In This Issue
In This Issue
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Member Updates, Conference News, and Survey Highlights
Member Town Hall: Updates, Opportunities, and What’s Ahead
Mark your calendars! EWTG invites members to a special member-only Town Hall Meeting on August 24, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. This virtual gathering will offer an inside look at important organizational updates, new opportunities for engagement, and exciting developments on the horizon.
During the meeting, members will hear more about:
- A new Student Membership opportunity designed to welcome and support the next generation of leaders.
- New affiliates who are helping broaden EWTG’s reach, connections, and member community.
- Highlights and key takeaways from the 2026 survey, including insights that will help guide future planning.
- The opening of nominations for the 2027 Board and Committee Chair roles, providing members the opportunity to help shape EWTG’s future leadership.
- The unveiling of EWTG’s refreshed website, new logo, and member-only website features.
All members are encouraged to register and attend this informative and energizing session. We look forward to connecting with you, sharing these important updates, and celebrating what’s ahead for EWTG.
Conference Spotlight: Meet Our 2026 Keynote Speaker
We are pleased to announce Tia Banks as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Annual Professional Development Conference. An award-winning international speaker, former professional athlete, and mountain climber, Tia brings an inspiring perspective on leadership, perseverance, and performance.
Through her Polé Polé framework, she equips leaders with practical strategies to build resilience, navigate pressure, and perform at a high level—personally and professionally. We look forward to welcoming her to this year’s conference. [Learn More]
Survey Results: Thank You for Sharing Your Feedback
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback through the 2026 EWTG survey. The survey was sent to all EWTG members, previous members, and individuals who have participated in EWTG events, and it was administered electronically from July 2–16, 2026. Your input will help guide future educational and networking opportunities so EWTG can continue offering activities and topics that are meaningful, relevant, and valuable to our members. [Learn More]
Submitted by Coleen M. Hall
EWTG President, 2025-2026
Affiliates
Brazos Valley Affiliate
- Summer School Lunch on July 10 featuring Jennifer Hodson.
South Affiliate
- Virtual Reel Talk from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on July 10 to discuss the movie, Remarkably Bright Creatures.
North Affiliate
- Kickoff meeting in person from 6:00–7:30 p.m. on July 23, with a pre-release screening of the film, The Life of the Party.
Upcoming Events
- Brazos Valley Affiliate: Participate in a lunchbox stuffing to help bridge the gap between summer lunch programs and the start of the school year on August 29, from 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Submitted by Crystal Zhang
EWTG Affiliates Director, 2026
Success Teams
Pizza My Heart Success Team
Twelve Pizza My Heart members met on July 11 at Mangieri’s Pizza Café on Slaughter Lane! Members enjoyed pizzas, salads, bruschetta, fried zucchini, and more. Members had fun sharing their favorite pizza memories and got serious discussing professional dilemmas.
Pizza My Heart rated Mangieri’s as:
- Ambiance: 4.7
- Price: 4.2
- Taste: 4.3
- Crust Consistency: 4.3
- Sauce-to-Cheese Ratio: 4.1
Submitted by Sarah Melecki
EWTG Pizza My Heart Success Team Leader, 2026
Shooting Stars Success Team
EWTG President Coleen Hall will lead the next Shooting Stars Success Team meeting on Thursday, August 6, at 6:00 p.m. President Hall will share her insights on Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone during the virtual meeting.
During the July meeting, Shooting Stars members engaged in an open forum discussion focused on staying positive in tough times. Members shared their strategies for managing their mindsets and how positive thinking can be the key to resilience in challenging periods at work.
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. All meetings start at 6:00 p.m. The 2026 Shooting Stars schedule is as follows:
- August 6 - Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone by Coleen Hall
- September 1 - Open forum discussion
- October 1 - Topic TBD by Karen Avery
- November 3 - Open forum discussion
- December 3 - Renewed Leadership: Reflection, Purpose & Intention for the New Year 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
Sole Mates Success Team
The Sole Mates Success Team met on Saturday, July 18, at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown. We enjoyed a warm, sunny walk and rehydrated with smoothies afterwards. Thank you to Karen A. for joining the July walk. The Sole Mates Success Team gives EWTG members a chance to connect while supporting physical well-being. Regular group walks build community, strengthen shared purpose, and create meaningful professional connections. Walking is one of the simplest and most sustainable ways to support long-term health. For women leaders, making time for physical activity is vital for mental clarity, stress relief, and preventing burnout.
