THE GIRLS STATE STAFF

Meet our directors and the people who make this program so great

Lori Swann

Director

Lori was a citizen of Girls State in 1980. She was elected Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and was a delegate to Girls Nation. She is a graduate of Rice University and The University of Texas School of Law. Lori was an assistant District Attorney in Harris County before joining Cunningham Law Group in Houston. She also teaches in the professional development program at Rice University. Lori is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 449.

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Connie Bridges

Co-Director

Between 1995 and 2013, Connie Bridges was Director of Bluebonnet Girls State. A citizen in 1974, Connie was elected Girls State Governor. From 1988 to 1996 Connie was the Chairman of the Girls State committee. She is a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 449. Connie earned her Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin.

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Ann Doan

Associate Director of Administration

Ann was elected Federal Party Whip when she came to Girls State from Tyler in 1966. A member of ALA Unit 569, she serves as the Chairman of the Girls State Committee. Ann earned a Bachelors degree in Education and Mathematics from Texas Tech University and received her Masters degree in Education at Texas Wesleyan University. She is a retired math teacher.

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Karen Rodriguez

Associate Director of Personnel

Karen was a citizen at Girls State in 1981 and served as the Secretary of State. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University. A former public school teacher, Karen now works as a software training consultant and also volunteers with local schools. Karen is a member of ALA Unit 594 and in her spare time likes to fish.

Stephanie McDonald

Associate Director of Education

Stephanie was a Girls State citizen in 1992 and a graduate of Austin College. She is on the Executive Team at Central Health, the Travis County Healthcare District, and lives in Austin.

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Katie Stewart

Associate Director of Education

Katie was a Girls State citizen in 2007 and served as a National Party County Chair. She has been a counselor and has served on the Education Staff. Katie earned her Bachelors from the University of Texas at Austin and her Masters from Lamar University. Katie teaches US History in Austin and is the President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 449.