Advancing Gender Equity through Research, Education and Advocacy

Received 4 Stars of AAUW’s 5 Star National Recognition Program in 2022-2023.
Instrumental in the building of the first library in St. Johns County.
Spearheaded the formation of Learn to Read in St. Johns County.
Established scholarships for students who have completed their first year of college.
Initiated a Read-A-Loud Program in local schools.
Started STEM Spark, a STEM career event for middle school girls to meet women STEM professionals.
Instrumental in supporting three research studies on Women’s Economic Security.
As a non-partisan organization, encouraged every citizen to vote.

Download Our Strategic Plan – Strat Plan digest 2024

AAUW 2023-24 Accomplishments

Author’s Luncheon Tuesday Nov. 12

Guest and local St. Augustine Author Tara Lynn Masih spoke about her background, writing inspirations and process at our annual Author’s Luncheon. Her book My Real Name is Hannah is a bestselling debut novel for young readers and adults set in WW II Ukraine, and was a finalist in the National Jewish Book Awards. After a Q & A, Tara sold signed copies of this book and her novella and stories, How We Disappear.

Author Tara Lynn Masih

A raffle was held after the meeting to support our local scholarships. Thank you to all who donated items.

Game/Card Party and Buffet Luncheon 2024

Members Betsy Ford, Debbie Shepard (host) and Paula Gradwell

Members playing cards/games

Raffle Baskets raising funds for local scholarships

Speaker Nancy Tray, Branch Member and member of St. Johns County Voters for Strong Public Schools discussed Public Education in St. Johns County as well as other related topics.

St. Johns County School Board Candidate Forum

The St. Johns Public Library was the site of our recent school board candidate forum co-hosted with League of Women Voters Jacksonville/First Coast and moderated by Noah Hertz, from Jacksonville Today. Candidates from District 2; Anthony E. Coleman and Frank Cummings, and District 5; Lynn Strangham, Linda Thompson, Bethany Hilbert and Liliana “Lily Bee” Bristol (in order of photo below) participated. The event was well attended and the audience got to ask a few questions.

Moderator Noah Hertz, League of Women Voters Rhona diCamillo and AAUW Mary Gatta

District 2 Candidates

District 5 Candidates

Postcard Writing

2024 AAUW Florida Tech Trek Participants

Annual Meeting, Scholarship Awards and New Board Member Installation

President Cathie Altman and Scholarship Chair Cathie McGinn

Attendees

Member Carol Rothfeld introducing the Lisa Brasero Scholarship Recipient

STEM Spark at Anastasia Mosquito Control District – Middle School Girls interested in STEM April 27

Stem spark 2024

Members Met with Sen Marco Rubio’s Staff

Gayle Diamant-Holland and Kristi Pierce met with Ashley E. Cook, Senior Regional Director for Senator Marco Rubio’s Northeast Florida Office. They advocated for the Paycheck Fairness Act and provided research done by Dr. Mary Gatta on Economic Insecurity in Florida. They asked Sen Rubio to watch House bill 7137 Trafficking Survivors Relief for criminal records from traffickers forced crimes.

Gayle Holland, Ashley Cook, Rubio's staff and Kristi Pierce