Welcome to the McLean Area (VA) Branch of AAUW

Founded half a century ago, in 1969, our branch has a strong program in support of AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women and girls. Browse our site to learn more about our goals, meetings, and other activities. Join us by becoming a member

March Potluck Honors AAUW Fellows, STEM Essay Winners

Winners of the 2024 STEM Essay Contest are pictured with members of the branch’s steering committee for the contest. From left to right: Aidan Jamerson, Yanling Lin, Joshua Zeng, Hamin Park, Myrtle Hendricks-Corrales, Natalie Powell, Beth Cooper, and Judy Page.

At its March meeting and potluck supper, AAUW McLean honored the recipients of several awards programs sponsored by the branch. The five honored winners of the 2024 STEM Essay Contest are shown here with branch steering committee members. Joshua Zeng, winner of the 1st Place prize, read his essay about Japanese geochemist and environmental scientist Katsuko Saruhasi at the March 19 event, which the students’ parents attended as honored guests.

We were also able to honor a talented group of women selected to receive the McLean Area Branch AAUW Fellowships and Grants. They spoke about their work and the difference AAUW has made in their lives.

Ingrid J. Guillen Marquina (shown far right in photo), recipient of one of the Branch’s Career Development Grant, joined us for dinner and spoke to the Branch in person. Her current research involves nanoscale electrochemical investigation of carbon-based nanomaterials for the detection of neurotransmitters.

The other three women joined us via Zoom. The Branch’s second Career Development Grant recipient, Colette Woods (top left), has a bachelor’s degree in biology and is currently working on a master’s degree in computer science at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. She is working to pursue a career in software development.

The Branch’s International Fellowship recipient, Natia Chankvetadze (bottom left), comes from the country of Georgia. She is currently studying at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, Harvard University and is also a Ph.D. candidate at the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University. The Branch’s American Fellowship recipient, Shelby Singleton (bottom right), is studying at the University of Virginia Law School, Class of 2025. Shelby is particularly interested in civil and human rights.

McLean AAUW Hosts Scholarship Fundraiser at Total Wine

In a lively evening, members and guests of the McLean branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered on November 4 for a scholarship fundraiser at Total Wine. The event, chaired by Janet Taylor and generously cosponsored by Total Wine and Boar’s Head Cheese, included a master class on how to pair various wines and cheeses – just in time for holiday entertaining.

The AAUW, a national organization established in 1881, is dedicated to empowering women through education and advocacy for their rights. The McLean branch strongly supports Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for high school and college-age girls. The group also continues its long tradition of giving financial aid to women who are working to complete their college educations.

Pictures from the AAUW McLean Area Branch Fundraiser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From L to R : Aroona Borpujari, Janet Taylor, Phyllis Provezano, Christina Hamilton greet participants at Total Wine.

 

 

 

 

 

L to R: Chris Ehemann, Laura Slobey, Angela Ehemann, Phyllis Provenzano and Christina Hamilton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adrianna Carter and a guest enjoying the Fundraiser

 

 

 

 

 

Instructor Kim Sparling of Total Wine taking the Master Class to explain how fine wine can be paired with specialty cheeses donated by Boar’s Head.

Inclusion Efforts by McLean H.S. Student Recognized

Left to right, Myrtle Hendricks Corrales, Lauren Vandivier, and Mafalda Marrocco.

The branch selected Lauren Vandivier from McLean High School as 2023 recipient of its Student Inclusion Recognition Award, which acknowledges the efforts of local high school juniors who work to make their school environments welcoming to students of all backgrounds, heritages, and abilities. Lauren received a certificate and $100 at the school’s awards ceremony, where the branch was represented by Myrtle Hendricks Corrales, co-chair of the DE&I Committee, and programs co-vice president Mafalda Marrocco.

Lauren is the secretary-general of McLean High School’s Model United Nations Club, was accepted into the Virginia Residential Governor’s School for Humanities, and is a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society.  She is a mentor to incoming freshmen as part of the McLeadership program and has been head council member of the Committee on Raising Student Voices, in which she has created an allergy awareness program and advocates for epinephrine and anaphylaxis training in all Fairfax County high schools.

