Recognizing the outstanding work and achievements of our graduates!
Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Award Honoree
Congratulations to Leadership America 2014 graduate Amy Stewart for her nomination and recognition as one of the twenty-five 2019 Minority Business Leader Award honorees who were honored on February 12, 2019.. As noted by the Dallas Business Journal, this year’s honorees “represented a variety of industries and roles, in addition to displaying an excellent track record of community service.”
Amy is one of the Founding Partners of Stewart Law Group, a minority and woman-owned litigation boutique in Texas. Also certified by the National Association of Women and Minority Owned Law Firms, Stewart Law Group brings a culturally diverse perceptive to the legal practice.
In addition to her recent award, Amy was elected to the Dallas Bar Association’s Board of Directors as a Director-At-Large in January.
Leadership Lessons from Colleen Brinkmann and the North Texas Food Bank
Make sure you add Colleen Brinkmann’s new book, “Moonshot Leadership: Catalyzing an Enduring Nonprofit Brand (Against All Odds)” on your reading list. The former chief philanthropy officer of the North Texas Food Bank shares in her book how she went from a childhood in India to successfully leading a $55 million capital campaign.
Our very own Leadership Texas 2010 graduate recently chatted with D Magazine’s Frontburner to discuss her motivation for the book, her tenure with the NTFB, the loss of Jan Pruitt (LT’09, LA’12), and her salute to fellow LT’10 classmate Trisha Cunningham.
Check out the full interview and Colleen’s plans for the future at D Magazine Online.
Karen Howard....Madam President
Leadership Texas 2016 graduate Karen Howard has been elected as the new President of Executive Women in Texas Government starting in January 2019. Most recently, Karen served as EWTG’s Vice President and assumes the President-Elect position vacated by Tanya Skaarup (LT’14). Leadership Women wishes Karen a truly successful year!
Karen Howard has been employed with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Office for over 34 years. She currently is a Supervisor and Training Coordinator in Tax Policy/Taxpayer Services Division. She manages over 30 employees in a call center environment. Prior to Karen moving to the Tax Policy division, she worked in the Revenue Administration division for more than 33 years. In addition, she serves on several panels and committees. A few of her accomplishments include; Special Events Coordinator for the Taxpayer Services and Revenue Processing Division and Vice President and Secretary of Black American Comptroller Employees (BACE). She earned the title of “Certified Trainer” for her diligent work in developing training manuals and facilitating training classes for Revenue Processing and Revenue Administration. Karen was also the Electronic Content Management System (ECMS) Transition Team Chair. In 2009, Karen started her tenure with EWTG as a volunteer on the Conference Program Committee. She enjoyed being a volunteer; and shortly thereafter became the Conference Program Committee Chair. She has currently held that position for 4 years. To further expand her knowledge and networking skills, Karen accepted the position on the 2015 EWTG Board of Director as the Mini Course Director. In addition, Karen was nominated to the 2016 EWTG Board of Director as the Program Director.
Impact at the State Level
Recently appointed to the Board of Social Work Examiners, Leadership Texas 2011 graduate Megan Graham, recalls when she came back from each of her LT sessions on fire and eager to part of the solution to the issues facing the state. “A few years ago, I decided I make an impact on the state level, so I got my application together for the Board of Social Work Examiners. This was possible because of Leadership Texas!”
Encouraged to apply for Leadership Texas by ’95 LT graduate Nancy Neal, Nancy was also the first reference on her application list. “Thanks in part, to this LT sister’s support, I am honored to have been appointed by the Governor to a four year term,” notes Megan.
Returning from her first weekend on the Board of Social Work Examiners, Megan says, “I have already learned so much about the process of licensing and accreditation for social workers. I am excited to be part of helping our government run as effectively as possible.”
Megan exclaims, “I truly believe that my time with Leadership women and my connections to women of leadership have allowed me to continue on a grander scale to the service for which I feel called. Thank you for your work to empower and motivate women.”
EWTG Woman of the Year
Leadership Women congratulates, 2016 Leadership Pipeline and 2018 Leadership Texas graduate Shalyn Bridges for her recognition as EWTG’s 2018 Women of the Year! Executive Women in Texas Government (EWTG) recognizes one outstanding member as “Woman of the Year” who demonstrates excellence in her personal and professional life, as well as commitment to the community. This distinguished member is judged across five categories including: educational achievements, career accomplishments, participation in EWTG, community involvement and overall leadership qualities.
