roots are in farming and service.
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