In This Issue
In This Issue
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Embrace Your Power: Nominate Yourself for the EWTG Board
The EWTG 2026 theme, “Embrace Your Power!,” is more than an inspiring phrase—it is a call to step forward, use your voice, and lead with purpose. With nominations now open for the 2027 EWTG Board, members have a meaningful opportunity to put that theme into action.
If you have ever wondered whether you are ready to serve, consider this your invitation. Board service is not about having every answer from day one. It is about bringing your perspective, staying open to learning, contributing your talents, and helping EWTG continue its important work of supporting women leaders across Texas.
My own EWTG leadership journey began with uncertainty. After several years as a member and Success Team participant, I applied for the Board in 2019. I was not selected that year, but I continued to show up, stay engaged, and look for ways to serve.
In 2022, I applied for EWTG Communications Director, was selected, and began embracing my power in a new way. That experience stretched me, strengthened my confidence, and ultimately encouraged me to pursue the role of EWTG President-Elect.
I share this story because you may be asking yourself the same question I once did—Am I ready? If you are considering nominating yourself for the Board—or exploring another leadership opportunity within EWTG—take the leap. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace your power. If you are not selected this time, try again next year, join an EWTG Committee, or find another way to lead from where you are.
Now is the time to consider Board service and encourage other members to do the same. A description of the Board Officers’ duties is available on the Board of Directors webpage, and members may self-nominate or recommend others using the nomination form. Nominations are open for all positions except President, Engagement Director, and Affiliates Director. Nominees must be current EWTG members in good standing, and the deadline to submit the nomination form is October 1, 2026.
Submitted by Coleen M. Hall
EWTG President, 2025-2026
Affiliates
Brazos Valley Affiliate
The Brazos Valley Affiliate hosted an in-person lunch meeting on August 12, featuring Destinee Cargo-Vargas, the District Director for U.S. Representative Michael T. McCaul.
The Affiliate also participated in a lunchbox stuffing to help bridge the gap between summer lunch programs and the start of the school year on August 29.
North Affiliate
The North Affiliate Secretary, Tiffany Maybank, was spotlighted in the New Member Orientation on August 17.
Upcoming Events
Brazos Valley Affiliate: Charcuterie Social on September 10.
South Affiliate:
- Brunch from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on September 5.
- Meeting from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. on September 12.
Submitted by Crystal Zhang
EWTG Affiliates Director, 2026
Education Corner
Mini Course – Executive Presence Part II: Women Leaders and the Invisible Barriers to Executive Leadership
Join us on Wednesday, September 9, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for this free event.
At the 2025 EWTG Annual Conference and a previous mini-course, Chan McDermott gave a presentation on Executive Presence (EP) and the three pillars of EP: (1) Gravitas: Confidence, Credibility, Decisiveness; (2) Communication: Brevity, Clarity, Tone; and (3) Appearance: How you look, most importantly, how you show up.
In this mini course session, Tausi Suedi will discuss the historical, cultural, societal, individual, and workplace “invisible barriers” that hold back women leaders from reaching their full leadership potential. She will conclude with individual and organizational recommendations to break these invisible barriers.
Tausi Suedi, MPH, is a Senior Policy Advisor with the Texas Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health degree at George Washington University, serves as an Associate Teaching Professor of Global Health at Towson University, and volunteers in the Intensive Care Unit at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. With more than 15 years of experience in global public health, Tausi has supported and led programs focused on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and community health. She has worked in Afghanistan, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, and Kenya, and has led programs in Somalia and Rwanda. Throughout her career, she has committed herself to advancing individual and population health through collaborative partnerships, evidence-based programs and policies, and efforts that elevate the social and economic status of women and girls. Staying true to her professional mission while prioritizing her family, Tausi transitioned to domestic public health in 2019. That transition deepened her understanding of the barriers women and girls continue to face, particularly in underserved communities. Through her own experiences, she also recognized the barriers that many professional women encounter as they work to develop executive presence and advance into leadership roles. Drawing on her experience in international and domestic public health, policy, and leadership, Tausi invites audiences to rethink women’s leadership through multiple lenses, especially those we overlook or don't intentionally use. Her presentation explores the invisible barriers that can impede women’s leadership growth and executive presence while offering practical strategies for individuals to strengthen their executive presence, and for organizations to create environments and meaningful leadership pathways where women across sectors and backgrounds can lead, grow, and thrive.
