Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/19/2011

Contact:
Katie Broendel, broendelk@aauw.org
202/785-7761

Lisa Goodnight, goodnightl@aauw.org
202/785-7738

AAUW Paves the Way for the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Names Members of the 2011–12 Student Advisory Council

WASHINGTON—The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is paving the way for the next generation of women leaders by selecting 10 exemplary college students from across the United States to serve on our 2011–12 Student Advisory Council (SAC).

The new SAC members are Samantha Abril, Claremont McKenna College; Caroline G. Adams, Clark Atlanta University; Joy Agee, University of Alabama, Huntsville; Laura Corrigan, Saint Mary's College; Caitlin Crane, University of Illinois, Springfield; Katie Donahoe, Pacific Lutheran University; Wilsar Johnson, Georgian Court University; Ellen Thuy Le, Stanford University; Maria Mazzaferro, Regis University; and Odunola Ojewumi, University of Maryland, College Park.

"We're very proud to work with these phenomenal college women leaders," said AAUW Director of Leadership Programs Kate Farrar. "These women provide diverse perspectives from across the country to guide AAUW's work with students, and they serve as a select group of AAUW ambassadors on their campuses. AAUW understands that encouraging and supporting women leaders early in their careers can help keep them in the pipeline for success."

The SAC will gather in Washington, D.C., in October to learn more about AAUW, volunteer in the D.C. community, and experience unique local sites such as the Sewall-Belmont House and the U.S. Capitol.

Additionally, the SAC will help plan and implement the annual National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), May 31–June 2, 2012, as well as contribute to the AAUW blog, promote AAUW programs on their campuses, and build ties to their local AAUW branch.

At NCCWSL, SAC members will lead programs, introduce speakers, encourage networking among attendees, and ensure that the conference runs smoothly. Presented by AAUW and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the conference features an annual Women of Distinction program, which pays tribute to women leaders who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their professions or their communities. Past awardees have included playwright, performer, and activist Eve Ensler; television news icon Connie Chung; Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA); and Olympic medalist 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.