Category Archives: Branch Events

Teen Volunteer STEM Journeys

Jasmeh Gill is a senior at Grimsley High School with a passion for computer science and engineering. Her STEM journey began as a camper in the Aspire IT summer program with AAUW in 2017, where she explored the basics of coding, robotics, and 3D printing. These experiences sparked her curiosity and made her eager to learn more.

In 9th grade, Jasmeh returned to those same camps but this time as a volunteer with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) IT Girls Camp. She helped younger students build coding skills using Code.org and introduced them to robotics tools she had once enjoyed as a camper. Volunteering opened her eyes to the power of inspiring others in STEM.

Through AAUW, Jasmeh connected with the SHIELD Mentor Program, which introduced her to the local robotics team Eagletron, Team #9559. What stood out to her about this team was the supportive environment and hands-on learning opportunities where she could develop real skills. The team’s focus on collaboration and growth drew her in. Her advisor, Precious McKoy, Founder and Executive Director of the SHIELD Mentor Program, played a key role in guiding her journey. Jasmeh also learned that Ms. McKoy had a long career as a web developer, which inspired Jasmeh and gave her a great chance to practice and improve her own coding skills.

Robotics became a place where Jasmeh could tackle challenges and build confidence. She embraced every project and competition as a chance to learn and contribute.

Now a senior, Jasmeh continues to deepen her involvement in STEM through robotics and mentorship. Recently, she volunteered with the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Professional Development program, supporting other mentors as they built technical skills and teamwork. Looking ahead, Jasmeh is excited to keep exploring new STEM opportunities and inspire others through mentorship, just as she was inspired herself.

Her journey—from camper to volunteer to mentor—shows how early opportunities with AAUW and the SHIELD Mentor Program can shape academic goals, leadership skills, and a commitment to empowering the next generation in STEM.

2024-2025 Public Policy Events

October 26th, 2024

Walking Tour of Women’s Monuments Saturday

– a Public Policy event led by Catherine Magid, committee chair!!

When Women Vote, We Change the Conversation

– in this election year 2024, AAUW Greensboro Public Policy is committed to providing voter education through candidate forums and participating with affiliated organizations such as college/university partners to register voters.

September 12th 2024 Candidate Forum for NC House and Senate Seats

  

AAUW Greensboro  Branch  members  ready  to  welcome  attendees  to  the  candidate  forums.

AAUW North Carolina State Priorities 2023-2024 – https://www.aauwnc.org/legislative-priorities/

    • Equal Pay
    • Voting Rights
    • Opposition to the use of vouchers to pay for non-public programs that do not adhere to the same civil rights standards as public schools
AAUW National Priorities 2023-2025 – https://www.aauw.org/resources/policy/aauw-public-policy-priorities/

  • To support a strong system of public education that promotes gender fairness, equity, diversity and inclusivity, and to address the barriers and implicit biases that hinder the advancement of women and girls, 
  • To achieve economic security for all women, 
  • To guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for a diverse and inclusive society. 

2025-2026 Reading List

September 8, 2025 Table for Two by Amor Towles (Elaine Ostrowski)

October 6, 2025 The Black Angels by Maria Smilios TBD

November 3, 2025 Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves (Libby Haile)

December 1, 2025 Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey TBD

January 5, 2026 All the Pretty Places by Joy Callaway (Jennifer Thomas)

February 2, 2026 Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver TBD

March 2, 2026 The Comfort of Ghosts by Jacqueline TBD

April 6, 2026 Dinners With Ruth by Nina Totenberg (Jane Terwillegar)

May 4, 2026 The Lady Bug and the Dove by Valerie Patterson*

June 1, 2026 Book selection for following program year.

*Self-published book by Valerie Patterson

 

Find Your STEM April 5th

 

The 8th annual Find Your STEM conference for and by AAUW high school teen near peer mentors was held on the UNCG campus Saturday April 5th to coincide with Science Everywhere and NC   Science    Festival.

Screenshot

The Agenda included a plenary session, led by AAUW Greensboro high school intern Kavya Donepudi, senior at North West Guilford. Additional high school students from Rowan, Randolph, and Guilford County schools presented their experiences in academics, extra-curricular, and volunteer service which have influenced how their are “finding their STEM” and planning for their futures. 

Congratulations Lena Murrill-Chapman – AAUW North Carolina President

On Saturday March 22nd at the 2025 AAUW NC statewide meeting, Lena Murrill-Chapman of Greensboro was elected and installed at the President of AAUW North Carolina. Greensboro members were present in force to affirm Lena’s election and to support her term July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2027.

