CONTACT:
Girl Scouts of Central Texas
Cheryl Lowe, Public Relations Specialist
(512) 490-2328
CherylL@gsctx.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women of Distinction Honorees Announced
Tickets currently on sale for April 16 awards luncheon
Austin, Texas, February 19—The Girl Scouts of Central Texas is proud to announce the 2009 Women of Distinction honorees for the Austin area. We will celebrate the accomplishments of the following distinguished women at the annual awards luncheon on April 16, 2009 at the Hilton Austin:
Elizabeth Christian, Travis County, is the president of Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations. A third generation Longhorn, she served two terms as vice chair for education within the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.
- Patty Huffines, Travis County, began as a teacher with AISD and then transitioned into positions with St. Edwards University and Public Strategies. She devotes endless energy to volunteer fundraising for non-profits including the Junior League of Austin and Ronald McDonald House.
- Dr. Teresa Lozano Long, Travis County, is an avid supporter of Latin-American education and the arts, having recently contributed, along with her husband to the renovation of the Palmer Auditorium,now the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts.
- Patsy Woods Martin, Travis County, launched the “I Live Here, I Give Here” Campaign, which has significantly expanded the philanthropic culture of Central Texas. She also developed philanthropic groups such as the Women’s Giving Network.
- Andrea McWilliams, Travis County, is co-founder of McWilliams & Associates, a full-service government relations firm in Austin. She is also known for her personal courage, exemplified as she battled cancer while pregnant with her third child.
- Bertha Means, Travis County, is the owner and founder of Austin Cab Company and a renowned civic leader in the Austin community. She worked tirelessly to end segregation and discrimination in Austin in the 1950’s and more recently, was elected a delegate of the 2008 Democratic Convention.
- Renee Ann Mueller, Washington County, led her community as district attorney, defending the rights of victims in the criminal justice system. A lifelong Washington County resident, she is active with the Faith Mission Board, Fortnightly Club and Brenham Rotary Club.
- Edith Royal, Travis County, has devoted her life to helping those in need, particularly through battles with alcohol and drug addiction. She founded such organizations as the Parmer Drug Abuse Program and the Children’s Advocacy Center in Austin.
In addition to the eight Women of Distinction, the Girl Scouts of Central Texas will also honor the 2009 Distinguished Workplace for Women, Seton Family of Hospitals for its support and encouragement of women’s leadership and professional success. This is the first year Girl Scouts has recognized a Distinguished Workplace for Women.
The Women of Distinction luncheon celebrates distinguished women who are outstanding members of the community. The honorees demonstrate individual excellence and are role models for all of our members, girls and adults alike. Their achievements illustrate that with hard work and perseverance, anything can be accomplished.
“By recognizing these women, we provide our members with positive role models,” says Stephanie Young, Development Executive, Girl Scouts of Central Texas. “Our honorees have made Central Texas a better place to live and will leave a legacy not only for Girl Scouts, but for everyone.”
Tickets for the Women of Distinction luncheon are now on sale. Proceeds from the event will benefit local Girl Scout leadership programs that are designed to help girls discover their own potential, connect with their peers and take action to better their communities.
For sponsorship opportunities and to purchase tickets for the Women of Distinction luncheon, contact Stephanie Young at (512) 490-2329 or StephanieY@gsctx.org. For Girl Scout membership information contact (800) 733-00011or Membership@gsctx.org.
About Girl Scouts of Central Texas: Girl Scouts of Central Texas serves more than 20,000 girls in grades K-12 and nearly 12,000 adult volunteers across 46 Central Texas counties. Headquartered in Austin, Girl Scouts of Central Texas has program centers in Brownwood, Bryan, Killeen, San Angelo and Waco. Through outcomes-based leadership opportunities, girls discover their own potential, connect with others and take action to improve their communities. Girl Scouting offers an array of fun, educational programs focusing on fine arts, science and technology, math, the environment, community service and life skills. Girl Scouts lead with courage, confidence and character, to make the world a better place. For more information, visit www.gsctx.org.