For the next Sole Mates walk, we will meet at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. For more information and to RSVP, please email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Sole Mates Success Team Leader, 2026
Procurement and Contracting Success Team
The Procurement & Contracting Success Team is an insider network for women government professionals interested in procurement and contract management. At our July meeting, guest speaker Krystal Frank, Executive Director of Contracts and Procurement at Austin ISD, led an inspirational session on career advancement. Krystal covered topics like how to be intentional with your career, what steps she took to prepare for each next level, the risks that paid off and those that did not, and what changes most when you move from managing a team to leading a function. She also shared what her transition from state government to a school district taught her, and how to lead from outside your comfort zone. It was an excellent presentation.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, August 18, at 5:30 p.m. We welcome guest speaker Tosca McCormick, Manager of Procurement Policy and Outreach at the Texas Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division, who will present on Mentoring and Managing Early-Career Professionals. This should be an interesting session given from both the mentor and mentee perspective. It’s open to all EWTG members.
Email communications@ewtg.org to request the meeting link.
New members are always welcome!
Submitted by Holly Muir
EWTG Procurement and Contracting Success Team Leader, 2026
We Lead Success Team Presents “Influence Beyond a Title”
It is often said that leadership is influence – but there aren’t enough titles for all of us. How do we influence when we don’t have a title? On August 27, join the We Lead Success Team (WLST) as Bel Smith, Campus Operations Manager at Austin Community College and WLST member, leads an interactive discussion, “Influence Beyond a Title.” It will be an opportunity to listen, share stories from our own journeys, in particular of people who have influenced us, and learn from each other. We’ll meet from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Carver Branch Austin Public Library (1161 Angelina Street, East Austin). Refreshments will be provided.
Submitted by Audrey Selden and Chan McDermott
EWTG We Lead Success Team Leaders, 2026
Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team
The Go Anyway Brunch Bunch enjoyed an inspiring afternoon of networking, meaningful conversation, leadership insights, and delicious food at the Summertime Sunshine Brunch, held Saturday, June 6, at Citizen All Day Restaurant, Cafe & Deli. As we gathered for the summer season, we were reminded that growth thrives in a community of women who encourage one another to show up fully, confidently, and authentically. The June brunch inspired members to move forward boldly, shine unapologetically, embrace new possibilities, and continue uplifting one another 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 we 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.
The next brunch is themed Fall Harvest and Hustle, scheduled for September 5, at 11:00 a.m. As the season changes, we will reflect on each of our achievements, leadership growth, and hustle toward our professional goals and new opportunities. Let’s harvest each season of lessons learned and hustle forward with purpose! For more information and for the next brunch location, please email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team Leader, 2026
Project Management Success Team
On July 27, the Project Management Success Team convened for a powerful and practical session focused on strengthening how we deliver value across Texas government.
Our discussion centered on PMI principles and Lean Six Sigma, with a special emphasis on reviewing a practice playbook designed specifically for government project managers. The playbook highlights the disciplines that matter most in public-sector project delivery:
- Delivering value with intention: Ensuring every project outcome ties directly to mission, service, and taxpayer benefit.
- Reducing waste: Applying Lean thinking to eliminate redundancies, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency across agencies.
- Managing risk proactively: Using structured PMI frameworks to anticipate challenges, build mitigation strategies, and strengthen project resilience.
- Sustaining improvements: Embedding continuous improvement practices so gains are not temporary — they become part of the culture.
This session reinforced what we know to be true: when women in government lead with discipline, clarity, and purpose, we elevate the entire project ecosystem.
Our next Success Team meeting is September 22, at 12:00 p.m., where we will take a deeper dive into Lean Six Sigma tools and how they integrate seamlessly into the project management life cycle.
If you’re ready to strengthen your toolkit, sharpen your leadership, and connect with other women committed to operational excellence, this is the session to attend.
Let’s continue building a community of project managers who deliver with intention — and lead with impact.
Submitted by Dr. Carol Egele
EWTG Project Management Success Team Leader, 2026
Book Club Success Team
We selected two novels and are reading one or both. Join us on September 30!
