Women's History Month

Lisa M. Baumgartner is a Professor of Adult Education at Texas State University, San Marcos. She received her doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Georgia in 2000.

Her research and writing focus on adult learning and development in marginalized populations and transformative learning.

Recently, she has published articles women academics' learning as a result of being bullied and how women are portrayed in adult education journals.  

She has taught courses in adult development, adult learning, critical and feminist theory, feminist pedagogy, teaching adults, methods of inquiry, and education for older adults.

In November, 2024, she was inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in Florence, Italy.

Valerie L. Holmes is a distinguished higher education leader with over 25 years of experience in student affairs, institutional leadership, and academic instruction. As a career practitioner-scholar, it is Valerie’s goal to contribute to the field of higher education by addressing system-level administrative issues to create healthier environments for students to gain access and thrive. As the Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students at Texas State University, she provides strategic oversight for the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Center, and Student Health Services—ensuring a comprehensive approach to student health and well-being, crisis and behavioral intervention management, and student success.

A proud first-generation college graduate and former TRiO Student Support Services participant, Valerie’s career has been shaped by her commitment to access, equity, and student success. Her diverse experience spans public and private institutions, urban and rural campuses, HBCUs, HSIs, PWIs, and community colleges—providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of higher education. Valerie has a proven track record of creating and reforming student support departments, leading strategic initiatives, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to drive institutional improvement. She specializes in higher education organizational culture, infrastructure development, and personnel leadership, with a focus on applied, sustainable solutions.

An active leader within NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, Valerie also serves as an administrative coach with Developing Coaching Capacity consulting firm. She is a certified leadership development trainer and consultant, holding multiple certifications in leadership training.

Valerie holds a B.A. in African-American World Studies from The University of Iowa and an M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University. Additionally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Bessy Martinez is a multi-faceted Salvadoran community builder, entrepreneur, and creative. As the CEO and founder of The Latina Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, she leads a brand house of programs dedicated to Latina empowerment, personal development, and entrepreneurship. 

Bessy also runs "The Everyday Jefa," a lifestyle brand and podcast where she shares her journey as a Latinapreneur and the inspiring stories of other women making jefa moves.

Named one of Austin Woman's 2025 Change Makers for the second year in a row, Bessy has created impactful programs like Austin Latinas Unidas and the Jefas on the Move Accelerator Program, which offer workshops, networking, and resources to uplift Latina women. 

With her unique blend of creativity, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit, Bessy is dedicated to building spaces where Latinas can connect, share their stories, and create legacies that reflect their diverse identities and aspirations.

Stephanie Reyes was named the first female San Marcos City Manager in February 2023, and has worked for the City since June 2001. Prior to becoming City Manager, Reyes served as Assistant City Manager, Chief of Staff, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Interim Economic Development Director, and Assistant to the City Manager. 

Reyes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration. She is a member of the Texas City Management Association (TCMA), the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and has served as a board member or officer for the Hays County Dispute Resolution Center, Community Action, and Leadership San Marcos Alumni Association.

She was recently named a Distinguished Alumna of the Master of Public Administration Program by both Texas State University and the American Society for Public Administration Central Texas Chapter. In addition, she was honored by the Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year and has obtained her Credentialed City Manager designation from ICMA. 

She and her husband of 16 years, Andrew, have two children, Andrés and Gabriela.