Kristen Lenau

Kristen Lenau is one of the most passionate and fearless advocates at the Texas Capitol. As Policy Director for the Texas Women’s Healthcare Coalition, she leads efforts to improve access to care and advance the health and dignity of women and families across the state.

“Kristen shows up every day with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women across Texas,” one nominator shared. “She goes above and beyond, whether she’s in the Capitol fighting for policy change or working with partners to find real solutions for low-income women’s health needs.” Another added, “She maintains positive relationships with staff on both sides of the aisle, always thinking ten steps ahead and bringing diplomacy and expertise to every conversation.”

With more than 15 years of experience working with women and families affected by violence and trauma, Kristen’s career has spanned advocacy, public health, and international policy work. She has served as an expert witness on sexual violence and human trafficking and held leadership roles at both the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault before joining TWHC.

Her approach, equal parts strategic and empathetic, has helped build momentum for bills that had long struggled to move, proving that good policy begins with good relationships.

As one of this year’s Association Champions of the Year, Kristen Lenau represents the courage, compassion, and tenacity that define Texas’s most effective advocates for their members and communities.