Governor Greg Abbott appointed and reappointed 14 individuals to the Governor’s Commission for Women, with terms set to expire on December 31, 2027, according to a Mar. 11 announcement. Nathali Parker Weisman was named chair and Denise Castillo-Rhodes vice chair of the board.
The commission is tasked with developing strategies to make Texas a leading state for women-owned businesses and addressing human trafficking. It also supports foster and adoption outreach programs in partnership with First Lady Cecilia Abbott and the Heart Gallery. The commission operates within the Office of the Governor, focusing on outreach, education, research, and referral services.
The newly appointed members include Katrine Formby, Angela Akins Garcia, Hannah Wing Pontikes, Loreal Sarkisian, and Donna Williams. Reappointed members are Gina Bellinger, Gita Bolt, Ashley Bowes Cash, Denise Castillo-Rhodes, Sasha Crane, Maru De La Paz, Amy Henderson, Nathali Parker Weisman, and Angelica Rosales. These appointees bring experience from fields such as construction supply management, finance in medical centers, hospitality development, sports media hosting, fashion leadership, project management in transportation infrastructure, food safety services leadership, legal counsel in higher education and housing authorities, real estate investment and education policy advocacy, civic engagement in property tax relief and school district governance, community advocacy for educational foundations and housing authorities in South Texas communities,
banking leadership with military service backgrounds,
and nonprofit management focused on supporting women and children.
According to the official website, the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott contributed to Texas leading the nation in jobs growth and record employment levels. The office maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to the official website. Greg Abbott has led the office since his election in 2014 according to the official website.
The Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott focuses on job creation,
economic opportunities,
education enhancement,
protection of individual liberties,
parental empowerment in schooling,
and southern border security according to the official website. The office exercises authority statewide across Texas according to the official website.
Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website. The appointments reflect ongoing efforts by state leadership to support economic growth,
women’s advancement,
and public service initiatives throughout Texas.
