Travis County Women Lawyers' Association

2025 Fellows Appreciation Gathering
2025-11-13 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St, 12th Floor, Austin, Texas, 78701
2025 Fellows Appreciation Gathering
This year’s Fellows* Appreciation Event will be Thursday, November 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility. Please join us in honoring our Fellows—the generous lawyers who pledge annual donations to the Foundation. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other beverages will be served. The Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 12th floor is located at 1700 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701.
Don’t miss this opportunity to recognize our Fellows and mingle with other Foundation members.
The event is free to all Fellows. Fellows are also welcome to invite a guest who would like to become a Fellow.
*Fellows are attorneys who have pledged annual donations to support TCWLF, the non-profit charitable counterpart of TCWLA. Each year, TCWLF awards grants to local non-profits that provide legal services to women, children, and families in our community. This would not be possible without the support of our Fellows. If you would like to attend this event, please click here to learn more about and to become a Fellow before registering.

Register for the event here

TCWLA Holiday Party
2025-12-02 17:00 - 19:00
We cordially invite you to join us at this year’s holiday reception, which will be held at Hilgers House on December 2nd from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
This is an opportune moment to connect with fellow members and immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere. We eagerly anticipate your presence.

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Volunteer with TCSO Brown Santa
2025-12-09 18:00 - 20:00 | 6201 Bolm Road Suite 104, 6201 Bolm Road Suite 104, Austin, TX, 78721
Volunteer With Us!
TCWLA is signed up to volunteer for Brown Santa on Tuesday, December 9 from 6-8 p.m. We will be helping them get ready for the big gift give away and wrapping gifts. Please bring one unwrapped gift. Click here for more information about Brown Santa.
Volunteer location is at their warehouse, 6201 Bolm Road, Ste 104, Austin, Texas 78721. Please see the website for a map. Please RSVP to Beth Payan at beth.payan@traviscountytx.gov or Kim Hidrogo at Kim.Hidrogo@traviscountytx.gov.

Power Reads Book Club
2026-01-14 12:00 - 13:00 | VIRTUAL
All leaders are readers! Please come to the TCWLA Power Reads Book Club’s second meeting of the year on January 14 from 12:00-1:00 by Zoom. We are excited to announce our next book selection of the year is My Own Words, by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Avid reader and TCWLA book club committee member, Alisa Holahan will lead the discussion of this impactful book detailing the life of Justice Ginsburg–in her own words. Please register below and come read with us, come lead with us!
Register here:

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January Membership Ethics CLE
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:00 | McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703, McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703
SAVE THE DATE! TCWLA will be hosting an ethics CLE on January 15th at 12 p.m. at McGinnis Lochridge. Sue Ayers, a litigator at Hutchenson Bowers, will present “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems: Lawyers Still Getting Busted” and will discuss recent cases involving lawyers’ violations of the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. A Zoom option will also be available. Lunch is available for purchase for those attending in person.
Register here:

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Candidate Forum - Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 6 PM
2026-02-03 18:00 - 22:00 | Jackson & Walker, 100 Congress, Austin, TX, 78701
TCWLA invites you to the 2026 Candidate Forum on February 3, 2026 from 6 PM-10 PM at Jackson Walker, LLP’s office.
The Candidate Forum will feature judicial candidates in contested elections for the Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Third Court of Appeals, District Court, County Court-at-Law, and Justice of the Peace.
This is an opportunity to meet the candidates and engage with them about the issues important to our community.

Event details:
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Jackson Walker, LLP
100 Congress Ave., Ste. 1100,
Austin, TX 78701
Food and drinks provided.

Register via link: EventBrite.

