Good question, and everyone seems to have an answer: To be respected for her accomplishments as a U.S. senator. To help lead the GOP after its Election Day triumph. To be a mom, finally, in her late fifties. To come back home and run for governor—maybe. But, please, no psychobabble.

At this year's Miss Texas Teen USA pageant, girls from big cities and small towns stuffed their bras, slicked Vaseline across their teeth, and prayed that their thighs were toned enough. Anything for the crown.

Widowed at 38, a Mexican citizen with no money and a sixth-grade education, she raised three proud American daughters—and embraced life on her own terms.

Cynthia Ann Parker was nine when a Comanche snatched her from her East Texas home in 1836. Yet throughout her life as her captor's wife she remained strong, brave, and devoted to her husband and children. Which is to say, she was the original Texas woman.

From Ann on a Harley to Anna Nicole on a Bum Steer binge, we present our fifty favorite Texas Monthly issues with a female face.

They shouldn't be messed with. But you knew that already.

San Antonio's Marshevet Hooker is not just any old high school sprinter; she's an Olympic gold medalist in the making. Meet her and nine other women we're betting will lead the new Texas—and the world.

I was raised by one, I married one, and I raised one myself—and I wouldn't be who I am without them.

You can take the six-time Oscar nominee out of the small town . . .

How I got from the Fifth Ward to the Ivy League.

Being governor was great, but not being governor is even better.

Thirty years after Roe v. Wade, I'm still that lawyer.

My divorce made me what I am today.

Why you can't spell "cheerleader" without "leader."

The secret to running Southwest Airlines? Be sentimental. Share. And love.

Sorry, Willie. My heroes have always been cowgirls—which is why I'm sad that these Texas icons are disappearing.

Better dead than wed.

Edited by Katy Vine and Eileen Schwartz