Growing up in San Antonio, her extended
family included her church, neighborhood
and community. That support network and
her mother’s example paved the way for a
bright future.
“She taught me how to read, and how to
care for those in need,” she says. “She didn’t
only share those life lessons with my siblings
and me — she shared them with all the
students she taught for more than 30 years.”
Her parents’ background in education
and the importance they placed on education
resonated with Mrs. Abbott and resulted in
her earning three degrees – a Bachelor’s
degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in
Education and a Master’s degree in Theology
— from the University of St. Thomas in
Houston. Today, she serves as a member of
the university’s Board of Directors.
Philanthropy has always been a cause
close to her heart. Whether it’s sharing a
warm smile, a warm meal, a few extra hours
or a few extra dollars — she believes service
makes a difference one life at a time.
“I have been a Meals on Wheels volunteer
for several years, delivering meals to seniors
in two Austin communities, and it truly is
the highlight of my week,” she says.
For Meals on Wheels volunteers, clients
become friends.
She took her passion for community
service to the next level by combining the
two things she is most passionate about:
Texas and philanthropy. After meeting with
communities throughout the state, ranging
from El Paso to Beaumont and from Lubbock
to McAllen and beyond, the concept of
Texanthropy was the natural next step.
”
“
She explains, “Through Texanthropy, I
hope to help inspire more Texans to answer
the call to service, to connect Texans with
opportunities to volunteer and give back in
their own communities or across the state and
to celebrate Texans’ giving spirit year-round.”
She believes Texas celebrates all the
diverse roles women play. As daughters,
sisters, wives and mothers. As wage earners,
business owners and caregivers. As women
of faith, women of art and women of science.
“All while stretching our arms to give
more hugs, our days to do more chores and
our dollars to pay more bills,” she says.
“But one thing remains constant — in all
the roles we play, women are born leaders,
and Hispanic women play an important
role for the future of Texas.”
She says Texas could be the best place to
connect and engage with Hispanics.
First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott visits
the San Antonio Food Bank.
First Lady of Texas and the Superintendent of
Van ISD visiting the remains of Van High
School in Van, Texas which was destroyed by
a tornado in May 2015.
First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott visits a
Texas elementary school.
LATINAStyle Vol. 24, No. 3, 2018 www.latinastyle.com 11
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