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
As AAUW GNB’s year winds down, we have much cause for pride. Our projects touched the lives of elementary, middle, high school students and even some with graduate aspirations. We provided a book of their own to hundreds of elementary school children, STEAM kits to over 300 girls and 17 substantial scholarships to college and graduate bound young women. These projects represent time, thought, planning and dedication of so many of our members. Thank you to our Chairs and all the volunteers who have worked so untiringly to make these projects happen.
For our members, our speakers expanded our understanding and stimulated
conversations and discussions on diverse topics. The Talks and Tours took us outside into the real world. Our Special Interest Groups provided intellectual exchange that enriched our lives. Sometimes, we are so intent on our projects that we forget to thank those who work so hard to provide that personal experience of discovery and understanding. Thank you to our VP for Programs and all the Special Interest Group leaders for your dedication and commitment in keeping us informed and thoughtful. Thank you also to each Special Interest Group who provided our Branch Meeting goodies!
A special thank you to our Membership Committee co-chairs, Chris Basler and Bonnie Butcheri who planned and executed the first New Member Tea since COVID, and to our hostess, Linda Epstein, who graciously opened her beautiful home. It was an informative orientation for our new members and a delicious and enjoyable success! We hope we can continue this tradition.
One last Thank You from us both for your support of our Presidency. It was a learning year. Thank you for the patience and guidance many of you provided. We could not have been successful without your special help!
Sylvia Natale and Lucy Williams, Co-Presidents
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 “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.
INSPIRING LOCAL FIFTH-GRADE GIRLS FOR 28 YEARS, OUR ANNUAL STEAM GIRLS COUNT PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY! A RECORD OF 300 LOCAL GIRLS WILL BE SERVED THIS YEAR!
Once again, the members of the AAUW Greater Naples Branch are delivering the annual STEAM program for local 5th-grade girls, called STEAM Girls Count. This program inspires girls to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, fields in which women are under-represented. A record of 300 local girls will be served in 2025!
For more information, go to our STEAM webpage, https://greaternaples-fl.aauw.net/steam/
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!
