AAUW’s Mission, Vision and Values
AAUW advances gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
The AAUW vision is equity for all.
AAUW Values: Nonpartisan: Fact-based; Integrity; Inclusion and Intersectionality. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, AAUW has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and over 800 college and university partners. Throughout its history, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day – educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW Greater Naples Branch is one of the most active in the state of Florida, with an engaged membership of over 100 and growing.
By registering for this event, you agree to being photographed, filmed, or recorded during the event, and to the use of such images or recordings for social media, other media, and promotional purposes by AAUW Greater Naples Branch and Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc., without compensation or further notice, and you release each of them from any related claims and liability.
By registering for this event, you agree to being photographed, filmed, or recorded during the event, and to the use of such images or recordings for social media, other media, and promotional purposes by AAUW Greater Naples Branch and Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc., without compensation or further notice, and you release each of them from any related claims and liability.
Co-Presidents’ Message
Rooted in Purpose and Rising in Power
As we step into this new year, we do so with clarity and commitment — to equity, to education and to leadership for women and girls. We are not just a group. We are a movement, rooted in the belief that when women rise, communities thrive.
Across generations, women have lifted as they climbed, from trailblazers in education to quiet revolutionaries in homes and neighborhoods. The legacy we inherit is one of resilience and vision, and yet, the work continues. Too many girls still grow up doubting their worth, too many women are still asked to wait their turn, speak softer, or settle for less.
But not in this Branch. Not in this year. Not on our watch.
In 2025/2026, we move ahead inspired— investing in girls through our Reading Is Fun Program for Kindergarten to grade 4 students and through our STEAM Program for 5th grade girls and a soon to begin a Tech Trek Program for 8th grade girls! We move ahead by mentoring young leaders through our Start Smart program for young female college seniors. We create space for voices that need to be heard through our Scholarship Program for college and graduate students. These programs not only mentor students to become young leaders but, also, create space for voices that need to be heard.
We advocate, we educate, we elevate.
This year, let’s commit to:
Equity for all is not only an idea, but a commitment to action; in schools, through supporting our school programs K -12; and scrutinize School Boards through supporting our Ambassador Committee and our Public Policy Committee and beyond.
Empowerment is not only in talking, but by supporting and promoting our Programs; Reading is Fun, STEAM, Tech Trek, Start Smart and our Scholarships.
Leadership that is inclusive, compassionate and unapologetically strong.
Let this be the year we don’t just hope for change; we are the change.
Here is an Inspiration to carry forward:
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” — Serena Williams
So let’s rise – together, for the girls watching us, for the women who walked before us, and for the future we are helping each other to build now.
PURPOSE – AAUW NATIONALLY
Mission: To advance gender equality for women and girls through research, advocacy and education
Vision: Equality for All
Values: Non-partisan, Fact-based, Integrity, Inclusion & Intersectionality
Our 2026 Scholarship Awards Will Be Announced at our Annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon on March 28!
(See above on this page)
We’ve awarded scholarships to deserving local women annually for over 20 years. We award:
- “Local” scholarships to women aged 21 or over who are seeking a degree from associate to clinical doctorate in any field,
- STEM scholarships to women of any age who are pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in any STEM field, and
- Future Educator scholarships to women of any age who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, elementary, or secondary education or a post-bachelor’s teacher credential certificate.
Seventeen amazing local women were awarded scholarships in 2025. To learn more about the 2025 awardees, click here.
You Can Invest in the Futures of Deserving Local Women!
The Foundation raises funds for scholarships by various means, including
individual donations. If you want to help deserving local women achieve their dreams of college and careers, contributions may be made by clicking the yellow or blue donate button on the right of your screen or by check made payable to “Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc.” mailed to PO Box 9742, Naples, FL 34101.
We offer a Named Scholarship Opportunity! This is an opportunity for business owners, individuals and families to provide and name a one-year scholarship without the responsibility of recruiting or selecting scholarship candidates and without an on-going financial commitment. Click for more information: Named Scholarship Opportunity.
