Office of the Governor Rick Perry

Governor's Commission for Women
  • Toll-Free: (800) 839-5323
  • Phone: (512) 475-2615
  • Email: Women's Commission
  • Fax: (512) 463-1832
  • Address: 1100 San Jacinto
    Austin, Texas 78701

Our Commissioners

The Governor's Commission for Women is led by a panel of Commissioners serving two-year terms.

Carol Peterson, Chair

Carol Foxhall Peterson of Alpine is the marketing and event director for the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon. Previously, Carol worked in the fashion industry in New York City, leading a manufacturer of private-label clothing selling to major catalogue companies. She also was a divisional vice president for Neiman Marcus in Dallas, and a buyer for Foley's in Houston. Carol volunteers in Alpine for CASA as well as Pilot Club, a community service organization. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Tech University and also graduated from New York's French Culinary Institute.

Carmen Pagan, Vice Chair

Carmen Pagan is a certified speech and language pathologist, and co-owner and executive board member of Milestones Therapeutic Associates. She is a member of the American and Texas Speech–Hearing associations and Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association. She is also a member of the Junior League of McAllen. Pagan received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in communication disorders from the University of Texas-Pan American.

Claudia Abney

Claudia Abney of Marshall is a certified public accountant, partner at Abney, Simmons and Co. PLLC, and vice president of Abney and Company PC. She is a board member of the Friends of the Public Library, member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, Marshall Symphony League and Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce. She is also a past board member of the Harrison County American Red Cross, East Texas Council of Governments and Marshall Symphony Society. She also previously served as board member of the Marshall Symphony League, Forum Fifty, Cypress Junior Women’s Club and Trinity Episcopal School, and past board member and past president of the Sabine River Authority. Abney received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas.

Gina Bridwell

Gina Bridwell of Abilene is a community volunteer. She is a member of the Old Jail Art Center Board of Trustees, past chair of the Pastoral Care and Counseling Center of Abilene, and past vice chair of the Hendrick Hospice Care Community Council. She is also past president of the Abilene Alumni Panhellenic Association and past board member of the Abilene Fine Arts Museum. Bridwell received a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University.

Stephanie Cavender

Stephanie Cavender of San Antonio is president of the Charity Ball Association of San Antonio. She is a member of the Green Hand Garden Club and World Affairs Council, and an executive board member of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Cavender received a bachelor’s degree from Salem College.

Cris Graham

Cris Graham of Fredericksburg is president of Hondo’s, a restaurant and entertainment venue, and vice-president of Luckenbach Texas Inc. She is a member of the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Graham attended the University of Denver.

Cynthia Tyson Jenkins

Cynthia Tyson Jenkins of Irving is a board member and vice president of CTJ Maintenance Inc., vice president of Janitors Market LLC, and chairman of the City of Irving Housing and Human Service Board. She is a member of the Dallas Chamber of Commerce and Texas Optometry Board, and a past member of the Texas Motor Vehicle Board. She is also a graduate of Leadership Irving, and chief operating officer for Community Praise and Worship Church. Jenkins received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University at Commerce.

Lisa Lucero

Lisa Lucero of Austin is a staff member of the Texas Oil and Gas Association. She is a former public affairs representative for Exxon Mobil Corporation, former State of Texas employee with 13 years of service in the Texas Senate, Office of the Governor, Texas Racing Commission and Texas Department of Agriculture. She is a board member of St. Austin’s Catholic School. Lucero attended the University of Texas at Austin.

Becky McKinley

Becky McKinley of Amarillo is a cookbook author, caterer and a food journalist for Accent West Magazine and other publications. She is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, International Caterers Association, and James Beard Foundation, and a board member of the Samaritan Counseling Center, Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health Advisory Board and Women's Philanthropy Fund. She is also a past board member of the Baptist Saint Anthony Hospital Foundation, Polk Street United Methodist Church, KACV Public Television, Junior League of Amarillo, Amarillo Symphony Guild, Harrington Cancer Center, and City of Amarillo Traffic Commission. McKinley received a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University.

Tresa Rockwell

Tresa Rockwell of Austin is the culture marketing manager for Red Bull North America. She is director of the Texas Lyceum Association and a member of the Executive Forum and Leadership El Paso Alumni- Class 9. She is also past president of the Rotary Club of El Paso Foundation, Rotary Club of El Paso and Junior League of El Paso, and an executive committee board member of the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Advertising Federation of El Paso, and Las Palmas Hospital Women's Advisory Board. Rockwell received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Connie Weeks

Connie Weeks of Austin is president of the Beacon State Fund, the non-profit financial arm of the Governor’s Commission for Women, and illustrator of "Ocean Surprises." She is a former public school art teacher and department chair. Weeks received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a master’s degree in reading from Hardin Simmons University.

Daisy White

Daisy Sloan White of Houston is a Special Events Consultant. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Texas A&M University Press Advancement Council and is a member of the Texas A & M Health Science Center Foundation Board. She is a past board member of Hermann Children's Hospital, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, VICTORY of the American Cancer Society and the Houston Ballet. White received a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas and a master's degree in Speech Pathology from Southern Methodist University.