WEAA is a long-standing organization that has supported women scholars at Northwestern University since 1871. We celebrate our 150th anniversary this year. Our board members are committed to our vision and mission.
Vision: Women investing in women to support their success in college and beyond.
Mission: The Woman’s Educational Aid Association provides financial assistance, personal support and mentoring to undergraduate women at Northwestern University. We enable women from economically or socially disadvantaged circumstances to access the full range of educational experiences offered at Northwestern.
Traditionally, board members were NU alumnae, but in more recent years we have expanded our board to alumnae from other universities who are devoted to giving back to young women scholars. This year, we honor and celebrate our board members for their service. Their dedication and commitment to serve keeps our organization strong and ready to support young scholars.
A special honor and appreciation is extended to our board members.
Marti Ross Bjornson - since 1996: serves on the Archives Committee and has served as Assistant Secretary
Jacqueline Shim Bryant – since 1994: serves as Executive Vice President and on the Educational Aid Committee; has served as President
Ashley Falcon – since 2021: serves on the Communications Committee
Linda Ford – since 2018: serves on the Educational Aid Committee
Vanessa Bush Ford – since 2018: serves as Secretary and on the Communications and Education Aid Committees
Marcelle Fullwood-Pakalnis – since 2009: serves on the Finance Committee; has served as Assistant Treasurer and Secretary
Helen Gagel – since 1986: serves on the Governance Committee; has served as President, Treasurer, Vice President, on the Finance and Educational Aid Committees
Joyce Gordon – since 2003: serves on the Scholar Engagement Committee; has served as Recording Secretary
Arline Kaufman – since 2018: serves on the Education Aid Committee
Easter Lilly – since 2004: serves on the Governance Committee; has served as Assistant Recording Secretary and on the Alumnae Relations Committee
Sobeida Peralta – since 2017: serves on the Scholar Engagement Committee
Rona Pietrzak – since 2021: serves on the Governance Committee
Brittany Ray – since 2017: serves on the Scholar Engagement Committee
Agnes Roach – since 2013: serves as Administrative Vice President and on the Archive Committees; and has served on the
Ida Samuel-Clay – since 2015: serves as Treasurer and on the Finance and Educational Aid Committees; and has served on the Social Committee
Betty Terry-Lundy – since 1992: serves as President and on the Communication Committee; has served as Vice President and on the Bylaws, Social and Educational Aid Committees
Carolyn Utech – since 2010: serves on the Scholar Engagement and Educational Aid Committees:
and has served as Corresponding Secretary
Our board has participated in strategic planning since 2019 to reorganize and prepare for future years. We completed our planning process this year. A special thank you is extended to one of our associate board members, Cindy Pinkerton, for assisting us with this project.
Today, we have seventeen board members. We are currently looking for additional women who are interested in joining a working board. Board membership is open to our WEAA alumnae and women scholars in the Chicago area. You can contact us at weaa1871@gmail.com if you wish to become a board member. We invite you to read more about our board members on our website.
