In This Issue
In This Issue
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Focus on the 2026 EWTG Theme: Embrace Your Power!
This year’s EWTG theme, Embrace Your Power! builds on the momentum of last year’s theme, Unite, Empower, Elevate! It was inspired by the closing panel at our 2025 Annual Conference titled, “Powerhouse Leadership: Unite, Empower, and Elevate to New Heights.” After listening to five phenomenal leaders share their experiences, one thing became clear to us, real leadership starts with recognizing your own power and choosing to own it.
When you embrace your own power, everything shifts. You show up differently—and so do the people around you. When you’re grounded in your own power, you lead from clarity instead of doubt and insecurity. You build trust by being steady and authentic. People don’t feel compared or crowded out; they feel welcomed and included. When you own your voice, you give others permission to use theirs, and that’s when real alignment begins.
Power that is embraced—not hidden or over-asserted—is contagious. It shows up in how you set boundaries, speak honestly, and act with purpose. That kind of leadership sends a powerful message: you can do this too. Empowerment grows when leadership is shared through action, not guarded.
True power isn’t about control—it’s about raising expectations. When you lead with your strengths, values, and vision, the quality of conversation improves. Decisions become more intentional. Results become more meaningful. People rise to the standard you consistently demonstrate.
Embracing your power creates alignment instead of division, confidence instead of dependence, and growth instead of stagnation. This is exactly how unity, empowerment, and elevation truly happen. Every member of EWTG has a role in that. When we each step into our own power, we strengthen EWTG and expand our collective impact.
We encourage you to participate—through our educational programs, professional development opportunities, committees, and member engagement. Try something new. Step into new spaces. EWTG is here to support you as you continue to grow and lead.
We would love to hear how EWTG has supported you in embracing your power. Please share your stories or examples with us at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Coleen M. Hall
EWTG President, 2025-2026
Affiliates
New Affiliate in East Texas
We are excited to announce the launch of the EWTG East Affiliate, which includes members in the east region of Texas, such as Houston, Tyler, Jasper, and Conroe. The East Affiliate leadership will reach out to members soon.
- Affiliate Chair: Shantesa Terrell
- Affiliate Chair-elect: Lea Saunders
- Affiliate Event Coordinator: Sandra Roman
Brazos Valley Affiliate Held a Meeting in February
EWTG President Coleen Hall and I attended the Brazos Valley Affiliate meeting on February 11. Trudy Hancock shared her inspiring journey from being a clerk in the Robertson County Clerk’s Office to becoming the first Elections Administrator in both Robertson and Brazos Counties. With more than 20 years of experience in elections and voter registration, Trudy offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to run elections, the challenges and rewards of her role, and why she’s passionate about her work. Trudy joined EWTG after the meeting! Thank you for sharing, Trudy, and welcome to the EWTG family!
Submitted by Crystal Zhang
EWTG Affiliates Director, 2026
Education Corner
Mini-Course: The Eight Success Tell-All Strategies to Reach the Pinnacle of Fulfillment While Working
Join us on Wednesday, March 11, from 12:00-1:00 p.m., as we discuss how to experience more fulfillment, peace, and presence, and how to intentionally create space for memorable life moments with family while being a powerhouse leader at work.
Leading us through this discussion is Jori Mundy, Executive Coach, Motivational Speaker and Founder of The Velvet Edge™ - a leadership movement helping high-achieving women rise into executive roles without burning out or playing small. A former public servant turned powerhouse executive and TEDx speaker, Jori blends real-world strategy with soulful conviction.
“I don’t believe in backup plans. Success is the only option – and I’m here to help you walk like it.” ~ Jori Mundy
Registration is FREE for EWTG members and non-members.
Submitted by Jessica Hyde
EWTG Education Director, 2026
Professional Development Programs
Announcing the 2026 One-on-One Mentoring Pairs
EWTG is excited to support 14 mentoring pairs in our one-on-one mentoring program this year! Pairs were matched and attended a kickoff in February. Starting this month, pairs will meet at least once per month for their mentoring sessions. EWTG will also offer a mentorship training for the group, an August mid-year social event, and an end-of-year celebration.
