In This Issue
In This Issue
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Leadership Skills from Mom: Mother’s Day Edition
In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m re-publishing this article in dedication to my mom, who passed away in 2015. Since then, celebrating Mother’s Day has been bittersweet for me. As a mom, I cherish every moment I get with my son. However, since my own mom’s passing, Mother’s Day always makes me sad as well.
Although my mom wasn’t necessarily a career woman, I learned so many leadership skills from her. And as a mom myself, I hope I’ve demonstrated leadership skills for my son. There are a lot of leadership skills you learn from being a mom, but even if you’re not a mom, you can learn a lot from your own mom or others who fill that motherly role.
Here are the top 10 leadership skills I’ve learned from being a mom:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to admit when you need it. Asking for help is a great way to lead by example.
- Stay calm, even when things get tough, and be confident in your decisions. When feeling overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths, calm yourself, and take time to think and make intentional decisions.
- Set and maintain healthy boundaries. It’s crucial for leaders to create a balance between spending time with others and taking time for yourself. Maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health, and don’t let others take advantage of you or your time.
- Be kind and compassionate. My mom often said, “you can get more bees with honey than with vinegar.” Sympathy and empathy are important skills in leadership and relationships with others.
- Be a good listener. Give your undivided attention, look people in the eye, and spend less time trying to think of what to say next. This allows the other person to feel heard and understood.
- Learn from your mistakes and those of others. You will make mistakes (everyone does!), but don’t beat yourself up about them. Turn it into a positive by learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them.
- Learn how to delegate. It’s ok to let some things go to tackle bigger tasks and responsibilities. Delegating reduces stress and frees up your mental energy.
- Create a support system. We all need support systems to lean on when we need help. Surround yourself with like-minded leaders.
- Problem solving is your superpower. I prefer to think of it as solution-finding rather than problem solving. Looking for solutions can help you get through tough situations and make solid decisions.
- Step out of your comfort zone. Getting out of your comfort zone will help you gain confidence in your leadership abilities and grow into a better leader.
Happy Mother’s Day to my fellow moms! For those of you who are not a mom, be sure to thank your own mom, or someone in your life who serves that role, for modeling leadership skills and behaviors.
Pictured below on the left is my son, Jacob, and me at his wedding in 2022, and the picture on the right is my late mom, Mary McCarthy.
Submitted by Coleen M. Hall
EWTG President, 2025-2026
Affiliates
Brazos Valley Affiliate
The Brazos Valley Affiliate held a meeting on April 8. New Affiliate Officers were named and include:
- Hailey Norris was elected as the Brazos Valley Affiliate Chair.
- Stacey Vasquez was elected as the Brazos Valley Affiliate Chair-Elect.
- Mary Cass was elected as the Brazos Valley Secretary.
To learn more about the Brazos Valley Affiliate, please visit https://ewtg.org/brazos_valley/.
East Affiliate
The East Affiliate hosted its second virtual meeting on April 24, since some people could not join the first virtual meeting in March. Though the meeting content was the same as before, the meeting was more productive and informative. Close to 20 people joined the meeting. One member volunteered to be a committee chair.
To learn more about the East Affiliate, please visit https://ewtg.org/east/.
Submitted by Crystal Zhang
EWTG Affiliates Director, 2026
Success Teams
Sole Mates Success Team
The Sole Mates Success Team met on Saturday, April 25, at Joe B. Freeman Park, Brushy Creek Trail East. The cloudy April sky and humid weather did not dampen our spirits as we had a lovely walk. We were also wary of Bigfoot, who had been spotted in the area. Thank you to Cassandra, Isis, Jennifer, and Karen for joining the April walk.
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. Walking is one of the most sustainable ways to protect our long-term health. For women leaders, prioritizing physical activity is essential for mental acuity, stress reduction, and burnout prevention.
For the next Sole Mates walk, we will meet at the Brushy Creek trail in Cedar Park on Saturday, May 23, at 10:00 a.m. Detailed information to come. For more information and to RSVP, please email the EWTG mailbox at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kim McConic
EWTG Sole Mates EST Lead, 2026
Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team
Hey EWTG, it is brunchin’ time. Please join the Go Anyway Brunch Bunch for networking, meaningful conversations, leadership insights, and intentional connections at the Summertime Sunshine Brunch on June 6! The themed brunch, Summertime Sunshine Brunch, will remind us that by not dimming or shrinking ourselves to fit into rooms or sit at tables, we illuminate them with our presence, voice, and courage. Leadership isn’t about titles but about impact, influence, and empowerment. The Summertime Sunshine Brunch will encourage members to boldly show up, walk confidently, lead forward, and shine unapologetically.