The AAUW McLean Area Branch honored Lauren at the September membership meeting.

April Program Promotes Community Engagement

Students and teachers at Graham Road Elementary School in West Falls Church, Va.

As part of the McLean Area Branch’s program priorities, we have pledged greater support for community programs that increase educational and employment opportunities for girls and women in our own backyard. To strengthen our impact, we have formed a collaborative arrangement with the Falls Church AAUW Branch.

On April 18, the McLean and Falls Church branches co-hosted a program, “A Call to Action: Together Making a Difference in our Community,” at which speakers from four local organizations described ways AAUW members can volunteer and otherwise provide support to help improve economic security for local women and children. The groups represented were:

  • Graham Road Elementary, a Title I school in West Falls Church that serves a diverse, predominately low-income population
  • SHARE, a McLean-based, all-volunteer organization that provides food, clothing and  other basic needs to economically stressed families and individuals
  • ESOL program at Vienna Presbyterian Church, which provides English and citizenship classes to speakers of other languages
  • Welcoming Falls Church, which provides hospitality and assistance to immigrants and refugees in the community

To kick off our new program focus, Anita Booth has spearheaded efforts to support Graham Road Elementary. AAUW members can participate by donating financially or through activities such as mentoring or assisting with special events like a book fair or clothing and food drives. Contact Anita (anitabooth at gmail.com) to express your interest.

New Interest Group Formed on Culturally Diverse Films

The McLean Area Branch’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Committee has started a DE&I film discussion group to promote greater understanding of cultural diversity in the United States and other countries. The format is similar to the morning and evening literature groups. Members will view films independently through streaming services  (some at a cost of around $2.00 to $4.00) and then meet virtually for discussion.

The group discussions, held via Zoom and led by various moderators, are held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Anyone interested in participating should contact Ruth Nowjack-Raymer (ruthoheast at gmail.com)  or Myrtle Hendricks Corrales (myrtlehencor at gmail.com). In the subject line, please write “AAUW Movie Group.”

A Dozen New Members Come on Board

On February 18 the McLean Area Branch hosted an informal welcome brunch for new members at the McLean Community Center. Turnout was strong, with three dozen people attending, including 13 new and prospective members and the branch’s co-presidents, board members, and the chairs of various committees.

New members, left to right: Debra Goldberg, Victoria Photos, Barbara Zamora-Appel, Hamideh Soltani-Almadi, Phyllis Yoshida, Lisa Camalier, Marilyn Uveges, Frances Hamilton, Hana Hall, and Carolyn Wyatt.

As part of the orientation, longtime member Caroline Pickens presented a brief history of AAUW and various highlights over the years. Co-presidents Anita Booth and Sue Christie spoke on branch activities and explained ways new members could become involved through the committees and community engagement projects. Lots of ideas were exchanged and plans shared about future leadership roles in the branch.

Environmental News 

The environment was also top of the list because of it impacts all our lives and global warming must slow down considerably.  Ellie Dasenbrook has volunteered to submit an Environmental News column for our monthly newsletters.

Integral to the values and principles of AAUW, is a respect for inclusiveness of membership and implicit with that value is respect for the environment in which our membership exist. With the approaching celebration of Earth Day, 2024, on April 22, it is a great time to support chapter awareness on the importance of protecting our natural environment, on becoming more informed about our climate crisis and urging all to think about their personal responsibility in maintaining sustainable behaviors.

Following are a few practical ideas that will encourage your efforts:

  1. Get outdoors, Nature is calling and grab your “Covid” plastic gloves, a compostable trash bag (in grocery stores now!) and pick up some trash as you walk.
  2. Use biodegradable cleaning products – one suggestion is “Clean People” Laundry Detergent Strips – hello@getcleanpeople.com. Recommended by Janet Taylor!
  3. Reduce food waste – don’t just tell your kids/grandkids to clean their plates, you do as well and when ordering at a restaurant, ask for a compostable container and take home what you don’t eat.
  4. It is a big election year! Talk to candidates and read their policy positions online and vote to elect public officials who will promote sound and solid environmental policies.
  5. Spring/Planting/Gardening time is here! Read labels on the plant food/fertilizers/weed control products you use. Better yet, think about creating a biodiverse garden which will attract pollinators.