Getting to Happy, by Terry McMillan. In Waiting to Exhale, Terry McMillan chronicled the lives and love affairs of women in their mid-thirties, opening up an entirely new literary field and audience for African American writers. In Getting to Happy, McMillan revisits the same women fifteen years later - Savannah, Gloria, Bernadine, and Robin. As a broadcast investigative journalist, Savannah takes pride in her work exposing secrets and scandals. She never expected to uncover one in her own home that would bring her already diminishing marriage to an explosive end. Bernie has had man problems that put her past challenges in the shade - these days, she finds herself popping pills and forgetting details that she might do well to recall. Robin's high-rolling life as a serial shopper runs into trouble when she loses her job to a merger, and she's hardly faring any better in the world of online dating. Gloria still runs the bustling Oasis salon, but back-to-back family tragedies hit her hard. All four face tough questions about love and loss, but they keep faith in themselves and each other as their lives fall apart and reconfigure. Four-way calls and movie night get-togethers continue to reaffirm the importance of friendship not only to getting by but to chasing that perennial goal: getting to happy. From Amazon.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon. A modern classic about a boy with autism who sets out to solve the murder of a neighbor's dog and discovers unexpected truths about himself and the world. Christopher John Francis Boone knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and every prime number up to 7,057. He relates well to animals but has no understanding of human emotions. He cannot stand to be touched. And he detests the color yellow. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog makes for one of the most captivating, unusual, and widely heralded novels in recent years. From Amazon.
The next book club meeting will be on Wednesday, September 30, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Next meeting date is Wednesday, November 4.
Submitted by Melissa Hield
EWTG Book Club Success Team Leader, 2026
Mentorship
One-on-One Mentoring Matches Have Kicked Off
The Professional Development Committee hosted a second set of drop-in sessions for mentors and mentees in our one-on-one mentoring program! Sessions offer time for the groups to socialize, ask for guidance, and learn about a common mentoring theme.
The June and July drop-in sessions, hosted by Edith King and Tish Sanabria, focused on time management. Hosts shared a TED Talk, We’re Overcomplicating Time Management by Samantha Lane. The groups then discussed some of the key takeaways:
- Prioritize your time – focus on what moves the needle
- Plan your time – map intentional actions
- Protect your time – guard your time and well-being
September and October drop-in sessions will offer a space for open discussion among participants – we want to hear what is going well and what mentors and mentees would like to discuss with their peers!
Submitted by Sarah Melecki
EWTG Professional Development Director, 2026
Membership News
New Member Orientation
Do you want to get more involved with EWTG but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered, as we have a New Member Orientation scheduled on August 17, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. to cover just that topic.
Our Engagement Committee members will introduce themselves and walk you through EWTG’s mission and background, the various EWTG committees, Success Teams, and comprehensive resources available on our new website. You can ask all your questions in an open, informative forum. This should help you determine next steps.
Click here for the Zoom meeting registration link. This briefing is open to all EWTG members who want to get more actively involved with EWTG activities, as well as those who are interested in joining EWTG.
If you are interested in helping with the Engagement Committee, please complete this form: Committee Interest Form or email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Monica Dirba
EWTG Engagement Director, 2026
Are You Ready to Lead?
You’ve attended a few mini-courses. Perhaps you’re a member of a Success Team or are a mentor or mentee. Maybe you’ve been to a conference or two. If you’re wondering what’s next, it just may be a leadership position! From August 1-October 1, the Nominations Committee is accepting nominations for 2027 leadership roles.
The written slate of candidates will be presented to the Board for approval at the October meeting, and new leaders will be sworn into their roles at the EWTG Conference on November 8-9 at Kalahari. You can learn more about the nominations process in the EWTG bylaws, found here: EWTG Organizational Documents.
Another way to get involved is through an EWTG committee (like the Nominating Committee!). All EWTG committees welcome new members at any point during the year. Learn more about EWTG committees and find the committee interest form here: Volunteer Sign Up!
Your involvement brings new ideas and energy to EWTG. Our members' involvement is what it takes for EWTG to be the best and most representative organization it can be. To learn more about 2027 EWTG leadership opportunities, please feel free to reach out to me at chan.ewtg@outlook.com. I’d love to talk with you!
