Category Archives: Branch Events

2025 candidates for Greensboro City Council and Mayor

Mayoral Candidates
      • Marikay Abuzuaiter: The current Mayor Pro Tem, Abuzuaiter has served on the city council since 2011.
      • Mark Cummings: A former Guilford County District Court judge, Cummings also ran for mayor in 2022.
      • Akir Khan: A newcomer to the race, Khan is the board chair of the nonprofit Out of the Garden Project.
      • Robbie Perkins: A former mayor who served one term from 2009 to 2011, Perkins is seeking to return to office. 
District City Council Candidates
District 1 has an incumbent facing one challenger. 
      • Crystal Black: Challenger
      • Sharon Hightower: Incumbent 
District 2
With incumbent Goldie Wells not seeking re-election, this is an open race with five candidates. 
      • Cecile Crawford
      • Irish Good
      • Jim Kee: Former City Council member
      • Monica Walker
      • Anthony Wesley 
District 3
The incumbent faces two challengers. 
      • Mohamed Bashir
      • Zack Matheny: Incumbent
      • April Parker 
District 4
With incumbent Nancy Hoffmann stepping down, this is an open race with three candidates. 
      • Steve Ignac
      • Adam Marshall
      • Nicky Smith 
District 5
The incumbent is challenged by one other candidate. 
      • Jeannette Davidson-Mayer: Challenger
      • Tammi Thurm: Incumbent 
At-Large City Council Candidates
      • Irving D. Allen
      • Richard Beard
      • T. Dianne Bellamy-Small
      • Carla Franklin
      • Latoya B. Gathers
      • Samuel L. Hawkins
      • Hugh Holston (incumbent)
      • Michael McKinney
      • Jamilla Pinder (incumbent)
      • Denise Turner Roth

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.

AAUW Series of Events for 2025 Greensboro City Council and Mayoral Elections

AAUW & TEMPLE EMANUEL (In-person)GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE Forums at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro.

  • Thursday September 11th, flyer – GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 thru 5 FORUM
  • Tuesday, October 7th – Primary election day. You will select a Mayor, a District Councilmember and up to 6 At-Large Councilmembers. List of Candidates. 
  • Thursday, October 9th, flyer – a Panel decision with two Mayors & a former City Councilman “WHAT DOES THE CITY COUNCIL DO AND, WHY SHOULD I CARE & VOTE?” 
        • Mayor Nancy Vaughan (2013-2025),
        • Former Mayor Keith Holliday (1999-2007)
        • Former Councilman Justin Outling (2015-2022).
  • Thursday, October 16th, flyer –  GREENSBORO CITY COUNCIL MAYOR & AT-LARGE FORUM.
  • Tuesday November 4th, Municipal General Election. You will select a Mayor, a District Councilmember and 3 At-Large Councilmembers. Early Voting will run from Thursday, October 16, 2025, to Saturday, November 1, 2025

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 Linda Beatrice Brown

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