First Lady Blog
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made. For hundreds of years, Texas has been deeply and uniquely influenced by individuals of Hispanic descent. And today, Hispanics continue to play a prominent role in Texas by forging new frontiers on multiple fronts, from education, to business, and the arts.
The State Fair of Texas
The great State Fair of Texas is underway and with it comes plenty of excitement! Since 1886, Dallas has hosted the State Fair. Today, approximately 3 million people visit the fairgrounds over the course of the month that it is open. Everything is bigger in Texas and the Fair is no exception! There’s something for everyone – from Big Tex, the 55 foot, 95 gallon hat-wearing cowboy that welcomes you to the fair, to pig races, free live music, and the Texas-OU Red River Rivalry football game, to name just a few.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage Month and the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce
During Hispanic Heritage Month, here in Texas we celebrate the many contributions to the Lone Star State that Hispanics have made, but in particular I want to emphasize the indelible impact that Hispanics have had on our state’s economy. Texas is among the top state for Hispanic-owned businesses and for the jobs they create. In fact, Texas leads the nation for jobs created by Hispanic women business owners. At the same time, Texas cities are among the most welcoming in the nation for Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Family Day - Making Everyday Special
I am pleased to once again join forces with First Spouse all across the United States and Family Day to celebrate the simple, everyday things parents do to connect with their kids. Founded in 2001 by Center on Addiction, Family Day works with organizations across the country to educate parents about how everyday activities create strong, healthy relationships that can prevent future substance use.
DPS is Reminding Texans To Be Aware of Schoolchildren, School Zones, and School Buses
As the new school year begins, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) cautions Texans to slow down in school zones, and to be aware of children walking to and from school or waiting for buses. The start of the school year generates an increase in overall traffic in many areas. Drivers should take extra precautions and always follow traffic laws regarding school zones. Drivers should be especially alert and careful around school buses – which make frequent stops.
Helping Texans Rebuild One Year After Harvey
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting with several folks in the Houston area who were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, but have rebuilt through the help of their fellow Texans and the Rebuild Texas Fund. I joined Susan Dell of the Rebuild Texas Fund and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation on this tour of communities damaged by Hurricane Harvey as the storm’s one year anniversary approaches.
2018 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winners Are Announced!
Today I was thrilled to announce the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards, administered by OneStar Foundation, honors the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in Texas that have made a positive impact in their communities or across the state through service and volunteering.
Texanthropy Spotlight: LifeWorks Austin
I had the opportunity this week to visit the East Austin location of LifeWorks Austin, located on Pleasant Valley Road. LifeWorks Austin is a local non-profit with a mission to serve as fearless advocates for youth and young families seeking self-sufficiency by fulfilling needs for housing, education and workforce or counseling.