Join us on August 29 at the St. Mary's Cultural & Banquet Center in Livonia to honor and celebrate the achievements of women on Women's Equality Day 2026! This year's theme is "Education and the ERA."

Dr. Pamela Pugh was elected to the Michigan State Board of Education in 2014 and re-elected in 2022. As Board President, she is focused on ensuring that every Michigan child has access to an adequately and equitably funded, safe, and inclusive public education.

A public health scientist and engineer, Dr. Pugh brings over 25 years of experience advancing environmental justice, children’s health, and systems-level change. She served for 14 years at the Saginaw County Department of Public Health and was appointed Chief Public Health Advisor during the Flint Water Crisis, where she played a key role in guiding public response and supporting impacted families.

She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University and both a Master of Science and Doctor of Public Health from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

She previously served on the boards of the Healthy Schools Network and the National Association of State Boards of Education, where she chaired the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Dr. Chris Benson brings more than sixteen years of higher education experience in student affairs, retention, and academic affairs. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Madonna University. She has oversight of student conduct, career development, student life, residence life, counseling and disability resources, and transitions services. Additionally, Dr. Benson has served as Madonna University's Title IX Coordinator and Graduate Program Director for the Higher Education Administration master’s program, which she co-created.

Dr. Benson has served as an institutional representative, board member, and chair of the Public Policy Committee for the American Council on Education Women's Network, Michigan (MI-ACE). She is currently the incoming MI-ACE President. Dr. Benson is also the regional representative for the Michigan division of the American College Personnel Association.

Dr. Benson earned her Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in teaching and learning from Madonna University.

Carina Blair is a Financial Planning & Analysis Manager at Consumers Energy, where she and her team partner with the business to support financial planning, reporting, and large-scale initiatives within the Electric Distribution organization. She is currently leading the Organizational Change Management and Training teams for the company’s transformation program as they upgrade to SAP S/4HANA. 

With a background in accounting and over a decade of experience across finance, operations, and technology-enabled work, Carina brings a practical, people-focused approach to solving business challenges. She is passionate about building strong relationships, mentoring others, and creating environments where people feel supported to grow and succeed. 

As a woman in a STEM-adjacent field, Carina is committed to showing what’s possible by encouraging others to pursue paths they may not have initially seen for themselves and advocating for greater representation and opportunity for women in technical and analytical roles.

In addition to the panel discussion, you can also expect delicious food and an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals. Let's come together to commemorate the progress made towards gender equality and finally pass the Equal Rights Amendment!

Don't miss this opportunity to observe the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment enshrining women's right to vote, commemorate progress towards gender equality and passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women!

Registration Information

Register by Friday, August 21

Luncheon Agenda

General Admission

$50.00 + processing fee for online orders

Student Tickets

$25.00 + processing fee for online orders

Table of 10

$475.00 + processing fee for online orders; Save $25 when you fill a table

• 11:00 AM - Check In & Networking Game
• 11:45 AM - Opening Remarks
• 12:00 PM - Lunch & Networking
• 12:45 PM - ERA Update
• 1:00 PM - AAUW Action Alert Tool
• 1:15 PM - "Education and the ERA" Panel Discussion
• 1:50 PM - Prizes & Closing Remarks

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits

Diamond Sponsor

$750

The Diamond Level Sponsor will receive a full table of 10 tickets. The sponsorship includes name and logo on marketing materials and social media posts, name and logo on event-day materials, verbal thank you on the event day and a vendor table to market your organization and provide materials or items for sale.

Emerald Sponsor

$350

The Emerald Level Sponsor will receive 5 tickets. The sponsorship includes name on marketing materials and social media posts, name on event-day materials, and a vendor table to market your organization and provide materials or items for sale.

Sapphire Sponsor

$150

The Sapphire Level Sponsor will receive 2 tickets to the event. The sponsorship includes name on event-day materials and a vendor table to market your organization and provide materials or items for sale.

AAUW of Michigan | aauwmistateservices@gmail.com