AAUW (American Association of University Women) advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. AAUW Naperville Area, IL branch began April 20, 1956.
Dear members and friends,
All AAUW Naperville Area programs and events are cancelled through April 20. Our teams will be teleworking during this time. We are monitoring the coronavirus situation and will announce further changes, if any. Please check back for updates.
Online AAUW Work Smart course Improve your salary negotiation skills so you don’t leave money on the table!
A PEP Talk: Pesticides, Energy and Plastics
presented by Dr. Rob Sargis, Associate Professor, UIC
There has been much discussion about the negative effects of pesticides, energy, and plastics on our environment, but have you ever wondered how they affect our bodies?
Join us as a member!
What is AAUW?
NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women Student Leaders) Naperville Area AAUW Sponsored Attendees Traveled to Washington D.C. in May.
2020 is the eighth year the Naperville Area AAUW branch has sponsored college student leaders to attend the National Conference for Women Student Leaders.
Maria Kalantzis and Christine Seitz of North Central College and Adia Dixon of Benedictine University attended the 2019 conference.
The life changing conference includes a series of leadership sessions and keynote speakers. In an evening ceremony, awards are presented to women of distinction and participants are able to talk with these outstanding women. Also, there are opportunities to visit Washington, DC and talk with women who work on Capitol Hill.
AA
UW 2019 Woman of the Year Award – Julie Rothenfluh
Every year we recognize a Naperville-area woman who has demonstrated through her actions an exceptional level of commitment to the community; has, through her actions, supported the advancement of equity for women and girls, and is recognized by the community for her leadership and accomplishments.
Julie Rothenfluh began her 22 years of service and contributions to the Naperville Public Library system in 1997 at Nichols Library as assistant head librarian in the children’s department. An ideal job for a person with a lifelong passion for young people’s literature; however, she sought a position with more decision making authority and became the manager of the 95th St. Library. Having a strong belief in a library’s role of providing access to information and entertainment — no matter the form — Rothenfluh wanted to affect the future of a changing institution in a growing city. Next, she became deputy director of the three library system and in 2013 she became Executive Director of Naperville Public Library. During her time as library leader, the system renovated each of its three buildings, set a new strategic direction, adapted to changing technology and offered new types of access to materials that don’t require visiting a building. Julie’s guidance in modernizing our libraries certainly provided opportunities and resources for women and girls to explore new careers, especially in STEM, including establishing the first Girls Who Code Club in an Illinois public library.
Consider membership in AAUW!
Join us for education, community programs, legislative advocacy, research and scholarships for women. We welcome new members to join our branch. Grow the Branch membership campaign is ongoing. Contact us: aauwnaper@gmail.com
Angeline Gale Memorial Scholarship Awardee – Nikita Milton
Ms. Milton, who is a divorced mother of two children, is a nursing student at Rasmussen College in Joliet and carries a 3.5 grade point average. She is on track to graduate in December 2019. In addition to her educational pursuits, Ms. Milton is employed part-time as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She is also the co-founder of two nonprofit organizations.
ERA Action – Illinois Senate & House Approved the US Constitutional Equal Rights Amendment.
The adoption of this US Constitutional amendment is designed to guarantee equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex; it seeks to end the legal distinctions between men and women in terms of divorce, property, employment, and other matters. The IL Senate approved the amendment by passing Senate Joint Resolution CA4 in April, and the IL House in May, 2018.
May 8th over 250 women rallied at 11 am in Springfield and talked with representatives. asking why not give all women in the USA equal rights by ratifying the ERA?
79 Examples Poster of How Women Are Still Treated Unequally.
Sexism: Not All in Your Head panel discussion recording.
Do You Have an Unconscious Bias? Watch this video!
#StandUptoSexism
Add your voice/image to the Twitter campaign!
Tech Savvy Program for middle school girls
Girls chose from 12 hands-on science, technology, engineering or math activities such as robotics, DNA, apps, electric circuitry, architecture or astronomy as well as personal savvy skills workshops in the afternoon.
The Naperville AAUW branch is co-sponsoring this program and assisting as volunteers in coordinating the participants and supporting workshop presenters.
AAUW Research Leadership research report: Barriers and Bias
The research is based on the issue of why the number of women in leadership roles is less than men. The report identifies reasons and how to address them to change the situation. A key factor is implicit bias. You can take an online quiz to determine your level of implicit bias against women in leadership roles.
Research report: Solving the Equation
From the research team who brought you Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics comes a deeper dive into engineering and computing, fields that offer 80 percent of STEM jobs but still boast dismal numbers of women students and workers. Solving the Equation focuses on engineering and computing fields.
Why So Few A panel of experts discuss why so few women are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers. Research report (pdf document.)
Past Program Highlights:
Women Who Shaped Naperville’s History
Rena Calabrese, CEO & President of Naper Settlement, shared stories and artifacts demonstrating the important role of women in Naperville history.
Immigration Facts & Challenges:
Immigration has been a “hot” topic for almost all of our history. Presentation of the facts about immigrants’ legal status and economic issues such as welfare, wages and ability to pay taxes. Discover the challenges today’s immigrants have to face and how our immigrant population is changing. Our expert speakers: Susan Bachmeier, Immigrant Legal Services Senior Specialist, and Shirley Sadjadi, Principal Attorney and founder, law offices of Shirley Sadjadi, Elgin IL.