The Brunch Bunch will have brunch at Citizen All Day Restaurant, Cafe & Deli, 4818 Burnet Rd, Austin, on June 6, at 11:00 a.m.
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 enjoying 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. For more information, please email communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team Leader, 2026
Networking on New Horizons: Denton Overnight Trip Announcement!
The Networking on New Horizons Success Team is excited to announce our upcoming overnight trip to Denton, Texas, happening June 27–28! We are thrilled to partner with the Shooting Stars Success Team and Success Team Leader Marlene Phillips for this meaningful and engaging experience.
During our visit, attendees will have the opportunity to tour Texas Woman’s University. This trip is open to all EWTG members, and we encourage everyone to join us for this unique opportunity to network, learn, and build lasting connections. Additional information and itinerary details will be shared soon, and the registration link will be coming out shortly - so be on the lookout!
Can’t make the Denton trip? No worries! Networking on New Horizons is already planning ahead with exciting future trips, including:
- September: Fredericksburg, Texas
- December: Salado, Texas
We look forward to continuing to create meaningful opportunities for connection, collaboration, and professional growth throughout the year. Stay tuned, we can’t wait to travel with you!
Submitted by Lucie Prieto
EWTG Networking on New Horizons Success Team Member, 2026
New Members: Join the First Year Foundations Success Team!
EWTG is proud to announce our newest Success Team, First Year Foundations! First Year Foundations is designed to support new members of EWTG as they begin their journey within the organization. It offers a clear roadmap for engagement, helping members understand available opportunities, build connections, and navigate resources. Through guidance and structured support, the program lays the groundwork for meaningful involvement and long-term success within EWTG.
If you have joined EWTG within the last year, please consider joining us.
Submitted by Edith King and Tish Sanabria
EWTG First Year Foundations Success Team Leaders, 2026
Speak! Public Speaking and Facilitation Success Team
The Speak! Success Team continues to provide a supportive space for members to practice and strengthen their public speaking skills.
At our April meeting, members delivered icebreaker presentations that highlighted a variety of speaking styles and approaches. Each presentation offered a unique perspective and reinforced that effective communication is not about following a single formula, but about finding your own voice and connecting with your audience.
Following the presentations, the group shifted its focus to an exciting opportunity. The call for proposals for the 2026 EWTG Annual Conference has been released and Speak! members began discussing and brainstorming ideas for a potential group presentation. The conversation included sharing topics of interest, identifying areas of expertise, and exploring ways to align ideas with the conference theme, Embrace Your Power!
This discussion was a natural extension of the work happening within the group. Members are not only practicing their speaking skills but also beginning to apply them in a real-world setting by considering how to develop and deliver a conference presentation.
The next Speak! meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The group will continue developing presentation ideas and provide time for members to work on their individual talks.
Submitted by Laura Johannsen
EWTG Speak! Success Team Leader, 2026
Project Management Success Team
The Project Management Success Team is committed to advancing project management excellence among women leaders statewide. Our mission is to strengthen professional development, encourage collaboration, and promote innovation within Texas government. Each month, our team meets to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and discover new opportunities in project management and related fields.
At our March 24 meeting, members engaged in a lively discussion about project management and identifying projects that could benefit from AI solutions. The conversation brought forward creative ideas and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and improve outcomes for Texas agencies.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce our next meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at noon. This session will feature guest speaker Chinwe Oguamanam, who will share her experience in project management within the state government setting. Chinwe’s expertise promises to bring fresh perspectives and practical advice for navigating complex projects and leveraging innovation in our work.
If you are passionate about project management, we invite you to join us! The Success Team is a vibrant community where your ideas and enthusiasm are valued. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.
Submitted by Dr. Carol Egele
EWTG Project Management Success Team Leader, 2026
Shooting Stars Success Team
The Shooting Stars Success Team’s next meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. During the May meeting, members will engage in an open forum discussion focused on the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
During the April meeting, Shooting Stars members heard from EWTG member Whitney Ajie. Whitney presented on AI for Leaders. Whitney’s excellent presentation led to an energetic conversation among participants. We’ll continue the conversation in the May meeting.
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 schedule is as follows:
- May 5 - Open forum discussion with a focus on AI in the workplace
- June 4 - Addicted to being Busy by Chan McDermott
- July 7 - Open forum discussion
- 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 - 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
Procurement & Contracting Success Team
Your Insider Network for Procurement & Contracting Leadership!
