AUSTIN, Texas (Mar. 18, 2024) — As the Center for Women in Law (CWIL) enters its 15th year and prepares for its 2024 Women’s Power Summit, Executive Director Veronica Vargas Stidvent announced that she will step down this year as the Center readies its process to develop its next strategic plan.
“It has been an honor to lead this organization through a crucial time, including a global pandemic; the expansion of our wide-ranging, innovative programming; and the creation of additional opportunities for women lawyers to connect, engage, and grow in their profession,” said Stidvent.
Added Stidvent, “The work and commitment of our Executive Committee, our Giving Circle members, and the Center staff have brought the Center’s strategic plan to life. I am so grateful to all of them for their dedication and support.”
Over the four years of Stidvent’s tenure, the Center has:
- Developed and deployed its first-ever Strategic Plan.
- Rebranded the Center, launched a new website, and provided new opportunities for the public to engage with the Center through virtual and hybrid events.
- Increased participation in its programming five-fold, averaging 200-300 participants in each of its webinars, conferences, and other programs.
- Set a fundraising record during the Center’s 2023 Biennial Awards Luncheon.
- Introduced new programs that broaden and deepen the Center’s reach to a wider audience locally, nationally, and globally, including the Ginsburg Initiative, Ascend, and the Ex Libris, Perspectives, and Pathways series.
- Reinvigorated existing Center programs such as Accelerate Career Start, growing this first-year lawyer professional development program from serving 40 lawyers across three metro areas annually to serving more than 200 lawyers across 17 states.
The Center’s work is organized around its mission of being the premier national resource and champion for women lawyers and generating lasting change within the legal profession.
“The Center moves forward from a strong foundation of championing women lawyers at every stage of their careers,” said Stidvent.
“It has been wonderful to work with Ronnye these past years,” said Bobby Chesney, dean of The University of Texas Law, the Center’s home on The University of Texas at Austin campus. “She is a strategic leader, an innovative programmer, and a terrific partner for all the Center’s stakeholders and constituents. I know the Center’s future is bright, and I’m eager to see what Ronnye does next.”
Before Stidvent’s departure, the Center will undertake the 2024 Women’s Power Summit and a host of spring activities, followed by developing a revised strategic plan as it marks 15 years since its founding and looks ahead to entering its third decade in 2029.
Learn more about the 2024 Women’s Power Summit.
Learn more about the Center’s Spring 2024 programs and events.
Learn more about the Center for Women in Law’s leadership.