The gals showcased in Texas Women are each leaders in their own right, representing the past, the present and the future of the great Lone Star state.

—When I’m far away from home, what I miss the most about Texas is: The people- my good friends and family- and Dairy Queen, I used to measure the size of a small Texas town by how many of those “Texas Stop Signs” you would see.

—I hitch my horse in: Bosque, Falls and McLennan Counties. I assist citizens, law enforcement agencies and district attorneys when called upon.

—As a fifth-generation Texan, I have grown up with the tales of my great-grandmother and other early women pioneers working alongside the men to mold and shape our beloved state. That legacy of strong, vibrant women lives on and is evidenced by the fearless females who grace the pages of Texas Women.

—“Tall Texas Tale” excerpt: She rides tall in the saddle and wears cowboy boots because she loves them… not because it’s a fad and owns fifty pair to date.

—My friends tell me I am a real Texas cowgirl with true grit because: I can work with the good ol’ boys in the Texas Senate. What prepared me? Having taught seventh-grade boys with disciplinary problems.