This year’s pairs are:
| Mentor | Mentee |
|---|---|
| Keri Cain | Shameika Brown |
| Coleen Hall | Angela Hadnott-Burrell |
| Brian Francis | Laela Estus |
| Evelyn Reategui Zierna | Stephanie Eyestone |
| Synthia Estrada Valdez | Casandra Harrington |
| Laura Johannsen | Cassandra Holmes |
| Pamela Foster Brady | Jennifer Chancellor-Hurd |
| Jennifer Chancellor-Hurd | Dee Dee Jones |
| Trina Miller | Sabrina Lopez-Lugo |
| Christine Ashworth-Mazerolle | Krystle Magwood |
| Audrey Selden | Louisa Torrance |
| Jolly Pathak | Clarette Carter-Walker |
| Regina Durden | Tamara Young |
| Catherine Crago | Crystal Zhang |
Submitted by Sarah Melecki
EWTG Professional Development Director, 2025-2026
Success Teams
Book Club Success Team
We are reading Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout: Tools to Help You Heal and Recharge When You’re Wrung Out by Stress by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.
Over years of developing and teaching their renowned Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer have found MSC to be especially helpful for people dealing with the draining effects of burnout—from healthcare workers, teachers, and caregivers to exhausted business owners and employees. Each chapter shares an empathetic story of someone pushed to their limits and offers an easy-to-understand self-compassion tip that ends with a simple anti-burnout tool based on MSC practices. Discover quick and effective ways to recharge, reduce stress, and most importantly, be kind to yourself so you can support others. (From Amazon)
The next book club meeting will be on Wednesday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Future meeting dates are:
- Wednesday, May 27
- Wednesday, July 29
- Wednesday, September 30
- Wednesday, November 4
Submitted by Melissa Heild
EWTG Book Club Success Team Leader, 2026
Shooting Stars Success Team
The Shooting Stars Success Team’s next meeting will be held virtually on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m. During the March meeting, members will engage in an open forum discussion focused on trials as well as triumphs in the workplace.
During the February meeting, Shooting Stars members heard from EWTG member Trina Miller. Trina highlighted women who changed the game, broke barriers, and paved the way for future generations. Their powerful stories of leadership, innovation, and resilience demonstrated how these women turned challenges into opportunities. Through their journeys, Trina guided participants in the discovery of possibilities, greater motivation, and the ability to step into their own potential.
More about Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars is EWTG’s unique group for new or aspiring managers/leaders. This Success Team meets virtually and provides a mix of leadership programming and open discussion to help EWTG members achieve their professional and personal goals. The 2026 Shooting Stars schedule is as follows:
- March 12, 6:00 p.m. - Open forum discussion
- April 9, 6:00 p.m. - AI for Leaders by Whitney Ajie
- May 5, 6:00 p.m. - Open forum discussion
- June 4, 6:00 p.m. - Topic TBD by Chan McDermott
- July 7, 6:00 p.m. - Open forum discussion
- August 6, 6:00 p.m. - Stepping out of your comfort zone by Coleen Hall
- September 1, 6:00 p.m. - Open forum discussion
- October 1, 6:00 p.m. - Topic TBD by Karen Avery
- November 3, 6:00 p.m. - Open forum discussion
- December 3, 6:00 p.m. - Topic TBD by Shantesa Terrell
If you’re looking for a safe space to speak freely in confidence with other women aspiring to even greater heights, this is the place for you!
Send a message to communications@ewtg.org for the upcoming Zoom meeting link. Give yourself an hour with Shooting Stars members to encourage and be encouraged by other women striving to be their best selves as managers/leaders.
New members are always welcome!
Submitted by Marlene Phillips
EWTG Shooting Stars Success Team Leader, 2026
Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team
The Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team will gather on March 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Hanks, located at 5811 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723. Our spring brunch theme, Bloom and Brunch, aims to inspire EWTG members to step outside their comfort zones, embrace personal growth, recharge wellness, combat burnout, and welcome a fresh mindset for the upcoming season. Embrace and engage this spring to bloom and flourish—both personally and professionally!
The Brunch Bunch offers a great opportunity to network, connect with EWTG members, and try restaurants around Austin. We meet four times a year in an inviting environment that combines community with purpose and enjoy good food. Whether you're new to EWTG or have been a member for years, you'll find an open atmosphere that encourages friendly chats and helps nurture friendships.
Join us for meaningful conversations, leadership insights, and intentional networking as we embrace the benefits of blooming this spring! To RSVP or for more information, please email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team Leader, 2026
Procurement and Contracting Success Team
At our February meeting, we discussed Leading with a Compliance Mindset. We shared real examples from audit findings and spot reviews to show how procurement and contracting professionals can build compliance into daily routines rather than treating it as a separate task. The group explored practical strategies, including rotating daily checks, weekly peer reviews, and tools like MS Planner for automated deadline reminders. In the discussion that followed, members shared their own compliance challenges and wins across agencies.
