TEXAS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Shaping a STRONGER TEXAS one VISIONARY LEADER at a time
FEBRUARY 4 - 5, 2026
AT&T HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX 78705
WHO WE ARE
Texas Women’s Leadership Conference
A Beacon State Fund project working in conjunction with the Governor’s Commission for Women
We are all dedicated to empowering, educating, and uplifting the Texas community. By working together, we aim to provide impactful opportunities for professional growth, foster leadership, and promote the success of those in state government, business, and beyond.
TEXAS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
We foster a space where innovation, collaboration, and leadership thrive.
The Texas Women’s Leadership Conference, hosted by Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas, and the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women serves as a platform for empowering leaders in state government and business leadership. The conference equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to lead with excellence and drive progress for Texas.
Through expert-led sessions, insightful discussions, and valuable networking opportunities, we foster a space where innovation, collaboration, and leadership thrive. By addressing the key issues impacting Texas’ economy, workforce, and future, the conference aims to inspire and prepare Texas leaders to make a lasting impact. Together, we are shaping a stronger Texas—one visionary leader at a time.
Expert-led sessions
Insightful discussions
Networking opportunities
HOSTED BY
Cecilia Abbott, First Lady of Texas
First Lady Cecilia Abbott has long been a champion of female leadership, drawing from her own experiences as an educator, community leader, and the first Hispanic First Lady of Texas.
Her commitment to empowering women stems from a deep belief in the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and representation in leadership roles across all sectors.
As host of the Texas Women’s Leadership Conference, she finds a meaningful platform to support and inspire women to lead with confidence, purpose, and service. This conference aligns with her values of education, civic engagement, and uplifting future generations of women leaders who will shape Texas’s future with strength and compassion.
Cecilia Abbott’s story reminds us that the American Dream is alive and well in Texas.
The granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico, Cecilia was raised in San Antonio by parents who were both educators, and who instilled in Cecilia, her sister, and two brothers a love of learning and helping others. Cecilia took their lessons to heart and studied at The University of Texas at Austin before subsequently earning three degrees from the University of St. Thomas in Houston: a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Education, and a Master’s degree in Theology.
Host Committee
The Texas Women’s Leadership Conference, made possible by the Beacon State Fund and hosted by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women, provides a dynamic platform to uplift and empower leaders across state government and the business community. We are proud to introduce our Host Committee—an inspiring group of influential women dedicated to advancing leadership in Texas.
The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison, Former US Senator
Denise Bradley, St. David’s HealthCare
Sabrina Brown, Sabrina Brown Consulting
Christy Carlson-Romano, Actress & Host
Mindy Ellmer, Government Affairs Specialist
Gay Gaddis, T3 Founder, Author & Artist
Angela Garcia, Philanthropist & Commentator
Jordan Hale, Gothams
Stacy Hock, Philanthropist & Investor
Corinna Holt Richter, HOLT Group
The Honorable Ruth Ruggero Hughs, Kelly, Hart & Hallman LLP, former Texas Secretary of State
Val LaMantia, L&F Distributors
Lana Macrum, JP Morgan Private Bank
Camila Alves McConaughey, Entrepreneur, founder of Women of Today and NY Times Bestselling Author
Tracye McDaniel, TIP Strategies
Lori McMahon, Toyota
Nancy Murray, RBC Wealth Management
The Honorable Jane Nelson, Secretary of State
Dana Pate, Samsung
Chris Plonsky, University of Texas Athletics
Holly Reed, Ryan, LLC
Jinous Rouhani, Austin Area Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Fertility
Kendra Scott, Founder & Philanthropist
Kristin Tips, Mission Park Funeral Chapels, Cemeteries, and Crematories
Leslie Ward, AT&T
Nathali Parker Weisman, KLP Construction Supply
Lauren Zima, Host & Producer
Thank you to our generous Presenting Sponsors
Event Schedule
TEXAS WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AGENDA
Get Involved
FEBRUARY 4 - 5, 2026 | AT&T CENTER
If you are interested in sponsoring, please reach out via the contact form or by emailing sydney@jhlcompany.com. If you would like to attend, please reserve your spot through Cvent