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Spring 2025
Annual Election Information and Updates
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President's Message
AAUW Florida…
Elevating Our Impact!
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Welcome to Fabulous February — a time to love, learn, and let go of past sorrows. Its beauty lies in its simplicity; love and be loved.
This month will also bring change, as President Trump implements new policies and rescinds a host of existing ones. Let us be diligent in our efforts to stay watchful, informed, and purposeful. There may be challenges ahead, but we will be tenacious and trailblazing in our advocacy for equity!
February is also Black History Month. Let's take time to celebrate!
The 2025 Black History Month theme, as set by ASALH, examines Black life and culture through time and space. The theme, “African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the various and profound ways that “work and working of all kinds — free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary” (https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/) — intersect with the collective experiences of Black life and culture. Learn more at ASALH.
Let’s make 2025 our year to create a better future and work towards a more equitable future for all people. I look forward to meeting each of you at our upcoming conferences. Please read on for detailed information on our leadership conferences, elections, lobby days, and membership matters listed within the various sections of this issue of floriVision.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to equity for ALL!
Yours in solidarity,
K. Lee-Smith, Ph.D.
AAUW Florida President
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AAUW FL Regional Leadership Conferences:
Elevating Our Community Impact
The Florida Board of Directors is excited about our three upcoming Regional Conferences with the theme "Elevating Our Community Impact," which are coming up in March and April, according to the schedule below.
March 15, 2025 (Saturday): South East branches at the North Palm Beach Library
- Branches: N Palm Beach County (Host), Ft. Lauderdale, Melbourne, Nova SE University, Palm Beach County, Pompano Beach, Stuart Area, Vero Beach, Weston
March 29, 2025 (Saturday): Northern branches in The Villages
- Branches: Lake Sumter (Host), Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Flagler, New Smyrna Beach, Orlando/Winter Park, Lake Wales, Gainesville
April 17, 2025 (Thursday): Southwest branches at the Venice Art Center
- Branches: Venice (Host), Tampa, Sun City Center, Bradenton/Manatee, Greater Naples, Ft. Myers, Marco Island, Punta Gorda, Sarasota
Branch Presidents will receive registration details to share as each date approaches. The schedule is from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, and the cost will be $25 per attendee, which includes lunch.
Please let your members know that these opportunities are coming up. All members are invited, and current and future Board members will especially benefit. If you are unable to attend your region’s event, let me know, and I can arrange for you to attend another.
For more information contact:
Diana Sells, AAUW FL Director for Program
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2024-2025 Annual Meeting and Voting Guide | |
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Annual Meeting Details
Join us for our annual meeting on Thursday, May 15, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom! This is your chance to elect officers, hear reports from state leaders, and participate in other official business.
We need at least 40 percent of branches and five percent of members to meet our quorum, so your presence is crucial. You’ll get an inside look at the many projects and activities driving our mission of equity for women and girls.
We’ll kick off with the establishment of a quorum, followed by insightful reports from our current Board of Directors. The highlight of the event will be the election of four new State Board of Director Officers for the 2025-2027 term.
Election of Officers
We’ll be electing the President-Elect, Director for Program, Director for Finance, and Director for Public Policy, who will take office on July 1. These positions are elected in odd-numbered years and serve a two-year term. Co-directors can serve in a position but will have only one vote on the board.
Learn more about the candidates put forward by this year’s nominating committee in this issue. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor, where candidates can briefly state their qualifications. If there’s only one candidate or co-candidate for a position, the election may be by acclamation. Contested offices will be decided by electronic ballot as per our One Member One Vote policy.
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Annual Reports
We’ll hear annual reports from our current elected officers, as well as updates from the AAUW Florida Supporting Foundation, Tech Trek, and the AAUW FL Bylaws and Resolutions Committee. There are no bylaw amendments to be voted on this year.
New Nominating Committee
Thank you to representatives from the Lake Wales Branch, Northern Palm Beach, Bradenton, New Smyrna Beach, and Naples for your service during the 2024-2025 membership year. Your contributions have been invaluable. Please note: branches cannot be represented on the committee for two consecutive years.
As such, we need nominations from the floor to fill positions on the nominating committee for the 2025-2026 membership year. Eligibility for service on the nominating committee requires nominees to have been AAUW Florida members for at least three years, and branches cannot be represented on the committee for two consecutive years.
Town Hall
After the official business, we’ll have a Town Hall with a speaker from AAUW National who will provide updates and answer your questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage and learn more about our ongoing initiatives!
Your Engagement
Your participation is vital. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow members, contribute to meaningful discussions, and help steer our organization towards a brighter future!
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2025-2027 AAUW Florida Nominees
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. Get to know the candidates who will be shaping our future!
The Nominating Committee proudly puts forth the following candidates for open Board positions, with nominations also welcome from the floor at the annual meeting:
- President Elect – Rose J. Llanos (Palm Beach Branch)
- Director for Program – Elinore Bozzone (Flagler Branch)
- Director for Finance – Jennifer Nanek (Lake Wales Branch)
- Director for Public Policy – Patricia A. DeWitt (Jacksonville Branch)
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Meet the Candidates!
