Legacy
Oct. 22, 2026 • 5-8:00 PM CT
Springdale Station Austin
An evening of bold possibilities.
Doors • 5pm
Program • 6pm
Imagine what's next for Texas.
Join Every Texan this fall for Legacy 2026! For more than four decades, Every Texan has worked where those decisions begin—bringing trusted research, practical solutions, and the voices of Texans into the conversations that shape our state. We know that the decisions made at our Capitol are felt at kitchen tables across Texas, so we step from neighborhoods across the state in to the legislative arena day after day to shape a future where strong policies build a strong state for all.
On October 22, 2026, that’s the legacy we’re celebrating. Join Every Texan, alongside the leaders and partners helping shape our state’s future, for an evening that honors more than what we inherit—it honors what we are building together.
Leave your legacy, Texas!
Our mission to strengthen public policy has never been more crucial. In Texas, long before opportunity is visible, a policy decision has already been made. The future takes shape in the policy decisions most never see, but every Texan experiences. We work to ensure that every Texan is represented when and where critical policy choices are made.
Get Involved
Become a Sponsor
When you sponsor Legacy, you’re investing in the work Every Texan does to shape outcomes before they are felt. We invite you to join us in strengthening public policy so every Texan thrives. Download our Sponsor Packet (PDF).
Legacy Architect
The Legacy Architect is Every Texan's premier sponsorship opportunity, underwriting the presentation of the Legacy Award which defines the evening's most important dialogue. As the event's lead investor, the Legacy Architect makes possible the bold ideas, thoughtful conversations, and evidence-based solutions that have shaped Texas policy for decades. A Legacy Architect ensures that Every Texan’s organizational strategy actuates policy movement toward equity today and for years to come.
- $100,000+
• Presenting Recognition with naming rights for the keynote, signature panel, or Legacy Award [e.g. Legacy Award made possible by…]
• Custom partner feature in the event program or on the Every Texan blog
• Featured recognition in the pre-event video
• Access to VIP reception with legislators and featured guests
• Exclusive legislative briefing on Every Texan’s policy agenda and session priorities
• Sponsor spotlight for Legislative Agenda Briefing or Reception
• Invitation to From the Root (2027), a conversation with community leaders from across Texas
• Opportunities to engage with Texas legislators, policy experts, and coalition partners
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Policy Driver
Policy Drivers invest in Every Texan’s trusted work to inform legislative action with research and community expertise sought out from every corner of Texas. Their investment strengthens statewide campaigns that influence policy decisions affecting millions of Texans every day.
- $50,000+
• Access to VIP reception with Texas legislators and featured guests
•Exclusive legislative briefing on Every Texan’s policy agenda and session priorities
• Sponsor spotlight for Legislative Agenda Briefing or Reception
• Invitation to From the Root (2027), a conversation with community leaders from across Texas
• Opportunities to engage with Texas legislators, policy experts, and coalition partners
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Equity Champion
Equity Champions advance community-driven action across Texas. They are investing in the tools we use to magnify powerful storytelling and community voices that are singing out for policy solutions. Equity Champions invest in storytelling, community engagement, and leadership development that connects lived experience with public policy.
- $25,000+
• Invitation to From the Root (2027), a conversation with community leaders from across Texas
• Opportunities to engage with Texas legislators, policy experts, and coalition partners
• Invitation to Legislative Agenda Briefing and Reception
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Justice Builder
Justice Builders help Every Texan integrate research and analysis with advocacy efforts to inform policy decisions with both data and lived experience. Justice Builders infuse Every Texan’s trusted issue-specific toolkits, briefs, and digital resources with research and data.
- $15,000+
• Opportunities to engage with Texas legislators, policy experts, and coalition partners
• Invitation to Legislative Agenda Briefing and Reception
• Listening opportunities during signature Advocacy Training programs
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Community Power Partner
Community Power Partners ensure that Texans from every region and background can participate in policy conversations that shape their lives. Your support helps remove barriers to participation through travel assistance, accessibility resources, and community leadership development.
- $10,000+
• Invitation to Legislative Agenda Briefing and Reception
• Listening opportunities during signature Advocacy Training programs
• Early access to Advocacy Days at the Texas Capitol, including legislative briefings and advocacy trainings
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Community Access Partner
Community Access Partners make Legacy accessible to the people who bring Every Texan's mission to life. By underwriting community attendance, these sponsors ensure that students, families, working Texans, grassroots leaders, and community partners can participate alongside business, philanthropic, and civic leaders—regardless of their ability to purchase a ticket or sponsorship. Together, we create a gathering that reflects the broad coalition needed to shape Texas' future.
