GALVESTON, TX – August 6, 2026 – Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “For our own success to be real, it must contribute to the success of others.” That spirit of leadership, service and community impact will be celebrated at the 19th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference as the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce honors nine extraordinary women and two outstanding non-profit organizations on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center.
Ann Masel Honored with the 2026 Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year Award
Ann Masel is the recipient of the 2026 Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes a woman whose lifetime of leadership, service and dedication has left a lasting impact in Galveston county and beyond.
Ann Masel, 2026 Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year
Masel, a native Houstonian, has proudly called Galveston home since 1974. Over the past five decades, she has made a remarkable impact both professionally and through her extensive community service. She earned her Certified Public Accountant designation in 1972 and began her career with Touche Ross & Co., now Deloitte. After dedicating several years to raising her family and volunteer leadership, she returned to public accounting in 1990 and became a partner at Ham, Langston & Brezina, LLP.
Today, Masel serves on the Galveston Independent School District Board of Trustees and has held leadership positions with numerous organizations. Her service includes serving as the first and only woman president of the Galveston Artillery Club, as well as leadership roles with the Galveston Housing Authority, Congregation B’nai Israel, the UTMB President’s Cabinet Awards Committee, and The Grand 1894 Opera House Endowment Committee.
2026 Ann McLeod Moody Women of the Year Honorees
The Chamber is also proud to recognize the 2026 Ann McLeod Moody Women of the Year, honoring women whose leadership, achievements and commitment continue to strengthen the region. This year’s honorees are:
- Dr. Helen Brewer, College of the Mainland
- Trelle Vernon-Cole Dandridge, Galveston Island Humane Society
- Jan Inloe-Collier, Rudy & Paco’s & Vargas Cut & Catch
- Becky Korenek, UTMB
- Dinah Matthews, Frost Bank
- Elle Moody, Moody Foundation
- Anna Ochoa Olivares, Galveston Independent School District/Ball High School
- Dyann Polzin, Galveston Independent School District
“These women represent the very best of Galveston County,” said Gina M. Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Each has made a lasting difference through her leadership, generosity and commitment to others. Their accomplishments inspire us, and we are honored to celebrate the impact they have made across our region and the Great State of Texas.”
Non-Profit Spotlights: Honoring Community Impact
The conference will also spotlight two exceptional non-profit organizations whose work improves lives throughout Galveston County:
- CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Galveston County, which provides trained community volunteers appointed by the court to advocate for children in the foster care system who have experienced abuse and neglect, helping secure safety and permanency while increasing awareness of child abuse.
- Galveston Island Meals on Wheels, a community-funded organization that delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and disabled residents who are unable to prepare food for themselves due to age, illness or disability.
“Non-profit organizations are often the quiet heroes of our community,” Spagnola said. “CASA and Galveston Island Meals on Wheels serve some of our most vulnerable residents, providing support, hope and dignity when it is needed most. We are proud to recognize their contributions.”
Event Details & Ticket Information
This year’s conference, themed “Into the Blue,” will feature internationally acclaimed actress, entrepreneur and humanitarian Jane Seymour, OBE, as keynote speaker while celebrating women whose leadership, vision and service continue to inspire positive change throughout Galveston County.
Designed to celebrate, inspire and empower women, the Galveston Women’s Conference will feature dynamic speakers, networking opportunities, shopping with more than 150 vendors and a full day of personal and professional enrichment. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at GalvestonChamber.com.
About the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas and proudly holds a Five-Star Accreditation. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting business and community development, strengthening the local economy, and fostering leadership to ensure a vibrant and thriving Galveston.
For more information, visit www.GalvestonChamber.com or call (409) 763-5326.
