AAUW Naperville Area is pleased to recognize six college women sponsored by the branch to attend the AAUW National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) held virtually on May 25 and 26, 2021. These high-potential women were recommended for the honor by Benedictine University and North Central College administrators.

Hundreds of college women from around the country participated in two days of online leadership training, inspiration and networking. Brittney Cooper, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University, keynoted. Attendees selected from sessions addressing timely topics such as personal branding, racial reconciliation, financial skills, starting a non-profit, and running for office.

Jennifer Brown-Griffin

Jennifer Brown-Griffin
Music Education and History, with Spanish, Chinese and Aftrican-American History minors, Benedictine University

I’ve had the chance to be surrounded by amazing women leaders, from my mom breaking the glass ceiling in corporate America, to the radical women of the sixties and seventies, to the lesbian and immigrant owner-operator of my first job, who looked at life as a great challenge at how to love people deeper, to my bad-arse women managers who were invested in me beyond the work environment. I want to learn how to be a better leader, and join the ranks of the women I admire so much, as well as connect with other leaders and start shaking up the world!

After graduation, I am interested in pursuing my Masters in Global Inclusion and Social Development at University of Massachusettes Boston to further develop my research in anti-racist pedagogy and further expand my world view.

Madeline Derango

Madeline Derango
History, North Central College 2021

Madeline graduated in May 2021 with a B.A. in History as the James Henry Breasted Class of 1890 Outstanding Major in History. As a student at North Central College, Madeline participated in a number of leadership opportunities including working as a Resident Assistant, interning at the Supreme Court of the United States, and traveling to China as a student ambassador for academic research. Following graduation, Madeline will be attending law school in the fall. 

Natalie Discher

Natalie Discher
Psychology, Benedictine University 2022

I am a firm believer that women deserve to be heard. Women are effective and powerful leaders, and I would be honored to learn from the best. I hope what I learn will aid in my future career. I want to be taught how I can effectively lead and be a role model to those I meet in my future field of work. Anyone can be a leader, and I want to pass down the knowledge I gain to my friends, family and future peers.

Lauen Schuster

Lauren Schuster
Management & Organizational Behavior and Business Analytics, Benedictine University 2022, Student Senate President 

As a leader I aspire to help people of all different backgrounds connect and collaboratively work together to make their community stronger. Specifically, I am seeking to empower other women in the business field, as well as become involved in local city government. NCCWSL [is] a unique opportunity to connect with strong women from around the country who are seeking to make an impact in both their personal and professional endeavors.

Lily Stamper

Lily Stamper
Psychology, with Social Change Leadership and Sociology minors, North Central College 2022, President, Blue Key Honor Society, President, One Note Stand A Cappella

I am looking forward to attending this conference because I identify as an intersectional feminist, and I strive to be inclusive of all and lift other women or those who identify as women. I plan to use what I learn through this conference in the student organizations I am involved in on campus. I will be the president of Blue Key Honor Society next year, and I hope to engage with our members in a way that helps them grow as leaders and feel empowered to serve others.

Madeeha Syed

Madeeha Syed
Political Science, Benedictine University 2022

As an active member of the communities I am a part of, I aspire to give valuable input and provide assistance to those I can. I would like to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders because of the useful knowledge I would gain; this would help me become a more informed and productive leader for my community.

After graduation, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in immigration law. As a child of immigrants, I know, first-hand, the struggles that come with migrating to a new country. This career would allow me to advocate for the underprivileged and fulfill my desire to help others.