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President's Message
AAUW Florida…Elevating Our Impact!
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Welcome to Aspiring April! Although April marks the culmination of our Women History Month celebrations, it is crucial for us to continue to reflect on the persistent challenges women face globally and the ongoing fight for our rights. From economic inequality to violence and discrimination, the fight for gender equality is far from over. We must continue to shed light on the importance of women's rights, the progress made, and the work that remains to be done today and every day!
This April, let us recommit ourselves to the fight for women's rights and work towards a future where all women can live with dignity, equality, and empowerment. The time for action is now, and we must continue to push for a world where women's rights are not just recognized but are fully respected and protected.
In March, we also conducted two very successful Florida Regional Leadership Conferences for branches in the Southeast and the North. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the participants, organizers, and volunteers and extend special recognition to our host branches and presenters:
- Bea Holt, Past Florida President
- Diana Sells, Director for Programs, AAUW-FL
- Rose Llanos, AAUW National Equity & Inclusion Committee
- Ellen Roche, Director for Finance, AAUW-FL
- Majorie Fontalvo, Director for Membership, AAUW-FL
- Mary Gatta, Co-Director for Public Policy, AAUW-FL
- Linda Barker, President, Vero Beach
- Carol Strauss, Finance Director, Vero Beach
- Judy Pierman, City Council, North Palm Beach
- Jane Warwick, President North Palm Beach, Southeast Host
- Bonnie Waver and Jennifer Thompson, Co-Presidents, Lake/Sumpter, North Host
Thank you all for a job well done and we look forward to continued success in the Southeast and North!
"Together we are stronger! Together we can make a difference!"
Yours in solidarity,
K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.
AAUW Florida President
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University of Central Florida (UCF) associate professor, Amanda Koontz, will join us to share her research on a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project to identify systemic gender inequities impacting university STEM faculty so that they can be addressed by the institution.
Koontz received her doctorate in sociology from Florida State University, and joined UCF’s Department of Sociology, part of UCF’s College of Sciences, in 2011.
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For more information contact:
Diana Sells, AAUW FL Director for Program
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Honoring a Legacy: Rachel Payne Jakes
Receives Inaugural Milestone Member Award for
70 Years of Service to AAUW
| | Preparing for Tech Trek 2025 | | |
Date
Dear Recipient's Name,
I hope this message finds you well. I represent the American Association of University Women FL (AAUW) Supporting Foundation, a non-profit committed to advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.
We're seeking your support for our Tech Trek program, aiming to inspire 7th-grade girls as they transition into 8th grade and foster their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. Tech Trek has proven success in enhancing girls' STEM interest and self-perception through exposure to role models and hands-on activities.
To ensure that a family's financial situation will not prevent participation, Tech Trek only costs $50 per camper. The actual cost per camper is $1,300.00 which is raised through grants and sponsors. Your support empowers these girls, encouraging them to explore and pursue underrepresented careers in STEM.
Tech Trek in Florida occurs in June at Stetson University in Deland and Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter. The week-long immersive camp offers a hands-on experience. Check our website and video which gives some insight into this amazing program.
Please consider making a tax deductible donation by credit card (via Zeffy) or check payable to AAUW FL Supporting Foundation, mailed to PO Box 126, Palm City, FL 34991. For more information, reach out anytime.
Empower Girls. Donate Today!
Sincerely,
Name and contact information
| | 2025-2027 AAUW Florida Nominees | | |
Get to know the candidates who will be shaping our future! The Nomination Committee is thrilled to present the Slate of Nominees for the 2025-2027 AAUW FL State offices. This slate includes dedicated individuals who have consented to their nomination to fill vacancies on the AAUW Florida Board of Directors. Below are brief bios for our nominees. See the February 2025 FloriVision for full bios. Nominations are also welcome from the floor at the annual meeting.
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President Elect
Rose J. Llanos
(Palm Beach Branch)
Rose J. Llanos has dedicated her career to advancing women’s issues and providing educational opportunities. She has held various leadership roles in AAUW since 2017, including Membership Director and President of the AAUW FL Nova Southeastern University Branch. Rose is also pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lynn University.
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Director for Finance
Jennifer Nanek
(Lake Wales Branch)
Jennifer Nanek has a strong background in financial management and has been the Treasurer for the Lake Wales Branch since 2017. She is also the City Clerk for Lake Wales. Jennifer holds a BA in History and a Master’s in Public Administration. Her dedication to fiscal responsibility and community involvement is commendable.
