From the President & CEO

A little over a year ago, I accepted the job of President and CEO of Texas Women’s Foundation. At that time, women and their families continued to reel from the pandemic and its prolonged effects. The world moved into ‘post-COVID’ status, but it was clear that the longterm impacts of the pandemic were not going anywhere. The Foundation staff had been juggling their own lock-down worlds – many mothers worked from home without child care while others cared for vulnerable family members. The Board of Directors acted to support their staff, as women were thinking about the workplace, work culture and obligations at home in different ways.

Like the generations of women who created and sustained the Texas Women’s Foundation mission, the call to action was undeniable. Many women worked hard and sacrificed to ensure I was prepared to meet this moment. I did not step into this challenge alone. A dynamic staff, Board of Directors and community rallied around the Foundation’s efforts to support women and girls. So – as we do – we went to work. members – from across the political spectrum – at the State Capitol.

Last spring, the Foundation honored seven amazing Texas women at the Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration. In the fall, the Foundation reached over 2,000 people at the Annual Luncheon with keynote speaker Allyson Felix and moderator Cynt Marshall. The Foundation’s two annual fundraising events garnered more than $1.5 million in support from all over the state. These events played a large role in TXWF disbursing more than $7.1 million in grants to 223 nonprofit organizations throughout the year.

Finally, TXWF launched a $1.25 million campaign to increase access to reproductive health care across Texas, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In December, $487,125 was granted to eight community organizations from the Reproductive Freedom Initiative, supporting mental health, contraceptive, and health care access in rural and underserved communities across Texas.

Together, the TXWF staff hired eight critical, full-time staff members, including our first Director of Advocacy and Policy. The Foundation launched an updated COVID-19 Economic Issues for Women in Texas report. Using our research, TXWF engaged in grassroots advocacy efforts to reach elected officials ensuring the voices of women and girls across the state were being heard. Last month, the Foundation engaged nearly 100 elected officials and their staff

I am so proud of what the Foundation has accomplished with the support of an amazing staff, Board of Directors, and community. As I reflect on what my hopes were for my first year as President and CEO, I can confidently say that the Foundation not only stayed the course, but we are also creating new paths to expand our influence which results in measurable impact. I am thrilled with our newfound focus on advocacy and policy, and the Foundation is carefully preparing to mobilize even more support for women, girls and families across Texas.

As we finish celebrating Black History Month and transition to Women’s History Month, I thank you for standing with me and with Texas Women’s Foundation as we work to make Texas more equitable for all.

Strong women. Better world.

Thousands of bills have already been filed with hundreds related to child care and health care. The Foundation actively monitors bills and identifies key legislation to champion. Director of Advocacy and Policy, Laura Atlas Kravitz, establishes relationships with child care access stakeholders across the state. Whether advocacy groups, legislators, or businesses, TXWF research has been used to highlight that child care is an increasingly vital work support service for Texans and their families. Recently, Speaker of the House Dade Phelan has announced a renewed effort to expand postpartum Medicaid eligibility to 12 months. For years, TXWF has championed an expansion of post-partum Medcaid. Research makes it clear that healthcare coverage is directly correlated with a reduction in post-partum complications and deaths.

At any moment, policy and priorities can change at the Texas legislative session. Stay proactive in advocating for issues impacting women and girls. Join the Foundation’s grassroots advocacy work by signing up for important updates and calls to action throughout the spring.

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Email Today: txwf.org/advocacy