The Nominating Committee will be putting forth the following candidates for open Board positions. Nominations may also be made from the floor at the annual meeting.
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President-Elect
Rose J. Llanos, M.A.
(Palm Beach Branch)
Rose J. Llanos has dedicated her career to advancing women’s issues and providing educational opportunities. She has held leadership positions in various sectors, including education, public policy, and community development. Her work is grounded in fostering supportive environments and driving community initiatives. Currently, she is actively involved in several AAUW committees and initiatives.
Rose’s AAUW journey began in 2017. Since then, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Membership Director on the AAUW FL Board of Directors from 2020 to July 2024. She served as the President of the AAUW FL Nova Southeastern University Branch from 2019 to 2020 and as the Program Director from 2017 to 2018. Rose is also a member of the AAUW FL Public Policy Committee and the Tech Trek Planning Committee, both since 2020.
In addition to her AAUW roles, Rose is involved in various community and professional organizations. She serves as the FL Government Relations Co-Chair for the Southern Association of College Admission Counseling and as the Co-chair for the Hispanic Special Interest Group. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University and Lynn University, where she teaches first-year experience courses.
Rose is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs/Relations from Boston University and two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Florida in Portuguese and Spanish.
As a first-generation Hispanic woman, Rose is grateful for the opportunities provided by AAUW, which align with the values instilled by her mother, who was unable to earn a college education. She is passionate about advocating for women’s rights, especially in the current political climate, and aims to advance opportunities in research, education, and advocacy. Rose hopes to encourage member engagement, foster connections with branches, and expand student representation in AAUW to prepare the next generation to uphold AAUW values.
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Director for Finance
Jennifer Nanek, B.A.
(Lake Wales Branch)
Jennifer Nanek has a strong background in financial management and has been a key figure in ensuring the financial health of the Lake Wales Branch. Her expertise will be invaluable in maintaining the fiscal responsibility of AAUW Florida. Currently, she serves as the City Clerk for the City of Lake Wales, CMC.
Jennifer’s AAUW journey began in 2015. She has held the position of Treasurer for the Lake Wales Branch from 2017 to the present. Her dedication to financial management has been instrumental in supporting the branch’s activities and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Jennifer holds a BA in History from Oglethorpe University, earned in 1998, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University, earned in 2012.
In addition to her AAUW roles, Jennifer has attended state and regional meetings, including the State Conference in Sarasota in 2018 and the Zoom conference in 2020. Her commitment to AAUW’s mission is evident in her active participation and leadership.
As a dedicated advocate, Jennifer aims to help AAUW function smoothly by upgrading processes to electronic or less paper where possible. She is committed to improving efficiency and ensuring the organization’s financial health.
Jennifer has been recognized for her contributions to the community, including being named the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Public Servant of the Year in 2017. She is actively involved in various community organizations, serving as Past President and current Secretary of the Rotary Club of Lake Wales, Past President and current Secretary of Ridge Audubon, Secretary of the Lake Wales History Museum Board, Treasurer of the Lake Wales Democratic Club, and State Committee Woman for the Polk County Democratic Party.
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Director for Public Policy
Patricia A. DeWitt, Ph.D.
(Jacksonville Branch)
Patricia A. DeWitt has dedicated her career to promoting thoughtful, research-based advocacy for women and girls. She has held leadership positions in various sectors, including education, public policy, and community development. Her work is grounded in fostering supportive environments and driving community initiatives. Currently, she is actively involved in several AAUW committees and initiatives.
Patricia’s AAUW journey began in 1995. She has since held multiple leadership roles, including President of the Rome, GA Branch from 2001 to 2003 and Co-President from 2003 to 2005. She is currently serving as the President of the Jacksonville, FL Branch for the 2024-2026 term. At the state level, Patricia has served as President of AAUW Florida from 2020 to 2022, President-Elect from 2019 to 2020, and Director for Public Policy from 2015 to 2017 and 2017 to 2019. She is currently the Co-Director for Public Policy for the 2023-2025 term.
In addition to her AAUW roles, Patricia is involved in various community and professional organizations. She serves as a member of the Association Public Policy Committee and has been a member of the College-University Relations Committee and the Voices Project. Patricia has attended numerous state, regional, and association meetings, demonstrating her commitment to AAUW’s mission.
Patricia holds a BA in Music from the University of Florida, an MA and PhD in Musicology from the University of Michigan, and an MS in Decision Science from Georgia State University.
As a dedicated advocate, Patricia aims to encourage branches to provide accurate, unbiased information and to make communities aware of the importance of empowering women and girls. She seeks opportunities to influence decision-makers at the state level and to collaborate with other organizations that advocate for women’s complete personhood. Patricia is committed to educating AAUW members through Public Policy Education Forums and fostering connections within the organization.
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Director for Program
Elinore Bozzone, B.A.
(Flagler Branch)
Elinore Bozzone is known for her innovative program development and commitment to educational outreach. Her work with the Flagler Branch has significantly enhanced the branch’s engagement and impact. Currently, she is a Florida Bar Registered Paralegal.
