AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Santa Cruz County Branch of AAUW is part of a National Organization founded in 1881 and has been in the County since 1935.

And learn how to join here.

WILDR Supporting Women Running for Public Office

Saturday, March 16th – 10:30am-12:00pm at the Capitola Library, 2005 Wharf Rd, Capitola.
American Association of University Women (AAUW) is hosting a panel to discuss how Women in Leadership for Diverse Representation (WILDR) supports women running for office or appointed to positions in Santa Cruz County. They are nonpartisan and support progressive women who reflect the communities they serve through training, networking, and leadership development. Their vision is a democracy where elected officials and other leaders reflect the population, serving in roles that uplift all people in equity and justice! No reservations are required.

February Meeting: California Women Are Essential

Guest speaker Holly Martinez, Executive Director of CA Commission on the Status of Women spoke at the Annual AAUW Interbranch Council Luncheon for Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The commission recently released a blueprint that for the first time, focuses a gendered lens on the state economy, and offers critical policy solutions that center women as key drivers of industry and as essential workforce participants. Holly shares points of pain and bright spots of hope for a more equitable economic recovery for women.

January 2024 Election with Santa Cruz County Clerk Tricia Webber

Santa Cruz County elections clerk Tricia Webber will update the community on the March 2024 ballot, November elections, voter registration, and the effects of new legislation. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Santa Cruz County and the American Association of University Women, Santa Cruz County Branch. Light refreshments will be served. No registration is required.

• When: Saturday, January 27, 2024, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
• Where: Felton Branch Library (6121 Gushee St, Felton

January 2024 Financial Literacy and Your Credit Score

On Saturday, January 20th, 2024 Barbara Pearson and Jean Adams spoke about how credit scores work, what is a good credit score and how you achieve it. And they told us why good credit is so important.

December 2023 AAUW Holiday Party

 

 

 

 

 

Branch members came together on December 16th to celebrate the holidays, meet new members, and catch up with each other. The Cantine Winepub provided delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere. We especially enjoyed Jeanne Boudreaux’s fun and festive Christmas overalls. Doreen supplied the cake and it was enjoyed by all!

November 2023 Gender Equity in Higher Education

UCSC Chancellor Cindy Larive addressed our branch members and guests on November 18, 2023. The Chancellor provided information about the diversity of the campus leadership team along with the university’s efforts to make strides in numerous areas. Some areas of note include campus diversity, equity and inclusion; retention and graduation rates; and overall resilience, especially in the face of a crisis like the Covid pandemic. She also spoke about new campus initiatives, physical projects (buildings/dorms), and external recognition. You can see some of UCSC’s top rankings here.

October 2023 AAUW Scholarship Awardees Speak

Some of our Local Scholarship Recipients discussed their educational journeys on October, 21^st, 2023. A total of 15 students received $ 4,578 in 2023 as a result of generous donations.

• Sushmita Rocha Silva is studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC and is researching the effects of climate change on different ecotypes of blue oaks across California.
• Coco De Boer was at Cabrillo College studying political science and transferred to UCLA this fall. She plans to attend law school next and hopefully work for human rights/ social justice.
• Wendy Bragg is studying Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCSC and is researching the impacts of coastal-adjacent fires on the endangered black abalone.
• Faith Eppard is attending Cabrillo College and studying Nursing. She plans to transfer to UCSMB and then start her nursing career locally.
• After a career as a personal trainer and instructor, Lisa Crouch is studying Nursing at Cabrillo College. Her goal is to integrate nursing and personal training together.
• Coco De Boer is at Cabrillo College studying political science at Cabrillo College and is transferring to UCLA this fall. She plans to attend law school next and hopefully work for a human rights/ social justice organization.

September 2023 25th Anniversary of Tech Trek Celebration

A luncheon was held on September 20th, 2023. Cristina Arambula is one of our branch’s former Tech Trek campers spoke about her involvement and how impactful the experience has been in her professional and personal life including how Tech Trek helped her further her STEM interests from the beginning of her college pursuits in pre-med to finishing her degree in accounting,

Cristina always knew STEM was her future. And, Tech Trek helped get her there.  She is employed by Granite Construction, a publicly traded company that does large-scale construction projects all over the country. Cristina is a first-generation Mexican-American.

August 2023 Strategic Planning Meeting

The Santa Cruz County AAUW Board held its Strategic Planning meeting in August. The goal of the meeting was to choose a direction for our programs and activities for the coming year. After some brainstorming, we ranked the issues facing women and girls that are most important to us. Some of the focus areas are targeted at our members and others are also targeted at the general public.

• Supporting Girls: Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, Health & Wellbeing, Leadership, Life Skills, Mentorships, Online Safety, Health and Physical Activity.
• Stopping violence against women, guns, domestic violence, human trafficking, elder abuse,
• Increasing financial Literacy: Basic and advanced money management and retirement planning.
• Increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making.
• Increasing the diversity of Branch Members.
• Expanding Careers Options: Educate about non-traditional careers and their salaries.
• Reducing gender-based discrimination and stereotypes
• Improving women’s healthcare: Gender bias, access, affordability, self-determination in reproductive health.
• Encouraging women and girls to study for STEM Careers