On October 14, members and guests gathered for a meeting that launched the Women's Policy Forum's 40th Anniversary journey. The program looked back at where WPF began and ahead to what comes next.

What members told us

Strategic planning consultant Missy Gale shared preliminary insights from the 2026 Membership Survey and the Senior Leadership Strategic Planning Session. She walked through a simple process: assess the situation, envision the future, understand the obstacles, set direction through strategic pillars, then set goals and action steps. WPF has finished the first four steps.

M.Gale's presentation: MissyGale_WPF Strategic Planning - 10-14-26.pptx

Asked about their vision for the next three to five years, members' answers grouped into seven themes:

• Integrated marketing and communications
• Expanded networking
• Collaborative partnerships
• Sustainable organizational growth
• Formalized strategic initiatives
• Growth and diversified revenue
• Engaging, issue-driven programming

Members also named what could slow us down: limited volunteer bandwidth, leadership continuity, an identity that needs sharpening, and limited revenue streams. Naming these openly is the first step toward solving them.

Three strategic pillars

Missy proposed three pillars to guide the work ahead:

1. Clarity. Define WPF's purpose and positioning, and publish a non-partisan civic engagement framework. The 40th anniversary is a natural moment to do it.
2. A sustainable organizational model. Review membership, communications, and funding together. Strengthen leadership succession, procedures, and goal setting.
3. A membership lifecycle plan. Cover recruitment, retention, and engagement, including membership levels, a refreshed newsletter, and outreach to employers.

Next comes the practical part: priorities, success measures, and owners for each pillar.

A look into the archives with Jared Dempsey

Jared Dempsey, Librarian/Digital Archivist with the Fort Worth Library's Fort Worth History Center, Fort Worth History Center, shared what the library holds on WPF, recognized as one of Tarrant County’s founding women’s groups.

There are approximately 8 boxes which contain records of the Women's Policy Forum, between 1986 - 2008. The first general meeting was held in January 1987. During the early years, invitations for membership were offered to elected officials and individuals with power and influence within government, business, non-profit agencies or volunteer organizations.

Perhaps the most significant discovery is that WPF wasn't simply created as a networking organization. Its co-founders, Peg Knapp and Karen Perkins, envisioned women using their collective knowledge, professional expertise, and civic relationships to influence positive change. This included involvement from notable elected and civic leaders like Kay Granger (Former U.S. Representative and Fort Worth Mayor), Anna Mowrey (Former Texas House of Representatives), Louise Appleman (Longtime Tarrant County College Trustee), Dr. Emma C. Johnson Hadley (Former Tarrant County College Chancellor), Besty Price (former Fort Worth Mayor) and Mattie Parker (Fort Worth Mayor) to name a few.

The Women's Center confirms that WPF was established to move knowledge toward community change

In a 2024 Women's History Month article, The Women's Center of Tarrant County recalled that Karen Perkins co-founded WPF in 1987 to bring together women from business, government, nonprofits, and community volunteering.

The organization's retrospective describes WPF's original purpose as helping women understand the issues facing Tarrant County and then use that understanding to make a difference.

WPF's mission has included more than leadership networking

The Texas State Historical Association describes the original WPF as an organization established to examine and support initiatives benefiting women in Tarrant County.

That historical description is significant because it identifies two distinct functions:

• Investigation: Understanding issues, identifying concerns, and examining possible solutions.
• Support: Using knowledge, influence, and partnerships to advance beneficial community initiatives.

WPF actually inspired the creation of a women's leadership organization in Dallas!

According to The Dallas Summit, the Women's Policy Forum of Fort Worth provided the organizational model for its founding in 1989.Why this matters: WPF's influence extended beyond Tarrant County within its first few years. It helped establish a model of organized women's civic leadership that another major North Texas organization chose to replicate.

Members of the WPF may request boxes from the WPF Finding Aid, or any archival collection, by emailing history@fortworthtexas.gov, or by directly emailing Jared Dempsey at Jared.Dempsey@fortworthtexas.gov with the collection name and box number EX: Women's Policy Forum, Box 3.

Jared's handout: WPF_Collection_Highlights_Fort_Worth_Library.pdf

View the WPF historical records on file with the Fort Worth History Center here: fortworthlibrary.lyrasistechnology.org/repositories/2/resources/375

Legacy Member Q&A

Legacy members attending our meeting on 10/11/2026 included Pat Cheong, Cathy Neece Brown, Margaret DeMoss and Mary Lee Hafley, Cindy Boyd and Nancy Marchant. Legacy members who spoke were touched by the women who organized the Women’s Policy Forum, and their strong commitment to promote and support women who could impact and influence decision making on a local, state and national levels.

Legacy member and former WPF Chair, Cindy Boyd shared the initial reason why WPF was conceived. A group of funders for the Presbyterian Night Shelter where meeting with city leaders to better understand the needs of Tarrant. When they asked the all-male city leaders what their prominent female organizations was, they said Tarrant County did not have any. Word got back to the prominent women of that day and they changed!

Get involved

Dr. Stacy Burrell, Chair-Elect, announced that WPF is forming committees for several special projects, including a team to work on the Fort Worth History Center's archive of WPF records. Members can also volunteer for Strategic Planning Development and the 40th Anniversary Celebration. To sign up for one or more, visit bit.ly/486IUZK

Join the journey

Our mission is to elevate the voices of women and children, activating for a brighter, more inclusive future. Forty years gives us a legacy worth celebrating. The next forty give us a future worth shaping. Bring a friend, colleague, or prospective member to our next meeting.

REGISTER HERE: https://womenspolicyforum.org/event-6710271

Join us for a special October WPF meeting on Wednesday, October 14th as we begin the journey toward our 40th Anniversary and take a meaningful look at WPF’s past, present, and future.

Strategic planning consultant Missy Gale will share preliminary insights from the 2026 Membership Survey and Senior Leadership Strategic Planning Session, highlighting what members value most and where WPF has opportunities to strengthen its mission, engagement, visibility, and impact.

We’ll also explore fascinating discoveries from the WPF archives, including early meeting records, invitation lists, organizational goals, and stories that helped shape the Forum’s legacy in Tarrant County.

A special Legacy Member Q&A will bring longtime members and leaders into the conversation to reflect on WPF’s early years, its influence in the community, and what lessons from our history should guide the future.

This meeting will officially launch WPF’s 40th Anniversary journey, celebrating the women who built the organization while inviting today’s members to help shape what comes next.

Forty years gives us a legacy worth celebrating. The next forty give us a future worth shaping.

Bring a friend, colleague, or prospective member. This is a perfect opportunity to discover who WPF has been, who we are today, and where we are going next.

11:30 a.m. - Registration

11:45 a.m. - Lunch Service

12:00 noon - Program

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

REGISTER HERE

In October, we recognize and celebratethe many observances that highlight the contributions, resilience, and achievements of communities across our nation. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made while continuing to advocate for policies that advance equity, leadership, and opportunity for all women. October includes major celebrations: World Teachers’ Day (October 5), Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12), International Day of the Girl (October 11) and United Nations Day (October 24). There are many month‑long observances like Breast Cancer Awareness, National Bullying Prevention, Domestic Violence, Depression Awareness, Down Syndrome, and ADHD Awareness.

Notable Women’s Events in October -October is rich with milestones in women’s history, spanning achievements in science, politics, the arts, and social movements.           

• Oct 3, 1904– Mary McLeod Bethune opens her first school for African American students in Daytona Beach, Florida, later becoming a prominent educator and civil rights leader.
• Oct 23, 1910– Blanche Stuart Scott makes the first public flight by an American woman.
• October 16, 1916– Margaret Sanger opens the U.S.’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn, New York.
• Oct 28, 1958– Mary Roebling becomes the first woman director of a stock exchange (American Stock Exchange).
• Oct 4, 1976– Barbara Walters becomes the first woman to co-anchor an evening news program at ABC.
• Oct 10, 1983– Dr. Barbara McClintock receives the Nobel Prize in Medicine for her discovery of mobile genetic elements.
• Oct 11, 1984– Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first U.S. woman astronaut to “walk” in space during the Challenger mission.
• Oct 4, 1993– Ruth Bader Ginsburg joins the U.S. Supreme Court as its second woman justice.
• Oct 8, 1993– Toni Morrison becomes the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature.
• Oct 9, 2012– Malala Yousafzai is shot in Pakistan but survives, later winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. 

Please join us for our annual Symposium, "Birth to Legacy: Discussing Women's Health, Aging, and Care," which will be held on November 11, 2026, at Texas Christian University.The symposium is one of our signature events, and I encourage each of you to consider attending. If your organization is able, we would also be grateful for your sponsorship.