At our April meeting, the Procurement & Contracting Success Team tackled a practical problem in our profession - knowing how to find the rules and statutes that govern what we do and how to use them when our decisions are challenged. The session introduced a five-rung Regulatory Ladder as a navigation framework, walking members through how to build a case starting with the contract or solicitation document, agency policies and procedures, the Texas Procurement & Contract Management Guide, the Texas Administrative Code, and the Texas Government Code. Members also explored the distinction between a statute and an administrative rule. Both carry the force of law, but statutes come from the Legislature while agencies write rules under legislative authority. The key takeaway? Start with your contract, climb the ladder, and build your case step by step. When you walk into a conversation with your legal counsel armed with specific rules and statute citations for their review, you’re no longer presenting a problem. You’re presenting research.
Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m., and we will cover Negotiation Strategies. The meeting will be virtual and feature guest speaker Marisol Claudio-Ehalt, Deputy Associate Commissioner of Complex Procurement at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Marisol is an engineer who spent 21 years working in construction procurement for the City of Austin, where she served as Director. When she first joined state government, she served as a reviewer of procurements in the Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division. If you’ve ever navigated a tough negotiation or wanted to get better at it, this is the session for you.
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
Pizza My Heart Success Team
Seven Pizza My Heart members met on April 11 at Little Deli! We had a great discussion on times when fear has impacted our decisions and the hardest things we’ve ever done.
We rated Little Deli as:
- Ambiance: 3.9
- Price: 3.7
- Taste: 3.4
- Crust Consistency: 3.7
- Sauce-to-Cheese Ratio: 3.6
Mark your calendars for our next Pizza My Heart gathering on July 11, at 12:00 p.m. at Mangieri’s South Austin (5900 W. Slaughter Lane, Suite 460, Austin, TX 78749)!
Submitted by Sarah Melecki
EWTG Pizza My Heart Success Team Leader, 2026
Membership News
Membership in Motion: New Faces & Fresh Connections
Our Membership Committee kicked-off spring with something special - our first-ever joint happy hour with the Engagement Committee, hosted at Brewtorium in Austin. It was an evening filled with laughter, great conversations, and the kind of organic networking that reminds us why EWTG is such a powerful community.
Members connected over delicious food and drinks, shared stories, and welcomed brand-new members into the organization. Moments like these are where relationships begin, confidence grows, and community takes root. We’re excited to continue building spaces where members can meet, collaborate, and feel at home. If you weren’t able to join us this time, don’t worry—more opportunities are on the way.
New Member Spotlight – We Want to Feature YOU
If you’ve joined EWTG in the last couple of months, we’d love to highlight you in our New Member Spotlight on social media. It’s a simple, optional way to introduce yourself to the community and help others connect with you. Just reach out to the Membership team that sent your welcome packet, and we’ll take care of the rest. Spotlights help new members feel seen, celebrated, and welcomed – and they help us share the story of EWTG with the broader community. We’re grateful for each of you and excited for everything ahead this year.
Submitted by Lucie Prieto
EWTG Membership Director, 2026
EWTG Community Service Committee - Community Focused and Action Oriented!
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 live and support. We continually strive to be a community-focused and action- oriented organization for and within our community.
The Community Service Committee is actively engaged in identifying and coordinating volunteer opportunities for members. Please stay tuned for upcoming volunteer events.
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 (3rd) Tuesday. The next meeting will be on May 19 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more information on Community Service activities and meetings, email the communications mailbox at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Kimberly McConic
EWTG Community Service Committee Chair, 2026
Engagement Committee – New Member Orientation
Are you wanting to get more involved with EWTG but don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered, as a New Member Orientation is scheduled for May 18 from 12:00-1:00 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 and Success Teams, and comprehensive resources available on our new website. You can ask as many questions as you have in an open, informative forum. This should help you determine the next steps.
A Zoom meeting registration link will be coming your way shortly. This briefing is open to all EWTG members wanting to get more actively involved with EWTG activities as well as to those who are interested in joining EWTG.
If you are interested in helping with the Engagement Committee, please email us at communications@ewtg.org.
Submitted by Monica Dirba
EWTG Engagement Director, 2026
2026 Annual Conference
The 40th Annual EWTG Professional Development Conference November 8–9, 2026 | Kalahari Resort, Round Rock
Join us for a milestone event as we celebrate the 40th Annual EWTG Professional Development Conference! This year’s powerful theme, “Embrace Your Power,” invites professionals at every stage of their career to grow, lead, and make an impact.
Call for Presentations
We are seeking dynamic, engaging, and inspiring session proposals that equip attendees with practical tools while fostering leadership growth. Sessions may focus on hard skills, soft skills, or a blend of both, and should leave participants energized and ready to apply what they’ve learned. Learn more and submit your presentation proposal now!