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Director for Program
Elinore Bozzone
(Flagler Branch)
Elinore Bozzone is known for her innovative program development and commitment to educational outreach. She has held multiple leadership roles in AAUW since 2012, including VP Program and Branch President. Elinore is a Florida Bar Registered Paralegal and holds a BA in Political Science. She actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Director for Public Policy
Patricia A. DeWitt
(Jacksonville Branch)
Patricia A. DeWitt has dedicated her career to advocating for women and girls. Since 1995, she has held multiple leadership roles in AAUW, including President of the Jacksonville, FL Branch and AAUW Florida. Patricia holds degrees in Music and Decision Science and is committed to empowering women through education and public policy initiatives.
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AAUW National Updates
Dues Change - Invest In Our Future.
- Fees are increasing $2 each year, for this year and next.
- For more details, visit our website:
- https://www.aauw.org/resources/member/membership-dues-change-talking-points/
FY26 Membership Dues Collection Process
- The FY26 National Dues Year opens April 1, kicking off the (FY26) membership dues collection process for AAUW branches.
- FY26 National Dues: As of April 1, dues are $74 (National), $18.81 (Students), $1,480 (Lifetime). Fully tax-deductible.
NCCWSL – Registration Now Open
Discounts and Waivers - Coupon Codes
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The Shape the Future Campaign discount of 50% off national dues for new members (those entirely new to AAUW or rejoining after having lapsed for two or more years) remains in effect. The coupon code for FY26 effective 4/1 will be "STFFY26." The FY26 coupon codes for AAUW College/University member students are "CUStudentFY26" for Student Associates (undergraduates) and "CUGradStudentFY26" for Graduate Students effective 4/1.
Annual Branch Survey – Launches April 1 and closes June 30th
- We will be adding a question for branches to provide feedback on the tools and resources they need or would like to support mission-based programming and advancement activities, including fundraising and member recruitment/retention.
- Branch presidents will receive an email containing the survey link and a PDF of the questions. Additionally, we are exploring an option in Survey Monkey to automatically email the responses from submitted surveys to the branch president.
New Funds – Defend Higher Education and Public Policy Fund – both now live on our donation page https://my.aauw.org/donation-product-detail
4513 - Defend Higher Education
- The Defend Higher Education Fund will enable AAUW to elevate the critical higher education issues impacting women, mobilize advocates across the country, provide strategic resources to students, staff and faculty on campus, and fuel investments in the infrastructure and technology necessary to move our mission forward. Your support ensures AAUW can effectively fight on behalf of women on campuses across the country and ensure that AAUW remains a trusted and powerful voice for equity.
4337 - Public Policy Fund
- The Public Policy Fund supports the advancement of AAUW's Public Policy Principles and Priorities. AAUW is focused on increasing the impact of our Action Network through growing the number of advocates across the country and providing timely, accurate, and actionable information about our key issues. Support to this fund ensures we have the critical funding necessary to take swift and strategic action when the rights and freedoms of women and girls are under attack.
New Webinar Series – Defending Equity: Strengthening Our Collective Impact Series. To register, visit the event calendar: EventCalendarDirectory - AAUW (you can also register using the links below in the Public Policy article).
AAUW Advocacy Strategies for In-District Meetings: April 8 | 7:00 p.m. ET
- Face-to-face advocacy can drive real change. This session will guide members on how to set up in-district meetings with members of Congress, maximize town hall participation, and effectively use key talking points during the upcoming April congressional recess. Learn how to make your voice heard.
AAUW National Elections 2025 Opens: April 14 | 12:00 p.m. ET
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Voting opens on April 14 noon, ET. Members will receive an electronic ballot with their unique voting credentials from vote@simplyvoting.com, our third-party voting service. Add this email address to your safe sender list to ensure your ballot reaches you. Members without an email address on file will receive a paper ballot. Eligible voters are those who were members as of March 14, 2025. Voting closes on May 13, 5pm ET.
Funding Futures: Understanding Changes to Sex and Gender-Based Scholarship Programs: April 15 | 7:00 p.m. ET
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Navigating legal changes to sex-based scholarships can be complex. Join us for an informative session designed to help AAUW branches understand how to fund scholarships amid evolving regulations, while staying true to our mission of advancing education for women and girls. Space is limited, so don't miss out!
| | AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. | | | | |
