HER Texas: Changing the Way Women Connect, Invest and Grow Together Across Texas

Jasmin Brand is a branding genius. It is so fitting that her last name is Brand because she exemplifies what it means to connect what her audience cares about with results-driven opportunities. She has always built communities that draw women in because they know the connections they make will go beyond conversations, evolving into life- and business-altering opportunities. HER Texas, a community that puts its money where its mouth is, is no exception.

What inspired the creation of HER Texas, and what gap did you see in support, advocacy, or leadership opportunities for women across Texas?

I started HER Texas initially with an idea that if you're a woman in Texas, your opportunities and network shouldn't be limited to the zip code you live in. I also felt that we should be collaborating and doing more business with one other. I knew that there were incredible women doing important work in every corner of Texas, but too often they were building in isolation.

Across the state I saw women starting businesses, leading organizations, running for office and creating change in their communities. What I didn't see was a statewide infrastructure that helped connect those efforts in a meaningful way.

Most support systems are built around a single city, industry or professional network. HER Texas was created to think bigger. We wanted to build something that connected women across geography, sectors and backgrounds because opportunities don't always live in your own backyard.

At its core, HER Texas exists to help women access relationships, visibility, customers and opportunities that can accelerate what they're already building. The goal was never to create another networking organization. The goal was to create an engine for economic opportunity.

HER Texas emphasizes connection, empowerment, and impact. How do you hope women feel after becoming involved with the organization or attending one of your events?

I hope they leave feeling less alone and more connected to what's possible; that they are truly part of a statewide sisterhood of women that has their back.

One of the things I hear most often from women is that they didn't realize how many other women across Texas were facing similar challenges, pursuing similar goals or willing to help.

Inspiration is good but it's not enough. I really want the women in our network to walk away with something tangible. A new customer. A collaboration. A resource. A speaking opportunity. A connection that changes the trajectory of their business or career.

What are some of the biggest challenges women in Texas are currently facing in leadership, business, or personal development, and how is HER Texas working to address them?

The biggest challenge is access.

Access to capital. Access to decision-makers. Access to visibility. Access to opportunities that often move through relationships and networks.

We recently surveyed women across Texas and found that while many were optimistic about their future, they were also looking for stronger pathways to collaboration, growth and support.