​For over 25 years, the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association has held an annual spring luncheon in recognition of female leaders who have, through their leadership and community contributions, championed and inspired change. Past honorees may be viewed HERE.​ 
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​This year,  Dr. Donna Shaver, Chief of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery for the National Park Service at Padre Island National Seashore, was chosen as CBWLA's "Woman of Distinction" Honoree for our Annual Spring Luncheon. 

Scroll down to read more about Dr. Shaver!​
Photos from our 2023 Annual Spring Luncheon, featuring Helen Wan, CBWLA's 2023 Woman of Distinction Honoree. 
WHEN

WHERE
Friday, March 8, 2024
Doors open at 11:30 AM
​Omni Corpus Christi Hotel,
Corpus Christi Ballroom (3rd floor) 
900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
​Proceeds from the luncheon go to CBWLA’s scholarship fund for young women in the coastal bend area.

About CBWLA's 2024 Luncheon Speaker & Woman of Distinction

Dr. Donna Shaver has dedicated her career to saving a threatened and endangered species that was almost lost in one human generation: the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle. In her role as Chief of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery for the National Park Service at Padre Island National Seashore, Dr. Shaver oversees a variety of sea turtle research and conservation projects conducted in Texas, collaborates with other researchers in the United States and Mexico, and provides training and leadership to hundreds of biologists and volunteers. 

With over 400 scientific publications and presentations to her name, Dr. Shaver is distinguished as one of the top sea turtle biologists in the country and has received much deserved recognition for her pioneering work, including most recently: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Recovery Champion Award in 2014, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sea Turtle Society in 2018, and the Texas Academy of Science's Distinguished Texas Scientist Award in 2021. In 2020, Dr. Shaver was recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal.
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Dr. Shaver's message, however, is one that transcends across all disciplines and walks of life: "[N]ever lose hope." For Dr. Shaver, it took over a decade to see the first signs of success in her work, and she credits the hope and tenacity of her, her staff, and countless volunteers. In 2017, nearly 27,000 hatchlings were released in the Coastal Bend area--helping to ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and admire these wonderful creatures.