
Scholarships
Shellie Hayes McMahon Black Women in Politics Award


In 2025, we launched the Shellie Hayes McMahon Black Women in Politics Award to honor and invest in the leadership of Black women preparing to run for office in Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop counties.
This award recognizes the brilliance, courage, and commitment of Black women who step forward to lead, despite systemic barriers and underrepresentation in public office. In partnership with Emerge Texas, the state affiliate of Emerge America, co-founded by Vice President Kamala Harris, recipients gain access to premier candidate training, mentorship, and a powerful network of Democratic women leaders across the country.
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By supporting this award, you are helping to level the playing field and ensuring that Black women have the tools, resources, and support needed to run, win, and transform politics in Texas. Every dollar you give fuels a future of more inclusive, representative leadership, and moves us closer to a democracy that truly reflects all of us.
Coming Soon: Black Men in Politics Fund
Our board is actively working to establish a scholarship fund focused on training and equipping Black men in our service area. Recognizing the unique barriers they face in running and winning political office, this fund will provide tailored support to ensure their success. We look forward to sharing more details about this important initiative soon.