They are women who ventured into business, aviation, and medicine when it wasn't a "woman's place." These women over-came life's hardships and opened doors of opportunity to claim their part of Texas. Their spirit continues to shine in the accomplishments of outstanding Texas women.

Michele Bennett earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Stephen F. Austin University in 1984. She was sports reporter on The Pine Log and served internships at The Valley Morning Star in Harlingen, Texas, and on The San Benito News. After graduation she was a reporter for The Brownsville Herald and edited Plus, a magazine supplement to the paper. After earning certification as a teacher and librarian, she worked as an elementary school librarian in Los Fresnos, Brownsville, and San Antonio. At the same time, she has freelanced by writing feature stories for newspapers.