GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

We are HERE for WomenTEXAS

PROMOTING HONORING ENCOURAGING PROTECTING

GOVERNOR.STATE.TX.US/WOMEN FACEBOOK.COM/TEXASWOMEN governor.state.tx.us/women 1 OVERVIEW INITIATIVES A division of the Texas Governor's Office, the Governor’s Commission for Women TEXAS WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME History specializes in outreach, education, research and referral. Over the past decade the The Governor’s Commission for Women established the First Lady Anita Perry Commission has created the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame permanent exhibit; Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1984 to honor the remarkable PRICE Free achievements of Texas women while sharing their stories of launched a statewide education initiative for more than 27,000 students promoting HOURS Monday determination and innovation. The biennial awards highlight healthy teen dating; donated more than $350,000 through the Beacon State Fund to through Friday 8:00 am Texas women who have made significant contributions, often causes impacting women and children; responded to more than 1,000 individual to 5:00 pm (except despite great odds. Past honorees include first ladies, during university requests for assistance; provided free career development training to hundreds of Olympic athletes and astronauts. Nominations are submitted holidays) state agency employees; hosted the Outstanding Women in Texas Government from across the state and reviewed by a panel of judges. Awards ceremony to recognize the achievements of female state employees; and SPECIAL TOURS In 2003, the Commission established a permanent launched numerous statewide public awareness campaigns. Contact University For the past 13 years, Texas First Lady Anita Perry has worked to 1961 Following President John F. exhibit for the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on the Administration Office at campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. promote initiatives to benefit Texans Kennedy's establishment of the 940.898.3644. throughout the state. United States Commission on the The exhibit displays the biographies and photographs MORE INFORMATION Status of Women, similar state and of the women who have been chosen to represent the Educated as a nurse, Mrs. Perry local commissions began to be www.twu.edu/twhf We encourage Texas women and girls to very best from our state. draws from her 17 years of nursing as established across the country. In she advocates for healthcare issues. Texas, several women's professional pursue careers in science, technology, The First Lady’s initiatives organiza­tions lobbied the legislative engineering, and mathematics. complement those of the Governor’s and executive branches of state Commission on Women. government in favor of a U.S. women currently hold only 25 percent of jobs in the LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON commission for women. high-paying and high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Governor’s Commission for Women hosts a 1967 Governor John Connally luncheon during legislative session years to honor established the Texas Commission on the Status of Women. This the women members of the Texas Legislature, commission was charged with while raising awareness of the Commission’s work. exploring ways for women to Proceeds from the biennial event fund the continue their roles as wives and We offer Texas' military families and veterans mothers while contributing to the emergency financial assistance, resources and Commission’s non-profit organization, The Beacon world around them and with support through our partner organizations. State Fund, which supports Commission programs recommending ways to end unequal Governor addresses more and initiatives. Each year, the First Lady hosts the policies affecting women. Texas has the highest population of Women Veterans in the than 400 guests at the 2011 luncheon. Texas Conference for Women, an United States and is home to the largest military base in the enrichment opportunity she and the 1983 Governor Mark White country. There are 1.2 million military families living in Texas. Governor founded 14 years ago. The established the Governor's conference, the largest of its kind in Commission for Women essentially as the state, draws more than 5,000 it exists today. The Commission BREAST CANCER AWARENESS women to network and hear sponsored conferences and motivational speakers and panelists established the State Agency Liaison October is National Breast Cancer on topics such as professional Group, which later became the State We honor outstanding women of development, work/life balance and Agency Council. Awareness Month and for more than 15 achievement. years, the Governor’s Commission for healthy lifestyles. 1984 The Commission launched the More than one hundred unique, talented and Women has coordinated a breast cancer The First Lady’s work in promoting Texas Women's Hall of Fame. pioneering women are part of the Texas Women's awareness press event and reception. The tourism and economic development helps Texas continue to be one of 2003 The Commission established a Hall of Fame. event honors survivors, pays tribute to the top three destinations in the permanent exhibit for the Texas those who have lost their battle with breast country. Texas tourism generates Women’s Hall of Fame at Texas cancer, and stresses the importance of self billions of dollars each year for the Woman’s University. examination, mammograms and general state’s economy. TODAY Women’s commissions are women’s health. Our partner agencies Mrs. Perry earned a bachelor’s degree found in cities, counties and states, include the Texas Department of State We promote workforce training and in nursing from West Texas State each affiliated with government and Health Services, American Cancer Society, University, now West Texas A&M working on the issues that impact employment of job-seekers 50 and older. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Austin University, and a master’s degree in the women in their respective Today, 1.5 million aged 55 to 64 are unemployed, Affiliate, and the Cancer Prevention and Hundreds of pink and white balloons are nursing from the University of Texas jurisdictions. including many women re-entering the job market after Research Institute of Texas. released by survivors in honor of those Health Science Center in San Antonio. who lost their fight against breast cancer. the death of a spouse. Cover artwork courtesy of Missi Jay of Gigglebox Design. Back cover illustration by Connie Weeks.

