Texas Appleseed: School Takeovers & Legal Issues Affecting Women (Wednesday, May 13, 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Texas Appleseed's Education Justice Project

For over two decades, Texas Appleseed has won victories for public school students in the Lone Star State. Andrew Hairston directs Texas Appleseed's Education Justice Project, working to ensure that all Texas students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, in school environments that recognize their full humanity. Mr. Hairston and the other attorneys on the Education Justice team are currently investigating state takeovers of school districts across Texas, including in Fort Worth. He will share what Texas Appleseed has learned so far and discuss how we intend to continually collaborate with community organizations to prevent future takeovers.

Texas Appleseed is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on bringing about policies that are fair, just, and equitable for all Texans. Fueled by data, legal expertise, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, our work has shaped hundreds of state and local policies and positively affected millions of Texans. Click here for their Impact Report.

Andrew R. Hairston, J.D. Director, Education Justice Project

Andrew Reginald Hairston is a civil rights attorney and writer who serves as the Education Justice Project Director of Texas Appleseed. In this role, he engages in public policy advocacy and works with community groups to diminish the presence and influence of school police officers across the state of Texas.

Maile Molin, M.P.AFF., Senior Donor Relations Officer

Maile Molin supports Texas Appleseed's mission through grant writing and other development support. Maile has been involved in social justice for over 15 years, most recently as the founder and executive director of ENGLISH @ WORK, a program that provides customized English classes for immigrants at the workplace.

11:30 a.m. - Registration

11:45 a.m. - Lunch Service

12:00 noon - Program

Cost for WPF members is $40; cost for guests is $50.
Unpaid no-shows will be billed.

No cancellations or refunds.

CASA of Tarrant County (Wednesday, June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

This presentation will introduce the mission and impact of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tarrant County, an organization that empowers trained volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. Attendees will learn about the challenges faced by abused and neglected children, the role of a CASA volunteer in the courtroom and community, and the difference one caring adult can make. The session also covers how individuals, businesses, and civic groups can support CASA’s work through volunteering, advocacy, and community partnerships.

Suzy Yowell

Director of Community Partnership

Suzy Yowell serves as the Director of Community Partnerships for CASA of Tarrant County, where she advances the organization’s mission by building strong, lasting partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, community members, and city leaders. A former State Director for a national nonprofit, she brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience to building and sustaining volunteer-driven efforts. Suzy has a Certification in Volunteer Administration (CVA) and is a trained consultant in community asset mapping and nonprofit economic impact studies. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at TCU and Tarrant County College, teaching a class about volunteerism and equipping others to serve with purpose and impact.

A proud Fort Worth native—Suzy is deeply connected to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys time on the Trinity Trails with her dog Punkin Pie, hosting “Nan Camp” for her four grandkids, and serving as the family’s go-to pitmaster.