The key takeaway? Don’t try to remember everything. Build systems so you don’t have to. Just like a pilot runs a checklist before every flight, we can build that same professional discipline into our procurement and contract work.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 17, at 5:30 p.m., and we will cover Process Improvements in Procurement and Contracting. The virtual meeting will feature guest speaker Yvette Niemeyer, founder of Niemeyer Solutions. Yvette is a strategic project leader and consultant known for guiding complex initiatives across Texas state agencies and healthcare systems.
If you work in or adjacent to procurement and contracting and want to connect with women who understand the unique challenges of this field, join us! This Success Team shares strategies for navigating complex regulations, building executive skills, solving real-world challenges, and advancing careers in procurement and contracting. For more information or to participate, email communications@ewtg.org.
New members are always welcome!
Submitted by Holly Muir
EWTG Procurement & Contracting Success Team Leader, 2026
Join Networking on New Horizons in Lampasas!
The Networking on New Horizons Success Team invites all EWTG members to join us in and around Lampasas, Texas, on Saturday, March 14, for a day trip! We will start off with a short hike on an easy trail at Colorado Bend State Park. Then we’ll head into town for lunch at Lampasas Beer Market, which is centrally located and offers a wide variety of options to meet most dietary needs. We will follow lunch up with a visit to the Hannah Springs Sculpture Garden in Lampasas and end our day with a nice glass of wine at the Texas Legato Winery!
If you aren’t interested in all of the day’s activities, you are welcome to join us for part of the day. Just let us know when you register.
Itinerary:
- 10:00 am: Meet at the Gorman Springs Trail in Colorado Bend State Park (2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824). The trail is just half a mile, so members can choose whether they’d like to circle once or more! Please give yourself an extra 30 minutes to get to the trailhead once you enter the park.
- 12:00 pm: Eat lunch at Lampasas Beer Market (502 S Pecan Street, Lampasas, TX 76550) located in central Lampasas.
- 1:30 pm: Walk three blocks from the restaurant to visit the Hannah Springs Sculpture Garden (501 E North Avenue, Lampasas, TX 76550), a local outdoor art gallery.
- 2:30 pm: End the day with a relaxing wine tasting or glass of wine at Texas Legato Winery (2935 FM 1478, Lampasas, TX 76550)! You can join us even if wine isn’t your thing.
Plan on the following costs: $5 entrance fee to Colorado Bend State Park, $10-$20 for lunch at Lampasas Beer Market, no charge for the sculpture garden, and $10 for a wine tasting at Texas Legato Winery.
Register here by Wednesday, March 11, to reserve your spot.
Submitted by Sarah Melecki
Networking on New Horizons Success Team Member, 2026
Sole Mates Walking Success Team
On Saturday, February 21, the Sole Mates Success Team gathered at Lake Pflugerville for a three-mile walk. Despite windy conditions, the Sole Mates remained committed to finishing while enjoying meaningful conversation and camaraderie. Special thanks to Karen Avery, Kimberly Ayers, Casandra Harrington, and Sarah Melecki for joining our first walk of 2026!
The Sole Mates Success Team provides EWTG members with opportunities to network while promoting physical well-being. Regular group walks foster community, shared purpose, and valuable professional connections. As women leaders, prioritizing physical activity is essential for reducing stress and preventing burnout.
For the next Sole Mates, we will partner with the Networking on New Horizons Success Team on a trip to Lampasas on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 a.m. for a trek at Colorado Bend State Park. It will be a day filled with fun activities following the walk. For more information and to RSVP, please email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kim McConic
EWTG Sole Mates EST Lead, 2026
2026 Annual Conference
Save the Date: 2026 Annual Professional Development Conference
EWTG is excited to officially announce the 2026 Annual Professional Development Conference, taking place November 8–9, at the stunning Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, Texas.
Each year, the EWTG Conference brings together hundreds of professionals from across the state to connect, learn, and grow through dynamic keynote speakers, breakout sessions, leadership development, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Join the Conference Committee
Planning is already underway, and EWTG invites members to get involved by serving on a Conference Planning Committee:
- Speakers and Program Development
- Sponsorship and Exhibitors
- Registration
- Networking and Attendee Engagement
Whether you have experience in event planning or simply want to contribute your ideas and energy, there is a place for you on the team.
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and stay tuned for more exciting updates about the 2026 EWTG Conference!
Submitted by Alida Bennett
EWTG Conference Director, 2026
Membership News
Scholarship Committee: Congratulations to Our First Scholarship Recipient of 2026!
