March 2025

President's Message

Moving Forward Together! 

Women Educating & Inspiring Generations

Welcome to Magnificent March!  March is the month where we welcome the warmth of springtime and celebrate Women’s History Month.  However, in today’s political climate we are noticing a chill that will impact the core of our mission and vision in promoting gender equity for women and girls. The chill is surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The political climate is tense and divided, with ongoing battles that could significantly alter the future of DEI in both the public and private sectors.  

As AAUW National CEO Gloria Blackwell so eloquently stated: “Diversity, equity, and inclusion gave us the 15th and 19th Amendments, expanding the political process to include voices across racial and gender lines by giving people of color and women the right to vote.” She further stated, “The need for equity and inclusion gave us Title IX, which prohibited sex-based discrimination in educational settings. While many want to make ‘DEI’ into a slur, the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion make us a stronger and more equitable nation.”

Therefore, in celebration of Women’s History Month we focus on the theme: “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” As we continue to face obstacles in the shifting political and social landscape, it is imperative for us to stay informed, involved, and proactive in supporting DEI initiatives. Here are ways you can make a difference:

• Support Women’s Advocacy Organizations: Donate, volunteer, and amplify the voices of women’s rights organizations that are actively fighting against the rollback of DEI programs.
• Advocate for Policy Change: Contact your elected representatives and urge them to protect DEI initiatives in education and the workplace.
• Promote Diversity in Your Own Workplace: If you're in a position of influence, advocate for DEI initiatives in your organization and make sure they’re not being rolled back. Encourage leadership to prioritize inclusivity.
• Educate Yourself and Others: Share resources, articles, and news about the importance of DEI. Help others understand how these initiatives benefit not just marginalized groups but society as a whole.

As we move further into 2025, I want to thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to AAUW’s mission. Your work at the branch level is critical in advancing equity, and we are grateful for all that you do. Read on for important national and state March updates.  

“In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength” - Maya Angelou

Yours in solidarity,

K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.

AAUW Florida President

AAUW Public Policy Forums: Pay

Gap, Caregiving & Economic Security

March 6 (6pm EST)

Registration required – Register via the Zoom Link

Come hear Dr. Mary Gatta, AAUW FL Co- Public Policy Director and Director of Research and Public Policy, National Association of Colleges and Employers share her latest research on the gender pay gap, caregiving and economic security

AAUW FL Regional Leadership Conferences:

Elevating Our Community Impact

The Florida Board of Directors is excited about our three upcoming Regional Conferences with the theme "Elevating Our Community Impact," which are coming up in March and April, according to the schedule below.  

• March 15, 2025 (Saturday): South East branches at the North Palm Beach Library
• March 29, 2025 (Saturday): Northern branches in The Villages
• April 17, 2025 (Thursday): South West branches at the Venice Art Center

Branch Presidents have received registration details to share as each date approaches. The schedule is from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, and the cost will be $25 per attendee, which includes lunch.

Please let your members know that these opportunities are coming up. All members are invited, and current and future Board members will especially benefit. If you are unable to attend your region’s event, let me know, and I can arrange for you to attend another.

For more information contact:

Diana Sells, AAUW FL Director for Program

Champion Change at the Capital:

Lobby Days In Tallahassee March 18-19, 2025

Lobby Days in Tallahassee will be March 18th and 19th. We will arrive on March 17th, have training in the evening, and visit legislators on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. In-person visits are effective for expressing our support or opposition. The Public Policy Committee will provide position papers and talking points.

The hotel is TRYP by Wyndham on I-10, costing $159.85 per night. AAUW Florida offers partial subsidies for travel, hotel, meals, and transportation to the Capitol.

If you are interested in lobby days:



1. Register now using this link-https://forms.gle/ybuZacHbBJncjG688. This list will be used to send updates and reminders, but there is no obligation at this time.
2. Book your hotel. The deadline was February 15 using this link- https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/hotels/57581?checkInDate=03/17/2025&checkOutDate=03/19/2025&groupCode=AAUW25
3. For help with AAUW of Florida subsidies, contact Ellen Roche, AAUW Florida, Director of Finance.
4. Schedule appointments with your local Florida senators and/or representatives for our visit. You may meet with their legislative aides, which is also effective. Prioritize your own meetings, but there will be group meetings as well.

For more information contact:

Pat Dewitt, Ph. D., AAUW FL Co-Director for Public Policy

Meet Ms. Nancy Dawkins, 102

An AAUW Treasure

For more information contact:

Marjorie Fontalvo, Ed. D., AAUW FL Director for Membership

Tech Trek Interviews

With Tech Trek interviews under way now, I just wanted to reach out and see if anyone has any questions or concerns.  

Please know that the interview process is an important step in ensuring that the best candidates attend Tech Trek. Your ratings and comments are an important consideration in selecting the campers. Remember that the deadline to receive the interview ratings and comments is March 10.

Donations

We're excited to share with you a donation letter (see below) that you can share with local businesses and family and friends. Personalize the donation letter prior to sharing, buy updating the items in orange.