The proceeds from this event directly support our Mini-Grant Program, which funds organizations serving women and children in our community. These grants are making a meaningful difference in the lives of women and families across our region.

We look forward to celebrating with you throughout October and seeing you at our Annual Symposium in November!

With appreciation,

Di Ann Sanchez
Chair, Women's Policy Forum

As August arrives, summer begins its gentle transition toward fall, bringing a season of renewed energy and fresh opportunities. It is a month filled with sunshine, family gatherings, community events, and preparations for a new school year. August also invites us to pause and enjoy the final days of summer while looking ahead to new goals and possibilities. Whether you're returning to the classroom, wrapping up vacation plans, or simply savoring longer days with loved ones, August is a time of both reflection and anticipation.

Historical Events:

Several important milestones in women's history occurred in August, including:

August 18, 1920:Ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. One of the most significant milestones in American history, the ratification of the 19th Amendment granted women the constitutional right to vote after decades of advocacy by suffragists.

August 14, 1935: Frances Perkins became the first woman to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, playing a crucial role in the establishment of the Social Security Act

August 6, 1965: The Voting Rights Act was signed into law, outlawing discriminatory practices that prevented African Americans, including women, from voting.

August 26, 1971: Women's Equality Day (August 26): Established in 1971 by the U.S. Congress, Women's Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment and celebrates the ongoing pursuit of gender equality in education, employment, leadership, and public service.

August observances:

• National Wellness Month– Encourages individuals to focus on self-care, stress management, healthy routines, and overall well-being.
• National Immunization Awareness Month– Promotes the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages.
• National Back to School Month– Highlights preparation for the new academic year, including student success and educational resources.
• National Medic Alert Awareness Month– Highlights the importance of medical identification for individuals with chronic health conditions or allergies.

• International Youth Day – August 12
• World Humanitarian Day – August 19

On August 12, 2026, we are honored to welcome Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker as our featured speaker. Mayor Parker is a dynamic leader whose insights on leadership, economic growth, community engagement, and public policy promise to make this a highly anticipated event.Register early!We expect significant interest in this program, and seating may be limited. We encourage members and guests to reserve their spots as soon as registration opens to avoid disappointment.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing women's leadership and strengthening our community.

Warm regards,

Dr. Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR, SHRM - SCP

On June 10th at the Women's Policy Forum monthly luncheon, attendees gathered to hear an informative presentation by Suzy Yowell, Director of Community Partnerships for CASA of Tarrant County. 

Attendees learned about the vital mission and community impact of CASA of Tarrant County. Download Suzy's Presentation

As a non-partisan educational and networking organization, the Women's Policy Forum regularly hosts programs to shed light on critical issues affecting Tarrant County.

This session turned our collective attention toward the local foster care system, focusing on the essential work performed by Court Appointed Special Advocates. Court-appointed volunteers step up to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment, serving as a steady, guiding light as these youth navigate a complex system.

The presentation provided eye-opening data illustrating the magnitude of the challenges right here in our neighborhood. Attendees learned:

• Tarrant County sadly holds the highest per capita child abuse rate of all urban areas in Texas, totaling 4,592 victims.
• Tarrant County ranks third highest in the state for confirmed cases of abuse and neglect. 
• In 2025 alone, 870 children in Tarrant County were paired with a CASA volunteer, supported by 439 active volunteers assigned to cases. 
• The data showed that the top local zip codes requiring these services include 76112, 76119, and 76116, with infants and young children aged one to five comprising the largest demographic of those served.

When children enter foster care, they are abruptly separated from nearly everything familiar to them, including their parents, neighborhoods, schools, friends, pets, and sometimes even their siblings, language, and family traditions.

The speaker outlined how a CASA volunteer makes an incredible difference by mitigating this trauma. By committing an average of five to ten hours per month, an advocate conducts monthly visits, documents findings, communicates with all parties involved, connects families with resources, and stands up for the child inside and outside the courtroom.

Statistics conclusively show that children with a CASA volunteer are far more likely to experience a consistent adult presence, spend less time in foster care, face fewer placement changes, and have stronger educational supports in place.

The presentation concluded with a clear roadmap for individuals interested in getting involved.

