A Girl & A Gun, the nation’s largest firearms education organization for women headquartered in Austin, Texas, announces that its President and CEO, Robyn Sandoval, has been named a Featured Nominee for the 2026 Austin Woman Change Maker Award, recognizing women whose leadership creates meaningful and lasting impact in the Austin community.
The Austin Woman Change Maker Award celebrates trailblazing women who strengthen the fabric of the city through service, innovation, creativity, and purpose. Honorees represent a broad spectrum of leaders, including business owners, founders, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, artists, and community advocates whose influence elevates Austin both visibly and behind the scenes.
In recognizing Sandoval’s nomination, Austin Woman cited her as “a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and leader in firearms education, self-defense, and community-building, elevating Austin by giving women the skills and confidence to protect themselves and those they love.”
Sandoval’s nomination coincides with a milestone year for A Girl & A Gun, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2026. Founded to equip women with education, training, and confidence, the organization has grown under Sandoval’s guidance into the largest women’s firearms education and training organization in the United States. Today, it serves tens of thousands of women nationwide while remaining deeply rooted in the Austin area.
As President and CEO, Sandoval has guided the organization with a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and inclusive culture, creating opportunities for women to build confidence, develop critical skills, and support one another. Her influence extends beyond organizational growth and contributes to stronger communities, safer environments, and meaningful connections among women in Central Texas and across the country.
“Robyn’s leadership embodies the true spirit of a Change Maker,” said Sandra Woodruff, Chief Operating Officer of A Girl & A Gun. “She leads with integrity, vision, and service, often behind the scenes, while creating lasting impact for women and communities. We are proud to see her recognized by Austin Woman during this milestone year for our organization.”
The Change Maker Award also highlights women whose contributions often go unseen, those who quietly strengthen neighborhoods, support others, and improve the city through essential, purpose-driven work. Sandoval’s nomination reflects the growing influence of women-led organizations shaping safer, stronger communities in Austin and beyond.
A Girl & A Gun (AG & AG) is the most influential women’s firearms organization in the United States. It helps women learn how to safely and responsibly own and use firearms, no matter their experience level. The organization offers many ways for women to learn and grow, including self-defense training, competitive shooting, and social events that help build friendships and community.
Members can learn through thousands of easy-to-understand videos and articles, as well as hands-on classes taught by highly qualified instructors. Training programs range from beginner-friendly and social to advanced and skill-focused, and they are offered at hundreds of shooting ranges across the country. AG & AG also hosts special destination events that give women the chance to learn more, build confidence, and connect with others in an encouraging and empowering environment.
A Girl & A Gun is more than a club. It’s more than a community. It’s about inspiring women to live their best lives through firearms education, competition, and connection, and empowering them to thrive. It’s More Than Shooting.® For more information about A Girl & A Gun, or to learn how to join, please visit AGirlandAGun.org. Follow AG & AG on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn for social media and corporate news.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