Ways to Pay

In addition to sending in a check, the donors can also use the Zeffy link to make donations via credit or debit card.

                                                              Date





Dear Recipient's Name, 

I hope this message finds you well. I represent the American Association of University Women FL (AAUW) Supporting Foundation, a non-profit committed to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.

We're seeking your support for our Tech Trek program, aiming to inspire 7th-grade girls as they transition into 8th grade and foster their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Tech Trek has proven success in enhancing girls' STEM interest and self-perception through exposure to role models and hands-on activities.

To ensure that a family's financial situation will not prevent participation, Tech Trek only costs $50 per camper. The actual cost per camper is $1,300.00 which is raised through grants and sponsors. Your support empowers these girls, encouraging them to explore and pursue underrepresented careers in STEM.

Tech Trek in Florida occurs in June at Stetson University in Deland and Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter. The week-long immersive camp offers a hands-on experience. Check our website and video which gives some insight into this amazing program.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation by credit card (via Zeffy) or check payable to AAUW FL Supporting Foundation, mailed to PO Box 126, Palm City, FL 34991. For more information, reach out anytime.

Empower Girls. Donate Today!

Sincerely,

Name and contact information

Thank you for all you do to make Tech Trek a success!

For more information contact:

Sue Slone, AAUW Supporting Foundation

Learn more at: https://aauw-fl.aauw.net/supporting-foundation/

2025-2027 AAUW Florida Nominees

Get to know the candidates who will be shaping our future! The Nomination Committee is thrilled to present the Slate of Nominees for the 2025-2027 AAUW FL State offices. This slate includes dedicated individuals who have consented to their nomination to fill vacancies on the AAUW Florida Board of Directors. Below are brief bios for our nominees. See the February 2025 FloriVision for full bios. Nominations are also welcome from the floor at the annual meeting.

In the Know with AAUW Florida and National

The AAUW Florida branches and AAUW National have an exciting lineup of events that you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking to engage with your community, learn something new, or advocate for important causes, there’s something for everyone. 

See events and opportunities for you to choose from.

Oppose the SAVE Act  

The U.S. House of Representatives could vote this month on the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, an unnecessary bill that could allow for discriminatory practices and voter disenfranchisement. Write to your representative now and urge them to oppose the SAVE Act. 

McMahon’s Confirmation 

Read AAUW’s statement on the confirmation hearing for Linda McMahon to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. We strongly oppose McMahon's nomination. Her history of supporting vouchers, diverting resources away from Pell Grants, and opposing LGBTQ+ rights endangers vital civil rights protections for students. Also see our toolkit if you want to post on social media about McMahon’s confirmation hearing.  

AAUW in Action    

AAUW acts on a range of issues that align with our Public Policy Priorities through engaging our action network, advocating through social media, and signing coalition letters. In the first few weeks of the 119th Congress, we have endorsed letters on protecting Title IX and education equity (opposing Linda McMahon’s nomination as U.S. Secretary of Education), civil rights (opposing H.R.28 and EO 14166), economic security (supporting the Job Protection Act), and reproductive rights. All letters endorsed can be found here. All letters endorsed can be found here. 

Five Star Program Update: Midyear Snapshot and FY25 Survey 

Midyear Snapshot – Your branch’s Advancement Criteria update is in! Check your progress on giving, per capita contributions, and fundraising goals for the Greatest Needs Fund. Use these insights to strategize for the rest of the fiscal year. 

Looking Ahead – The FY25 Annual Branch Survey launches in April, giving leaders a head start on planning before the fiscal year closes in June. 

Stay tuned to Membership Matters for future updates on the Five Star Program! 

AAUW Art Contest Winners!  

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 AAUW Annual Art Contest! This year’s contest showcased stunning artwork from our members. The winning pieces will be featured in our exclusive notecard collection, arriving in mailboxes this spring. 

AAUW’s Annual Report 2024: A Year of Impact  

Discover how AAUW is advancing equity for women and girls nationwide. The Annual Report highlights key achievements, financials, and the impact of our programs over Fiscal Year 2024. This resource is part of a focus on our commitment to transparency and impact and serves as an excellent shareable. Read it here!   

NCCWSL  

AAUW will no longer administer this program, it will be administered by NASPA. Website: https://www.naspa.org/events.  The 2025 program information is pending.  

Future of Higher Education: National Association of Colleges and Employers

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) frequently explores the future of higher education through various reports and articles. Dr. Mary Gatta, AAUW Florida Co-Director of Public Policy, is a notable contributor and has authored several insightful pieces on this topic. Read more using the following links.

• https://naceweb.org/public-policy-and-legal/legislation-and-regulations/january-federal-update-executive-orders-issued
• https://www.naceweb.org/public-policy-and-legal/legislation-and-regulations/latest-federal-update
• https://naceweb.org/public-policy-and-legal/legislation-and-regulations/latest-federal-update

For information contact: 

K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D. - AAUW Florida President

D. Rostick-Owens, Ed.D. - AAUW Florida and Tampa Director of Communications

See what's happening on our social sites: