New Year, New Name, New Exciting Programs!

New Year, New Name!

The Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy is now the Center for Women in Government!

This name change reflects our commitment to supporting women who desire to lead and serve in a broad range of government and/or public policy role(s).

Engage, educate and empower yourself with these opportunities!

The Center for Women in Government (CWG) is pleased to open the opportunity for women enrolled in colleges and universities across Texas to attend a Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) seminar. The CWG will provide scholarships to pay seminar registration and hotel, flights, and meals. Scholarships are now open. Decisions will be made 7 to 10 days after the deadline. Click on the seminar title to apply.

STEM Policy (Deadline 1/28)

March 9-11, Washington D.C.

This seminar offers students a valuable opportunity to hear firsthand from leaders in science, health, and technology who are shaping our nation’s STEM agenda. Students will connect with senior officials in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Global Policy (Deadline 2/15)

May 13-17, Washington D.C.

At the five-day Global Policy seminar, participants will learn how to launch their international policy career. They will participate in policy discussions, connect with changemakers who are shaping policy in DC and around the world, and learn valuable professional development skills.

Back to Basics: Primary Season and Candidate Emergence

Ever wondered how we end up with the final candidates on a ballot? Join us for a discussion of the primary system in Texas and the United States. Dr. Christina Bejarano will join us to discuss her research on ways we are increasing the number of women and women of color running for office.

Date: January 24, 2024

Time: 7 PM - 8 PM [Virtual]

Unpacking Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

In June, the United States Supreme Court determined that use of race-based affirmative action programs in university and college admissions was unconstitutional. But what does that mean for the average student applying to college or graduate school? Dr. Javier Flores will join us to explain the Court’s decision and what it means for the admissions process at colleges and universities.

Date: January 31, 2024

Time: 12:25 - 12:50 PM [Virtual]

Connecting with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

“As society sees what women can do, as WOMEN see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we'll all be better off for it.” - Justice O’Connor (1930-2023).

Sandra Day O’Connor became a national figure when she was the first woman appointed to serve on the U. S. Supreme Court. According to her son, however, the achievement she was most proud of was founding iCivics to enhance civics education. TWU and the Center for Women in Government are founding members of the iCivics-led Texas Civics Education Coalition, created to improve and expand civic education in Texas.

O’Connor knew first-hand the importance of a good civics education as evidenced by this report card from her high school. Note the “B” she earned in Civics!

View the report card (on loan courtesy of the O’Connor family) in person and learn more about the many barriers Justice O’Connor broke at the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall, TWU, 1210 Old Main Circle, Denton.

Open Tuesdays-Fridays

10am - 4pm and by appointment.

Senator Judith Zaffirini; first woman Dean of the Texas Senate

On December 31, Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) became the first-ever female Dean of the Texas Senate. Zaffirini’s 37 years in the Senate qualified her for the role held by the Senate’s most senior member when John Whitmire’s resigned to become Mayor of Houston. The Dean serves as the Senate’s presiding officer when the entire body meets.

In 1986, Zaffirini became the first Mexican-American woman elected to the Texas Senate. At that time, she and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) became the seventh and eighth women elected to the Texas Senate. To date only 24 women have ever served as Texas State Senators, just 2.5% of the total number of Senators to have ever served.

Zaffirini has passed 1,388 bills, more than any legislator in Texas history, and she has maintained a career-long perfect voting record. A state and national record, Zaffirini has cast 72,132 consecutive votes.

Congratulations to Senator Judith Zaffirini for becoming yet another first for Texas women in government!

Sue S. Bancroft Women's Leadership Hall

We are open Tuesday to Friday; 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and by appointment.

Visit us today!

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