The scholarship committee is excited to award the first scholarship of 2026 to Tamara Young! Tamara will attend a course titled Design and Manage Analytics Solutions Using Power BI. We are excited to support Tamara and this professional development opportunity as she works toward obtaining the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate.
Here’s a quote from Tamara that illustrates the impact that EWTG has had on her career in public service:
Volunteering with EWTG has been one of the most meaningful parts of my professional development. Being surrounded by accomplished, supportive women has expanded my confidence and given me a strong sense of community. Their encouragement motivates me to keep growing, and serving on committees has allowed me to give back in a way that feels purposeful.
Did you know that EWTG offers scholarships to members? The scoring guidelines give preference to members like Tamara who are plugged into EWTG in meaningful ways, such as attending events and serving on committees. Let EWTG support your professional development goals this year! Applications are received and reviewed on a rolling basis, so submit your application today! Email communications@ewtg.org with any questions or to learn more about the scholarship program.
Submitted by Colleen Couch
EWTG Scholarship Committee Chair, 2026
Membership Committee - Opening Doors: A Fresh Season of Membership & Engagement
As we step into March, the Membership Committee continues to build on the energy we started the year with. I’m excited to share where we are and where we’re headed next. Over the past month, our committee has been collaborating to finalize the new Membership Welcome Email and New Member Guide, resources designed to help every new member feel informed, supported, and connected from the moment they join. If you haven’t received the updated welcome materials yet, don’t worry. They are rolling out, and you’ll see them soon. This is part of our broader effort to create a more consistent, engaging onboarding experience for all members.
We’re thrilled to welcome the newly formed East Affiliate Chapter to the EWTG family. This is an exciting milestone for our organization, and we can’t wait to see the community, leadership, and opportunities that will grow from this new chapter. If you’re a member of the East Affiliate, your involvement in the Membership Committee can make a meaningful impact. By joining us, you’ll help shape the onboarding experience, support new members in your region, and help build a strong foundation for the chapter’s growth. Your voice matters, and your participation can help ensure the East Affiliate starts strong and continues to flourish!!
As we look ahead, our focus is on strengthening our community and expanding our reach across Texas. To do that, we need more voices and more hands shaping the work. If you’re passionate about outreach, engagement, onboarding, or simply building connections, we would love to have you join the Membership Committee. Together, we can create a community where women feel welcome, supported, and inspired to lead.
Submitted by Lucie Prieto
EWTG Membership Director, 2026
Get Involved
Community Focused and Action Oriented!
The Community Service Committee met on Tuesday, February 17, and had an informative and productive meeting. We discussed and planned volunteer opportunities for the upcoming year. We will begin our first volunteer opportunity with Susan G. Komen’s Big Pink Gala in March. We are excited to share and get activities underway for the year!
The Community Service Committee provides EWTG members with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, build partnerships, and serve others. As women leaders in government, we have the opportunity to drive positive change not just in our jobs, but also across the communities we support. We continually strive to be a community-focused and action-oriented organization for and within our community.
EWTG members are welcome to serve on the committee and are encouraged to participate in community service activities. Committee meetings are held monthly every third Tuesday. The next meeting will be on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Please look out for more Community Service activity information on the EWTG website or email us at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kim McConic
EWTG Community Service Committee Chair, 2026
Events & Announcements
March Birthdays
Kynthia Brooks, Mary Cheryl Dorwart, Susan K. Durso, Brenda Grays, Arnita Henson, Kara Hester, GerriAnne Huey, Susan Reyna, Bettina Wright
We wish you all a wonderful celebration!
Save the Date
March 7, 11:00 a.m. – Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team [Learn More]
March 10, 5:30 p.m. – Speak! Success Team
March 11, 12:00 p.m. – Mini Course Session [Learn More]
March 12, 6:00 p.m. – Shooting Stars Success Team [Learn More]
March 14, 10:00 a.m. – Networking on New Horizons Success Team Lampasas Trip [Learn More]
March 17, 5:30 p.m. – Procurement & Contracting Success Team [Learn More]
March 21, 10:00 a.m. – Sole Mates Success Team [Learn More]
March 25, 5:30 pm. – Book Club Success Team [Learn More]
March 27, 12:00 p.m. – Networking on New Horizons Success Team Meeting [Learn More]
March 30, 12:00 p.m. – Project Management Success Team
November 8-9 – 2026 Annual Professional Development Conference [Learn More]
Connect with EWTG Online!
If you have news to share, we'd love to hear from you!
Send your news to communications@ewtg.org.