Registration is FREE for EWTG members and non-members.
Submitted by Jessica Hyde
EWTG Education Director, 2026
Success Teams
Shooting Stars Success Team
The Shooting Stars Success Team’s next meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, September 1, at 6:00 p.m. During the September meeting, members will engage in an open forum discussion. Members are encouraged to use the Shooting Stars hive mind for advice and guidance on any workplace dilemma.
During the August meeting, EWTG President Coleen Hall shared her insights on Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone during the virtual meeting. Coleen inspired attendees with her personal story and offered insights into ways we can all stretch outside our comfort zones.
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:
- 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
Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team
Hello, EWTG Go Anyway Brunch Bunch! We planted, bloomed, and let our light shine - now it’s time to harvest. Our next brunch, Fall Harvest and Hustle, is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on September 5. This fall season reminds us that growth happens through seasons of change, not overnight. This year, we have strengthened our leadership, gained wisdom, and sought purpose and clarity. As the season turns, we will celebrate our achievements, reflect on our leadership growth, and focus on moving toward our professional goals and new opportunities. Let’s harvest the lessons we’ve learned and hustle forward with purpose!
The Brunch Bunch is invited to support the Community Service Committee by collecting toiletries for EWTG’s annual toiletry drive. As we gather for brunch, please consider bringing items such as travel-size shampoo and conditioner, face wipes, feminine products, wet wipes, and deodorant.
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 Fall Harvest and Hustle brunch will be at Toasted Yolk, located at 1700 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, at 11:00 a.m. on September 5. To RSVP, please email communications@ewtg.org. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team Leader, 2026
Speak! Public Speaking and Facilitation Success Team
Exciting news from the Speak! Success Team! A group of Speak! members submitted a proposal for the 2026 EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference, and it was accepted.
Their presentation, Navigate Your Power: Leading Across Styles with Confidence and Impact, will explore the Leadership Compass, a practical framework for understanding four different leadership styles. The interactive session will help participants recognize their natural leadership tendencies, understand the strengths and challenges of different styles, and learn strategies for working more effectively with others.
Now the work begins! At our next Speak! meeting, we will kick off the journey from proposal to presentation. Members will begin developing the content, activities, resources, and project plan needed to turn the accepted proposal into an engaging conference session in November.
Our next Speak! meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Whether you are part of the conference presentation team or simply interested in developing your own speaking opportunities, join us to learn the process for taking a presentation from an accepted proposal to a polished, ready-to-deliver session.
Submitted by Laura Johannsen
EWTG Speak! Success Team Leader, 2026
Networking on New Horizons Success Team – Trip to Fredericksburg
Join the Networking on New Horizons Success Team for a fun-filled day of connection and exploration in Fredericksburg on Saturday, September 12.
What’s Planned:
- Explore Fredericksburg’s German heritage with a visit to the Vereins Kirche Museum.
- Enjoy a group lunch at Altdorf Biergarten.
- Put your networking skills to work during a Main Street scavenger hunt.
- Wrap up the day with ice cream and conversation at Clear River Ice Cream.
Come ready to connect, explore, and make new memories with your fellow EWTG members. We hope you’ll join us for this special day in Fredericksburg!
Submitted by Alida Bennett
EWTG Networking on New Horizons Success Team Leader, 2026
Procurement and Contracting Success Team
The EWTG Procurement and Contracting Success Team is an insider network for women government professionals interested in procurement and contract management.
At our August meeting, guest speaker Tosca McCormick, Manager of Procurement Policy and Outreach at the Texas Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division, led a thoughtful session on Mentoring and Managing Early-Career Professionals. Tosca addressed the topic from both sides of the table. On the manager side, she shared how to build trust by giving newer employees permission to fail, explaining the “why” behind decisions, and setting clear expectations from day one. She also stressed the value of honest conversations and regular one-on-ones. On the early-career side, she offered practical guidance on navigating workplace changes and building relationships with established coworkers. It was a timely and relevant conversation for anyone working across generational lines.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, September 15, at 5:30 p.m. We will be covering Stakeholder Engagement.
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! Email communications@ewtg.org for more information.
New members are always welcome!
