Erin Brockovich. Photo courtesy of Texas Woman’s University.
Women leaders from across the nation convened on Oct. 17 in Denton for a summit aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of women in public service. Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service, a one-day conference hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University in Denton brought together 250 women from various backgrounds in public service, supporting and encouraging them to greater engagement in public service careers, elected office, appointed positions and advocacy and public policy roles.
Photo courtesy of TWU.
Environmental activist Erin Brockovich, known for her key role in one of the largest medical settlement lawsuits in history and the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film “Erin Brockovich,” was among the speakers. So were Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson and Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham.
The event featured sessions on the critical importance of building public trust in government through ethical practices, managing ethical dilemmas, crisis communication, promoting transparency and journalism’s role in the Texas government, information provided by TWU stated.
Carine M. Feyten, chancellor and president of TWU, and Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson. Photo courtesy of TWU.
Separately, the institute will present the 2024 Nancy P. and Thaddeus E. Paup Lecture “Follow Your Passions While Honoring Your Priorities,” featuring communication strategist and former counselor to President George W. Bush Karen Hughes.
The event will take place at 7 p.m. tonight in TWU’s Bridges Auditorium and will be streamed live.
Hughes, a Texas Women’s Hall of Fame inductee, will share insights from her leadership experiences, offering personal anecdotes and lessons on empowerment, resilience and self-advocacy, a TWU press release stated.
Hughes began her career in 1977 as a television reporter in Dallas-Fort Worth. Her journey includes serving as the Texas press coordinator for the 1984 Reagan-Bush campaign, communications director for Gov. George W. Bush from 1994 to 2000, and counselor to Bush from 2001 to 2002. Hughes later held the position of undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs from 2005 to 2007. In recognition of her exemplary work, she was inducted into the PRWeek Hall of Fame in 2020, cementing her status as one of the world’s foremost communication strategists.
The lecture series, established through the generosity of Nancy and Ted Paup, aims to provide the TWU and Denton communities with speakers who are bold, innovative and renowned experts in their fields, stated information from TWU. The Paups, longtime supporters of TWU, reside in Fort Worth and have been instrumental in promoting education, the arts and historical preservation throughout Texas.
The event will recognize recipients of the Regents’ Scholarship, an initiative established by the Paups in 2023. The scholarship supports academically exceptional juniors and seniors who demonstrate leadership inside and outside the classroom. TWU aims to secure at least 10 commitments to the Regents’ Scholarship Initiative by the conclusion of the university’s DREAM BIG Campaign in 2026.
This year’s scholarship recipients include:
Nancy P. and Thaddeus E. Paup Regents’ Endowed Scholarship: Jessica McAdams, a senior from Collinsville and an art/graphic design major; and Ashley Latchford, a senior kinesiology major from Buffalo, New York. Sharon Faye Wilbur Regents’ Endowed Scholarship: Mercedes Shook, a senior from Fort Worth and a music therapy major; and Ellen A. Amirkhan Regents’ Endowed Scholarship: Malia Viernes, a senior from Cibolo and a business administration major.
The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required for in-person and livestream attendance. For information or to register, visit twu.edu/pauplecture/2024-paup-lecture/.
Frisco-based Le-Vel, known for nutrition and lifestyle products, has donated about 64,000 of its meal replacement shakes–valued at nearly $225,000—to Convoy of Hope to support those affected by the devastating aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This donation aims to provide crucial nutritional support to individuals in need as they navigate the difficult path to recovery, a Le-Vel press release stated.
Le-Vel’s THRIVE Lifestyle Mix Shakes are designed to support lean muscle development, weight management and overall well-being, the release stated. Each serving contains a blend of protein, antioxidants and extracts, offering a meal replacement option for those who may have limited access to food in various states during this time of crisis.
Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian nonprofit organization, is on the ground providing disaster relief and distributing food, water and essential supplies to those affected by the hurricanes.
“The huge shipment of Thrive Lifestyle Mix Meal Replacement Shakes is exactly what hurricane survivors need,” stated Ethan Forhetz, vice president of public engagement for Convoy of Hope. “Many still have no power, no water, and no way to prepare food, so these meal replacement shakes are truly life-sustaining. Convoy of Hope couldn’t do what we do to offer help and hope in times of crisis without great partners (such as) Le-Vel.”
Addison-based Solis Mammography, a women’s health company and the nation’s largest independent provider of specialized breast health services, acquired Breast Center of Acadiana in south Louisiana, a press release stated. Founded in 2008 by Dr. Gary Mathews, Breast Center of Acadiana provides patients with an advanced standard of care through two dedicated screening and diagnostic breast radiology imaging locations in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Youngsville, Louisiana.
Nancy Gail Daniels was promoted to chief operating officer of Irving-based Hyosung Americas, a cash management and payments platform service provider, a press release stated. She was the chief revenue officer.
Hip Pocket Theatre in Fort Worth will host its annual Twilight Soiree Puppet Pageant at 7 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 31, and at 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1, and Nov. 2, before the 8:15 p.m. performance of “Metamorphosis.” Additional information is available on the Hip Pocket website.