October Newsletter

Women in Government Fall Programs

October 8, 12:25 to 1:15 p.m.

Spotlight: SB 2120 Establishment of a family protection representation program

In their last session, the Texas Legislature passed a law that creates a family protection representation program within the Texas Indigent Defense Commission. How will this new law help children and families of Texas as they navigate the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services? Crystal Leff-Pinon, the Director of Family Protection Representation from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, will discuss the details and desired outcomes for families. Virtual. Register Here.

October 24, 12:25 to 1:15 p.m.

Unpacking: O'Connor-Ratcliff (2024)

Speaker: Professor Loren Jacobson, UNT School of Law 

Can a public official block individuals from the official’s personal social media account if they use their social media to communicate about job-related matters? Professor Loren Jacobson from the UNT School of Law will join us to discuss the decision and its implications for women officeholders and candidates. Virtual. Register Here.

November 7, 12:25 to 12:50 p.m.

Spotlight: SB 1717 (2023) Relating to the prosecution of the offense of stalking

In their last session, the Texas Legislature amended Code of Criminal Procedure to update the situations where stalking can be charged. How will this change protect stalking victims and their families? Amanda Aubrey, Legal Policy Manager for the Texas Council on Family Violence, will be speaking on the amendments and how they will help victims.

Register Here.

November 16, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

emBOLDenHER/Ready to Run Workshop: Nonpartisan Offices

Toying with a run for city council or school board? We’ve got a program for you! Join us for a day and learn how to create a message, design social media that supports your message, and plan your canvassing. Attendees are welcome to join virtually or in person (OMB 257). Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Register Here.

Find more fall programs online at twu.edu/cwg.

Secure your spot at the second annual Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit!

Don't miss keynote speaker Erin Brockovich, Secretary of State Jane Nelson, Activist Martha Cotera, Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham, and more notable Texas women offering insights and inspiration for those passionate about public service.

November 17th deadline to apply for PLEN's January Public Policy seminar scholarship.

TWU's Dr. Christina Bejarano (center) featured on

She the People podcast with Aimee Allison

“Before Raza Unida, I was very involved in promoting the Equal Rights Amendment. When my husband and I became founders of La Raza Unida, I started working on a women’s caucus within the party. It just makes sense to me because if you’re working for liberation, you can’t do it by gender. It’s a liberation for all.” Martha Cotera

Librarian Martha Cotera defies the quiet and meek librarian stereotype. Though she is certainly an intellectual! Cotera, an immigrant from Chihuahua, Mexico, spent her formative years in El Paso defying the expectations of her teachers. After college, she and her husband moved to Austin where she became involved not only in libraries, but also politics. Driven by her own experiences, education became a political focus for Cotera and she pushed for reform and better resources for Mexican Americans. She became a founding member of the Raza Unida party and organized the women’s caucus, Mujeres de la Raza Unida. She is also an acclaimed author. 

Visit the Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall to learn more about Martha Cotera and her life-long activism, or register for our Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit on October 17th to hear Martha Cotera in person.