Suggested hard skill topics include (but are not limited to):
- Project Management Frameworks
- Budgeting, Procurement, or Contract Management
- Process Improvement Methodologies
- Technical Tools (Excel, SharePoint, Automation)
Suggested soft skill topics include (but are not limited to):
- Executive Presence and Confidence
- Leading Through Change
- Emotional Intelligence Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
What makes a strong proposal?
Successful submissions will:
- Clearly define learning objectives.
- Offer tools, templates, or actionable takeaways attendees can use right away.
- Include interactive or hands-on elements that promote engagement and conversation.
This is your opportunity to share your expertise, inspire others, and help shape a transformative conference experience.
Submitted by Alida Bennett
EWTG Conference Director, 2026
Get Ready: Nominate Your 2026 EWTG Woman of the Year!
Celebrating Excellence, Leadership, and Community Impact Among Women in Texas Government
It’s that exciting time of year again, EWTG members! As we look ahead to the 2026 conference, we encourage you to start thinking about the remarkable women in our organization who embody EWTG's values and spirit. The EWTG Woman of the Year award is more than recognition—it's a celebration of women who distinguish themselves in their professions, within our organization, and in their communities. This prestigious honor showcases the best of who we are as leaders and women.
The purpose of the Woman of the Year award is to spotlight those who have made a lasting impact. The recipient represents EWTG’s ideals and inspires us all to rise higher.
As you begin to identify worthy candidates for nomination, consider the following criteria:
- Participation: Has she demonstrated sustained involvement in EWTG, showing leadership by advancing the mission through innovative programs or services?
- Career Accomplishments: Has she achieved remarkable growth in her career, consistently performing above expectations, fostering the development of women, and contributing significant benefits to her agency?
- Community Involvement: Does she share her time and talent to benefit her community, displaying exceptional personal commitment beyond her professional duties?
- Educational Accomplishments: Is she dedicated to lifelong learning, seeking knowledge through formal education or career-specific opportunities?
- Overall Leadership: Has she demonstrated leadership at every level—individual, team, and agency—while assisting and uplifting other women?
This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on the leaders among us. Whether she’s a mentor, innovator, community champion, or lifelong learner, your nominee could be the next Woman of the Year. Get ready to nominate someone who inspires you—and let’s celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of women in Texas government!
Stay tuned for upcoming details on the nomination process and don’t wait - start reflecting, reaching out, and recognizing the women who make EWTG and Texas government exceptional. We can’t wait to see your nominations!
Submitted by Dr. Carol Egele
EWTG Woman of the Year Conference Committee Chair, 2026
Events & Announcements
May Birthdays
Paula Naranjo
Michele Schweitzer
Solara Simpson
Bharathi Thunga
Yvonne Campos
Sicilia Johnson-Keesling
Michelle Hinex
Madhavi Kasulabada
Christine Newell
Chan McDermott
Terri Peirce
Suzanha Pena
Carnecia Penson
Tresha Ellison
Donja Cohn
Monica Dirba
Vianey Buenrostro
Candice Bullard
Chantele Bluiett
Trisha Biwer-Valdez
We wish you all a wonderful celebration!
Save the Date
May 6, 6:00 p.m. – Membership Committee Meeting [Learn More]
May 7, 6:00 p.m. – Student Membership Committee Meeting
May 11, 5:30 p.m. – Engagement Committee Meeting [Learn More]
May 12, 5:30 p.m. – SPEAK! Success Team [Learn More]
May 13, 6:00 p.m. – Professional Development Committee Meeting
May 16, 8:30 a.m. – Leadership Women Success Team
May 16, 10:00 a.m. – Sole Mates Success Team [Learn More]
May 18, 12:00 p.m. – New Member Orientation [Learn More]
May 18, 6:30 p.m. – Community Service Committee Meeting [Learn More]
May 19, 5:30 p.m. – Procurement and Contracting Success Team [Learn More]
May 22, 12:00 p.m. – Networking on New Horizons Success Team
May 26, 12:00 p.m. – Project Management Success Team [Learn More]
May 26, 12:00 p.m. – Scholarship Committee Meeting
May 27, 5:30 p.m. - Book Club Success Team
May 28, 6:00 p.m. - One-on-One Mentoring Drop-in Session
June 6, 11:00 a.m. - Go Anyway Brunch Bunch Success Team [Learn More]
June 27-28 - Networking on New Horizons Trip to Denton [Learn More]
July 11 – Pizza My Heart Success Team [Learn More]
November 8-9, 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.