“Sometimes you have to outlast your detractors.”

Deborah Roberts
Journalist
ABC 20/20 co-anchor
… on the advice given to her by legendary broadcast journalist Barbara Walters, shared at Texas Woman’s University’s recent “Leading the Lone Star State: Texas Women in Public Service Summit” in Denton.

When ABC 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts took the stage at the Denton Convention Center, she brought wisdom from one of broadcasting’s most iconic figures. It landed with the power of lived experience.

When Roberts’ first live shot flopped, she said, her boss sent her back out that same evening for another. “Failure can be a powerful teacher if you’re willing to stay in the game,” she told the audience.

One of seven daughters, Roberts rose to become an award-winning journalist, was a keynote speaker at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership summit on Sept. 19. The one-day conference connected women in public administration, elected office, and government with those aspiring to public roles.

Roberts’ conversation was moderated by Sara Madsen Miller, an institute advisory board member and COO and co-owner of Dallas-based 1820 Productions, an award-winning video production company.

Roberts’ advice to the crowd was direct and hard-earned: “Believe in your purpose.” She quoted Maya Angelou, “Nothing will work unless you do,” sharing her personal experience of rising above failure.

The summit, hosted by the Jane Nelson Institute at Texas Woman’s University, opened with remarks from Jane Nelson, former Texas Secretary of State; Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth; and TWU Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D.

The summit also featured New York Times best-selling author, podcaster, and advocate Jen Hatmaker, whose new book, Awake: A Memoir, was just published.

New York Times best-selling author and podcaster Jen Hatmaker speaking at the TWU event in Denton. [Photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU]

“Give me a room full of women in leadership all the live long day,” Hatmaker told the audience. She urged the crowd to embrace vulnerability as a source of strength. “No matter how bad it is, you have to invite people into your story—the ones who love you. It’s far more courageous to ask people for help,” she said.

The day’s breakout sessions, led by leaders in their fields, covered advocacy, strategic partnerships, politics, executive presence, and leadership. Maureen Zappala, speaker, author, and High Altitude Strategies founder, opened with a session on imposter syndrome.

The Honorable Myra Crownover, left, was presented the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership’s Distinguished Public Service Award by the institute’s executive director and chief officer, Shannon Mantaro. [Photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU]

Another summit highlight: Shannon Mantaro, TWU’s executive director and chief officer of the Jane Nelson Institute, presented its Distinguished Public Service Award to The Honorable Myra Crownover, a retired Texas House of Representatives member who represented District 64, including Denton County, from 2000 to 2016.

For more of who said what about all things North Texas, check out Every Last Word.

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