The League of Women Voters of Houston Announces Biennial Political Pioneers Luncheon Featuring CBS News Journalist and Author Norah O’Donnell

A Once-Every-Two-Years Event That Matters Now More Than Ever

The Political Pioneers Luncheon is LWVH’s signature gathering, convening Houston’s community leaders, civic change makers, elected officials, business leaders, and engaged residents to celebrate democracy in action. As the League’s largest fundraiser, every ticket and table directly powers voter education and outreach ahead of the critical 2026 midterm elections, a year in which the stakes for civic participation have never been higher. 

“This luncheon celebrates what we’ve accomplished and offers a glimpse of what’s ahead. We’re thrilled to welcome award-winning journalist and author Norah O’Donnell as our keynote speaker. Her new book, We the Women, shines a light on the often-untold stories of women who shaped America across generations. We’re honored to bring her to Houston as LWV Houston continues to grow our impact and and strengthen nonpartisan civic engagement in our community,” said Katie Campbell Shumway, Executive Director

Norah O’Donnell: A Voice for History, Truth, and Democracy

Norah O'Donnell is one of America's most respected journalists — an award-winning senior correspondent and anchor at CBS News, known for two decades of fearless political reporting, landmark international coverage, and high-profile interviews at the highest levels of power.

Her new book, We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America, is a sweeping work of historical recovery. Weaving together the stories of 35 remarkable women whose contributions have been overlooked, minimized, or erased from mainstream history, O'Donnell makes the case that women have been at the center of every great moral and political struggle in American history — from the founding era through abolition, suffrage, civil rights, and beyond.

"A lot of women's stories have been lost to history because historians and others didn't think they were important enough to save," O'Donnell has said. "In uncovering these stories, I found myself inspired — because they were brave, courageous, gutsy, patriotic."2

Suffragists who asked why the Declaration of Independence's promise of equality didn't extend to women. Abolitionists who demanded the same. Native American advocates who held America accountable to its own founding ideals. These are the political pioneers O'Donnell honors — and they are the direct forebears of the League of Women Voters, founded in 1920 just six months before the 19th Amendment became law.

Signed copies of We the Women will be available for purchase at the event, and O'Donnell will be available for a book signing.

The League's Legacy: Born from the Same Struggle

The League of Women Voters was founded by Carrie Chapman Catt and other suffrage leaders at the final convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, a direct inheritance of more than 70 years of women's political organizing. For over a century, the League has translated that history of resistance and advocacy into nonpartisan voter education, empowerment, and civic engagement.

The League of Women Voters of Houston has carried that mission in Harris County for decades by registering voters, publishing nonpartisan voters guides, hosting candidate forums, and building the civic infrastructure that democracy depends on. In 2026, with voter turnout, voter rights, and the integrity of civic institutions in sharp focus, that work is as urgent as it has ever been.

O'Donnell's We the Women is not merely a history book — it is a mirror held up to the present moment. The same questions her subjects wrestled with: Who gets to participate in democracy? Whose voices are heard? Who is left out of the story?, are the questions LWVH answers through its work every day.

Event Details:

What: 2026 Political Pioneers Luncheon
When: Wednesday, April 30, 2026 | Doors open at 11:00 AM
Where: Hilton Americas Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010
Featured Guest: Norah O'Donnell, CBS News Journalist and Author of We the Women Format: Fireside Chat + Book Signing

Co-Chairs: Stephanie Tsuru & Kylee Tsuru Siaw | Ileana Treviño & Mari Treviño Glass

Honoree: Claudia Ortega Hogue

Ticket Information:

• Tickets and tables are limited for this biennial event. Individual tickets are on sale now.
• VIP Tickets include access to an exclusive pre-luncheon reception with light bites, beverages, and a private photo opportunity with Norah O'Donnell.
• League members received exclusive member pricing in February 2026 (check your inbox).
• All proceeds support LWVH's nonpartisan voter education and outreach programs ahead of the 2026 elections.

See our committed sponsors →

About the League of Women Voters of Houston

The League of Women Voters of Houston is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization committed to empowering voters and defending democracy. Since its founding, LWVH has worked to ensure every eligible Houstonian can participate fully in the democratic process through voter registration, voter education, nonpartisan voters guides, candidate forums, and community outreach. LWVH is a local affiliate of the League of Women Voters of Texas and the League of Women Voters of the United States.

Learn more at: lwvhouston.org/mission

2 Norah O’Donnel spotlights overlooked women who shaped U.S. History in ‘We the Women’ - PBS News Hour