
Woman of Distinction – August
Debi Hays is a leader whose career bridges public service, business, and community engagement.
Debi served as the Ector County Judge from 2018 – 2022. After winning the Republican primary with a commanding 63% of the vote, she was appointed to the position in June 2018 to succeed the prior Judge. Debi brought visionary leadership to local government championing initiatives that improved infrastructure, public safety, environmental enforcement, and promoted ways to cut government spending. Her tenure was marked by bold decisions...

Woman of Distinction – July 2025
Carolyn grew up in Houston. She attended North Texas State and the University of Houston earning a teaching degree with a minor in music. She has been part of several singing groups and even worked as a studio backup singer for recording artists.
She has been married to her husband Jerry for 45 years. They share four grown children and have 10 grandchildren and one great grandson. In 2005, she and her husband made the Canyon Lake area their home. Carolyn...

Woman of Distinction – June 2025
Diane Dees is a leader in the Texas Federation of Republican Women. She is known to approach every challenge with determination. Her
professionalism attracts fellow team members and she consistently demonstrates confidence in completing projects and tasks effectively. Diane developed an interest in politics in 1994 and later joined the Richardson Republican Women. She has participated in state and national campaigns including those of George Bush, Pete Sessions, Angie Chen Button, and other local elections. Since 2005, Diane has attended Texas State...
professionalism attracts fellow team members and she consistently demonstrates confidence in completing projects and tasks effectively. Diane developed an interest in politics in 1994 and later joined the Richardson Republican Women. She has participated in state and national campaigns including those of George Bush, Pete Sessions, Angie Chen Button, and other local elections. Since 2005, Diane has attended Texas State...

Woman of Distinction – May 2025
Erica Whatley began her career in banking, ultimately working in the Wells Fargo Private Bank Legal Specialty Group in Washington, D.C., where she managed high-net-worth accounts for attorneys in the nation’s capital. Throughout her professional journey, she supported her husband on campaign trails from San Antonio to Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Austin – often with their young children in tow.
After pausing her career to raise their three daughters, Erica returned to public service by helping Toni Anne Dashiell win re-election...

Woman of Distinction – April 2025
Ronnye Cowell has been active in politics since retiring in 2020 after 37 years as a teacher and school administrator. She has served as a poll watcher, worked on voter-roll cleanups with Alan Vera, and enjoys electioneering, hosting fundraisers, volunteering weekly at the Harris County Republican Party, and educating friends on local politics.
She served as TFRW District Director for SD7, has been a Delegate at two state conventions, and currently sits on the TFRW Executive Committee as District Director and...

Woman of Distinction – March 2025
TFRW Board Members state that knowing Anne Slagel is a joy. “You feel good just being around her. She brings a special light to every event.”
Anne is a sixth-plus generation Texan whose ancestors founded Strawn, Texas. She was raised in Missouri but returned to Texas as soon as possible. She boasts three children and 12 grandchildren whom she calls her “treasures.” Anne and her husband, Gary, share a life of service in the North Texas Region.
Reared by an unstoppable legally-blind...