Honoring the outstanding women who have shaped lasting change under the Pink Dome.

The Pink Granite Foundation (Pink Granite), an organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering women in Texas politics and policy, announced its 2026 award winners. The foundation named Patsy Spaw this year’s Legacy Award recipient, Cristina Masters as the Rising Star and Carmen Tilton was named Mentor of the Year.

“The Pink Granite Awards capture the heart of our foundation’s mission: supporting women in and around the Capitol,” said Colleen Tran Rodriguez, the foundation’s Chair. “This year, we saw extraordinary leadership from women throughout that community. Our recipients have demonstrated vision, collaboration and an unwavering commitment to public service, and we are thrilled to honor them.”

2026 Legacy Award Winner: Patsy Spaw

With more than five decades of service to the Texas Senate, Patsy Spaw is a true institution under the Pink Dome. Beginning her career in 1969 as a key entry operator in the Senate’s Engrossing and Enrolling office, she earned her undergraduate and law degrees while rising through the ranks, serving more than two decades as Engrossing and Enrolling (E&E) Clerk before being elected Secretary of the Senate in 2001. Today, she is the longest-serving Secretary of the Senate, overseeing the chamber’s administration as its chief executive administrator, general counsel and official custodian of records. Her national leadership as Staff Chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures and President of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries underscores her enduring impact on legislative institutions in Texas and beyond. The Legacy Award honors Patsy for her remarkable career of public service, as well as the example she has set for generations of women at the Texas Capitol.

“I got my work ethic from my dad, but my confidence and strength to face and embrace challenges were inspired by two strong women who mentored and encouraged me,” Spaw said. “Both lawyers and brilliant women, they saw potential and possibility in me as a young clerk typist in E&E. Both encouraged me to get my undergraduate degree and ultimately my law degree. We all need encouragers, supporters, confidants – mentors! I’m so thankful for my mentors and appreciate the wonderful work and support that the Pink Granite Foundation provides as mentors.”

2026 Rising Star: Cristina Masters

As Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives, Cristina Masters has emerged as a senior legislative leader and public policy strategist dedicated to advancing bipartisan solutions for Texas women and families. A leading advocate for women’s health and gender equity, she helped pass the state’s first major contraception access legislation in two decades and has championed bills to support sexual assault survivors and working women. Beyond the Capitol, she mentors emerging women leaders through the Young Women’s Alliance and serves as Vice Chair of Austin’s Tourism Commission. Her leadership across policy, service and community has made her a standout voice for women in Texas politics.

“I am grateful to be named a Rising Star by the Pink Granite Foundation, a nonpartisan organization that celebrates and supports women’s talents in and around the state legislature,” Masters said. “Winning this award is a personal honor and a shared victory, made possible by the extraordinary women who have lifted, challenged and inspired me to lead with courage and hope. Their dedication reminds me that meaningful change is never achieved alone; it is built together. This recognition deepens my commitment to opening doors, amplifying women’s voices and creating more opportunities for the next generation of leaders to step into their power.”

2026 Mentor of the Year: Carmen Tilton

As Vice President of Public Policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA), Carmen Tilton oversees legislative and regulatory affairs and is an established voice at the Texas Capitol for long-term care providers and the residents they serve. Before joining TALA in 2020, she served as a Senior Executive Policy Advisor for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and as a Senior Policy Analyst for several members of the Texas Legislature, building extensive expertise in the legislative and rulemaking processes with a focus on long-term care and behavioral health. A sixth-generation Texan, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and native of Terlingua, Carmen holds a Master’s in Global Policy Studies from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.

“I owe my career to the many mentors who have counseled me through challenging transitions in both my personal and professional journey,” Tilton said. “I am privileged to now be part of someone else’s story.”

Pink Granite is proud to recognize and celebrate the driving forces behind Texas politics each year through these awards. The 2026 Award Winners were recognized at the annual Pink Granite Foundation Party on September 30.  

Pink Granite proudly recognizes Chevron, the Major Event Presenting Sponsor, for its generous support and commitment to uplifting women in Texas politics and policy. As a champion of Pink Granite’s mission, Chevron’s partnership helps ensure the stories, leadership and impact of women shaping Texas’ future continue to shine.