EWTG OFFERS MULTIPLE MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

EXECUTIVE SUCCESS TEAMS

Small Groups within EWTG

Joining an Executive Success Team (EST) is an excellent way to get to know other EWTG members. ESTs meet on a regular basis, allowing members to gain knowledge, socialize, and develop professional and personal relationships. ESTs are held in small group settings to create a comfortable atmosphere, allowing the discussion of professional topics of interest in a supportive and confidential setting. Some members develop lifelong friendships through their EST. Each EST has a different focus – there is something for everyone!

Signing up for an EST:

EWTG members who are interested in joining an EST should complete an interest form. Members can join at any time.

EST Member Criteria:

• Must be an active EWTG member.
• Willing to join and participate in your selected EST meetings.

Interested members can hear about other ESTs at a kick-off event held in the spring each year, or at the New Member Orientation held quarterly.

Join an EST today!

Executive Success Team Interest Form

Current ESTs:

PEER MENTORING

EWTG recently started a peer mentoring group using the Mastermind concept. Through this concept, peer groups help members solve their problems with input from the other group members. The small group(s) have 8-10 members and are not focused on a specific topic – rather each member takes turns being in the “spotlight,” time they can use to bring a challenge or opportunity to the group for discussion. To ensure confidentiality groups are not open to new members. However, as additional members indicate interest new peer mentoring groups can form.

Signing up for Peer Mentoring:

EWTG members who are interested in peer mentoring should complete an interest form. Once a large enough group of members indicates interest, EWTG will create a new peer mentoring group.

Peer Mentoring Member Criteria:

• Must be an active EWTG member.
• Willing to actively participate in peer mentoring groups, both providing input to other group members and being in the “spotlight” to bring a challenge or opportunity to the group.
• Willing to maintain confidentiality with other group members.

Peer Mentoring Interest Form

ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING

EWTG members can find guidance, inspiration, and community from other members. EWTG hosts one-on-one mentoring to build professional development, set achievable goals, receive professional support and valuable guidance, and develop networking skills and opportunities.

Signing up for One-on-One Mentoring:

The One-on-One Mentoring Program operates based on the calendar year, with new pairs starting in the first quarter of each year and meeting through the end of the year. Applications for the 2026 one-on-one mentoring class will open in early 2026.

One-on-One Mentee Criteria:

• Must be an active EWTG member.
• Willing to commit to meet with mentor/mentee at least one hour per month and participate in other program activities throughout the year.
• Willing to set and work toward professional development goals throughout the mentoring program.

Current Mentor/Mentee Pairs:

Dr. Mercy Bryant (mentor) and Liliana Santoyo (mentee):
Dr. Bryant is the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of State Health Services Office of Compliance and System Coordination. She has more than 14 years of Texas state service and a cumulative 20 years of public administration and strategic planning in academia, nonprofit, and local and state government. Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Moi University, Kenya; a Master of Public Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public and Urban Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Liliana is the Director of Strategic Business Initiatives within the Business Operations Support section of the Health and Human Services Commission Office of Data, Analytics, and Performance. Through her mentoring experience, she would like to continue to grow as a leader by expanding her current knowledge and skills, particularly in project management. She is also excited to learn new perspectives and expand her network.

Catherine Crago (mentor) and Crystal Zhang (mentee):
Catherine is the Head of Strategic Initiatives for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. She has previously led an interactive diversity and inclusion training media firm, worked in multinational global public-private consortia to ensure equitable partnerships, and led efforts to close the digital divide for educational equity. Catherine has a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas at Austin.

Crystal worked in the private sector for many years before joining the Texas Department of Transportation 11 years ago. She has worked on business intelligence and artificial intelligence. She is excited to get to know her mentor, learn, be inspired, and become friends with her. Crystal has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

Regina Durden (mentor) and Tamara Young (mentee):
Regina is an accomplished leader in procurement, contracting, and business development. She has held executive and director-level roles at the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Texas Department of Insurance, and Adjutant General’s Office. She is currently serving at the Texas Real Estate Commission. Regina founded Bradshaw Solutions Group, a consulting firm that specializes in procurement, contracting, and business development and holds a number of volunteer positions in her community.

Tamara has dedicated herself to serving Texans through a clean environment and promoting public health over her 17 years at the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. She is a mom of two, often juggling homework help and studying for her Project Management Professional certification. Tamara is excited to connect with other professional women, grow more confident, and develop her executive presence and leadership skills. Tamara holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science.

Meghan Kempf (mentor) and Kim McConic (mentee):
Meghan is an Associate Director in the Policy Department of the Health and Human Services Commission Office of Chief Counsel. Her team supports state-operated facilities (state hospitals and state supported living centers) and community mental health, behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disability services. She began her legal career in 2012 as an Equal Justice Works Fellow with Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc. in San Antonio. Meghan holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and Government from the University of Texas at Austin and Juris Doctorate from St. Mary’s Law.

Kim is a 15-year veteran of service to the state of Texas. She is currently a Contract and Policy Manager within Family Health Services at the Health and Human Services Commission. Kim is excited to participate in the mentorship program as it is an invaluable opportunity for continuous learning and professional growth, with an added bonus of building professional relationships.

Audrey Selden (mentor) and Louisa Torrance (mentee):
Audrey is an attorney who served as the Texas Assistant Secretary of State and Deputy Commissioner for the Texas Department of Insurance. Prior to her state service she clerked for a federal district judge and was a trial litigator at a law firm in Houston. Audrey has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Harvard.

Louisa serves as the Training and Development Program Manager for Texas State Parks. She began her career with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 2018 after completing her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and Master of Science in Fisheries and Mariculture.