Lena was “virtually” surrounded by friends from the Greensboro Branch when current president Pat Ashe called for the voice vote. Attendees from the Greensboro Branch included: Libby Haile, Laura Tew, Tiffany Jacobs, Mary Fran Schickedanta, Aundrea Alemanni-Grunenwald, Saundra Yates-Evans, Jenise Abdul-Razzaaq, Chioma Okey-Mbata, Barbara Carter, and Millie Hoffler-Foushee.

Lena Murrill-Chapman is a graduate of Bennett College with a bachelor’s degree in Library Science and Intermediate Education and a concentration in Language Arts and Social Studies. She earned a master’s degree in Instructional Media/Library Science from North Carolina A&T State University. Lena completed her Leadership Certification from the Center of Creative Leadership in Greensboro, North Carolina and Leadership Development Program at Yale University. She is currently the branch Co-President for AAUW Greensboro and served as the branch President, from 2018-2020. Under her servantstyle leadership, the branch has implemented a variety of activities that enhanced membership and member involvement. Her famous quote is “Members Matter”.

“It is an honor to be elected as the president of AAUW NC and to work for the many members across the state that dedicate themselves to moving the mission of the organization.” Lena looks forward to using her skills in helping to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.

Annual Meetings – Branch and STATE

REGISTER for virtual AAUW North Carolina State Annual Meet

Greensboro Branch Annual Meeting Reports

On Tuesday March 11th,  Greensboro Branch members gathered to review the successes of the year to date. President Libby Haile welcomed members and guests; membership chair Mary Fran Schickedantz presented key updates  Annual Meeting Membership Report; WINs chair Tiffany Jacobs provided a review of activities for celebrating and encouraging women in non-traditional careers;

 STEM Chair Laura Tew and Intern Kavya Donepudi March 11 2025 GSO annual meeting STEM Education Report; 

 

Vice president of programming Saundra Yates-Evens gave a report on the Program Summary 2024 – 2025 as well as a listing of opportunities to recognize Women’s History Month.

Incoming Branch president Jenise Abdull-Razzaaq was introduced and will be sworn in at the branch luncheon on Saturday April 26. Jenise’s two year term will begin July 1st.

Tribute to Charlotte Divitci November 2024

Charlotte Marie York Divitci, a cherished sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

https://www.marshallmemorialfuneralhome.com/obituaries/charlotte-divitchi 

Born in Marshall County, Alabama, Charlotte was the beloved daughter of the late Marvin Judson and Loudell Kirby York. She shared an extraordinary 54 years of marriage with her soulmate, Nezih “Nick” Divitci, whose passing in 2021 marked the end of a love story that was a true testament to devotion, partnership, and unwavering support.

Charlotte’s academic and professional journey showcased her dedication to education and her passion for inspiring others. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Montevallo University and a Master’s degree in Library Science from UNCG.

Early in her career, she embarked on an exciting chapter in Washington, DC, where she worked in the FBI secretarial pool and had the unique distinction of receiving a performance review written and signed by J. Edgar Hoover.

She later moved to Atlanta, where her love for teaching flourished. She touched the lives of countless children as an educator in the Kirkwood neighborhood. Charlotte continued her career in academia as Registrar at Greensboro College and as a librarian at Wake Forest University School of Law and Guilford College, where she fostered a love of learning and curiosity in everyone she met.

A long-time member of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, Charlotte found solace and community in her faith, attending services when possible until her health began to decline. As an active member of the American Association of University Women, she championed education and equality, inspiring those around her with her unwavering spirit. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband, Nick, to support the Democratic Party. Their shared dedication to civic engagement, from volunteering at polls to participating in campaign events, was a reflection of their commitment to creating a better world.

Charlotte’s vibrant personality was as multifaceted as it was memorable. Her beautiful singing voice, magnetic storytelling, and playful alter ego, “Flossie,” brought joy and laughter to many gatherings. She cherished her role as an assumed grandmother to Morgan Maner, attending countless school and sporting events and sharing most holidays.  She showered her with unconditional love and created memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Charlotte is survived by her devoted brother, Ronald “Ron” York; her beloved granddaughter, Morgan Maner; and a close-knit circle of loving cousins, including Paula Jessup and her family, as well as Morgan’s parents, Cindy and Hal Maner. She is reunited in eternal rest with her husband, Nick, and her parents, Marvin and Loudell York.

A celebration of Charlotte’s life will take place at a later date in Alabama. Her family invites all who loved her to honor her memory by embracing the values she held dear: kindness, community, and a passion for learning. Charlotte’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched, and her legacy of love will forever remain a source of inspiration.

