AAUW

Recently, Rashmi Chimmalgi joined AAUW as the Policy Associate. She recently earned her Masters of Public Policy from American University’s School of Public Affairs and was inducted into AU's chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public affairs and administration. Welcome to the team, Rashmi!

Dana Barbakoff joined AAUW as the Awards and Data Insights Associate on the Fellowships & Grants team. She most recently worked for the National Democratic Institute, focusing on grants and government funding. She graduated with a BA in political science and anthropology in 2023. Welcome to the team, Dana!

Carsyn Baxter joined AAUW as the Special Projects Associate in the Executive Office. Carsyn most recently came from the Elliott School of International Affairs, where she worked as a graduate admissions coordinator. Baxter will graduate from George Washington University in December with a master's in international development studies, with a concentration in sustainability and gender policy. Welcome to the team, Carsyn!

It was energizing and very moving to attend Vice President Kamala Harris' holiday reception and celebrate with so many amazing women, like ERA champion Zakiya Thomas, our AAUW Achievement Awardee Dr. Mae Jemison and so many others. VP Harris urged attendees to be grateful for our blessings during the holiday season and to rest and regroup for the upcoming challenges ahead. It was an honor to represent AAUW since we are grateful for the impact and the values the Biden demonstrated regarding gender equity and the rights and economic security of women. She also acknowledged attendees from across our landscape: "You answered a calling to serve in so many ways, so in this season it is very important to make first room for you, for us, that we celebrate each other, that we celebrate our work that has had and will continue to have meaning. Ours has been the work that is intentional about building community, ours has been the work that has been intentional about building coalitions." ‘We will start this New Year invigorated, with purpose, with clarity, with a sense of optimism while being clear-eyed." A message that many needed to hear. So take care of yourself. Get some rest. Your work matters. (P.S. - She also encouraged us to eat some good food.)

Join us in welcoming Heram Zahra Amiri as our new Awards Associate on the Fellowships & Grants team! A recent graduate of Bard College with a BA in Economics and Global & International Studies, Heram brings valuable experience from her work with the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, the Center for Civic Engagement, and Path Organization. We’re excited for the energy and expertise she’ll contribute to AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls. Welcome aboard, Heram!

Did you see the U.S. News & World Report article featuring AAUW CEO Gloria L. Blackwell discussing the potential dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education? Ms. Blackwell notes, "Republicans have campaigned on getting rid of it and killing the agency since it was created." The department plays a critical role in protecting civil rights, providing financial aid, and supporting students with the greatest needs. Its elimination would jeopardize funding for low-income schools, special education programs, and make higher education a riskier bet for students. The fight for equitable education isn’t over. At AAUW, we remain steadfast in advocating for policies that prioritize students’ rights and opportunities. Let’s stand together to ensure education remains a right, not a privilege. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eYxsmKgu

Fair compensation is not a privilege—it’s a fundamental right. On #NativeWomensEqualPayDay, we shine a light on the appalling wage gap faced by Native American women—earning just 58 cents to every dollar paid to non-Hispanic white men for full-time, year-round work. #EquityForNativeWomen means dismantling this pay gap through education, advocacy, and economic justice reforms like fair pay, pay transparency, and paid leave. We remain steadfast in the fight for economic justice and equity for Native women and their families. Join us in demanding equal pay for Native Women by asking your members of Congress to show their support for pay equity by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act now: https://lnkd.in/eWivEXh7

Spotlight on Our Selected Professions Fellows: 🔬 Teonna Cooksey An architect and researcher who focuses on housing segregation and its connection to foreclosure and eviction, Teonna advocates for immigrants’ rights and Black empowerment through her award-winning work in academia and activism. 🎓 Tam Ma With over 20 years of leadership in health policy, Tam has shaped initiatives in California, including guiding the state’s response to COVID-19. As Associate Vice President at UC Health, she leads policy strategies that influence the nation's largest public academic health care system. 🚀Misty Davies, Ph.D. A NASA engineer specializing in next-gen flight software, Dr. Davies uses her diverse background in aerospace engineering, computer science, and the arts to innovate safer air transportation solutions. Our Selected Professions Grants are designed to support women who are pursuing advanced degrees in fields where they are underrepresented. Applications are open until November 22! Could this be your moment? Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gi7Ytew #WomenInSTEM #CommunityAction

"Empower women. Change the world.” AAUW is thrilled to announce our CEO, Gloria L. Blackwell, is a 2024 TIAW World of Difference Award winner! The TIAW World of Difference Award recognizes those whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally, or worldwide. Under Gloria L. Blackwell's stewardship, AAUW remains a powerful force for gender equity, driving critical research, advocacy, and programs that create meaningful change. This award is a testament to her tireless dedication and the transformative impact AAUW is making on women across the U.S. Thank you, The International Alliance for Women (TIAW)! Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor for our CEO! #AAUWLeads #WomensEmpowerment

New York voters flipped the ballot and passed the NY State Equal Rights Amendment! This constitutional amendment expands New York's anti-discrimination protections and protects against any government actions that would curtail access to reproductive health care. #ItsMyVote