2 Texas Governor's Commission for Women governor.state.tx.us/women 3 MEET THE WOMEN of the 83RD TEXAS LEGISLATURE

Dr. Donna Campbell Joan Huffman Jane Nelson Leticia Van de Putte Naomi Gonzalez Patricia Harless Linda Harper-Brown Ana Hernandez Luna Donna Howard Senator Senator Senator Senator Senator Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative FLOWER MOUND SAN ANTONIO NEW BRAUNFELS FORT WORTH HOUSTON EL PASO SPRING IRVING HOUSTON AUSTIN

Jodie Laubenberg Marisa Márquez Judith Zaffirini Alma Allen Carol Alvarado Cindy Burkett Angie Chen Button Susan King Stephanie Klick Lois Kolkhorst Representative Representative Senator Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative PARKER EL PASO LAREDO HOUSTON HOUSTON SUNNYVALE GARLAND ABILENE FORT WORTH BRENHAM

Stefani Carter Nicole Collier Myra Crownover Sarah Davis Yvonne Davis Ruth Jones McClendon Geanie Morrison Diane Patrick Mary Ann Perez Debbie Riddle Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative DALLAS FORT WORTH DENTON HOUSTON DALLAS SAN ANTONIO VICTORIA ARLINGTON HOUSTON TOMBALL

March is Women’s History Month and the Governor’s Commission for Women will honor the 37 Texas female legislators at a luncheon on March 21, 2013.

For more information please visit: governor.state.tx.us/women Dawnna Dukes Marsha Farney Jessica Farrar Helen Giddings Mary González Toni Rose Senfronia Thompson Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative Representative AUSTIN GEORGETOWN HOUSTON DALLAS CLINT DALLAS HOUSTON

4 Texas Governor's Commission for Women governor.state.tx.us/women 5 SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

