Advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy

American Association of University Women Austin, TX Branch

FY 25-26 Vol. 9 April 2026 Newsletter

We are officially in the wonderful season of Spring, when Easter and rabbits and blooming flowers come our way. That means we're approaching our April meeting date, which is Saturday, April 11 at 10AM at Balcones Country Club. The evite has gone out, but if you haven't responded yet, please do so here: RSVP here. Be sure to reply by 4/3/26 and indicate your choice of chicken, vegetable plate, or beverage only. See you then!

A Message from Co-President, Shirlene Justice

As we enter the seventh month of this program year, I have been reflecting on my role as a branch leader and, more importantly, our collective accomplishments as an organization. Even with annual leadership changes and transitions, our branch continues to chug along, strong and thriving, achieving our goals, engaging and enriching our members, and making a difference. I often think about what it means to make a difference and how we know it's happening. I have concluded that even as a small group of women, the greatest impact we have is on each other.

Because of the friendships I have developed over the last seven years and the inspiration I take from my sister members, I am a better person with more diverse interests, greater knowledge, and greater civic engagement. If each of us feels this level of impact, then collectively we are making a difference and are starting to accomplish great things. A few sources of our collective pride this year include: an outstanding speaker line-up and great program attendance; 3 service projects sponsored by our interest groups; 2 new interest groups; collaboration with the League of Women Voters to screen Zurawski v. Texas; 9 voter registration events; over 10 letter-writing and phone-call campaigns; and, 23 new and engaged members.

I want to encourage you all to attend the State Conference. This is a great opportunity for us to enhance our collective impact. Also, now is the time to vote for state officers. Your ballot was emailed to you last week. You will notice that several Austin branch members are in the lineup. I hope they subscribe to the philosophy extolled in one of my favorite Girl Scout songs: “make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other, gold.”

Thank you! Shirlene

Not only did our Branch work to establish the 1st public library in Austin in 1925, we also donated the 24-ft bookmobile shown above. This women-led effort was recently recognized during Women's History Month by the Austin Public Library. See FaceBook post here.

Pictured aove are Stephanie Barko and Leslie Curtin during a hiking group event led by Jackie Hardee at Canyon Lake on March 14th. Sightings included fossils, hummingbirds and bald eagles!

April Guest Speaker

League of Women Voters: Keeping Us Informed for Over 100 Years

At our Branch Meeting on Saturday, April 11th, long-time League of Women Voters (LWV) member Jaci Collins will be our speaker. Jaci is the current Austin Editor of the LWV Voters Guide and will share with us how the League's volunteers, in general and specifically, inform and support voters through every primary, runoff, and general election with its publication of the Voters Guide.

Jaci has been a member of the League of Women Voters for over 25 years and has been working on VOTE411 and the Voters Guide since 2008. She has volunteered in many positions, most recently serving as Treasurer and Voters Guide Editor. Working with candidates and publishing and distributing the Guide have provided Jaci many adventures along the way.

A resident of Austin for over 30 years, Jaci has a background in Software Engineering, with four shared patents. Now, as a “professional volunteer,” she is working through the AARP Foundation as a tax preparer and, until recently, was President of the Greater Austin Illini Club, an alumni club for Central Texas folks who graduated from the University of Illinois. Please join us on April 11th to hear more about her efforts!

The AAUW Texas Spring Meeting is Coming Up!

Y'ALL COME!

April 25, 2026

WHAT: AAUW TEXAS CONFERENCE

WHEN: April 25, 2026

WHERE: Hurst, San Antonio, Houston, Zoom

Speakers: Valerie Jones, Ed.D. and Meghan Kissell, Public Policy AAUW.

For additional information check the February UWT using this link:

https://conta.cc/4rm9cPV

Locations:

Zoom link will be sent to those who sign up to attending digitally within 24 hours of the event.

LoneStar College - CyFair: 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433

San Antonio Water Systems: 2800 US 281, San Antonio TX 78212

Tarrant County College Northeast: 828 W Harwood Rd, Hurst, TX 76054

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

Click on the REGISTRATION button - fill in all boxes with the requested information. Online payments will go through the program STRIPE.

Payment may be made through Zelle using the email address vnat01@gmail.com Fill in the registration form before going to your bank to use Zelle..

In person event

Price: $49.00

This ticket provides access to the venue in person and provides lunch.

Virtual attendance

Price: $10.00

This ticket is for Zoom access only

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 10TH AT MIDNIGHT.

Welcome New Member Gabrielle Noelle Rysenga

Gabrielle is new to AAUW and was excited to join when current member Fai Chang invited her to attend our branch meeting on Valentine's Day. Fai also asked her to help with the wellness group that she is launching for AAUW. With her deep appreciation for health and wellness, Gabrielle was excited to join and help with Fai's group. Gabrielle currently works helping people choose health and life insurance for themselves and their families, as well as managing a local fitness studio called HOTWORX here in Austin. Both positions encourage people to take care of their health, and both positions give Gabrielle the opportunity to lead, teach, encourage, and grow a team that she manages, which is important to her so her efforts can help more people in the community.