Intersection UNCG camp for 4th through 6th grade girls

Tuesday June 16 through Satuday June 21st

Registration and complete details available April 5th.

Tentative schedule will include:

Tuesday through Friday: Pop Tech Music, Animation, Technical Theatre, App and Web Design, Maker Space for Projects with robotics, electronics, and coding.

Saturday: Student Showcase for parents, families, guests

 

 

Find Your STEM April 5, 2025

For 6th through 12th grade students.

Find Your STEM Program Download

Saturday April 5th, 2025, 8 to 2: Registration Closed March 31st

PRORAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience interactive sessions in UNCG’s state-of-the-art labs.

• Enjoy lunch at Fountain View Dining Hall.

 

• Learn from UNCG faculty and AAUW Teen Near Peer Volunteers.

• Visit the new Bryan School of Business Google Cyber Security Center.

 

UNCG Parking Map

Tentative Schedule for April 5, 2025

Description:

Find Your STEM is a unique event for high school students, and those preparing to enter high school. The model is to have attending students engage with near peer mentors who will be the voice of STEM at their level. 

The pre-registered attending students, approximately 72, will be greeted by over 30 teen and adult volunteers upon check-in at 8:30. Parents are encouraged to come in and observe the conference. A networking continental breakfast is served while students get their nametags, t-shirts, and other swag/memorabilia of the event. There will be a photo-shoot area for groups who want to have a special memento. During the breakfast and check-in period, teen presenters will give their two-to-three-minute explanations of their STEM experiences in middle and high school. Posters will be engaging with photos and bullet points, especially for programs that are available free in our North Carolina Triad Region. 

Following a brief welcome plenary session, attendees will break into groups, be issued their lab aprons, and proceed to one of the assigned chemistry labs to start their hands-on activities such as titrations and chromatography, techniques that are used across many fields of science. Each student will experience several high school and college level laboratory techniques and experiments, assisted by upper-level high school and undergraduate level college instructors. 

Attendees will then take a campus tour of the science and technology buildings and enjoy lunch at the Fountain View Dining Hall. While in the dining hall building, students will have the opportunity to visit the E-Sports arena.

Following lunch, the group will walk to the Bryan School of Business and Economics. 

UNC Greensboro’s Joseph M. Bryan School for Business and Economics is the first university in the state of North Carolina to receive $1 million in grant funding and wraparound support from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund.  

The Find Your STEM conference is expected to conclude at 2:00 p.m. Volunteers will accompany students back to the free parking areas at Walker and McIver Decks. As they walk across campus, they will experience Science Everywhere, a family friendly event that is also part of the NC Science Festival. 

Find Your STEM brings middle and high school students to an event that is designed especially for them.

Goals and Desired Outcomes

Find Your STEM on Saturday April 5, 2025 is designed to encourage high school students, and those preparing to enter high school, to take science and technology classes in preparation for careers in STEM fields. The model is to create an engaging environment with hands-on activities as well as one-on-one networking with near peer mentors.  

Our desired outcome is to have 72 attending students, 12 to each chemistry lab, who will work in pairs with instruction from upper-level high school and undergraduate college lab assistants. 

Total attendance, teen mentors, and adult volunteers will be between 100 and 150.

Six teen near peer mentors will be selected to present posters that describe and demonstrate how those students “found their STEM”. This poster session is a key component of our effort to create a conference type event in the atrium where attendees will network and ask questions of those who have more recently experienced the transition to high school STEM courses in preparation for college and beyond. 

Our attendees will benefit from the collegiate atmosphere including: 

– interactive activities in state-of-the-art college freshman labs with activities such as titrations and chromatography – skills that are used across the sciences. These labs are in the UNCG Nursing and Instruction Building. The activities are designed to have students use instrumentation and equipment that is typically introduced at the college level. Teams of 12 will rotate through 35 minutes in each of three labs over a 2-hour period. 

 – Attendees will use a passport to visit each of the six poster presentations in the atrium lobby. There will also be online tools including a MailChimp Find Your STEM Newsletter which will track each attendees e-visits to tools and narratives on “finding your STEM. 

– After the college-experience luncheon, attendees will proceed to the Bryan School of Business and Economics to learn about the unique UNCG Spartan Cyber Security Center including the cyber academy which will be open to high school applicants. The purpose of highlighting this particular academic center is to show students that technology translates across all fields of study and offers opportunities outside of science and engineering.

– post event surveys and interviews will help us plan future Find Your STEM events which are currently in its eighth year.  

 

On Thu, Dec 26, 2024 at 6:54 AM