SWIPS (Supporting Women in Political Science) successfully hosted its 2nd Annual Women’s Leadership Summit on Friday, April 26th. The event featured a series of thought-provoking panels featuring distinguished female leaders.
The summit commenced with a keynote address by Teresa Carbajal Ravet, former president of the League of Women Voters of Hays County. Ms. Ravet addressed emerging trends for women in nonprofit leadership and the importance of fostering civic engagement from a young age. She provided valuable insights into the skills required for success in the non-profit sector and offered guidance on translating individual strengths into impactful contributions.
The following panel featured government officials Andrea Villalobos and Alicia Key, who shared their experiences in public administration. The discussion explored how community engagement and local policy decisions affect everyday lives. Ms. Villalobos detailed how her passion for design and problem-solving led to a fulfilling career in city planning, while Ms. Key offered a unique perspective as former Deputy Attorney General, highlighting the intricacies of the role and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The concluding panel brought together Senator Sarah Eckhardt, Mayor Jane Hughson, and City Councilwoman Alyssa Garza. The session delved into the changing landscape of women in politics, exploring challenges and opportunities for greater representation. The panelists addressed the realities of pursuing a career in government, from local levels to the state senate, while highlighting available resources and support systems.
Overall, the leadership of SWIPS believed the Women’s Political Science Leadership Summit provided a valuable platform for attendees to gain insights from accomplished female leaders across various sectors. With diverse perspectives and practical advice, the event empowered participants to pursue their leadership aspirations.
SWIPS is a nonpartisan women’s organization at Texas State University. They are a professional education and development organization centered around aiding political science majors and other students with exploring all facets of political science so they may discover their professional and academic interests. SWIPS meets every other Tuesday at 6:30pm. If you’d like to learn more information about this organization, you can contact SWIPS President Myleen Gamez at mlg@txstate.edu.
