Women's Policy Forum upcoming events

DFW Regional Child Care Workforce Study (Wednesday, April 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Child Care Associates will highlight the recent DFW Regional Child Care Workforce Study, which has positioned CCA to lead a regional effort addressing chid care compensation for early educators across the metroplex, as well as the growing accessibility challenges created by understaffed child care programs. These issues have a profound impact on families, especially women, and also affects the broader workforce. When parents cannot access reliable child care, businesses experience higher absenteeism, lower retention, and reduced productivity.

Meeting Assets

North Texas Child Care Workforce Study - Executive Summary
North Texas Child Care Workforce Study - Full Report

The conversation will be presented by three speakers:

Dr. Melodi Faris, Executive Director of the Center for Early Education

Catherine Davis, Policy Director

Shawneequa Blount, Director of Childcare Innovation

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.

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

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Texas Appleseed advocates at the state and local level for fair, just, and equitable laws. Their work has shaped hundreds of laws and positively affected millions of Texans by breaking down barriers through transformative policy solutions. They have several focus areas which includes: Criminal Justice Reform, Disaster Recovery & Fair Housing, Education Justice, Fair Financial Services, Juvenile Justice, Foster Care & Courts, Youth Homelessness, and Prior Justice Work.

Maile Molin, Senior Donor Relations Officer, will address Texas Appleseed's emerging work on school takeovers, as well as financial issues affecting women, including discrimination in the insurancce agency, managing a loved one's money, and coerced debt (when an abuser uses credit or debt to control their victim.

Maile Molin

Senior Donor Relations Officer

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.

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.