February Newsletter

Engage, educate, and empower yourself with these opportunities!

February 24, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EmBOLDenHER: Leading with Integrity (hybrid)

Why does ethics matter in public service—particularly for women who lead? This session, led by the Assistant Town Manager Caitlan Biggs and Chief Relations Officer Tiffany Thomson of the Town of Little Elm, will explore the unique ethical challenges women face in the public arena and how values-based leadership can build trust, credibility, and long-term success.

March 19, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Women in the Judiciary (hybrid)

Join us for a lively lunchtime conversation with women who help shape justice at the local, state, and federal levels. Our panelists will share their career paths, perspectives on judicial leadership, and insights into the role courts play in our democracy. Featured speakers include Judge Susan Piel of the Denton County Criminal Court at Law and Judge Tiffany Haertling of the 442nd State Judicial District Court. Perfect for anyone curious about the law, public service, or leadership—come for the conversation, stay for lunch.

April 21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EmBOLDenHER: Local Government (hybrid)

Join Cristal Retana, a longtime public policy leader and former Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Farmers Branch, for an engaging EmBOLDenHer discussion on leadership, representation, and how women can create change through local public service. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in government, advocacy, and community relations, Cristal will share insights on building influence, advancing equity, and leading where impact is felt most…close to home.

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia hosts TWU's Jessica Dysart for fall internship

Committed to increasing women’s participation in politics and with an aspiring career in international law, Jessica Dysart saw the CWG Legislative Internship as an opportunity to work towards her goals. Through hands-on work in a congressional office, Dysart gained firsthand insight into the legislative process and observed how women leaders navigate and challenge institutional barriers. The internship offered opportunities to apply her skills through administrative responsibilities and networking events, while also clarifying her interest in law and helping her build lasting professional connections.

She encourages those interested in the internship opportunity “not to limit yourself based on what you think you are ‘qualified’ for,” further stating, “Believing in your ability to learn and contribute is often what opens the door in the first place, and many opportunities exist precisely to help students grow into roles they may not yet feel fully prepared for.”

Applications for the Summer 2026 Legislative Internship Opportunity close on February 15, 2026—apply today!

Apply here

New Analysis of Women Candidates in Texas Released

The Center for Women in Government (CWG) at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership (JNIWL) has released She Runs Texas: 2026 Candidate Profiles, a new analysis examining women candidates who filed to run for county, state and federal office in Texas during the 2026 election cycle.

What the data shows us

13 women nurses are running for office in this election cycle.

27 women teachers have filed for candidacy this election cycle.

Dive into the dataset yourself to uncover additional insights and compelling data on women running for office in Texas.

Gallery Spotlight

Erma Mozelle Duffy Lewis

Born on February 7, 1926, Lewis was a pioneering arts leader and the founding executive producer of the Sojourner Truth Players, Fort Worth’s first established Black theater company. A graduate of I.M. Terrell High School, Tarrant County’s only Black high school during the era of formal segregation, she later married trumpet player James Edward Lewis, Jr.

Through her work with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), including directing teen programs and children's camps, she recognized the artistic potential of Black youth. Determined to create a space for them, she transformed a church annex into a community theater with the help of volunteers. The Sojourner Truth Players debuted in 1972 and the theater expanded into a cultural arts center by 1974. In 1976, they even hosted a four-day festival in downtown Fort Worth. Lewis died in 1982, but her legacy endured well beyond the center’s 1991 closure.

Learn more about Erma Mozelle Duffy Lewis at the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall.

Sue S. Bancroft Women's Leadership Hall

Open Tuesday to Friday; 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by appointment. Visit us today!

1210 Old Main Circle, Denton, Texas

Call for NEW Leadership^® Texas Applications

Texas undergraduate students—don’t miss your chance to lead! Apply by March 17 for NEW Leadership® Texas, an immersive residential leadership program hosted by the Center for Women in Government at Texas Woman’s University. There is no cost to apply or participate in the program.

Apply today

FEB 19 | 6-7 pm | Healing Politics | Book Talk with Cheryl Brown Wattley:

Learn about the remarkable career of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, the first nurse to ever serve in Congress. Cheryl Brown Wattley will discuss the award-winning book Desire to Serve: The Autobiography of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson which she worked with the Congresswoman to create. Register here .

MAR 5 | 11 am - 2 pm | SheLeadsGov | Own Your Influence Virtual Summit:

This event will bring together seasoned practitioners, rising leaders, and strategic thinkers for three powerful panel discussions that address the realities women face in public service. Register here .

MAR 10-12 | Represent Women | The Democracy Solutions Summit 2026 | Virtual:

The Democracy Solutions Summit is an annual virtual convening of women experts from around the world to uplift the viable, scalable, and transformative solutions for a stronger, more representative democracy. The focus for the 2026 Democracy Solutions Summit is: Women's Power By Design. Register here .

MAR 11 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Women's Policy Forum | The Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership | Fort Worth, Texas:

Hear from Wandaliz Turner, Director of Community Relations at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership (JNIWL).

APR 17 | 8 am - 1 pm | WPLN | Women's Political Leadership Training | McAllen, Texas:

Hear from inspirational women leaders and expert trainers, and gain access to valuable resources that will elevate your leadership skills. Program details and speaker announcements are coming soon!

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940-898-4571 | cwg@twu.edu | twu.edu/cwg

What the data shows us

13 women nurses are running for office in this election cycle.

Gallery Spotlight

Sue S. Bancroft Women's Leadership Hall

Call for NEW Leadership® Texas Applications

Call for NEW Leadership^® Texas Applications