Gabrielle earned two BAs and graduated with Honors from Texas State University in San Marcos in 2006. These include a BA in English Literature with a minor in Honors Studies, and a BA in Interior Design with a minor in Technology. Gabrielle continued her education with an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from Austin's Concordia University, graduating in 2020.

A proud mother of two exceptionally smart and active sons, Gabrielle and her family love hiking, sushi and biking. As a family they also regularly volunteer with the organization Yellow Bike which repairs donated bikes. The bikes are then gifted to those in need of transportation, children in the community, and schools.

Gabrielle is deeply aligned with the goals of AAUW and is proud to be a new member with such an inspiring group of women. She looks forward to growing those relationships.

Public Policy Issues, Actions and Opportunities

This week, the national advocacy team of AAUW sent out a new briefing on the SAVE Act to share with our branches. AAUW opposes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act: www.aauw.org/SAVEAct

As of mid-March, with debate on the SAVE Act entering additional weeks in the U.S. Senate, our national organization wanted to share a new AAUW briefing on the bill that provides more in-depth messaging and research. It also tackles some common myths about the bill's requirements and potential impact to help you address misinformation. If the vote has been finalized by the time you receive this newsletter, check out the Action Network for other advocacy links. The action page is accessible here: Become an AAUW Two-Minute Activist!.

From: Anita Knight

As seen in the flyer shown previously in this newsletter, we are excited to be able to participate in this Spring's AAUW-Texas Conference via Zoom or in person. For the latter option, our Branch is working on ride-sharing options so that some of us are able to attend in person in San Antonio. More information will be forthcoming, but please register by the April 10th deadline to reserve your spot.

In case you missed it, here are our nominees for Branch positions in 2026-2027

Co-Presidents

Shirlene Justice - Returning

Sarah Averill - Nominee

Co-Vice Presidents for Programs

Kathy Stewart - Returning

Berta Lloyd - Nominee

Co-Vice Presidents for Membership

Lynn Gambrill - Returning

Paula Coopwood - Nominee

Treasurer

Cynthia Roberts - Returning

Secretary

Elaine Penn - Returning

**Congrats to our Austin Branch members nominated for the AAUW-Texas board:

Terry Whaley, Co-President * Linda Welsh, Co-President * Larayne Dallas, Secretary * Sharon Lesikar (dual member with Georgetown), Central District Representative. Your ballot arrived via email on 3/23 and must be submitted by 4/1. Show your Austin Branch Pride!

2026A2026direct and compelling headline

April Interest Group Activities 2026

ART TOUR

When: April 1

Time: 10 am

Where: The Shops at Mars Beads - Records, Beads, Local Art, Custom Jewelry

26550 Ranch Rd 12, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620

Host: Devon Austin

Contacts: Pat Beal: patrbeal@gmail.com 512.762.9924

Devon Austin: devonaustin@msn.com 562.225.7681

BRIDGE GROUP

When: April 9 and April 23, Second and Fourth Thursdays

Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Where: North Lamar Senior Activity Center, North Lamar & 29th

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

CENTRAL BOOK GROUP

When: Monday, April 13

Time: 10:30 am

Where: La Madeleine, 5493 Brodie Lane, Austin, Tx.

Book: ‘Horse:’ A Novel

Author: G. Brooks

Facilitator: Mary Lou Bell

Contact: Linda Quintanilla: quintalin@gmail.com 713.202.8525

CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE

When: Monday, April 6

Time: 7 pm

Where: Zoom

Book: “Lethal Tides: Mary Sears and the Marine Scientists Who Helped Win WWII”

Author: C. Musemeche

Facilitator: Joyce Pulich

Contact: Mary Ellen Scribner: maryescribner@gmail.com 512.698.5539

CREATIVE STITCHERY

When: Wednesday, April 15

Time: 10 AM

Where: 912 Dartmoor Dr.

Project: Bargello

Host: Elaine Penn

Contact: Beverly Locklin: bklocklin@outlook.com 512.633.2902

CULTURE AND CUISINE

When: Thursday, April 9

Time: 6 PM

Theme: Croatia

Hosts: Berta Lloyd and Joyce Pulich

Where: Home of Berta Lloyd

1124 Wolf Hollow Dr, Georgetown, Tx

Contact: Ann Gibbs: agibbs5200@gmail.com, 512.250.1203

HIKING

Hike 1

When: Thursday, April 2

Time: 10 am

Where: Lakeline Park

Leader: Gayle Kanies

Contacts: Kate DiPronio : ktlee523@gmail.com 512.924.9061

Gayle Kanies,gayle.kaines@gmail.com 512.587.7747

Hike 2

When: Saturday, April 18

Time: 10 AM

Where: McKinney Falls

Leader: Ginny Tannebring

Contacts: Kate DiPronio: ktlee523@gmail.com 512.924.9061

Gayle Kanies,gayle.kaines@gmail.com 512.587.7747

MAHJONG

When: Every Thursday

*Thursday, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Time: 1-4:00 pm

Where: N. Lamar Senior Activity Center 2874 Shoal Crest Ave (29th and North Lamar)

Contact: Connie Munoz, comunoz1@yahoo.com 361.813.8012

Bring your 2025 updated mahjong card.

