AAUW Announces New Members of Its Board of Directors
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) proudly welcomes four exceptional leaders to its national Board of Directors for the upcoming term. These distinguished professionals bring a wealth of expertise in education, healthcare, equity advocacy, and organizational leadership, and share a deep commitment to advancing AAUW’s mission of equity for women and girls.
“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to AAUW’s Board of Directors,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW CEO. “Their diverse experiences and shared commitment to equity will help guide our organization forward as we continue to break barriers for women and girls.”
Dr. Mayida Zaal
Dr. Mayida Zaal, a respected educator and social scientist, brings more than three decades of experience in championing equity in education. As an Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning at Montclair State University, she works with students across educational levels and leads impactful research into the motivations of diverse individuals to enter the teaching profession. She founded the Red Hawks Rising Teacher Academy and co-leads a national study of Muslim educators in U.S. public schools. An AAUW American Dissertation Fellow, Dr. Zaal has served on AAUW’s International Fellowships selection panel since 2018.
Dr. Hope Ricciotti
A physician and faculty member at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hope Ricciotti is a leading advocate for diversity in healthcare. She formerly chaired the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where she fostered an inclusive and representative organizational culture. With experience on Oprah Winfrey’s Women’s Health Speaking Tour and recognition as one of Boston’s top doctors, Dr. Ricciotti brings a passion for equity, organizational transformation, and inclusive leadership to her role on the board.
Aaliyah El-Amin
A seasoned healthcare and strategy executive, Aaliyah El-Amin has over 25 years of experience across consulting, finance, education, and pharmaceuticals. She currently leads change management for digital business transformation in the U.S. vaccines division of a major pharmaceutical company. Ms. El-Amin has held prior roles with Booz & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Accenture, and has been a committed AAUW volunteer, serving on both the Finance and Audit committees. Her broad professional background and long-standing dedication to AAUW’s mission will strengthen the organization’s strategic vision.
Hope Tryon Bennett
Hope Bennett, an attorney and mediator, brings a multifaceted perspective to the board shaped by her experiences in law, conflict resolution, and community service. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her degrees from Yale College and Stanford Law School. As President of AAUW’s Honolulu branch, she has led efforts to build a multigenerational community and expand outreach. Ms. Bennett also chairs the Honolulu County Committee on the Status of Women, where she champions local policy initiatives that uplift women. Her work reflects a deep belief in education as a tool for social and economic empowerment.
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AAUW (American Association of University Women) is the nation’s leading organization for equity in higher education and women’s economic empowerment.
Founded in 1881 by women who defied society’s conventions by earning college degrees, AAUW has since worked to increase women’s access, opportunity, and equity in higher education through research, advocacy, and philanthropy of over $140 million, supporting thousands of women scholars. Learn more at aauw.org and follow us at @AAUW.