As noted in the December edition of the EWTG Star, “Shalyn Bridges, met and exceeded the expectations to earn this prominent award. Shalyn was born in Galveston County, Texas and grew up in La Marque, Texas. She currently serves as a Senior Paralegal & Law Librarian working for the Texas Legislative Council. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History & Politics from Cornell College and a Master of Library and Information Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin. Shalyn is a Certified Paralegal and a certified etiquette consultant. She is an active member of EWTG, serving since 2009 on various committees and as a board member during 2017 and 2018. In addition to her membership with EWTG, she serves the community through the Austin Junior Forum, The State Agency Libraries of Texas and is the owner & instructor of the Bridges Etiquette & Academics, LLC. ”
Of her participation in Leadership Texas 2018, Shalyn reflects as her number-one take-away, “The things that divide us might seem big and complicated, but they are outnumbered by the values we have in common. Common ground is the starting point to finding solutions.”
For more information on the EWTG and Shalyn’s recognition, check out EWTG’s website.
Women In Business
We are proud to announce that the October Issue of Arlington Today features recent 2018 Leadership America graduate, Mary German (center). As Chief Operating Officer of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Executive Director, Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation, she has been instrumental in developing innovative programs that benefit the city of Arlington, Texas. As noted, “there’s rarely a day that the 26-year ACVB veteran isn’t busy helping enhance the appeal of the city to folks who visit.”
Mary created the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation, the 501c3 non-profit charitable arm of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. The foundation is an innovative and solution-driven program that focuses on assisting youth with educational attainment, financial support and career opportunities in travel, tourism and sports management, and providing workforce solutions for tourism industry employers.
“I’m inspired by many world and local leaders whose vision and good deeds have had an indelible impact on civilization and the communities they serve,” she says. “I try to create opportunities for innovation and growth, strive for excellence and lead with integrity and honor.”
For more check out Arlington Today’s October Issue.
Neighborhood Service Organization Names Linda Little President & CEO-Elect

Linda Little, LA’2017

Sheilah Clay, LW Board Member
Congratulations to Leadership America 2017 graduate, Linda Little, for her recent appointment as the President and Chief Executive Officer-Elect for Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), one of Michigan’s leading social service agencies. Current NSO President & CEO, LW Board Member and Leadership America 2014 graduate, Sheilah Clay will retire on December 31, 2018, after 18 years at the helm of NSO.
In their October 1 press release, NSO Board President Richard Lichtenstein said, “I want to praise Sheilah Clay for the extraordinary dedication, knowledge and leadership that she has compassionately provided to NSO over the past 22 years. Finding an executive with industry specific experience to follow her lead was no easy task.”
Dr. Lichtenstein added, “We are pleased that Linda Little has joined our agency as President and CEO-Elect. Linda’s deep experience in clinical healthcare, behavioral health, care management, education and financial management is unparalleled in this marketplace. Importantly, her previous involvement as an NSO Board member and her dedication to our mission make her uniquely qualified.”
Leadership Women also congratulates Sheilah Clay for her dedication and commitment to NSO. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter!
One woman's fight for New Orleans' future
As part of a two-year tricentennial celebration, the Times-Picayune and NOLA.com embarked on a celebration of 300 events that shaped New Orleans, and 300 people who have made it a better place. One such person…Leadership America 2017 graduate, Melissa Sawyer!
Melissa’s work with the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) was focused in “Just say YEP: One woman’s fight for New Orleans’ future.” A native of Canada, Melissa came to New Orleans in 1998 with Teach for America and left two years later to get a Master’s degree from Harvard. She would later return to work for the Juvenile Justice under the Post Disposition Project to get young people out of jail. The article on NOLA.com states, “Sawyer realized there were no programs to help kids when they returned to their communities and tried to get an education so they could find work.” Thus YEP was born.
When asked why she stays in New Orleans, Melissa was quoted, “”Seeing for the first time the amount of dire poverty and the inequitable distribution of wealth in New Orleans was so staggering. I think that’s why I’m still here, quite frankly. We have so much work that we need to do. I don’t feel like I’ve played a big enough role in trying to make it better.” Read more at NOLA.com.
Anna Roach Fulton County's new COO
Leadership America 2018 graduate, Anna Roach, has just been named the new COO of Fulton County in Georgia.
The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported, “Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson has promoted the county’s chief strategy officer, Anna Roach, to become Fulton’s new chief operating officer. Roach has worked for Fulton County for five years. Before that, she spent 14 years as a criminal defense attorney and as a consultant to various government agencies, including MARTA, the Georgia Division of Aging Services and the city of East Point, Ga.”
“Anna’s leadership and acumen as an administrator made her a natural fit for this role,” Anderson said. “She is an innovator whose contributions to Fulton County have already accelerated our progress in areas of behavioral health, justice and performance management. I look forward to her continued success in this new role.”
LT Impact: The Value of Mentorship
Alyssa Cervantes, LT’16, Associate Managing Director at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in El Paso, met America Adame during her Leadership Texas year. After America shared her story during a presentation at Amarillo College, Alyssa introduced herself. She saw the opportunity to show America that she could triumph and succeed in spite of life’s obstacles – and she has served as her mentor ever since. Alyssa challenged America to make good on her promise to graduate from college and as her mentor, she would accompany her every step of the way in her journey, to ensure that America reached every milestone and accomplishment that she dreamed to reach.