Submitted by Holly Muir
EWTG Procurement and Contracting Success Team Leader, 2026
Sole Mates Success Team
The Sole Mates Success Team met on Saturday, August 22, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock for a wonderful morning of movement, conversation, and connection. The ladies of Sole Mates brought enthusiasm and energy from start to finish as we walked through the newly renovated park. The day was ideal, with bright sunshine along the trail and pleasantly warm temperatures. With each step, we had inviting conversations with one another and enjoyed the simple pleasure of walking together in support of wellness and community. Thank you to Amber, Coleen, Karen, Sonya, and Sue for joining Sole Mates!
The Sole Mates Success Team offers EWTG members an opportunity to connect while supporting physical well-being. Regular group walks foster community, strengthen shared purpose, and build meaningful professional relationships. Walking is also one of the simplest, most sustainable ways to support long-term health. For women leaders, making time for physical activity is essential for mental clarity, stress relief, and burnout prevention.
For the next Sole Mates walk, we will meet at Ann and Roy Butler Park Trail and Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake in Austin on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m. For more information and to RSVP, please email the EWTG mailbox at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kim McConic
EWTG Sole Mates Success Team Leader, 2026
Project Management Success Team
The next Project Management 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 keep building a community of project managers who deliver with intention—and lead with impact.
Submitted by Dr. Carole Egele
EWTG Project Management Success Team Leader, 2026
Book Club Success Team
We selected two novels and are reading one or both. Join us at 5:30 p.m. 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. The following meeting date is Wednesday, November 4.
Submitted by Melissa Heild
EWTG Book Club Success Team Leader, 2026
2026 Annual Conference
40th Annual EWTG Professional Development Conference
November 8–9, 2026 | Kalahari Resort, Round Rock
Early Bird Registration Open Through September 30!
Early bird registration is still open for the 2026 EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference, taking place November 8–9, at the Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock. Hurry, because early-bird pricing ends September 30.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that want to support women in leadership and connect with the EWTG community.
Submitted by Alida Bennett
EWTG Conference Director, 2026
Woman of the Year Award
The nomination period for the 2026 EWTG Woman of the Year Award has officially closed. Thank you to everyone who helped recognize 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.
We look forward to celebrating the outstanding nominees and recognizing the remarkable contributions they make to Texas government and their communities. As we move into the next phase of the award process, we are pleased to introduce the distinguished panel that will help select the 2026 honoree.
2026 Woman of the Year Judges
We are excited to announce the judges for the 2026 Woman of the Year Award:
- Linda Battles, Western Governors University
- Pamela Foster Brady, Director of Executive Education, Governor’s Center for Management Development
- Brian Francis, Leadership Keynote Speaker and Published Author
Thank you in advance to our judges for their time, expertise, and commitment to helping select the 2026 EWTG Woman of the Year. To everyone else, we look forward to seeing you in November, when we will unveil the winner of this prestigious award.
Submitted by Dr. Carole Egele
EWTG Woman of the Year Conference Committee Chair, 2026
Membership News
Engagement Committee – Happy Hour Networking Event
EWTG is excited to announce our next Happy Hour Networking Event. Mark your calendars, gather your colleagues, and get ready for an evening designed to spark connection, conversation, and collaboration.
Event Details
- Thursday, October 8
- 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- Austin Beerworks — 3001 Industrial Terrace, Austin, TX
Austin Beerworks offers the perfect backdrop for relaxed networking: spacious seating, great drinks, and an atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new faces and reconnect with familiar ones. Whether you’re a long‑time member or exploring EWTG for the first time, this event is built for you.
- Build new connections with women leading across agencies.
- Share ideas and learn what others are working on.
- Invite colleagues who might be curious about joining EWTG.
- Recharge in a welcoming, low‑pressure environment.
- Bring someone new.
One of the best ways to grow our community is through personal invitation. If you know someone who’s been looking for a professional network that values leadership, learning, and service, this is the perfect event to introduce them to EWTG.
We Can’t Wait to See You There
Let’s kick off October with good conversations, good company, and the kind of energy that carries us into the rest of the year with purpose.
Attention Students!