Burn & Brunch: Pickleball Edition
2026-02-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Austin Pickle Ranch, 11000 Middle Fiskville Rd Building B,, Austin, TX, 78753
Join us on February 7 from 10:00 am- 1:00 for our February Burn & Brunch: Pickleball Edition!
Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness and food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come out with us to enjoy games, get in some pickleball, and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!
Big thanks to our sponsor Mir Care Consultants, Inc!
Register Here:

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Joint Book Club Meeting with TCWLA, Sisters in Law, Austin Black Lawyers Association, and Austin Bar Association DEI Committee
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Travis County Civil and Family Court Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St, Austin
Please join us on February 11 from 12:00-1:00 for this powerful collaboration of TCWLA, Sisters in Law, Austin Black Lawyers Association, and the Austin Bar Association DEI Committee. We will meet in person in the 6th floor conference room of the CFCF. Lunch will be provided for all attendees thanks to our generous sponsor, Matt Garcia, Barnett & Garcia, PLLC. Led by Professor Tracy McCormack and Heather Coffee, we will be discussing Stephen Carter’s Book, Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Women Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster. Space is limited so sign up early and we look forward to seeing you there!
Register here:

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Galentine's Gala 2026
2026-02-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Hotel Viata, 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX, 78746
Ladies, it’s time once again to celebrate friendship, philanthropy, and fabulousness! Join us for the Second Annual TCWLA Galentine’s Gala, a night dedicated to honoring the power of giving back while getting down, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hotel Viata, 320 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, TX 78746. Cocktail hour will be from 6:00–7:00 p.m., with dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. followed by dancing, photos, and exciting door prizes. Dress for the occasion in your snazziest semi-formal (or formal if you want!) attire. While not required, red, pink, white, and purple attire certainly encouraged.
We’re inviting all our women lawyers (and their non-lawyer gal pals) to share in this unforgettable evening of joy, connection, and impact. Proceeds will be used to support legal services and community programs that aid women and children in Central Texas, helping us extend TCWLA’s mission far beyond this one night. Also, we encourage guests to book a room at Hotel Viata. It’s the safest, easiest, and honestly most fun way to enjoy the night. No driving, no rushing, just a smooth elevator ride to a cozy bed after a night of sips, dancing, and celebrating with your favorite gals. Treat yourself!
Sponsors will be included in promotional materials before event and signage and recognition at the event. Sponsors are also permitted to provide a door prize that will be given away during the event, but not required. Sponsorship amounts are as follows:
Heart of Gold: $2,000—10 guest tickets, reserved seating, logo featured prominently, limited number of premium raffle tickets included
Patron of Purpose: $1,000—4 guest tickets, limited number of premium raffle tickets included
Buddy Benefactor: $500—2 guest tickets
Individual tickets are also available for purchase for $125. If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring, or if you would like to sponsor at another amount, please contact Gabrielle Smith at gsmith@lglawfirm.com.
Let’s toast to making a difference—together!
Register here:

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Annual Judicial Reception
2026-02-25 17:30 - 19:30 | The Driskill, 604 BRAZOS STREET, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
TCWLA will be hosting its Annual Judicial Reception on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Driskill Hotel in Downtown Austin. This is a great opportunity to get to know the judicial members of our community and to show support to our local judges.
The event is free to the Austin judiciary, and sponsors (number of tickets depends on sponsorship level). TCWLA Members can purchase tickets for $25 and all other guests for $50. Please contact: Mildred.Anaele@puc.texas.gov or ambikasanchez@gmail.com if your firm is interested in sponsoring this event.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Titanium

Kirker Davis
Butler Snow LLP
Jackson Walker LLP
Stone Hilton
McGinnis Lochridge

Platinum

Spencer Fane LLP

Gold

Bollier Ciccone Stinson LLP
Ryan Law
Thompson Coe
Richards Rodriguez & Skeith LLP
Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP
Weisbart Springer Storm Hatchitt
Hanna & Plaut, L.L.P.
Duane Morris LLP
Skelton & Woody, PLLC
Allensworth

Silver

Falk Family Law
Burgess Law PC
The Roarty Law Firm, PLLC
Fritz Byrne, PLLC
Fogelman & Von Flatern Law
Doyle & Seelbach PLLC
Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody
Cardenas Witt Law
Alexander Dubose & Jefferson LLP
Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C.
Martens Law
Diggs & Sadler
Goranson Bain Ausley
Eversheds Sutherland
BresnenAssociates, Inc.
The Carlson Law Firm
Baker Botts L.L.P.
Haynes & Boone
Clark Hill
Boulette Golden & Marin L.L.P.

