Happy Women's History Month!

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Engage, educate, and empower yourself with these opportunities!

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 Alia Moses of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Judge Tiffany Haertling of the 442nd Judicial District Court, and Judge Susan Piel of the County Criminal Court.

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

Back to Basics: 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 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.

May 6, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Inside the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission: How Government Gets a Checkup (virtual)

Join Policy Analyst Lauren Ames for an in-depth look at the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission—the powerful oversight process that regularly reviews state agencies to ensure they’re effective, efficient, and accountable to taxpayers. Learn what the Commission does, how the review process works, and why its decisions can reshape agencies that impact millions of Texans.

NEW Leadership^® Texas – last chance to apply!

The application deadline for NEW Leadership^® Texas is March 16 and is quickly approaching. Hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership's Center for Women in Government at Texas Woman’s University, this program introduces undergraduate students from across Texas to careers in public service, politics, and civic leadership.

The program will take place June 7–12, 2026 in Denton and is free for selected participants. Undergraduate students enrolled at any Texas college or university are encouraged to apply before the March 16 deadline.

Apply here

Celebrate Civic Learning Week

March 9–13 is Civic Learning Week, a period dedicated to sharing civic knowledge with future leaders. Explore resources and discover games like Counties Work: Texas, a game created by iCivics in partnership with the TWU Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership that teaches youth how county government works.

Play the game

Gallery Spotlight

Consuelo Herrera Mendez

Consuelo Herrera Mendez was born in 1904 in San Marcos, Texas, she was an educator, civil rights activist, and civic leader. A graduate of the University of Texas, Mendez began her teaching career during segregation near the Texas coast; she went on to teach for 45 years. Mendez was a leader outside of the classroom, as president of the Ladies League of United Latin American Citizens and state chairwoman.

Throughout her teaching career, she was dedicated to increasing accessibility to education by ensuring equal language access and serving as a witness in an Austin school desegregation case. As a leader in the Parent-Teacher Association, she translated the state newsletter into Spanish and wrote Spanish articles for the association. Mendez and her husband, Patricio J. Mendez, worked with LULAC to promote voter engagement and raise money for scholarships for Mexican-American students. Following her passing in 1985, the Austin Independent School District named Mendez Middle School to honor her legacy.

Learn more about Consuelo Herrera Mendez 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

Think you know women's history?

Test your knowledge with this short quiz by the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute! It's multiple choice, so click on your answers after reading each question. Careful... once you click on it, your answer is locked in. Good luck!

Quiz

MAR 18 | 1:30 pm – 3 pm | International City/County Management Association | Free Coaching Webinar: Remaining Politically Nonpartisan and Ethically Relevant in the Face of Threats to Democracy:

Join ICMA Executive Board President Michael Land, on a panel to discuss the challenges of maintaining neutrality in the current political environment.

MAR 18 | 5 pm – 6 pm | Women & Politics Institute | Elect Women for a Change: The Path to Gender Parity in Politics | Virtual:

Dr. Krook will discuss her new book, Elect Women for a Change: The Path to Gender Parity in Politics, which makes a clear and compelling case for why gender parity in politics still matters and how it can be achieved. Drawing on research from around the world, the book moves beyond counting women to focus on power, voice, and diversity, identifying the structural barriers that hold women back and the practical strategies that can move democracies closer to parity.

MAR 26 | 7 pm | TWU Department of Social Sciences & Historical Studies | 2026 Jamison Lecture: A Conversation with Dr. Bernice A. King | Denton, Texas:

The lecture, free and open to the public, will feature Dr. Bernice A. King— a global thought leader, strategist, solutionist, orator, peace advocate and CEO of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center For Nonviolent Social Change (The King Center). The host for the evening is Krys Boyd, host and managing editor of KERA-FM’s flagship midday talk show Think since 2006.

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

Whether you've been thinking about running for office, are currently serving in a leadership role, or have already committed to stepping into higher leadership, this half-day training was designed with you in mind. Come ready to learn, connect, and leave with tools you can actually use to elevate your influence.

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