Debra Austin
For the first time, the Southeast Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been recognized for achieving milestones required in the national organization’s Five-Star Program.
The local group and the Prescott Branch are the first to receive the honor in Arizona.
The challenging program, launched in 2020, directs branches to numerous stretch goals to help them continually improve their local effectiveness.
“This recognition reflects the many hours of dedicated work and thoughtful planning our Branch Board of Directors and individual members put into ensuring our local efforts are meaningful and worthwhile,” said Mary Kenny, current Branch Advisor who served as President for the past two years.
“Through college scholarship fundraising, STEM class sponsorships, educational programs and more, we are continually striving to make a difference in the lives of girls and women in the East Valley community and beyond,” she added. “Achieving Five-Star recognition tells us we’re on the right track.”
The letter from national AAUW noted the achievement reflects a commitment to AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity for women and girls as well as thoughtful branch leadership, strong programming and engagement, effective advocacy and communications, and the work needed to sustain a thriving affiliate.
Active for more than 36 years, Southeast Valley AAUW is open to those in Chandler, Gilbert and Sun Lakes who hold an associate or higher degree or equivalent from a qualified educational institution.
Those looking for a way to make a difference, meet other accomplished and interesting women, and have fun together are invited to join. For more information, email AAUW.SEV.AZ@gmail.com.