Elinore’s AAUW journey began in 2012. She has since held multiple leadership roles, including Co-VP Program from 2015 to 2017 and 2019 to 2021, and VP Program from 2022 to 2024. She has also served as the Scholarship Chair since 2016 and is currently the Branch President for the 2022-2024 term. At the association level, Elinore has been the Chair of the AAUW Local Scholarship Fund (501c3) since its inception in 2021 and is an AAUW Legacy Donor.
In addition to her AAUW roles, Elinore has attended numerous state, regional, and association meetings, including NE Regional Meetings in 2023 and 2024, where she gave a Governance Presentation in 2023.
Elinore holds a BA with high honors in Political Science from The City University of New York (Queens College), earned in 1964. She also attended The Juilliard School for piano performance, theory, and composition, having been admitted at age 7 and attended through 1964.
As a dedicated advocate, Elinore aims to broaden AAUW’s membership base by promoting diversity and inclusion starting from the individual branches. She actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels for laws and policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Elinore is committed to advocating for equitable access to education, economic security for all women, the advancement of women into leadership positions, academic freedom, and the preservation of public education.
Elinore has created the AAUW Flagler Local Scholarship Fund, a separate 501c3 that supports the branch’s scholarship activities, and the AAUW Flagler Arts Grants, awarded annually to middle school students to pursue independent study of the arts.
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Ellen Roche, our director of Finance will present information on Florida and AAUW reporting requirements including SunBiz and FDACS as well as filing the branch tax return.
All Branch Treasurers, Assistant Treasurers, and Presidents are warmly invited to this Treasurers Talk. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Treasurers, share your experiences, and receive valuable assistance in managing your finances.
In addition, Ellen will take questions on any topic! Don’t miss out on this chance to learn from others and discover new strategies that can benefit your branch!
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Join us for the Florida Legislative Preview on Thursday, February 13, 2025! Discover AAUW Florida’s initiatives in Tallahassee this year.
Dr. Pat DeWitt and the AAUW Florida Public Policy Co-Directors will present the upcoming legislative agenda.
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Membership Updates Under the Florida Sun:
February 2025 Edition
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January has been unusually quiet, but we’re here to bring some energy and excitement to the month of February! As Florida Director of Membership, I’m reaching out to ask for your help in streamlining our membership procedures and fostering a positive, growth-oriented environment. At the upcoming 2025 regional conferences, I’ll be offering mini technology courses designed to empower and inspire:
- Introduction to AI – Basics of artificial intelligence.
- AAUW HUB Shortcuts & MSD – Efficiently manage memberships and leader tasks.
- Social Media Essentials – Connect Facebook to Instagram, explore TikTok, and maximize your online presence.
- Google Account & Free Software Tools – Set up a Google account and access free tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and more.
Let’s make this month one of connection, learning, and inspiration! More information to come regarding times and locations.
Membership Engagement Strategies:
- Do you have LinkedIn? Join the Florida AAUW NETWORKING GROUP AAUW Florida.
- Webinars on Money: Empowering mid-career professionals, college students, and all women to become Money Smart. Check out the Webinar Schedule for 2025 here.
- AAUW Work Smart: Training for early and mid-career professionals on negotiating for fair salaries, better benefits, and advancement opportunities.
- AAUW Start Smart: Designed for college women entering the job market, teaching effective salary negotiation techniques.
- AAUW Money Smart: Providing all women with personal finance information for financial security.
- Florida Lobby Day (branch trip) to Tallahassee: March 17-19. Join me, Membership officers! As an FSU grad, we can go to dinner at amazing local spots!
Membership Task Force Group:
Interested in serving on a volunteer membership task force committee? Email aauwflempowerment@gmail.com with your name, branch, and availability (day or nights).
- National Membership Tools: AAUW Leader Resources & Tools.
- Florida Membership tools available upon request: Templates include sample recruitment letters, a PowerPoint presentation, university/college flyers, brochures and logos, information, and more. Click here for the link/website.
For more information contact:
Marjorie Fontalvo, Ed. D., AAUW FL Director for Membership
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Champion Change at the Capital:
Lobby Days In Tallahassee March 18-19, 2025
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Lobby Days in Tallahassee this year will be March 18th and 19th. We will arrive on Monday March 17th, have a last-minute training in the evening, and visit our legislators during Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We have been told that visiting the legislators in person is very effective to let them know what we support or oppose. Previous lobbyists have enjoyed working with colleagues and seeing how things work at the Capitol. The Public Policy Committee will provide position papers and talking points on all the bills we will support or oppose.
The hotel will be TRYP by Wyndham on I-10 and the cost per night including taxes and fees will be $159.85. AAUW Florida offers partial subsidies for travel, hotel (half the cost), meals, and transportation from the hotel to the Capitol.
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The week of February 23 has been designated as Lobby at Home Week. Branches should plan to send delegations to local legislators during this week. Position papers and talking points will be provided. This is your chance to let your local legislators know where you stand even if you cannot travel to Tallahassee.
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If you are interested in lobby days:
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AAUW advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. | | | | |
