The 2025 Texas Women in Conservation Honorees are: Susan Alvarez of Dallas, Pam Nelson Harte of Fort Davis, Ayanna Jolivet McCloud of Houston, and Carolyn Vogel of Dripping Springs. These remarkable leaders are recognized for their outstanding contributions to protecting Texas’s natural resources and advancing conservation across the state. 

Now in its 10th year, the Texas Women in Conservation Program celebrates the vital role women play in Texas conservation and environmental stewardship. Each honoree receives the Terry Hershey Award, named after the late conservationist who dedicated much of her life to ecological conservation efforts in Houston and throughout Texas. Terry Hershey was known as a trailblazer in the field for her fierce advocacy, dedicated volunteerism, and steadfast work to improve the Texas environment. 

The 2025 honorees embody the spirit of Audubon’s mission by protecting working lands, restoring resilient coastal ecosystems, advancing climate solutions, and creating bird-friendly communities—work that strengthens Texas’s connection to the broader conservation efforts across the Americas. 

“We are so thrilled to honor these incredible women who have dedicated themselves to conservation and environmental stewardship,” said Audubon Texas Vice President and Executive Director Lisa Gonzalez. “True leadership in conservation is measured not just by the habitats restored or policies shaped, but by the generations inspired. These honorees embody the courage, commitment, and vision needed to protect Texas’s natural legacy—and to light the way for those who will follow.” 

Through community collaboration and a shared purpose, the 2025 Texas Women in Conservation reflect Audubon’s vision: to creating a healthier, more resilient future for birds, people, and the places we share. 

The award was established in 2015 in honor of the late Terry Hershey, who dedicated much of her life to ecological conservation efforts in Houston and throughout Texas. Mrs. Hershey was a former member of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and a founding board member of Bayou Preservation Association, Houston Audubon Society, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center, The Park People, and Urban Harvest. She was also a past board member for Audubon Texas, the National Audubon Society, National Recreation and Park Association, and The Trust for Public Land.