MILITARY PARTNERS benefits and services, and by coordinating 22,000 girls, grades K-12, and 13,000 adult evidence-based prevention programs and TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY supplemental services and support with local volunteers in 46 Central Texas counties. Girl services throughout the state. www.twu.edu OPERATION HOMEFRONT governments and community organizations. Scouts is the premier leadership organization An act of the 27th Legislature in 1901 Commissions for Women www.operationhomefront.net TVC recognizes and honors the contributions for girls. The EDGE (Energize, Develop, Grow, founded the Girls Industrial College as a Operation Homefront provides emergency TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH National Association of and services of Texas Women Veterans who Excel) Program offers opportunities to SERVICES BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER public institution that would become Texas financial and other assistance to the families of Commissions for Women have volunteered and served in the US increase girls’ technical skills, confidence and SERVICES Woman's University in 1957. TWU 201 Hunters Crossing Blvd., Suite our service members and wounded warriors. Military, Reserves, and/or National Guard, in interest in science and technology careers. www.dshs.state.tx.us/bcccs continues today as a public university that 10-172 defense of our nation. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Services offers a comprehensive catalog of academic Bastrop, TX 78602 MILITARY MENTORING PROGRAM (855) 703-NACW TEXAS GIRLS COLLABORATIVE PROJECT program (BCCS) offers clinical breast studies, including baccalaureate, master's www.bigmentoring.org/military www.nacw.org www.txgcp.org examinations, mammograms, pelvic In support of our country’s military person­nel and doctoral degrees. TWU is the largest EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS The Texas Girls Collaborative Project is led examinations, and Pap tests throughout and their families, Big Brothers Big Sisters has university primarily for women in the United Governor’s Commission for TEXAS WOMEN IN BUSINESS by the Women in Engineering Program at Texas at no or low-cost to "eligible" Women established the Military Mentor­ing Program. States, with the main campus in Denton and www.texaswomeninbusiness.org the University of Texas and seeks to connect women. Since 1991, the BCCS program has 1100 San Jacinto This program serves to reinforce the health science centers in Dallas and Houston. An organization that encourages and organizations and individuals across Texas screened 288,434 women for breast or Austin, TX 78701 connection between a child and their parents empowers female business owners to achieve committed to informing and motivating girls cervical cancer. The goal of Texas' BCCS is (512) 475-2615 by offering a friend and an ally to children 2-1-1 their per­sonal and professional goals through to pursue careers in science, technology, to reduce mortality from breast cancer and www.governor.state.tx.us/women within military families. www.211texas.org education, development, mentoring, engineering and mathematics (STEM). cervical cancer in Texas. The 2-1-1 program provides Texans with free, Austin Commission for Women networking, service, and leadership. confidential referral services to connect 2800 Spirit of Texas Drive WARRIOR AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER BREAST CANCER PARTNERS OTHER COMMISSION PARTNERS people to resources in their local Austin, TX 78719 www.bamc.amedd.army.mil/military/wfsc WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF (512) 530-8202 community. Phones are staffed 24 hours a The Warrior and Family Support Center TEXAS AUSTIN AFFILIATE OF SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR GENAUSTIN www.austintexas.gov/commission- day, 7 days a week to provide resources for provides coordinated services to patients, www.womenschambertexas.com THE CURE www.genaustin.org forwomen housing, child care, food stamps, physical or next-of-kin and extended Family Members The Women’s Chamber of Commerce of www.komenaustin.org/about-us GENAustin's mission is to support and guide mental health counseling, substance abuse El Paso Commission for Women Texas supports the economic empowerment Since 1999, the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. girls to make wise choices as they navigate with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Post Office Box 3897 of women through relationship networking, Komen for the Cure has been hard at work treatment, or employment information. Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring the unique pressures of girlhood. El Paso, TX 79923 Freedom Warriors. business and leadership development, and here in the Austin area raising money to (915) 253-1616 advocacy in the private and public arenas. provide FREE breast cancer screening, TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN www.elpasowomen.org AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN education and medical services as well as www.txconferenceforwomen.org CAMP BETTER AMERICA www.austintexas.gov/commissionforwomen financial and emotional support. The Texas Conference for Women is the Fort Worth Commission for www.campbetteramerica.org SCORE Serves as an advisory body to the city Women largest women’s conference in the state. Camp Better America is an organization www.score.org council and city manager concerning the 1150 South Freeway, Suite 106 Please join us in Austin on November 19, whose mission is to reconnect military families SCORE is a non-profit association dedicated AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY needs and problems of women in the Austin Fort Worth, TX 76104 2013 for the 15th Annual Conference (817) 212-2665 by giving them the tools they need to create, to helping small businesses get off the www.cancer.org area and shall recommend programs hosted by Governor Rick Perry and First www.fortworthtexas.gov/boards/ build and achieve their dreams. ground, grow and achieve their goals through For nearly 100 years, the American Cancer designed to alleviate any inequities that may Lady Anita Perry. women education and mentorship. Society (ACS) has worked relentlessly to save confront women in social, economic and lives and create a world with less cancer and vocational pursuits. Laredo Commission for Women F7 GROUP GIRLS IN TECHNOLOGY more birthdays. Together with millions of our City Secretary’s Office www.f7group.com supporters worldwide, we’re helping people 1110 Houston Street PARTNERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMISSIONS F7 Group is dedicated to securing and stay well, helping people get well, finding Laredo, TX 78040 providing resources, training, support and GIRLSTART FOR WOMEN (956) 791-7399 cures, and fighting back against cancer. www.nacw.org mentoring to Female Veterans and Women in www.girlstart.org www.ci.laredo.tx.us/lcw/Index.html NACW is committed to equality and justice Military Families. Girlstart's mission is to empower girls in science, technology, engineering and math CANCER PREVENTION AND RESEARCH for women by increasing the effectiveness of Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women (STEM). INSTITUTE OF TEXAS member commissions and serving as their TEXAS VETERANS COMMISSION City of San Antonio www.cprit.state.tx.us national voice. www.tvc.state.tx.us/Women-Veterans.aspx Post Office Box 839966 CPRIT’s goal is to expedite innovation and The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) serves San Antonio, TX 78283-3966 GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL TEXAS Governor Rick Perry, Texas First Lady Anita Texas’ Women Veterans by helping them and commercialization in the area of cancer (210) 207-8998 www.gsctx.org Perry and the Texas Governor's Commission their family members obtain their government research and to enhance access to for Women. Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves more than

6 Texas Governor's Commission for Women governor.state.tx.us/women 7 Legislative Luncheon Honoring Women Members of the 83rd Legislature Hosted by the Governor's Commission for Women

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 11:30 am-1:00 pm Sheraton Austin at the Capitol 701 East 11th Street

Register at www.governor.state.tx.us/women