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
February Black History Awareness Month
February’s Program will be at the WaterWorks Building – see flyer below:
Nevertheless, She Persisted!
The Waterworks, 184 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine 2/19/25 11:30 AM
The meme “Nevertheless, She Persisted” evolved in 2017 when Mitch McConnell, SenateMajority Leader, objected to a letter whichElizabeth Warren was trying to read to Jeff Sessions during the debate over his nomination for Attorney General. She felt he was unqualified; McConnell insisted that the letter impugned him. Warren persisted. McConnell asked for a Senate vote on the matter. Warren was silenced. And the rest is HERstory. The following African-American women from St. Augustine will tell you the stories of their persistence in reaching their career goals in spite of obstacles:
• Cynthia Garris, City Commissioner, St. Augustine
• Robin Thomas, Executive Director, Compassionate St. Augustine
• Nola D. Oracle, CEO, Diaspora Film Productions
nevertheless, she persisted FLYER HERE
Lunch catered by Food for the Soul Cooking and Catering. Pre-registration required by 2/17/25. Mail $35 check payable to AAUW St Augustine to: Carolyn Wilson, 44 Columbian St., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
January 2025 – Human Trafficking Awareness Month
St. Augustine City Vice Mayor, Barbara Blonder, presented a Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation to AAUW St. Augustine President, Cathie Altman and Betty Griffin House Representatives during JAnaury’s City Council meeting
Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder, AAUW Pres. Cathie Altman, 2 Representatives from Betty Griffin, Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, back row – Commissioners Jim Springfield and Jon DePreter
January 21, 2025 – General Meeting
Panelist, Jennifer Ryan, MPH, CEO of Volunteers in Medicine, Jax; Professor Derek Yonai, Associate Professor of Econonomics and Director of the Brown Innovation Center, Flagler College; Dr. Mary Gatta, Director of Research and Public Policy at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The panelist discussed the potential impact from the inciting administration on women’s health, financial wellbeing and education.
December 17- Holiday Meeting and Party
Speakers, Twanna Swift from Alpha Omega Miracle Home and Niesha Taylor author of -“Divorce Habit: A Kind of Mothering”, were outstanding.
Neisha Taylor
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
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.
UnHappy Equal Pay Day Hour – March 21, 4:30 -7:00
STEM Spark at Anastasia Mosquito Control District – Middle School Girls interested in STEM April 27, 9-12
NEW! AAUW 2025 Scholarship-App form
2024-2025 Branch Meetings
Branch Meetings 2023-2024
Branch Meetings 2022-2023
Recent Highlights and Initiatives
Gender Pay Gap by State
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