Group building next generation of leaders

Texas Women’s Foundation (TXWF) announced that High Tech Rising (formerly High Tech High Heels), a nonprofit incubated at Texas Women’s Foundation 25 years ago, will receive its Special Recognition Award at the upcoming 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration on April 29. High Tech Rising is dedicated to achieving equitable representation for women in the STEM workforce, creating pathways for women to achieve economic, security, stability and success in alignment with TXWF’s mission. Karen Hughes White, Texas Women’s Foundation president and CEO, said: “What began as a quiet movement led by The Women of TI in 2001 has become a regional force for good, with more than $2 million awarded in scholarships and support for girls in STEM. High Tech Rising is building the next generation of leaders.” Laura Steffek, president of High Tech Rising, said: “Every young woman deserves the opportunity to pursue the STEM career of her choice, limited only by her talent, aspiration and willingness to do the work. Not all girls have that opportunity today. This award belongs to the pioneers who started this journey in 2001, the hundreds of board members and volunteers who have fueled our growth and, most importantly, the more than 89,000 young women we have served.” In addition to honoring High Tech Rising at the 2026 Leadership Forum & Awards Celebration, TXWF will honor seven outstanding women. Sponsorships, ticket packages and tickets are available for purchase at txwf.org/leadership. — Juliette Coulter