- $5,000+
• Access to VIP reception with Texas legislators and featured guests
• Meaningful connections with grassroots advocates advancing policy across Texas
All levels of sponsorship provide premium visibility:
• Prominent recognition throughout the Legacy event experience
• Premier logo placement across all print, digital, and on-site event materials
• Recognition in media outreach, pre-event communications, and email campaigns
• Hyperlinked logo on the Legacy sponsor webpage
Event Program
3:00 – 6:00 PM | Policy Summit
Panels on healthcare, education, and civic engagement with Texas’ leading experts.
- 3:00 PM
All Systems Go: Healthcare Access in a Changing Texas
Centering the lived experience of those seeking access to healthcare within a complex landscape of policy, we’ll share how policies can be built to ensure Texans live healthy lives. This will be an in-depth look at the systems that help make healthcare accessible and take folks along as we lay out what is feasible and possible with bold vision, increased investment of available resources, and strong leadership.
- 4:00 PM
Lessons from the Front Lines: Advancing Public Education in Texas
Texas kids and the public schools they attend are worth more than a down payment. This panel will underscore the need to acknowledge the real-world impact of school finance on communities, students and families across Texas. Texas is home to 5.5 million Texas students, of which 24% are Emergent Bilingual Learners and 66% of all Texas students qualify as “low income” and receive Title 1 services and support. Let’s envision a public education system that is fully funded and shape policies that ensure our state's prosperity is built by an educated Texas.
- 5:00 PM
Building the Road to Policy Change: The People’s Budget
In “Building the Road to Policy Change”, Every Texan takes the audience across Texas with us as we share how Every Texan crafted a people-informed policy agenda for the 89th Session. Powered by research and data, trusted relationships with policy makers, and policy expertise spanning 40 years, Every Texan’s advocacy was driven by more than 8,000 Texas voices. This panel offers an engagement framework proven to connect Texans to legislative advocacy. Panelists will share how partners and advocates can deploy engagement strategies that build power in communities to inform stakeholders and policy makers on the increased investments that most benefit Texans.
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Community Celebration
Enjoy food trucks, interactive activations, and networking with advocates, policymakers, and community leaders.
FAQ
What is Legacy?
Legacy is Every Texan’s annual celebration of our work to build a more equitable Texas. This year’s event marks 41 years of building the case for equity through data-driven solutions and building coalitions to ensure every Texan can thrive. Legacy 2026 will include a presentation of awards that allow our supporters to connect with, honor, and celebrate the Texans who stand shoulder to shoulder with Every Texan in the arena, toward an equitable future for all.
When and where is it?
- Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
- Time: 5:00 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Springdale Station, East Austin 979 Springdale Rd #160, Austin, TX 78702
How much is it to attend?
Tickets are $25 a person. Donations are encouraged to help us keep this event accessible.
Will food be provided?
Yes! The community celebration will feature local food trucks, and food is complimentary for all attendees.
Is there parking?
Yes! Springdale Station offers free parking for guests. Rideshare drop-off is also available.
Who should come?
Legacy is open to anyone who’s passionate about building a stronger, fairer Texas – from community advocates, to public officials, thought leaders, policymakers, and more! Secure your spot today, space is limited!
Our Panelists
People's Budget
Dr. Coda Rayo-Garza
Senior Director of Research and Data, Every Texan
Coda Rayo-Garza serves as Every Texan’s Senior Director of Research and Data. She is a fronteriza born and raised in Laredo, Texas. Coda has worked in the nonprofit and government sectors in various roles and is also a former Lecturer of Political Science. A first-generation college graduate and daughter of immigrants, Coda earned her PhD student in Applied Demography at the University of Texas at San Antonio, her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a B.A. in Philosophy from Texas State University.
People's Budget
Mercedes Bristol
Executive Director, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Mercedes is a mother of 2, grandmother of 11 grandchildren, great-grandmother of 4 great-grandchildren, and the Founder and Executive Director of Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Her grandparenting journey began in 2011 when she adopted 5 of her grandchildren and quickly learned of the gaps in information and resources for grandparents and kinship caregivers. Mercedes has since become an advocate for grandparents who raise their grandchildren at the federal, state, and local levels. She strives to ensure that all grandfamilies are resourced, connected, and thrive as a family, mobilizing and advocating for themselves and others. She is a member of: Grand Voice for Generations United, Texas Kinship Collaboration Group, Child Welfare Round Table, Children to Church Initiative, Thriving Families Safer Children, Recipient 2022 Casey Excellence for Children’s Award, Health Equity Network, Former Member Texas Silver Haired Legislature, Health Equity Network, Equity Fellowship Leadership Program, Partnership for Children and Families (PCFC).