Submitted by Chan McDermott
EWTG Nominating Committee Chair, 2026
EWTG 2026 Survey Results
EWTG sent the 2026 survey to all EWTG members, previous members, and people who participated in EWTG events. EWTG administered the survey electronically from July 2–16, 2026. The purpose of the survey was to get input from you on ways to improve EWTG educational and networking opportunities to help us deliver activities and topics of interest to you. Of the 67 respondents, 85 percent were current members, 10.5 percent had never been a member, and 4.5 percent were former members.
Ninety-one percent of current members who responded stated they plan to renew their EWTG membership. Additionally, 92 percent of respondents stated they would recommend EWTG to a peer; and 79.6 was the average score from current members who stated they felt EWTG membership is valuable; former members had an average score of 82.5.
For current members, the top three EWTG member benefits noted as valuable included reduced registration fee for the Annual Conference, Success Teams, and Committee or Board involvement. For prior members, the top three EWTG member benefits included social events, networking, and virtual Mini Course sessions.
Among respondents, 73.5 percent attended at least one virtual Mini Course session, 70 percent attended the Annual Conference at least once in the past, 60 percent participated in a Success Team, 54 percent attended a New Member Orientation, 49 percent served on a committee, 46 percent participated in a volunteer event, 31 percent participated in the Mentoring Program, and 21 percent applied for and/or were awarded a scholarship.
Sixty-eight percent of respondents prefer hybrid (virtual and in-person) educational or professional development events, 19 percent prefer in-person events, and 12 percent prefer virtual events.
Survey respondents stated their interest level in learning about a variety of topics. The top five ranked topics were:
- Artificial intelligence
- Effective communication
- Leadership styles
- Leading diverse and/or intergenerational teams
- Overcoming imposter syndrome
EWTG asked survey respondents to share their level of interest in several social activities. The top five activities respondents expressed the most interest in were:
- Museum tour (art, history, etc.)
- Food or drink tasting (cheese, cake, wine, etc.)
- Happy hour
- Boat party
- Attend a play or musical
Respondents also provided several helpful comments. Respondents noted that they enjoy the empowerment, learning, networking, career enrichment, and the overall essence of the organization.
Commenters also requested a potential scholarship application for first-time conference attendees. Some noted they felt conference fees are too high. EWTG offers scholarships to attend the Annual Conference for active members. [Learn More]
Some respondents noted that they do not always know about events until after they occur. EWTG publishes a monthly newsletter with Events & Announcements, an Events Calendar, and four social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram); and sends email notifications for most events (members-only events are only sent to members).
EWTG appreciates everyone who participated in the survey! Board members and committee chairs reviewed responses and are already working to meet the needs and interests you articulated.
Submitted by Monica Dirba
EWTG Engagement Director, 2026
2026 Annual Conference
40th Annual EWTG Professional Development Conference
November 8–9, 2026 | Kalahari Resort, Round Rock
Registration is open!
Registration is now open for the 2026 EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference, taking place November 8–9, 2026, at the Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock.
Take advantage of early-bird pricing through September 30 and reserve your spot today.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that want to support women in leadership and connect with the EWTG community.
Register today and get ready to Embrace Your Power!
Submitted by Alida Bennett
EWTG Conference Director, 2026
Keynote Speaker Spotlight: Tia Banks Brings Resilience, Leadership, and Inspiration to the 2026 Conference
Get ready to be inspired! EWTG is pleased to welcome Tia Banks as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Annual Professional Development Conference. An international award-winning speaker, former professional athlete, CEO of Mind Over Mountains, Director of Chapters for the Next Level Speakers Academy, author, and accomplished mountaineer, Tia brings a powerful message of resilience, leadership, and purposeful growth to this year’s conference.
With more than 15 years of leadership, training, and speaking experience, Tia empowers leaders, organizations, and teams to strengthen resilience, emotional intelligence, and sustainable leadership performance. Known for her powerful storytelling and transformational leadership framework, Polé Polé—Swahili for “slowly, slowly”—Tia teaches leaders how to navigate pressure, adversity, burnout, and change while maintaining clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her work integrates evidence-based resilience strategies, positive psychology principles, and practical leadership tools that create lasting impact both personally and professionally.
