Gloria L. Blackwell Takes the Helm

This week starts a new chapter in AAUW’s history. After 17 years at AAUW, Gloria L. Blackwell took on a new role: CEO. “I am incredibly honored and grateful to the Board for valuing my commitment to global gender equity, my leadership at AAUW and the contributions of my high-performing teams,” said Blackwell.

Among her many accomplishments is her longtime management of AAUW’s fellowships and grants program, which awarded more than $70 million to women scholars and programs in the U.S. and overseas. Blackwell was also the driving force behind AAUW’s signature programs, including its salary negotiation trainings, which have reached nearly 190,000 people.

“As AAUW proudly celebrates 140 years of advancing equity for women and girls this year, we know that Gloria is the right leader at the right time,” said Board Chair Julia Brown.

Education and Training

AAUW's 140th Anniversary Webinar Series: In Conversation with Dr. Patricia Bell-Scott
Join us October 27 at 4 p.m. ET for a discussion with AAUW fellowships alumna Patricia Bell-Scott, Ph.D., professor emerita of women’s studies from the University of Georgia, and CEO Gloria Blackwell. Dr. Bell-Scott is an award-winning author of The Firebrand and the First Lady: Portrait of a Friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice. Most recently, she was a consulting producer for the Amazon Prime movie “My Name Is Pauli Murray.” Dr. Bell-Scott also served for a decade as co-founding editor of SAGE: A Scholarly Journal on Black Women.

Honoring Marie Curie
On November 8, AAUW CEO Gloria Blackwell will speak at an event at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., marking the centenary of Marie Curie’s 1921 visit to the United States. On that trip, Curie received funding from AAUW to buy a gram of radium for her research, the surplus of which established a fund that continues to support women scientists today. The celebration is hosted by The Curie Institute in Paris.

Save the Date: Celebrating 140 years of AAUW
AAUW couldn’t have made it to 140 years without members and supporters like you. As a small token of thanks, we invite you to a celebratory virtual event on November 17. We will honor our history and announce the 2021 AAUW Alumnae Recognition Awardee—an outstanding fellowships and grants alumna! Stay tuned for details.

Leadership

Apply for Election to AAUW Board
Between now and October 29, AAUW is accepting applications for election to its Board of Directors. Board members share our passion for advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. Learn more and apply today.

Economic Security

Latinas’ Pay Is Far from Equal
Today, Latina Equal Pay Day, is the last Equal Pay Day of the year because Latinas face the most egregious gender pay gap. They were compensated just 57% of what non-Hispanic white men were paid in 2020—which means it takes Latina workers almost an extra year to be paid the average annual earnings of white men. Get the facts and stand up for #LatinaEqualPay.

Help Fight for Working Families
It’s long past time for the United States to catch up with other developed countries and provide meaningful paid leave and childcare to American workers. As Congress works toward their final budget resolution, tell them they must provide greater support to American workers trying to meet the demands of work and life. Take action now.

Smart Finances for Smart Women
Hundreds of women took part in the first sessions of AAUW’s Money Smart, a new series of free virtual workshops to support women in navigating their personal finances. In the current set of trainings, participants are receiving resources about managing credit and debt. We particularly encourage women of color to join us as we discuss the disproportionate and systemic fiscal challenges they face.

A Legacy of Equity 
In observance of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, you’re invited to join the AAUW Legacy Circle, a wonderful community of supporters who have made equity a central part of their plans through a special legacy gift. To learn more, contact Heather Miller, Director of Advancement, at 202-785-7766 or millerh@aauw.org. Together, we’re building a better future for girls and women!

The Fight for Abortion Justice
On October 2, thousands of people—including many AAUW members and branches—participated in the Rally for Abortion Justice, demanding an end to escalating attacks on reproductive rights. AAUW joined more than 150 partners in over 650 rallies and virtual events.