People's Budget
Natalie Ann Sánchez Lopez
Executive Director & CEO, Latino Texas Policy Center
Natalie is the Founding Executive Director and CEO of the Latino Texas Policy Center (LTPC). LTPC is a newly established statewide organization based in San Antonio whose primary objective is to increase the policy-making power of Latinos in Texas. Natalie is a native Tejana, born and raised in San Antonio, and a proud hija of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Dominican ancestry. After completing her Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2008, she continued living in Boston, where for the last 15 years, she worked in grassroots organizing and advocacy, as well as holding positions in local and state government focused on increasing the political and economic development of Latinos and all communities of color. She was one of the 50 individuals to organize and lead the first National Women’s March in 2008 and is one of the founders of We Are March On, who continued the efforts of the women’s march and helped cities across the country develop their local sister march chapters. She also worked throughout the Middle East and South Asia on conducting multi-national and multi-stakeholder consensus building efforts focused on poverty alleviation and improving education access and attainment for vulnerable populations. She continues to serve as a consultant for non-profits, governments, and private corporations. She delivers customized negotiation and consensus building training to increase individual and organizational capacity. Her proudest accomplishment is becoming a first-time mother to a beautiful son, Santiago Ernesto Xochipilli.
People's Budget
Katie Martin Lightfoot
Director of Strategic Campaigns and Engagement, Every Texan
Katie Martin Lightfoot leads Every Texan’s community engagement and advocacy work. She brings strategic vision and tactical execution to Every Texan’s expanding engagement work to center people in the policymaking process. For over ten years, Katie has worked with communities in direct service and advocacy roles. She holds a Master of Public Affairs (MPAff) from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin.
People's Budget
Moderated by:
Lily Trieu
Executive Director, Asian Texans for Justice
Lily Trieu is the Executive Director of Asian Texans for Justice, a statewide nonprofit with a mission to connect Asian Texans of all identities to meaningful civic action to build personal and political power for future generations. Lily is passionate about equity and access to quality education as a means for personal and economic empowerment. In 2019, she worked in the Texas House of Representatives on the House Committee on Public Education in the 86th Legislative Session and in 2018, Lily was a Graduate Fellow at The Archer Center for Public Policy. Prior to her political and advocacy work, Lily spent over ten years in the private sector with a focus on strategy, relationship management, and project management. She has a BBA in Marketing and BA in Asian Studies from The University of Texas Austin as well as an MBA with a concentration in Public and Governmental Affairs from the McCombs School of Business, completing a Portfolio Studies in Nonprofit Management.
Education
Dan Huberty, Ed.D.
Former State Representative, CEO, Moak Casey, LLC
Dan Huberty is currently the Chief Executive Officer of MoakCasey, LLC. MoakCasey is the largest education and economic development consulting firm in Texas. Serving over 700 school districts in Texas, it is the oldest education consulting firm in the State. Huberty was also active in political affairs, serving as a State Representative for Texas House District 127 from 2010-2022, retiring after the 87th legislative session. Huberty also served as a Trustee for the Humble Independent School District which has 42,000 students, from 2006 to 2010, serving as its President from 2009-2010. Huberty oversaw the majority of education reforms in Texas over the last decade, with the passage of HB 3 in 2019, which provided the largest infusion of new money into the education system, along with the largest single tax cut at the time.
Education
Chandra Kring Villanueva
Director of Budget and Policy, Every Texan
Chandra Villanueva oversees Every Texan’s policy and advocacy work. She joined Every Texan in 2010 and focused on school finance and education policy ranging from early education to higher education access and success. Chandra earned a Master of Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
Education
Patty Quinzi
Director of Public Affairs & Legislative Counsel, Texas AFT
Patty is Director of Public Affairs and Legislative Counsel for the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. Originally from Laredo, TX, Patty has worked as an advocate for public educators since 2004, with prior experience as a budget and policy analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board. Patty is a joint-degree recipient from the University of Texas School of Law and the University of Texas LBJ Graduate School of Public Affairs. Patty serves on the board of the Worker’s Assistance Program and Our Schools Our Democracy.
Education
State Representative Diego Bernal
Texas House District 123
Representative Diego Bernal was born in South Texas and raised in San Antonio. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in the city's west side, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his undergraduate degree, master's degree in social work, and law degree. After graduating from law school, he returned to San Antonio permanently as a MALDEF staff attorney, advocating and litigating on behalf of working people, children, and immigrant communities. In June 2011, Diego was elected to the San Antonio City Council representing District 1. Representative Bernal was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in February 2015. He represents District 123, home to downtown and north central San Antonio, parts of the city's west side, along with the City of Castle Hills. He currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Public Education and is also a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Permanent Standing Subcommittee on Property Tax Appraisals.