Tia’s professional background includes leadership and training roles with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit leadership service, and national speaking engagements focused on culture, resilience, and mental wellness. A trailblazer in the mountaineering world, she became the second Black woman to summit Pico de Orizaba, the highest volcano in North America, in addition to summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Through her signature Mind Over Mountains movement, Tia inspires audiences nationwide to rise above limitations, lead with resilience, and embrace the Polé Polé mindset: moving with intention, endurance, and the courage to keep climbing. We look forward to the energy, insight, and inspiration she will bring to the 2026 Annual Conference.
Submitted by Coleen M. Hall
EWTG President, 2025-2026
2026 EWTG Woman of the Year
The moment we look forward to each year has officially arrived — nominations are now open for the 2026 EWTG Woman of the Year Award. This is your opportunity to shine a light on the women whose leadership, service, and impact elevate our organization, strengthen our state, and inspire us all.
This year, we are thrilled to announce Western Governors University (WGU) as the proud sponsor of the Woman of the Year Award. Their commitment to professional development, lifelong learning, and educational advancement makes this partnership a natural fit. WGU’s mission aligns beautifully with the spirit of this award — empowering individuals to grow, lead, and transform their communities through knowledge and opportunity.
If you know a woman who embodies these values, now is the time to nominate her. Work closely with your nominee to complete the nomination process and help us celebrate the extraordinary women who make Texas government stronger every day.
Purpose of the Award
The Woman of the Year Award honors an individual who has distinguished herself through exceptional leadership, service, and achievement. She represents the very best of who we are as women in public service — committed, courageous, collaborative, and deeply dedicated to making a difference. The recipient exemplifies the values of EWTG and serves as a model of excellence in her profession, her community, and our organization.
Participation
She has demonstrated meaningful, sustained involvement in EWTG and has used her leadership to advance our mission. Her contributions have strengthened programs, services, or initiatives that support women across Texas government.
Career Accomplishments
She has shown remarkable professional growth and achievement. Whether through progressive leadership roles, innovative solutions, or exceptional performance, she has made a significant impact within her agency. She actively supports the development of other women through mentorship, advocacy, or leadership.
Community Involvement
Her commitment extends beyond the workplace. She invests her time and talents in civic or community efforts that improve lives and strengthen the communities she serves.
Educational Accomplishments
She is a lifelong learner who continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills — through formal education, certifications, or professional development aligned with her career and service.
Overall Leadership
She leads with integrity, collaboration, and purpose. Her success reflects not only her individual excellence but her ability to elevate others. She embodies the spirit of service and the heart of leadership that defines EWTG.
Nominate the 2026 Woman of the Year
The nominations can be made from July 1, 2027–August 31, 2026. Use the link provided to submit your nomination and help us honor the next remarkable woman whose leadership deserves to be celebrated.
Let’s lift up the women who inspire us, challenge us, and move Texas forward. Nominate your Woman of the Year — the time is now!
Submitted by Dr. Carol Egele
EWTG Woman of the Year Conference Committee Chair, 2026
Events & Announcements
August Birthdays
Laura Butler, Trina Burkes-Jones, Carmen Cavazos, Rochell Diaz, Gail Disley, Tina Howard Evans, Cinthia Franklin, Monica Garza, Deborah Giles, Julissa Gonzales, Elke Gonzalez, Trudy Hancock, Kristin Harper, Tanya Iselt, Laura Johannsen, Jessica Pena, Misty Singer, Belvolyn Smith, Melissa Towb, Christine Tremblay, Retha Youell
We wish you all a wonderful celebration!
Save the Date
August 6, 6:00 p.m. – Shooting Stars Success Team [Learn More]
August 15, 10:00 a.m. – Sole Mates Success Team [Learn More]
August 17, 5:30 p.m. – New Member Orientation [Learn More]
August 18, 5:30 p.m. – Procurement & Contracting Success Team [Learn More]
August 20, 12:00 p.m. – AI in Government Success Team
August 24, 6:00 p.m. – EWTG Member Town Hall [Learn More]
August 27, 6:00 p.m. – We Lead Success Team [Learn More]
August 29, 6:00 p.m. – Brazos Valley Affiliate Meeting [Learn More]
September 5, 11:00 a.m. – Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team [Learn More]
September 22, 12:00 p.m. – Project Management Success Team [Learn More]
September 30, 5:30 p.m. - Book Club Success Team [Learn More]
November 8–9 – 40th 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.