• Becoming an advocate involves attending an initial information session, passing background checks, completing an application, and participating in a 30-hour comprehensive training curriculum modeled after Texas CASA guidelines. 
• Once fully trained and sworn in by a judge, new advocates are ready to be matched with a child. 
• For those unable to volunteer directly, the speaker highlighted other powerful ways to make a difference, such as hosting informational sessions, supporting the organization through financial donations, participating in community events, or nominating future volunteers.

The Women's Policy Forum extends its sincere gratitude to the speaker for sharing these profound insights and inspiring our members to continue building a stronger, safer Tarrant County for every child.

The Women’s Policy Forum Foundation of Tarrant County is thrilled to announce our upcoming 2026 Symposium! Mark your calendars for an essential morning of dialogue, connection, and systemic community change.

• When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
• Location: Fort Worth / Tarrant County (Venue confirmation coming soon!)

At this month's Women's Policy Forum monthly luncheon, attendees gathered to hear a compelling presentation by Andrew R. Hairston, J.D., a civil rights lawyer and policy advocate from Texas Appleseed.

His presentation, titled "Student Engagement & School Takeovers in Texas in 2026," shed light on the systemic challenges facing the Texas public education system, the consequences of the school-to-prison pipeline, and the growing trend of state-ordered district takeovers.

The Landscape of Texas Public Education

Texas public school enrollment surpasses 5.5 million students across more than one thousand independent school districts. Over the last decade, student enrollment has climbed by 8.7%, with growth occurring across every racial demographic except for white children.

Despite this growth, Hairston highlighted several critical challenges currently impacting public schools:

• A long-standing legacy of inequitable school funding that traces back to historical segregation and court battles like San Antonio v. Rodriguez.

• Recent legislative mandates, including the HB 3 requirement for armed security officers and the return to zero-tolerance policies authorized by HB 6.

• Ongoing, unaddressed pandemic aftermath affecting youth mental health.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline and Policing A central focus of the presentation was the school-to-prison pipeline, a process where exclusionary discipline—such as suspensions, expulsions, and alternative placements—alongside heavy school policing pushes students directly into contact with the criminal legal system . Hairston noted that these practices disproportionately affect Black, Brown, LGBTQ, and disabled youth.

Data shared during the presentation challenged the efficacy of school policing, noting a lack of empirical evidence that police presence prevents mass shootings, while pointing out that multi-million dollar school policing budgets often eclipse spending on recommended ratios of school counselors .

The Reality of State Takeovers

The presentation also examined the rise of state takeovers by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), focusing on the 2023 Houston ISD takeover—which has now been extended to 2027—and subsequent interventions targeting districts serving high numbers of students of color and economically disadvantaged populations, such as Beaumont and Fort Worth . Hairston explained that these takeovers replace locally elected leadership with undemocratically appointed boards of managers, overriding local community governance for years at a time . To further document these impacts, Texas Appleseed is co-authoring a comprehensive report on the Houston ISD takeover due for release in Fall 2026 .

A Path Forward for Education Justice

Framing today’s struggles as a continuation of historical Civil Rights organizing and the unmet promises of Brown v. Board of Education, Hairston concluded with specific corrective actions to build an equitable education system:

• Ending school policing and redirecting those multi-million dollar budgets to student support services.

• Replacing zero-tolerance frameworks with restorative and transformative justice programs.

• Implementing equitable public school funding models.

• Centering the voices of Black children and historically underserved youth in K-12 policy decisions.

• Preserving and strengthening democratic, local governance over neighborhood public schools.

Mr. Hariston can be reached at 737-900-9437 or ahairston @ texasappleseed.org

As we step into May 2026, we welcome a season filled with fresh energy, growth, and opportunity within our Women’s Policy Forum. This month brings meaningful moments to connect, celebrate achievements, and support one another through shared experiences and service. We hope you’ll find inspiration in the updates ahead and join us in making the most of all that May has to offer. Thank you for being a vital part of our vibrant community.

This month has many exceptional and significant events we need to celebrate:

Cultural and Religious Celebrations

• Mothers Day – May 11, 2026. May 8, 1914 – President Woodrow Wilson signs a Proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day

• Memorial Day – May 25, 2026
• Shavuot (Jewish) - May 22-23: Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and marks the vital wheat harvest in Israel.

