Graphic art with a diverse group of women

Women's Resource Group

An inclusive group that expands the support for women in diverse capacities (professional, health and wellness, social, advocacy and work-life balance) and increases unity among women in the UTMB community.

  How to join
  Email wrg@utmb.edu

The Women's Resource Group (WRG) serves as a circle of support for women through shared experiences to empower each other for greatness in all aspects of life.

WRG - Women's Resource Group

Vision

To empower women to be their best.

Mission

To collaborate and create an environment that promotes the personal and professional development of all women.

Objectives

To provide professional and personal development for women, promote safety for women, and demonstrate respect for women.

How to Join

Member benefits of the Women's Resource Group include:

  • Access to UTMB and community programs, events and activities that promote the values of women
  • Peer network that supports the work and contributions of women
  • Opportunities for open communication between the WRG members and UTMB leadership regarding policies, practices and other resources that assist women to be successful

Want to be a part of this group? Complete a membership application today!

Women's Resource Group Membership Application

Helpful Resources

UTMB Administrative Professionals Association

UTMB Alumni Field House

UTMB Police RAD Training

UTMB Police Safety Watch Program

UTMB Safe App

UTMB Title IX Office

Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Program

International Women’s Day 2020

WRG Inaugural Event 2019

International Women’s Day Website

FY23 Advisory Board

WRG Advisory Board

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  • Karen Andrews-Mack
    APA President
    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board Member
    Senior Executive Assistant to the Sr. VP & General Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs
    Service Years: 8
    Fun Fact: I love volunteering and spending time with my family, Also love music and like to sing!!
  • Zelma Bocanegra

    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board Member
    Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine
    Service Years: 4 years and 8 months
    Fun Fact: I was a "non-traditional" student at the University of Texas where I graduated at the age of 35 with a degree in Mathematics.   

  • Elizabeth Botello

    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board Chair
    Administrative Coordinator, Occupational Therapy
    Service Years: 15 Years
    Fun Fact: Love mostly all sports, especially softball and football! Love cheering for my daughter that plays D1 softball in Southland Conference! 

  • Dr. Arlita Jefferson, DNP, RN-BC

    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board Member
    Nursing Program Manager, CMC Nursing Education
    Service Years: 20
    Fun Fact: I love to read historical romance novels (English and Scottish) and am a die-hard football mom for my son, who plays freshman football (HS)

  • Chris Mattern

    Women’s Recourse Group Advisory Board Member
    Education Technology – School of Nursing
    Service Years: 4
    Fun Fact: I am a 4th generation University of Michigan alum and Fall/College Football Season is my favorite time of year.

  • Ariel Puente

    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board Member
    Process System Coordinator – Vendor Management in Supply Chain
    Service Years: 6
    Fun Fact: Love spending time with my child, I work two jobs,  I am in grad school, and always busy but will make time for everything.

  • Amanda Simpson Rickaway

    Women’s Resource Group Advisory Board, Chair-Elect
    Senior Coordinator, University Events
    Service Years: 9
    Fun Fact: I am a true crime junkie from reading books, watching shows, and listening to podcasts. I am a wife and mother of two whom I love to spend time with.

  • Tammy L. Cupit, PhD, RN-BC

    Women’s Resource Group,  Executive Co-Sponsor
    Director, Nursing Science & Innovation
    Chair, Nursing Peer Review
    Service Years: 29
    Fun Fact: UTMB School of Nursing and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Alumni.

  • Rachelle D. Mainard, JD, MBA, CRA

    Women’s Resource Group, Executive Co-Sponsor
    Administrator
    School of Health Professions
    School of Nursing
    School of Population and Public Health
    Service Years: To come
    Fun Fact: To come

WRG Woman Trailblazer Award

A trailblazer is defined as an individual who has created a pathway for others to follow such as a pioneer, a mover and shaker, an icon and a forerunner in their own right.

The WRG Woman Trailblazer Award recognizes a woman in the UTMB community and surrounding area who has modeled excellence and has had a positive impact in the community she serves. This individual leaves her mark and creates a legacy for other generations to follow.

Previous recipients

WRG Woman Trailblazer Award winners list

2022 Recipient

Michelle Sierpina, PhD
Founding Director, OLLI – Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UTMB Health
2021 Recipient

Dr. Kelley Dineley
Professor/Faculty, Neurology Department
2020 Recipient

Rawan Harirah
Administrative Coordinator, OB-Gyn Administration
2019 Recipient

Donna K. Sollenberger, MA
Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, UTMB Health System

Latest News & Updates

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WRG Member Interest Survey

Please take a moment to let us know your interests and talents to help further our mission.

See past news 

Upcoming Events

See past events