America graduated with a bachelor’s degree this past May, but Alyssa continues to mentor and guide her. “I remind her regularly that she is my role model, and one day, will tell her story to so many more young ladies who need to hear it. I know that one day soon, she will trade places with me, and will mentor young ladies just like herself,” adds Alyssa.
Leadership Women applauds Alyssa for exhibiting real leadership in action and for her commitment to mentoring America.
STEM Award at Murray State Honors 2 LW Board Members
The Murray State University TSM (Technology Solutions Management) program announced a new award to be given to women in technology. They have named it the Lana Garner Porter Award for Women in Technology to honor Lana Porter who has been a Murray State alumnae and has had an illustrious career in technology including AT&T and Ameritech Library Systems (the world’s largest provider of software for libraries).
The first honoree of this award is another Murray State alumnae, Trisha Cunningham, who had a 30 year career at Texas Instruments and rose through this technical company serving in many marketing capacities and was the Chief Citizen Officer before retiring in 2016. Since then, she has become the CEO of North Texas Food Bank, one of the tenth largest food banks in the country.
LW congratulates Board members Lana and Trisha!
United Way Award to Carolyn Schmies
Congratulations to Carolyn Schmies, LW Ambassador, for receiving the Barbara Ann Kazen Award from the United Way of Laredo Board of Directors in recognition of her volunteer spirit.
The Barbara Ann Kazen Award was created to recognize an individual who brings hope for a brighter tomorrow and faithfully gives of themselves to care, love and advocate for those less fortunate. Carolyn is on the Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers (LVA), working to help hundreds of non-reading adults by developing fundraisers such as the “Adult Spelling Bee.” She has also developed fundraising programs at Laredo Community College to support the United Way.
LW Graduate Featured in Dallas Morning News
Beverley Wright, LA’05, LT’09, was recently featured in the May 1, 2018 issue of the Dallas Morning News, sharing her insights in starting her Coaching Business, Wright Choice Group, later in life.
Beverley states, “I see potential in people and I enjoy bringing that to the forefront.” And while her business allows her to coach business leaders in the areas of healthcare, financial services and transportation, she has also coached emerging leaders in our Leadership Pipeline program. LW would like to thank Beverley for her continued support of LW programs, her wisdom and leadership savvy.
Check out the full article here.
The Hospitals of Providence Announce New CEO of Transmountain Campus
Tasha Hopper, LT’18, is the new CEO of The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain hospital campus. She replaces Nicholas Tejeda, who recently was promoted to Providence’s El Paso Market CEO. Hopper, a registered nurse, has worked for Providence for 20 years. She previously was chief operating officer for the Transmountain campus, and oversaw construction of the hospital, which opened in 2017. She received her Bachelor’s degree in nursing, and Master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Texas at El Paso.
This just in...LT 2014 Graduate Wins City Council Race
Canadian, Texas held a City Council Election on May 5th with Leadership Texas 2014 graduate and political newcomer, Wendie Cook, taking one of the three open seats available. As the results rolled in, Wendie posted, “A giant thank you to Canadian for giving me an opportunity to work for you. It will be my honor to do so. Now, it’s time for the work to begin. Cheers to our bright future!”
It's Official....Solis is El Paso's New Judge Elect for the 243rd District
LT 2012’s Selena Solis has officially announced that she is the Judge Elect for the 243rd District Court seat. Selena wrote on her campaign Facebook page, “It’s finally official! I’m the Judge Elect for the 243rd District Court. I am honored to continue my service in this capacity to El Paso, one of the best communities in the state! A heartfelt thank you for all your support. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be the sole nominee in the general election.”
Congratulations Selena!
Do you know of a LW graduate that has recently been promoted, received an award or been otherwise recognized as an outstanding leader? Please let us know!
Changing the Face of Government
Leadership Women would like to recognize and thank the following graduates for running for political office and to those that continue to serve.
- Missy Bender (LT’12), Board of Trustees, Plano Independent School District, Texas
- Katherine Cabaniss (LA’13) – 248th Criminal Court, Harris County, Texas
- Ann-Marie Carruth (LT’18) – GOP Candidate for Lubbock Justice of the Peace, Precinct #4, Texas
- Wendie Cook (LT’14) – Canadian City Council Member
- Christi Kennedy (LT’17) – Judge of the 114th District Court, Smith County, Texas
- Mercy Murguia (LA’14) – Commissioner Precinct Two, Potter County, Texas
- Kim Olson, Col USAF, ret. (LA’15) – 2018 Democratic Nominee, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture
- Selena Solis (LT’12) – Judge Elect, 243rd District Court, El Paso, Texas
- Randa Trapp (LA’97) – Judge of the Superior Court of San Diego County in California
- Celina Vasquez (LT’13, LA’14) – Candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, Brazos Valley, Texas