If you walk into a crowded room, you’d recognize Glenda. She’s the one holding court, making sure you were having fun. By the time you left her center of gravity, you would’ve agreed to join one of her passion projects or she would have agreed to organize yours. Glenda is a go-getter and she’s been go-getting since she was a little girl growing up in Port Arthur, Texas.

Glenda retired early from teaching after raising 3 sons and 3 daughters with her high school sweetheart. Retirement didn’t suit her. So, she did what any other go-getter would do. She opened a restaurant with her neighbor. It was one of the first woman-owned businesses in Houston. When it got too big she sold it. It was time to find a new passion. “I like a challenge,” she says. “I don’t like being idle.”

During this second retirement, Glenda turned her attention to politics—something she says runs in her blood. Now, when Glenda says politics runs in her blood, she means it rather literally. Her Great Great Uncle was Edwin Waller—one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. And Austin’s first elected mayor.

Glenda has served as Lakeway City Council member, Mayor Pro Tem, and has been president on every Lakeway committee available. She’s been involved in the Lakeway Women’s Club since its early years and, yes, has served as its president. Her proudest accomplishment is helping pass a resolution to establish the Lakeway Library. For all her contributions, Glenda is included in the City Hall dedication plaque.

Glenda walks and talks with purpose. At 88, she has no plans to stop. “Everyone talks about how young I seem” she says. “I think the secret is staying involved and having friends.” After losing her first husband, her children gave her the advice she lives by everyday:

“Don’t forget to suit up and show up.”