• May Day/International Workers' Day (International) - May 1: Celebrated globally, acknowledging the struggles and gains of laborers.
• Lei Day (Hawaii, USA) - May 1: A statewide celebration honoring Hawaiian leis, symbolizing love, respect, and celebration.
• Cinco de Mayo (Mexican) - May 5: Commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, celebrating Mexican culture and heritage.

Raising Awareness

• Mental Health Awareness Month: Dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and promoting support for those affected.
• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month):Celebrates the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
• National Stroke Awareness Month: Educates the public about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
• Arthritis Awareness Month: Promotes understanding and support for those living with arthritis.

Significant Women's Events In May

• May 1, 1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and is named Library of Congress’s Consultant in Poetry (later called Poet Laureate) in 1985
• May 5, 1938 – Dr. Dorothy H. Andersen presents results of her medical research identifying the disease cystic fibrosis at a meeting of the American Pediatric Association
• May 10, 1872 – Victoria Woodhull is nominated as the first woman candidate for U.S. president for the Equal Rights Party
• May 15, 1970 – Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington officially receive their ranks as U.S. Army Generals, becoming the first women to do so
• May 29, 1977 – Janet Guthrie becomes the first woman to qualify for and complete the Indy 500 car race
• May 29, 1943 – “Rosie the Riveter” by Norman Rockwell appears on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post

To Your Success,

Dr. Di Ann Sanchez, SPHR, SHRM - SCP

On April 9th, Child Care Associates, Inc. (CCA) recently presented a deep dive into the DFW Regional Child Care Workforce Study at a meeting of the Women's Policy Forum . The presentation sparked a critical conversation about the future of early education across the metroplex, positioning CCA to lead a regional effort addressing child care compensation for early educators and the growing accessibility challenges created by understaffed programs.

Insights from the Experts

The program featured a panel of leaders from Child Care Associates who are at the forefront of designing regional solutions:

• Dr. Melodi Faris, Executive Director of the Center for Early Education, provided context on the North Texas child population—which is greater than the child population in 38 states—and the comprehensive picture of the ECE workforce .

• Catherine Davis, Policy Director, discussed the legislative and systemic shifts needed to support educator compensation .

• Shawneequa Blount, Director of Childcare Innovation, highlighted creative strategies to move the issue from the margins to the mainstream by recognizing child care as a workforce and economic development priority .

The Economic Reality in Tarrant County

The findings of the study underscore that child care is not just a family issue; it is a foundational economic driver. Currently, the landscape reveals significant challenges for the region:

• Workforce Shortage: There are approximately 10,000 early educators missing from the North Texas workforce, with about 2,065 needed in Tarrant County alone .

• Compensation Gap: The average hourly wage for a child care educator in Tarrant County is $16.25, resulting in an annual salary of $33,801—which is $16,000 less than the local living wage of $49,629 .

• High Turnover: Child care centers in North Texas face a staggering 52% annual turnover rate .

• Vacant Capacity: Due to staffing shortages, 32% of child care seats in Tarrant County currently remain vacant, even as families struggle to find care .

The Economic Ripple Effect

When parents cannot access reliable, affordable child care, the entire community feels the impact:

• Impact on Families: Child care consumes roughly 12% of annual household income in Tarrant County . These challenges disproportionately affect women, with 7% of Texas parents having voluntarily left their jobs and 37% reporting that someone in their household changed or declined a job due to child care issues .

• Impact on Business: Reliable child care is a prerequisite for a stable economy. Without it, businesses experience higher absenteeism, lower retention, and reduced productivity.

• Financial Loss: It is estimated that Tarrant County loses between $450M and $650M annually due to child care challenges, including up to $126M in lost tax revenue and $530M in lost employer productivity costs .

Leading the Path Forward

By spearheading this regional effort, CCA aims to bridge the gap between the needs of early educators and the demands of a growing workforce. Addressing compensation is the first step in ensuring that high-quality, reliable child care is accessible to all families, allowing the local economy to thrive.

How You Can Get Involved

This blog encourages readers to elevate the conversation by recognizing child care as essential workforce infrastructure. For those who want to take a more active role in advocating for early educators and working families, please visit Early Ed Canary. This platform provides resources and opportunities for community members to use their voices to support the regional development of data-driven strategies for child care.

Meeting Assets

• POWERPOINT: Tarrant_Child_care_EconomicDev.pdf
• 2026_04_NoTXChildCareWorkforStudy_ex_summary.pdf
• 2026_04_NoTXChildCareWorkforStudy_Report.pdf