Press Release
AAUW Reaches Out to Next Generation of Women Leaders
Names Members of the 2010–11 Student Advisory Council
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has named 10 college student leaders from across the United States to serve on the 2010–11 Student Advisory Council, a leadership group chosen annually to advise the organization about pressing campus issues.
This year's SAC members are Chanel Beebe, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Lisa Blanchard, University of Alabama, Huntsville; Anita Botello-Santoyo, University of California, Berkeley; Elizabeth Brown, University of Wyoming; Catherine Cleary, Saint Mary’s College; Kerry Diekmann, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Josefina Ibarra, Texas State University; Abigail Lemay, Stetson University; Chiedza Christine Mufunde, Mount Holyoke College; and Meghan Wallace, University of Delaware.
"The AAUW Student Advisory Council members have the unique opportunity to advise one of the leading women's organizations in the United States. These young women will represent the voices and experiences of college students, providing AAUW staff with firsthand accounts of student needs and ideas on issues ranging from sex discrimination to pay equity," said Kate Farrar, AAUW director of leadership programs.
Additionally, the SAC will help plan and implement next year's National Conference for College Women Student Leaders — to be held June 2–4, 2011 — as well as contribute to the AAUW blog, promote AAUW programs on their campuses, and build ties to their local AAUW branches. The SAC gathered in Washington, D.C., in October to tour the conference site, volunteer at a breast cancer awareness run, attend a rally on the National Mall, and learn more about AAUW's history and campus programs.
"Our Student Advisory Council members have already begun to influence their campuses and communities. We expect great things from them," Farrar said.
At the upcoming National Conference for College Women Student Leaders, SAC members will help facilitate events, lead sessions, and introduce high-profile speakers. Presented by AAUW and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, past conferences have drawn honorees such as playwright Eve Ensler, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA), and Olympian Dominique Dawes.
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. AAUW has a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1,000 branches, and 600 college/university institutional partners. Since AAUW's founding 130 years ago, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW's commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.