We are joining other ladies that play every Thursday and if more than 4 players show up, we help fill other tables.

MYSTERY INTEREST GROUP

When: Tuesday, April 28

Time: 11:00 AM

Book: Edgar Winner Mystery

Place: BJ's Brewhouse, The Shops at Arbor Walk, 10515 N. Mopac Austin, Tx.

Contact: Pam Wolfe: piwolfe@yahoo.com 512.925.7865

OUT TO LUNCH

When: Tuesday, April 21

Time: 11:15 AM

Where: Jack Allens-at the Y

Planner: Pat Beal

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

PEARS

When: Saturday, April 18

Time: 5:30 PM

Where: Fonda San Miguel

Contact: Milli Stecker: mstecker@austin.rr.com 512-468-1088

SOUTHWEST BOOK GROUP

When: Monday, April 13

Time: 10:30 – 12:30 pm

Book: “Careless People” (NF) (PP 311)

Author: Sarah Wynn-Williams

Facilitator: Marsha Endahl-Karmer

Host: Marsha Endahl-Kramer

Contact: Brenda Hahne: bwhahne@gmail.com 832.233.4254

WINE TASTERS

When: Sunday, April 19

Time: TBD

Theme: White Wines

Hosts: Joyce Pulich and Cathy Werner

Location: TBD

Contact: Elaine Penn: epenn9915@gmail.com 512-328-3100

March/April Fundraising News

Many thanks to those who participated in our appetizer exchange at Kathy Stewart’s home. We made almost $700 for National's Greatest Needs Fund and had a good time doing it. Thanks to Brenda and Kathy for their hard work and to Shirlene for assembling the recipes into a PDF.

Bridge Interest Group Request

*** Calling all Bridge Players ***

The AAUW bridge group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 1-4 pm at the Senior Center on Lamar and 29th. We invite any interested bridge players to join us and welcome all player levels including beginners. You don't have to commit to play at each session but we do look forward to growing and adding some new faces. For more information and to join this group, contact epenn9915@gmail.com (Elaine Penn).

Kendra Scott Event

Our next major fundraiser is the Kendra Scott event on May 1. Information on this can be found below. You may shop in-store at 1701 S. Congress between 12pm-2pm, or order online with code: GIVEBACK-LIISH (between the hours of 12:01am-11:59pm) on 5/1/26. This event is timed perfectly for Mother's Day, Graduation, or other springtime gift-giving occasions.

Announcing our 2026 Named Gift Honorees

Continuing our tradition of recognizing outstanding service by members of the Austin Branch of AAUW, the selection committee is pleased to announce the 2026 Named Gift Honorees. Based on the nominations received, the following members have truly exemplified their willingness and dedication in supporting and advancing our Austin Branch.

Sarah Averill - As Co-Vice President for Programs, Sarah has provided thoughtful oversight in keeping us educated and entertained. Her diplomatic skills have shone in balancing sometimes conflicting demands. We appreciate her calm presence and continuing efforts to make members and guests feel part of a special organization when we gather for Program Meetings.

Cynthia Roberts - While still a new member, Cynthia volunteered to take on the challenging position of Branch Treasurer. She chairs the Finance Committee and keeps the Branch’s financial records. With determination and much investment of time, Cynthia has made it possible for the Branch to use credit card payments, a long needed convenience.

Terry Whaley – We are grateful for Terry’s dedicated service as Branch Co-President. She has handled the many responsibilities of the position with grace and skill. Additionally, Terry has generously contributed her wonderful craft items to the Branch, with special benefit to the Branch’s Winter fundraiser. Over many years, Terry has provided our branch with a valuable link to the Georgetown Branch.

Suki Steinhauser - Suki joined the Branch in 2024 and immediately went to work. She has played a leadership role in multiple Interest Groups and recruited two speakers for program meetings. Of special note, Suki worked closely with the League of Women Voters to arrange a screening of the film Zurawski v. Texas." Suki’s nomination text notes: “Without Suki’s inspired leadership, this event would probably not have happened.”

Submitted by Larayne Dallas, committee chair, on behalf of the committee, including Nancy Andren, Resa Dunn, Brenda Hahne, and Berta Lloyd.

Directory Changes

Please note the following additions or corrections to our current Yearbook listings:

Resa Dunn -- New email is resadunn@icloud.com

Gabrielle Rysenga -- atxgabbi@gmail.com

Enjoying the good life with AAUW

Above and around: Ret'd

UT geologist Pat Bobeck speaking at the March meeting; March attendees; Hiking Group at Lakeway's Rough Hollow trail (Ann, Roberta, Nancy, Leslie, Sarah, and Gayle); signs of spring along the trail and a nice photo of the lake (taken by Gayle Kanies).