For more ideas for saving our “Parent Earth,” the Sierra Club has an extensive list:
https://www.sierraclub.org/toiyabe/100-things-you-can-do-save-planet

In March members of Lobby Corps advocated in support of the upcoming Title IX rules. We’re expecting congressional challenges when the rule is finalized, so it’s important for members of Congress to understand the support for Title IX. A crucial AAUW-supported rule that would protect the rights of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex athletes has been delayed and is not expected this spring.

Below is a link to the 2 Minute Activist allowing you to let your elected officials know that you want them to support

The Gender Equity in Education Act (GEEA) Once you have filled out your information, the information will automatically self-populate the next time you take part in the 2 Minute Activist.

For more information on what is happening in the Virginia Legislature, please go to:
VPAP.org.

Branch Appeals AAUW Education Requirement

In recent months, the McLean Area Branch has mounted an effort urging National AAUW to adopt as its most most important
priority in the next year elimination of the educational requirement for AAUW membership. We have asked the national  leadership to develop a rigorous strategy to bring about the policy change in 2024.

We find AAUW’s education requirement for membership discriminatory and contrary to
the very values for which AAUW stands. To underline the seriousness of our concern on this issue, we reduced our contribution to the national organization as a percentage and in real dollars in our latest budget. An email sent to all members on March 5 included copies of our branch’s correspondence to and from National AAUW on this matter. For more information, contact co-presidents Anita Booth or Sue Christie.

DE&I Committee Develops Strong Program of Activities

Our branch has developed a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion actions under the guidance of our DE&I Committee, formed in the 2021-22 program year. The committee has developed a broad list of activities and recommendations to guide the branch’s efforts in this area.

At the committee’s urging, our morning and evening book clubs now include works with relevant DE&I themes in their reading lists. Our Public Policy Committee informs members of DE&I issues under consideration in Congress and the Virginia legislature. We started a Student Inclusion Recognition Award to recognize high school students who encourage DE&I-related activities in their schools, and we extended our scholarship program to include the historically Black Bennett College in North Carolina.

See item above on the committee’s formation of a new interest group to discuss films of culturally diverse stories and themes.

Turn Your Shopping Into Support for Our Branch

Members can provide continuing financial support for the McLean Area Branch by using ShopRaise for online shopping. Revenue from the partnership, established last fall, helps us fund our scholarships, awards, and other programs. The 1,000-plus stores in the program include major retailers such as Macy’s, L. L. Bean, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walgreens, Walmart, and Staples.

Click here to obtain the ShopRaise app for your computer; on a mobile phone or tablet, search for ShopRaise in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. More instructions are available here.

McLean Branch Achieves 5-Star Status in AAUW

In June 2022, we achieved the distinction of being named a 5-Star Branch of AAUW. The recognition came in response to the success of our work in five areas:

      • Programs
      • Advancement: Fundraising and Membership
      • Communications and External Relations
      • Public Policy and Research
      • Governance and Sustainability

Our branch’s excellence stems from the passion and dedication of our members. Our latest membership rolls reflect a renewal rate of over 90%! To join us, visit our membership page for more information or download an Application Form.

Check It Out: AAUW’s ‘Work Smart’ Tips to Boost Your Salary

AAUW’s Work Smart Program is designed to help women close the gender gap in pay by developing the skills they need to negotiate   advancement opportunities. The online learning tool is free and accessible at this link.

Members of Our Branch Excel in Leadership Positions

We have an extraordinary range of talent and leadership skills across our membership. Apart from professional accomplishments, a large number of women in AAUW McLean have been elected to national, state, and local offices in AAUW and their communities. Here’s a sample.