March 2026

President's Message

Together we are stronger! Together we can make a difference!

Dear AAUW Florida Members,

I am pleased to highlight our upcoming AAUW Florida Regional Conferences. This year’s conference theme, Leveraging Public Policy as a Leadership and Membership Tool, speaks directly to the important role advocacy plays in building strong, engaged branches and developing leaders at every level of our organization. The regional conferences are scheduled:

• Thurs. 3/19; 10:00-3:00

Venice Art Center

300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice, FL

Host Branch: Sarasota

• Sat. 4/11; 10:00-3:00

Cypress Knoll Club

53 Easthamptom Blvd., Palm Coast, FL

Host Branch: Flagler

• Sat, 4/25; 10:00-3:00

N. Palm Beach Library

303 Anchorage Dr, N, Palm Beach, FL

Host Branch: N. Palm Beach

The regional conferences will feature informative workshops, practical tools, and meaningful discussions focused on how public policy efforts can energize membership, cultivate leadership, and amplify AAUW’s mission locally and statewide. These conferences provide valuable opportunities to learn, share best practices, and connect with fellow members who are passionate about making a difference.

In addition, please mark your calendars for the AAUW Florida Annual Meeting and Town Hall, May 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m. This statewide event is essential to the governance of our organization, as we will conduct official business and hold elections. At least 40 percent of our branches must be represented in order to establish a quorum, making branch participation critical. Your attendance ensures that AAUW Florida can move forward effectively and that every branch has a voice in our shared future.

Please be on the lookout for registration details, agenda, and additional information for both the Regional Conferences and the Annual Meeting and Town Hall. I encourage you to attend, invite fellow branch members, and plan now to ensure your branch is represented.

Thank you for your continued dedication to AAUW Florida and for the important work you do every day. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Regional Conferences and at the Annual Meeting and Town Hall as we continue advancing our mission together.

With gratitude and best wishes,

K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.

AAUW Florida President

AAUW Florida Public Policy

Issues Forum Announcement

AAUW Florida

2026 Regional Conference. Join-A-Meeting!

Registration for the 2026 Regional Conferences is required for attendees and the cost for this event is $30. More information will be shared. If you have immediate questions, you may follow up with Director for Program, Elinor Bozzone.

Southwest Direct Link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-west-florida-regional-leadership-conference

North Florida Direct Link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-north-florida-regional-leadership-conference

Southeast Direct Link:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-east-florida-regional-leadership-conference

AAUW Florida 2026 Nominating Committee

2026-2028 Slate of Officers Announced

The AAUW Florida five‑member Nominating Committee met in accordance with the AAUW FL Bylaws and is pleased to present the official Slate of Officers for the 2026–2028 term.

Thank You to the Nominating Committee

• Beatrice Holt, Chair
• Pat DeWitt
• Gloria Hilton
• Carolyn Kershner
• Diana Sells

Introducing the Slate of Officers (2026–2028)-

(Bios immediately follow this section)

• Secretary: Mary Gatta
• Director for Development: Sandra Johnson Austin
• Director for Membership: Kay Lee Smith
• Director for Communication: Gezil Andrews

For more information contact, AAUW Florida Nominating Committee Chair, Beatrice Holt.

Referenced Links:

Reports: several reports and Limiting Our Livelihoods: The Cumulative Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women’s Careers

New Public Policy Resources!

These practical, ready-to-use tools can plug into programs, outreach, and advocacy — and they help reinforce AAUW’s credibility as a trusted voice on equity.

• Pay Equity: New Data & Local Tools
• These tools make it easy to bring AAUW’s research to life locally with district-level data for meetings, events, and media outreach. A national press release goes out next week, but you’re welcome to start sharing now.
• The (Not So) Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap (2026 Update) — AAUW’s flagship report and a major credibility-builder for your community conversations.
• State handouts with pay gap data for every congressional district in your state.
• Branch action resources with ideas for events, media outreach, and advocacy you can put to work right away.
• AAUW x No Kings: Saturday, March 28
• AAUW will be a supporter in the nationwide No Kings events. We’ve pulled together ready-to-use messaging and participation resources to help your branch show up locally.
• Nonpartisan Playbook for Branches.
• AAUW is political and nonpartisan — and we have practical guidance to help you navigate that confidently in your branch activities.

Act Now: Keep Graduate Education Within Reach

A new federal proposal would cap graduate and professional student loans for new borrowers, even when programs cost more, making it harder for women to earn the degrees that lead to economic security and leadership. Leaders: Please take 5 minutes to submit a personalized public comment by March 2, 2026. AAUW’s toolkit makes it easy. Your voice matters.

Join AAUW Capitol Hill Lobby Corps (DMV Focused)

Want to bring AAUW’s voice to Congress in 2026? If you’re in the DMV area, join Capitol Hill Lobby Corps — member volunteers who go to Capitol Hill to advocate AAUW policy priorities. Lobby Corps is a two-hour, in-person commitment every other Thursday when Congress is in session — We’re hosting virtual orientations for members to learn more. Register for Lobby Corp Virtual Orientation |  March 12th at 11:00am ET   or  May 14th at 6:30pm ET. If you’re ever in Washington, D.C., you’re welcome to join us — email advocacy@aauw.org.

Vote in AAUW’s National Election

Anyone who is a member of record as of March 14, 2026, will be eligible to vote in AAUW’s National Election in May 2026. If you have new or lapsed members to process, please do so before this deadline as well as remind others on your branch member roster who have not yet renewed. 

Missed the Winter Member Gathering?

Watch the Recording!

If you weren’t able to join us in February for AAUW’s Winter Member Gathering, we’re happy to share that the recording is now available to watch and share with your state and branch networks. Watch it to see AAUW leaders provide an update on our Strategic Plan’s three key priorities, highlight the impact of our work so far in advocacy and higher education, and walk through how members and branches can take action through AAUW’s 5 Calls to Action.

AAUW Florida Tech Trek Donations

Giving Day 2026

AAUW 2026 Atlantic States Regional Conference

September 25-27 2026

AAUW 2026 Atlantic States Regional Conference

Leadership Sponsorship Courtesy of AAUW Florida

A self nomination and a Request for Sponsorship should be sent to Dr. Patricia DeWitt 

(aauwfldewitt@gmail.com), Committee Chair, by members who are interested in Sponsorship. 

AAUW National

Updates

Resources: Information on national dues increase, beginng Apr 1, 2026 

Resources: Check out the How To Video Here.

Resources: Register for NCCWSL, Registration is Now Open! 

Resources: Register Today for AAUW 2026 Virtual Economic Empowerment Trainings

AAUW Florida

2025-2026 Elected Officers

President– K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.

President-Elect– Rose Llanos

Director for Programs– Elinore Bozzone

Director for Membership– Marjorie Fontalvo, Ed.D.

Director for Finance– Jennifer Nanek

Director for Communications & floriVision Editor– Demetrix Rostick-Owens, Ed.D.

Director for Public Policy– Patricia DeWitt, Ph.D.

Secretary– Saundra Johnson Austin, Ed.D.

Open Positions– Director of Development, Bylaws and Policies Chair, Historian, Parliamentarian, Administrative Assistant.

For information contact: 



President– K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.

President-Elect– Rose Llanos

Director for Communications & floriVision Editor– Demetrix Rostick-Owens, Ed.D.

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