2026 OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN TEXAS GOVERNMENT AWARDS
October 1, 2026 | JW Marriott | Austin, Texas
Presented by the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women and the State Agency Council, the 2026 Outstanding Women in Texas Government Awards celebrated exceptional women in public service and their contributions to the State of Texas. The luncheon honored Shunne Powell, Meredith Garcia, April Hernandez and Lorna Camacho-Olivarez in the categories of Leadership, Professional Development, Community Involvement and Rising Star.
The awards luncheon brought together leaders from across Texas government and the private sector for an afternoon centered on recognition, leadership and public service. Guests heard from distinguished state leaders while celebrating four women whose professional accomplishments, leadership and community service exemplify the best of Texas government.
The program featured special remarks from First Lady Cecilia Abbott and Texas Land Commissioner Dr. Dawn Buckingham, with State Representatives Caroline Harris Davila, Donna Howard and Angelia Orr among the public officials in attendance.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
Fundraising Growth: +27.7%
Sponsorship Revenue Growth: +47.4%
New Sponsor Impact: 56.8% of sponsorship revenue
Location: JW Marriott Austin
Audience: State leaders, agency executives, business leaders, sponsors and public servants
Honorees: Four outstanding women representing Texas state agencies
The 2026 event also demonstrated significant growth in private-sector support, increasing sponsorship revenue by 47.4%. New sponsors accounted for more than half of sponsorship revenue, strengthening the event’s foundation for continued growth.