EWTG’s new Student Membership is designed for students who want to start building their professional foundation now — not after graduation. Student members gain access to mentorship from Texas agency leaders, hands‑on committee experience, statewide networking events, and a community that believes in lifting emerging professionals into their future careers. If you want to learn more, the Happy Hour Networking Event is a great way to meet members and see if this organization is right for you.
Submitted by Lucie Prieto
EWTG Membership Director, 2026
Scholarship Spotlight
Did you know that you can use an EWTG scholarship to cover the registration cost of the EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference? If your employer will not pay your registration fee, don’t let that stop you from investing in yourself and attending our signature professional development event! All scholarships supporting Annual Conference attendance must be submitted by the quarter 3 deadline (September 30), so now’s the time to begin working on your application.
Emily Herrington is in this month’s scholarship spotlight. She used a scholarship to sponsor her attendance to the EWTG Annual Professional Development Conference. Hear from her about the impact of this experience:
Name: Emily Herrington
Job title and agency: Program Manager, Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
How did the EWTG Conference enhance your professional development and help you grow as a leader? I was able to network, build relationships within EWTG, and get more involved with EWTG activities and events. I’m currently leading a peer-mentoring group. The EWTG Conference presenters are always engaging. I enjoy attending these sessions with peers from across the state.
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend the EWTG Conference! Submit your application today! View our scholarships page on the EWTG website to learn more: https://ewtg.org/scholarships/.
Submitted by Colleen Couch
EWTG Scholarship Committee Chair, 2026
Get Involved
EWTG Community Service Committee- Community-Focused and Action-Oriented!
The Community Service Committee invites EWTG members to come together in service, leadership, and purpose. Through meaningful volunteer opportunities, members can strengthen their leadership skills, build lasting partnerships, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. As women leaders in government, we have the ability to create movement beyond our daily work by showing up, serving with intention, and supporting the communities where we live and serve. Together, we can turn compassion into action and continue building a committee that is community-focused, action-oriented, and inspired by collective service.
Through our partnership with Any Baby Can, we collected more than 50 backpacks and over $300 in donations to purchase additional backpacks and supplies. The committee is actively identifying and coordinating additional volunteer opportunities that encourage members to get involved, connect, and help meet community needs. Members are invited to participate in upcoming service efforts, including a blood donation drive, a mobile food bank in the fall, and a toiletry collection drive for the annual conference. Each opportunity offers a simple but meaningful way to serve and contribute to 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 September 15 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
For more Community Service activities and meeting information, email the communication mailbox at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Community Service Committee Chair, 2026
Events & Announcements
September Birthdays
Megan Arellano, Shameika Brown, Kari Cooper, Antonia Hernandez, Kelli Hollins, Meghann Holmes, Julie Hugo, Carol Lauder, Sabrina Lopez-Lugo, Krystle Magwood, Gwendolyn Manuel, Cheryn Netz, Deise Ortiz, Jolly Pathak, Samantha Sanchez, Poornima Siddapur, Nina Torres, Ana Villarreal, Chelsea Wallace, Ashleigh Walton
We wish you all a wonderful celebration!
Save the Date
September 1, 6:00 p.m. – Shooting Stars Success Team [Learn More]
September 5, 11:00 a.m. – Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team [Learn More]
September 5, 11:00 a.m. – South Affiliate Brunch [Learn More]
September 8, 5:30 p.m. – Speak! Success Team [Learn More]
September 9, 12:00 p.m. – Mini Course Session: Women Leaders and the Invisible Barriers to Executive Leadership [Learn More]
September 10, – Brazos Valley Charcuterie Social [Learn More]
September 12, – Networking on New Horizons Trip to Fredericksburg [Learn More]
September 12, 10:00 a.m. – South Affiliate Meeting [Learn More]
September 15, 5:30 p.m. – Procurement & Contracting Success Team [Learn More]
September 19, 10:00 a.m. – Sole Mates Success Team [Learn More]
September 25, 12:00 p.m. – Networking on New Horizons Planning Meeting
September 28, 12:00 p.m. – Project Management Success Team [Learn More]
September 30, 5:30 p.m. – Book Club Success Team [Learn More]
September 30 – Scholarship Deadline for 3rd Quarter [Learn More]
October 1, – Deadline to Submit 2027 Board Nominations [Learn More]
October 8, 5:00 p.m. – Happy Hour Networking Event [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.