Education
Moderated by:
Chloe Latham Sikes
Deputy Director of Policy, Intercultural Development Research Association
Chloe leads IDRA’s state policy priorities for advancing equity in public education, including school finance, bilingual education, culturally-sustaining school climates, and college readiness policies. She has worked with education advocacy coalitions during Texas legislative sessions on issues ranging from access to in-state tuition for undocumented students to increasing bilingual education funding and to enhancing teacher preparation programs. Chloe currently serves as a commissioner to the City of Austin’s Early Childhood Council. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy and M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin, where she also serves as an adjunct instructor. She earned a B.A. in anthropology and global development studies from Grinnell College.
Health Care
State Rep. Toni Rose
Texas House District 110
Since 2013, State Representative Toni Rose has proudly represented District 110, which includes the Dallas County communities of Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and Balch Springs. A distinguished alumna of Paul Quinn College, Representative Rose has dedicated her career to advancing mental health initiatives, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and pursuing criminal justice reform. During her time in the Texas House, she has secured funding for major initiatives like the Texas Behavioral Health Center, eliminating costs for reduced-price school meals, and expanded Alzheimer’s care, and passed landmark legislation, including the extension of postpartum Medicaid benefits for Texas mothers from two to 12 months. Named one of Texas Monthly’s Best Legislators, she currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Texas Women’s Health Caucus, Secretary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and Corresponding Secretary of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women. Representative Rose is a fierce champion for District 110 and the state of Texas who will always advocate for policies that improve lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for all Texans to thrive.
Health Care
Dr. Patrick Lee
President and CEO, Central Health
Dr. Patrick Lee was selected to serve as Central Health’s President & CEO by the Board of Managers in December, 2023. Most recently, Dr. Lee served as the inaugural System Chairman of Medicine for One Brooklyn Health (OBH), a safety-net health system in central Brooklyn serving over one million New York City residents, leading 11 clinical divisions with more than 500 practitioners, working at three hospitals and 27 ambulatory care sites. Dr. Lee was the key leader uniting medical staff at the three formerly independent hospitals, and recruiting additional providers in multiple specialties, into an efficient and comprehensive provider group serving a community with the highest level of health disparities in New York. Prior to OBH, Dr. Lee was Chairman of Medicine at Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital north of Boston, which during his tenure responded to the highest COVID-19 patient volume among community hospitals in Massachusetts, saving the lives of more than 1,200 patients during the early months of the pandemic. Before that, Dr. Lee developed the Global Primary Care Residency Program at Massachusetts General and a global health course at Harvard Medical School, both informed by his early career work with Dr. Paul Farmer in Rwanda and as Medical Director of Last Mile Health in Liberia, a nonprofit partner of the nation’s Ministry of Health. Dr. Lee is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and received further training at both Massachusetts General and Harvard Medical School. He has written on improving primary care health systems, quality improvement, and medical education for publications including The Lancet, BMJ Quality, the Journal of General Internal Medicine, and the Journal of Graduate Medical Education.
Health Care
Anne Dunkelberg
Former Associate Director, Every Texan
Anne Dunkelberg anchored health care policy work for Every Texan (and the Center for Public Policy Priorities) from 1994 to 2022, as a senior policy analyst, director of health and food justice team, and associate director. During her tenure, she worked on Medicaid changes and deep immigrant benefit cuts from the 1996 federal welfare act, creation of Texas’ CHIP program, reform of children’s Medicaid to allow mail and online applications and continuous coverage, and numerous waves of state and federal attacks on Medicaid. A Native Texan, Anne earned her Bachelor's degree from Plan II and Master of Public Affairs from UT Austin. She finally retired from Every Texan in July of 2023, and remains a passionate supporter of the organization and its mission.
Health Care
Lynn Cowles, Ph.D.
Director of Health and Food Justice, Every Texan
As Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Director, Lynn Cowles works to increase food security and access to affordable health care coverage for all Texans. She is a Community Health Worker and a subject matter expert on the Affordable Care Act, Texas health programs and policies, health education, and health communications. Lynn joined Every Texan in June 2024 and coordinates with enrollment assisters and advocates around Texas who help community members apply for food and health benefits programs and use those programs to have healthy lives.
Health Care
Moderated by:
Terri Langford
Reporter, Texas Tribune
Terri Langford is the Tribune's health services reporter based in Austin. Langford is a veteran journalist, having worked at the Florida Times Union, The Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, WNYC, Honolulu Civil Beat and Texas Standard/KUT. Langford has a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin. She has covered various city and state agencies, criminal justice and health and human services for the Houston Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News, The Associated Press, WNYC and Texas Standard at KUT.
Leave Your Legacy
Join us for Legacy on October 22, 2026 to continue building a bridge from policy to the people.
Legacy
Presented by:
Equity Champions
The Currie-Farabee Family Fund
Justice Builders
Dale Linebarger
Helen & Ray Farabee Family Fund
Community Power Partners
Jack E. Blake, Jr.
Elena and Kenneth Marks
Catherine Clark Mosbacher
Janis and Joe Pinnelli