By Sahar Chmais
The Hays County League of Women Voters elected its first Black and Latina officers.
Teressa Carbajal Ravet is the organization’s new president and first Latina woman to serve. Alongside Carbajal Ravet, the first Black president-elect is Mary Earls.
“It’s an honor to lead this respected nonpartisan organization in its mission to empower voters and defend democracy,” Carbajal Ravet said. “Our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy will prioritize engaging everyone in Hays County and holding county leaders and policymakers accountable to all those they represent. I look forward to meeting with area leaders and organizations to learn more about how we can work collaboratively for the equitable inclusion and engagement of all Hays community members.”
During the 2020 National Convention, members agreed that there is a need for diversity in the organization.
Alongside Carbajal Ravet and Earls, other board members include Rosemary Jimenez, Irma Guadarrama, Linda Calvert, Sheryl Davis, Marilyn Minnaar, Laurel O’Donnell, Charles Minnaar, Margaret Lindsey, Susan Raybuck, Shannon FitzPatrick and Phyllis M. Finnemore.
The League in Hays County has 139 members, both men and women, who participate in local teams within San Marcos, Wimberley, Kyle and Dripping Springs.
They have been partaking in civic engagement for 100 years and continue to build trust and relationships to make democracy work, according to the League. They work to inform residents about issues, candidates and encourage eligible people to vote.
Carbajal Ravet has also encouraged residents to contact her at [email protected].
