2026
SCHEDULE
-
February 4 - Wednesday (Invitation only — access based on sponsorship level benefits)*
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Sponsor Reception at the Governor’s Mansion
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | VIP Dinner
-
February 5 - Thursday morning
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration Opens
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM | General Session #1: Keynote Speaker
Topic: Women in Leadership10:15 AM – 10:30 AM | Networking Break
Interactive Activations Open10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | Breakout Session 1
Choose one of the following sessions:
• You Belong Here: Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Women Leaders
• Building Tomorrow’s Texas: The Power of Collaborative Giving
• Resilient Leadership, Lasting Impact: Women Leading and Lifting in Government
• AI and Emerging Tech in State Government: Preparing Agencies and Workforces for the Future
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Networking Break
Interactive Activations Open11:45 AM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Panel Discussion
Topic: Self Care -
February 5 - Thursday afternoon
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Networking Break
Interactive Activations Open1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Breakout Session 2
Choose one of the following sessions:
• Making the Ask: Branding & Negotiating Skills for Women in Public Service
• Well at Work: How Leaders Can Champion Self-Care in the Workplace
• From Law to Action: Implementing and Modernizing Regulations in Texas Agencies
• Secure Today, Ready for Tomorrow: Financial Wellness for State Employees
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Networking Break
Interactive Activations Open2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Closing Keynote Speaker
Topic: Tech/AI3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Happy Hour & Networking Reception
KEYNOTE
MORNING KEYNOTE
Women Leading with Impact
Leadership takes many forms, but for women at the helm of government, business, and nonprofit organizations, the mission often converges: to serve, to lead, and to uplift others. This dynamic keynote panel brings together high-impact women from across sectors to explore what it takes to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction in today’s complex environment. Through personal stories and practical insights, panelists will discuss how they navigate systems, public and private. Whether scaling a business or crafting policy, these leaders offer a powerful look at how different paths can lead to shared purpose and lasting impact.
SPEAKERS
TBD
LUNCH KEYNOTE
From Surviving to Thriving: The Power of Self-Care in Leadership
Today’s most impactful women leaders know that self-care isn’t a retreat from leadership, but a foundation for it. This keynote panel brings together women who specialize in key areas of wellness, nutrition, mental health, movement, mindfulness, and beyond, who are helping leaders move from survival mode to thriving. Through honest conversation and actionable insight, panelists will explore how they care for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being while guiding complex teams, organizations, and missions. More than personal practice, this session highlights how women are building cultures of care, shifting norms around work, balance, and leadership to create healthier, more human-centered systems that last.
SPEAKERS
Angela Garcia
Camila McConaughey
SC Perot
Allison Ellsworth
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
Powering the Future: Women Leading Tech & Emerging Innovation
Artificial intelligence, robotics, and generative technologies are no longer on the horizon, they’re here, actively reshaping the way we live, work, govern, and connect. As the pace of innovation accelerates, women are stepping into key leadership roles to guide the ethical, and strategic development of these powerful tools. This forward-thinking panel brings together trailblazing women technologists, engineers, futurists, and policymakers who are leading at the cutting edge of automation, immersive technologies, human-AI collaboration, and advanced analytics. Together, they’ll explore how emerging technologies are unlocking new opportunities across industries.
SPEAKERS
Amanda Crawford
Amina AI Sherif
BREAKOUT
MORNING BREAKOUT SESSIONS
You Belong Here: Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Women Leaders
Despite qualifications and achievements, many professional women experience imposter syndrome. This panel brings together various women leaders to share candid stories and provide tools to overcome self-doubt, recognize your value, and lead with confidence.
SPEAKERS
Justice Rebecca
Aizpuru Huddle
Gay Gaddis Tracye McDaniel
Resilient Leadership, Lasting Impact: Women Leading & Lifting in Government
Today’s women leaders in Texas state government are not only navigating change, but they’re also shaping the future. This panel highlights women in state government who have led through policy shifts, organizational change, and uncertainty with resilience and agility. Panelists will explore how they’ve built the skills to adapt and succeed, and how they’re using their platforms to empower the next generation of women leaders. Attendees will walk away with practical strategies for thriving in change, mentoring others, and building a leadership legacy that lasts.
SPEAKERS
Lisa Craven
Julia Rathgeber
AI and Emerging Tech in State Government: Preparing Agencies and Workforces for the Future
Artificial Intelligence is changing the landscape of how we work, serve, and solve problems. This panel explores the current and emerging applications of AI across state agencies and how new technologies can support work. Learn how Texas agencies are approaching innovation ethically and responsibly, and how to leverage AI in your agency day to day.
SPEAKERS
Jennifer Bush Jennie Hoelsche Cassie Jordan
Kerrica Laake Jospeh Leadley
Building Tomorrow’s Texas: The Power of Collaborative Giving
This panel celebrates the power of philanthropy to uplift Texans by uniting the strengths of state agencies, nonprofits, education, and business. When these forces come together, Texans benefit from innovative programs, expanded workforce pathways, and stronger, more resilient communities. Leaders will share inspiring stories of how investments in education, career development, and community partnerships not only expand opportunity for women, families, and future generations, but also strengthen the state’s talent pipeline and economic resilience. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how collaborative leadership and purposeful giving spark lasting change - building classrooms, communities, and a Texas where people and businesses thrive.
SPEAKERS
Becky Calahan
Nancy Chan
AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Making the Ask: Branding & Negotiating Skill for Women in Public Service
From requesting professional development opportunities to securing resources or support, negotiation is a vital leadership skill in public service. This session offers practical strategies for building a strong professional presence and negotiating effectively for yourself and on behalf of your agency.
SPEAKERS
Stephanie Nellons Paige
Margo Richards
Well at Work: How Leaders Can Champion Self-Care in the Workplace
A culture of care starts at the top. This panel explores how leaders and managers can promote small but impactful self-care practices, encourage meaningful pauses, and model healthy work habits within their teams and agencies. Discover strategies to build supportive structures that protect mental, emotional, and physical health—preventing burnout and fostering lasting workplace wellness.
SPEAKERS
Ashka Dave
Lisa Jammer Jackie Padgett
Lori Wagner
From Law to Action: Implementing & Modernizing Regulations in Texas Agencies
After legislation passes, agencies take the lead in turning policy into practice. This panel explores how teams manage implementation, rulemaking, and stakeholder engagement while staying compliant and aligned with legislative goals. Learn how agencies are also modernizing regulations to ensure clarity, consistency, and responsiveness to Texas’s evolving needs.
SPEAKERS
Nichole Bunker Henderson
Erin Chancellor
Angela Colmenero
Judith Talavera
Secure Today, Ready for Tomorrow: Financial Wellness for State Employees
Financial literacy is the foundation of long-term stability. This panel will cover practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and planning for retirement, empowering state employees to take control of their financial future. Experts will also highlight tools and resources available through the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas that can support smart decision-making and long-term security.