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Welcome to River Rally 2026
Type: Plenary clear filter
Tuesday, May 12
 

1:00pm CDT

Acknowledging & Learning From the Central Texas Floods
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
As lunch wraps up on Tuesday, and to cue up the Plenary conversation about Proposal 4, experts in Texas will tell the story of the 2025 Central Texas Floods: what happened, recovery efforts underway, and lessons learned. 
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205

1:30pm CDT

The Voice of the Many: Securing Water Funding for Texas
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
What did it take to secure $20 billion for water in Texas? How will the investment shape the future of Texas’ water security? Prop 4 is more than just funding, it’s a blueprint for how collaboration can drive success. 

In this dynamic and inspiring plenary, we’ll learn about the collaboration, dedication, and mobilization required to build a powerful statewide campaign for water funding. A core group of women with different roles in this story come together to share their hard-won lessons balancing the benefits and challenges of building trust across different scales of influence. Navigating the complex Texas political landscape with grit and finesse, their shared path forward centers the communities that need these funds most.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor:
Moderators
SS

Sarah Schlessinger

CEO, Texas Water Foundation
Sarah Schlessinger is the CEO of Texas Water Foundation, a statewide nonprofit that works in water policy, workforce development, and public education on water. She previously worked in groundwater policy and regulation, and has experience with international nonprofits and disaster... Read More →
Speakers
JW

Jennifer Walker

Texas Coast and Waters Program, Senior Director, National Wildlife Federation
Jennifer Walker is the Senior Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program at National Wildlife Federation. She focuses on water policy with an emphasis on water planning, infrastructure funding, and urban water management. She has helped develop and inform strategic action by utilizing... Read More →
avatar for Guadalupe Fernandez

Guadalupe Fernandez

Policy Strategy Director, Bayou City Waterkeeper
Guadalupe serves as the Policy Strategy Director at Bayou City Waterkeeper, where she leads the advancement of water policies that prioritize justice, health, and safety in Houston and across the Lower Galveston Bay watershed. Living within a mile of the Port of Houston, she brings... Read More →
SG

Sydney Garcia

Senior Program Associate, Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation
Sydney Garcia is the Senior Program Associate for the Land Conservation and Water Programs at the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation. She is a multi-generation Tejana with a deep commitment to the state’s natural resources and communities. Her work at the foundation supports... Read More →
VP

Vanessa Puig Williams

Senior Director and Attorney, Environmental Defense Fund
Vanessa Puig-Williams is a Senior Director and Attorney on the Climate Resilient Water Systems Team at Environmental Defense Fund, where she leads EDF’s efforts to advance sustainable groundwater management in Texas and across the Southwest. Before joining EDF, Vanessa served as... Read More →
Tuesday May 12, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
 
Wednesday, May 13
 

9:00am CDT

Artists and Advocates: A Water Arts Showcase for a Unified Movement
Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
River Network board member Dr. Mel Lewis will bring local and regional artists together across various mediums to celebrate our connection to water as a friend, relative, nurturer, and healer. This storytelling session will bring artists and water advocates together to build a more unified movement.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor:
Speakers
DM

Dr. Mel Lewis

Root to Flourish Collective
Dr. Mel Michelle Lewis is an environmental arts & humanities thought leader, scholar, writer, and transdisciplinary artist deeply committed to ensuring systemically marginalized voices are central to shaping the future of environmental stewardship. Dr. Mel is the inaugural Executive... Read More →
Wednesday May 13, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Navarro Ballroom Westin Riverwalk Wan Antonio: 420 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
 
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