About Our Speakers

Dominique Anderson

Owner, Blissful Sky Studio

Professor at Abilene Christian U. & owner of Blissful Sky Studio, advancing Texas film through workforce development and industry leadership

Melissa Chapman-Ait Belaid

Director, Member Engagement, LEE

Civic leadership coach, municipal elected leader building infrastructure to drive learning, engagement, systems-level impact across sectors.

Marcella Clinard, PhD

Associate Director, JNIWL Center for Women in Government

In her role within the Jane Nelson Institute, Dr. Clinard brings expertise in multicultural women’s and gender studies to her work at TWU.

Myra Crownover

Former Texas State Representative

A business leader and former legislator, Crownover brings insight and influence to shaping policy that impacts Texans statewide.

Denise Davis

Partner, Davis Kaufman PLLC

Davis is a consistently top-ranked Texas lobbyist with deep roots in public service, having held senior roles in the Texas House and Senate.

Jill Dutton

Former Texas State Representative

A former Texas State Representative for House District 2, Jill made history as the first woman elected to represent the district.

Angela Farley

Founder, AI Farley Consulting, LLC

As an AI consultant, Farley brings extensive experience in economic development, education, and workforce strategy to her leadership work.

Carine M. Feyten

Chancellor and President, Texas Woman’s University

Carine M. Feyten serves as chancellor & president of Texas Woman’s University, the nation’s largest public university with a focus on women.

Kristen Gunther

Partner, MPK&D

Kristen supports higher education, nonprofit, and government clients, translating complex topics into compelling, values-oriented messaging.

Teneshia Hudspeth

Harris County Clerk

As County Clerk & Chief Election Official of Harris County, Hudspeth made history as the first African American woman elected to the role.

Jill Jester

Council Member, At Large Place 6, City of Denton

A Denton native and attorney, Jester brings decades of community leadership and civic service to the Place 6 City Council seat.

Morgan LaMantia

Community Relations & Government Affairs Manager, L&F Distributors

Morgan brings a legal background and public service experience, having served as a Texas State Senator and in leadership roles across Texas.

Tracey Long

SVP/Commercial Loan Officer at Worthington Bank

Long serves as a community leader in Denton, with active roles on multiple boards focused on local business development & civic engagement.

Juli Luke

Denton County Clerk

Luke brings more than 20 years of county government experience and a commitment to operational excellence, transparency, and innovation.

Shannon Mantaro

Executive Director/Chief Officer, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

Mantaro leads the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, advancing women’s leadership statewide through numerous initiatives.

Lynn McBee

CEO, Young Women’s Preparatory Network

Lynn brings decades of leadership in workforce development, education, and community service to driving opportunities across the region.

Katherine McLane

CEO/President, Mach 1

McLane is a veteran leader recognized nationally for empowering women professionals across government relations, media, and public affairs.

Maria Mendez

Vice President, Government and Education for Cigna

Mendez serves as Government and Education growth leader for Cigna across three states, bringing 27 years of health industry experience.

Jane Nelson

Former Texas Secretary of State

Jane Nelson was appointed the 115th Texas Secretary of State by Governor Greg Abbott on January 5, 2023.

Neena Newberry

President, Newberry Executive Solutions

Newberry brings more than 25 years of executive coaching expertise to Fortune 500 leaders, with a deep commitment to community leadership.

Ali Nichols

Deputy Director of the Texas Film Commission

As Deputy Director of the Texas Film Commission, Ali promotes Texas as a premier destination for film and media production.

Cassey Ogden

Interim City Manager, City of Denton

Appointed Interim City Manager in 2026, Ogden is a Texas Woman’s alumna with over 15 years of dedicated service to the Denton community.

Hope Osborn

Executive Director, LBJ Women’s Campaign School

Hope brings extensive experience navigating the Texas Capitol and a career dedicated to empowering women in politics and public service.

Marlene Phillips

Director, Center for Women in Government, JNIWL

From Capitol Hill to a tenured Foreign Service Officer, and now in higher ed, Phillips has never diverged from her public service focus.

Caryn Riggs

Vice President, ZacTax Finance

Riggs serves as Vice President of ZacFinance, & brings extensive municipal finance experience from her leadership roles across North Texas.

LaShon Ross

Plano Deputy City Manager

LaShon is a public servant with 37+ years of leadership, dedicated to developing people, strengthening organizations, & serving communities.

Shannon Scott, PhD

Professor, Division of Social Work, Texas Woman’s University

Dr. Shannon Scott is a psychologist and higher education leader advancing student success, faculty development, and responsible AI.

Wandaliz Turner

Director of Community Relations, Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

Wandaliz brings over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, public service, and strategic partnership development.

Matilda Weeden

Economic Development Specialist, City of Denton

As Economic Development Specialist, Weeden manages film and music certifications while supporting small businesses and special projects.

Calie Willis

Chief of Strategic Relationships, City of Coppell

A Texas Woman’s alumna, Willis leads initiatives in employee culture, community partnerships, & legislative advocacy in the City of Coppell.

Suzann Woodard

Director of Government Relations, Texas Woman’s University

Suzann brings over 25 years of experience across the Texas Legislature, statewide associations, higher education, & nonprofit organizations.

Lee Woodward

City Secretary/PIO, City of La Porte

Lee is also a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk, & an instructor of Texas municipal election law, open government, & parliamentary procedure.

2026 keynote speaker

2026 featured speakers