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.
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
THE AAUW GREATER NAPLES BRANCH AND THE GREATER NAPLES AAUW CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, INC. CONGRATULATE THE SEVENTEEN AMAZING LOCAL WOMEN AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS THIS YEAR!!
The AAUW Greater Naples Branch and Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc. have annually awarded scholarships to deserving local women for over 20 years. We award “Local” scholarships to women aged 21 or over who are seeking degrees in any field, STEM scholarships to women who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields, and Future Educator scholarships. At our Annual Scholarship Luncheon at Tiburón Golf Club on April 5, we awarded scholarships to 17 wonderful local women:
- Geselle Mendez- Hernandez received the Patricia Ann Weinswig Tribute STEM Scholarship.
- Brittany Jarvis, a prior recipient, received the second Friends of Bayview I Scholarship.
- Lydia Sears, another prior recipient, received the Mary Schell Tribute Scholarship.
- Alina Zankevich, also a previous recipient, was awarded a Candris STEM Scholarship.
- Islande Victorin was awarded the third scholarship funded by Dellatoré Real Estate Company.
- Camaraelle Milord’s scholarship is funded through a McMahon Foundation endowment.
- Graciela Cervantes’s scholarship is also funded through a McMahon Foundation endowment.
- Tracey Lindvall received a Local scholarship.
- Rebecca Robertsis receiving the Jeannine Stetson Tribute STEM scholarship.
- Megan Swanson, another second time recipient, was awarded a Local scholarship.
- Kayla Miranda, another previous recipient, also received a Local scholarship.
- Juliana Noreus was awarded The Naples Money Managers, LLC STEM scholarship.
- Cessia Elwin-Flores received her second Candris STEM Scholarship.
- Gabriella Nagy, is also a second time recipient of a Candris STEM Scholarship.
- Emmanuelle Legermewas awarded a Local Scholarship.
- Lian Paje was awarded the fourth endowed Blanche and John Rebar STEM Scholarship.
- Mariela Vegawas awarded the Catherine E. Hackney, Ph.D. Memorial Scholarship funded by the Southwest Florida Women Giving Together Giving Circle.
To learn more about these accomplished women, click here.
The Foundation has a Named Scholarship Opportunity for a minimum donation of just $2000. 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.
For more information about our scholarship program, please visit our Scholarships webpage, https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/scholarships/.
If you are interested in helping the Foundation support the scholarship
programs, contributions may be made by clicking the yellow or blue “Donate” button on the right of your screen or by check payable to “Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc,” and mailed to Greater Naples AAUW Charitable Foundation, Inc., PO Box 9742, Naples, FL 34101. You may designate a specific fund if you wish. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We Mourn the Death of our Dear Member, Catherine E. Hackney, Ph.D.
Click this link for her obituary.
Click this link for the flyer about the Endowed Scholarship Fund in her name and how you can contribute.
OPENING DOORS FOR LOCAL FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS FOR 28 YEARS, OUR ANNUAL STEAM GIRLS COUNT PROGRAM SERVED A RECORD 298 LOCAL GIRLS THIS YEAR!
This impactful program continues to open doors for young girls in fields where women remain underrepresented, helping them envision a future full of possibilities. Together, we’re building confidence, curiosity, and a brighter tomorrow—one STEAM-powered girl at a time!
Once again, under the inspiring leadership of STEAM Program Chair Charmaine Klein, the wonderful women of the AAUW Greater Naples Branch proudly delivered another successful year of the STEAM program for local 5th-grade girls, called STEAM Girls Count.
STEAM Girls Count inspires girls’ passion for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
95% of the 213 CCPS girls who responded said the AAUW GNB STEAM Girls Count program inspired them to want to learn more about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and STEAM careers! Though fewer of the responding New Horizons girls (67%) said the same, the same number reported having done additional research, and 71% said they’d share their experience with their class.
We are deeply grateful to the generous donors for this program who made it possible. Thank you for investing in the futures of local girls!
To learn more about STEAM Girls Count, and how you can help, go to https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/steam/ or contact us.