Bronze

CareFor
Nielsen Law PLLC
Law Office of Rachel Moyle, PLLC
Winstead PC
Luckosy Brookman
Reeves & Brightwell
Horizon Realty
VBPena Law
Jurē,llc
Holland & Knight LLP

Register here:

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International Women's Day
2026-03-05 11:30 - 13:00 | Hilgers House, 712 W 16th St., Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Please join the State Bar Women and the Law Section, TCWLA, and the Austin Bar Association on March 5 from 11:30 -1:00 pm at Hilgers House. We will join together and celebrate International Women’s Day, with food, fellowship, and CLE. There is no charge for the event, and it includes a 1 hour CLE presentation “Breaking Through Tradition and Building Legacy: How Women Lawyers Build Law Firms.
Register here:

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Burn and Brunch: Yoga Edition
2026-03-21 09:00 | Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 500 W 38th St, Austin, TX, 78705
Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness, food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Join us March 21 at 9:00 am at the Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 500 W 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705 and join us for brunch afterwards. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come sweat, meditate and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!
Register here:

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March Membership CLE Event
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703, McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703
March 26 from 12:00-1:00 at McGinnis Lochridge.
Please join us for our March Membership CLE with VLS + Mentorship and Scholarship – featuring Susanne Pringle and Team! Lunch is available for purchase and there will also be a zoom option if you are unable to attend in person. We hope to see you there!
Special thanks to our sponsor for this meeting, Stardust Home Services! “Austin’s home management services for people who would rather not think about it!” Visit their website here: Home Management.
Register here:

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W.E.L.L. Summit
2026-04-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St, 12th Floor, Austin, Texas, 78701
The 2026 WELL Summit is gearing up for another great year! TCWLA, MAMAS, LILA, and Sisters in Law are partnering again to bring back this unique learning experience. We are excited for you to join us this year on April 10, 2026 from 9:00-4:00 at the Civil and Family Courts Facility. There will be a reception immediately following the event.
See the full agenda here: 2026 WELL Summit Agenda CLE Approval Final (2)
Register here and join the conversation:

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Spring Professional Clothing Drive
2026-04-16
TCWLA is thrilled to participate in the Spring Professional Clothing Drive benefitting Minority Women Pursuing Law at The University of Texas at Austin. The drive will be held on Thursday, April 16th. The purpose of this is to provide the MWPL with access to professional clothing, so that they may walk into spaces while pursuing a career in law with confidence.
Please go through your closets and identify donations. They are looking for professional attire, including but not limited to: blazers, pants, skirts, shoes, blouses, suits, and dresses. Please ensure that donations gifted are in good condition.
Collection sites include:

Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C. 816 Congress Ave., Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701
Law Office of Jennifer D. Ward, PLLC, 2499 S. Capital of TX Hwy, Suite B-203, Austin, TX 78746 and
Nielsen Law PLLC, 8705 Shoal Creek Blvd #105, Austin, Texas 78757

If you have any questions, please contact Beth at beth.payan@traviscountytx.gov
Please drop off your donations by Monday, April 6th.

Joint TCWLA & SABAA Happy Hour
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 | Star Bar, 600 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Joint Happy Hour cohosted with South Asian Bar Association of Austin!

April Burn and Brunch
2026-04-18 09:00 - 10:00
April Burn & Brunch: Yoga Edition

Date and time: April 18, 2026 at 9am
Location: Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 504 W 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705

Join us for our March Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition!
Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness and food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come sweat, meditate and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!

Register below:

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An Evening of Wine & Wellness
2026-04-21 17:30 - 19:30
AYLA Health & Wellness and TCWLA Invite you to: An Evening of Wine &Wellness

Date and time: April 21, 2026 at 5:30p – 7:30p
Location: Just Well Law, 1809 Pearl St., Austin TX 78701

Join AYLA and TCWLA for a free happy hour of networking, wine, and small bites, followed by a Q&A on wellness and longevity tips with Marci and Sam Ditzell, owners of Austin Longevity Clinic.When you want registration to
RSVP at An Evening of Wine & Wellness – AYLA Events

TCWLF/TCWLA Grants & Awards Luncheon
2026-04-24 11:30 - 13:00 | Fairmont Hotel, 101 Red River St, Austin, Texas, 78701
This year’s annual TCWLF/TCWLA luncheon is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Fairmont Hotel. You do not want to miss this annual signature event!
This year, the Foundation is again giving $100,000 in grants to hard-working charitable organizations providing much needed assistance to women and children in (and working with) the legal system. Our keynote speaker at the event will be Maria Leonard Olsen. And we will be honoring local women attorneys and law firm.
There are lots of ways to support this event: be a sponsor and purchase a table for the event, be a corporate sponsor, purchase individual tickets, or buy raffle tickets to see if you can win great prizes during the luncheon. See link to purchase: https://tcwlf.square.site/ [tcwlf.square.site] [tcwlf.square.site]

Volunteer Legal Services Clinic Volunteer Opportunity
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Austin Public Library, 7500 Blessing Ave, Austin, TX, 78752, United States
Please consider volunteering with TCWLA by working our April 29th VLS clinic at the Austin Public Library, St. John Branch 6-8pm. If interested, send your name and email address to TCWLA Board Member Payán at beth.payan@traviscountytx.gov.

TCWLA Spring Half-Day Family Law CLE
2026-05-08 09:00 - 12:30 | Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St, 12th Floor, Austin, Texas, 78701
TCWLA Spring Half-Day Family Law CLE

Date and time: Friday, May 8, at 9:00 – 12:30pm

Location: In-person only, Law Library, Travis County Civil & Family Court Facility, 1700 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701.

Please join TCWLA on Friday, May 8, for a half-day CLE focusing on Family Law. Breakfast and coffee will be provided. Speakers include Chief Justice Darlene Byrne, Justice Karin Crump, Christine Andresen, Candice Deyerle, and Jillian French. The cost to attend this CLE is $40 for members and $55 for non-members. Attendees will earn 3 hours of CLE credit. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration: Registration closes May 5 at midnight and space is limited, register here:

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TCWLA Spring Membership Event
2026-05-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Hillside Farmacy, 1209 East 11th Street, Austin, TX, 78702
Please join us for our Spring Membership Appreciation event at Hillside Farmacy (1209 East 11th Street) on May 13 from 5–7 p.m.! It will be a relaxed evening to welcome new members and reconnect with familiar faces. Enjoy light bites, drinks, and great company as we come together to celebrate community and connection. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register here:

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May Burn and Brunch
2026-05-16 09:00 - 10:00
May Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition

Date and time: May 16, 2026 at 9am
Location: Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 504 W 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705
Join us for our May Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition!

Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness and food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come sweat, meditate and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!

Register below

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TCWLA Power Reads Book Club
2026-05-20 12:00 - 13:00
Please join us for our last book club meeting of the year! On May 20, 2026 from 12:00-1:00, TCWLA Power Reader, Laura Merritt will lead us in a virtual discussion of Strong Ground, by Brene Brown. This is a phenomenal book and the discussion is led by a phenomenal woman. Come read with us, come lead with us!
Register here:

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June Burn and Brunch
2026-06-20 09:00 - 10:00
CANCELED – June Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition

Date and time: June 20, 2026 at 9am
Location: Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 504 W 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705

Join us for our June Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition!
Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness and food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come sweat, meditate and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!

Register at https://www.tcwla.org/events-2/#!event/2026/6/20/june-burn-brunch-yoga-edition

June Membership Meeting
2026-06-23 12:00 - 13:00 | McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703, McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703
June Membership Meeting
Please join us June 23, 12-1 p.m. at McGinnis Lochridge, 1111 W 6th St Ste. 400 Bldg. B, Austin, TX 78703 for our June Membership Meeting. We will be planning for next year, including approving the 2026-2027 Board slate, listed below. Register:

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2026-27 TCWLA Board Slate
Melissa Lorber, Past-President
Cassandra Pillonel, President
Nadia Bettac, President-Elect
April Lucas, Secretary
Rachel Luna, Co-Treasurer
Lindsey Drake, Co-Treasurer
Mildred Anaele, Events Co-Chair
Elecia Byrd, Membership Co-Chair
Heather Coffee, CLE Co-Chair
Julia Di Fiore Byrne, CLE Co-Chair
Leslie Dippel, Website Co-Chair/Book Club Co-Chair
Kim Hidrogo, Community Service Chair
Mariel Kelley, Membership Co-Chair
Carolyn Konczal, Austin Bar Liaison
Samantha Mccoy, AYLA and Affinity Bar Liaison
Beth Payan, Community Service Chair
Neha Paymaster, Mentoring Co-Chair
Velva Price, Scholarship Chair
Princess Rodarte, Publicity Co-Chair
Ambika Sanchez, Events Co-Chair
Jennifer Scott, Mentoring Co-Chair
Rachel Seshan, Website Co-Chair
Laura Smith, Publicity Co-Chair
Sherine Thomas, W.E.L.L. Summit Chair/Book Club Co-Chair
Jennifer Ward, Sponsorships

July Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition
2026-07-11 09:00 - 10:00
July Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition

Date and time: July 11, 2026 at 9am
Location: Wild and Beautiful Natural Aesthetics, 504 W 38th Street, Austin, Texas 78705
Join us for our July Burn & Brunch : Yoga Edition!

Burn & Brunch is an exciting concept that merges fitness and food and friendship, providing a unique experience for those seeking a healthy and social lifestyle. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to spend your weekend, Burn and Brunch has something for everyone. So why not give it a try? Or join us again! Come sweat, meditate and indulge in a delicious meal – your body and mind will thank you!

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2026 Pathfinders Event
2026-11-06 18:00 - 21:30 | Renaissance Austin Arboretum, 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, 78759, United States
Pathfinders’ Dinner and
TCWLA’s Fiftieth Year Celebration
This year’s celebration will be especially meaningful as we gather to honor our Pathfinders and celebrate 50 years of the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association. The Pathfinders’ Dinner celebrates extraordinary women attorneys who have used their law degrees to make a lasting impact on the legal profession and our community. At the same time, we will celebrate five decades of TCWLA’s history, leadership, service, and commitment to supporting women in the legal profession.
Pathfinders are role models and trailblazers — local women with law degrees who are using, and have used, their degrees in a variety of ways to impact our community and the legal profession. Each year, TCWLA makes an effort to select and honor a panel of Pathfinders who represent a diversity of life and career experiences. We invite them to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, creating a thoughtful and inspiring program that celebrates the many ways women lawyers make a difference.
This year, we invite you to join us for an evening of dinner, connection, inspiration, and celebration as we honor our 2026–2027 Pathfinders and commemorate 50 years of TCWLA. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone with you on November 6!
Early bird pricing until September 25, 2026 for individual tickets at $175; prices go up to $200 after 9/25/26. Buy individual tickets, table sponsorships and other sponsorships below.
For details about the benefits of sponsoring this special event, visit at https://tcwla.org/sponsor-an-event/
This joyous celebration will be a special evening event and we invite you to bring spouses, friends and other loved ones. We also have a limited hotel room block through this hyperlink: Book your group rate for TCWLA Annual Pathfinders Awards & Fiftieth Year Celebration [app.marriott.com] Reservations cutoff date: Friday, October 16, 2026

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