Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership

The full schedule for the Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit is officially live and the breakout sessions are one of our favorite parts of the day.

This year's breakout sessions span topics from economic development to organizational leadership to navigating high-stakes procedural environments, offering practical insight for professionals across public service.

Take a look at what's ahead, and register today to join us September 25 in Denton.

👉 twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state

We're proud to announce Bobbie Mitchell, Denton County Commissioner for Precinct 3, as the recipient of our 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award!

For over 30 years, Commissioner Mitchell has dedicated her career to serving the people of Denton County — from her early years on the Lewisville City Council to her time as Mayor of Lewisville, and now as County Commissioner since 2000. Along the way, she's held leadership roles across regional and statewide organizations, always finding ways to bring people together for the greater good.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact women can have when they step into public service and the doors that can open for the next generation because of it.

Read more about Commissioner Mitchell's remarkable career here: twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state/jniwl-distinguished-public-service-award/

And don't miss the chance to celebrate her in person! Commissioner Mitchell will be honored at this year's Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit on September 25 at the Denton Convention Center.

Register today: twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state

We're excited to announce our 2026 Summit Keynote Speaker: Karen Hughes.

Hughes served as Counselor to President George W. Bush and Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and has spent her career as one of the world's leading communication strategists, advising everyone from Fortune 500 Executives to global corporations on strategic messaging and crisis communications.

Her experience speaks directly to what this Summit is about: preparing women to lead with confidence in public administration, elected office, and government.

Join us September 25 at the Denton Convention Center for the Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit!

Save your seat by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984567886973?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, visit twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state

Applications are now open for the CWG’s 2027 Spring Texas Legislative Internship in Austin for TWU students. If you are a TWU student and are interested in working in the Texas House or Senate during the 90th legislative session, look for job #11183527 on Handshake and apply by October 12, 2026, to be considered. This is your chance to impact policy in our state and have an inside look at Texas politics!

Need a speaker for an upcoming program or event? The Center for Women in Government Speakers Bureau has you covered! The Speakers Bureau is a free and accessible resource to help you connect with leaders and experts in leadership, service, and civic engagement. Visit https://twu.edu/center-women-government/speakers-bureau/ to learn more.

📢 We're hiring at Texas Woman's University!

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership is seeking a Senior Manager of Data Analytics to join our team at the Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development.

This exciting role will serve as the primary architect of the HerDataTX platform and lead data analytics efforts that support research, workforce development, and evidence-based decision-making across all three centers of the Institute.

The successful candidate will oversee database management, develop public-facing dashboards, conduct advanced data analysis, support research partnerships, and help position TWU as a national leader in women’s leadership research.

We are looking for a strategic and technically skilled professional with expertise in data analytics, database management, statistical analysis, and research support who is passionate about using data to drive meaningful impact.

If you are interested in leveraging data to advance research, inform policy, and elevate women's leadership, we encourage you to apply.

🔗 Apply at twu.edu/humanresources/careers-at-twu/jobs | Job ID: 12644

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Share this post!

Looking for a meaningful summer job that builds your research, leadership, and workforce readiness skills?

The Center for Leadership Research and Workforce Development (CLRWD), a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, is seeking a Summer Research Assistant to join our team and help support a groundbreaking national research initiative focused on women in local elected leadership.

This part-time summer position offers flexible scheduling and the potential to continue during the academic year for students who demonstrate strong performance.

If you're interested in public service, research, data analytics, political science, women's studies, social sciences, public administration or information science, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply through Handshake today and be part of building something new while developing skills that will serve you throughout your career.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit!

📅 Mark your calendars for September 25, 2026, at the Denton Convention Center. This one-day summit brings together leaders and professionals from across Texas public service for a day of inspiration, connection, and conversation.

Early registration is encouraged — space is limited!

👉 Register now: twu.edu/leading-the-lone-star-state

Check out our Speaker's Bureau at https://twu.edu/center-women-government/speakers-bureau/ to find speakers on topics like women in politics, elections, leadership, and more. Our speakers are ready to help you in your next panel or training!

We were honored to welcome Secretary of State Jane Nelson and members of the National Charity League, Inc. to the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University.

Conversations like this help inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and shape the future!