Our branch was organized in March of 1955 and received into the Virginia Division that Fall. Composed primarily of young college educated women at home with young children in a young community of newly built homes, it has evolved into an organization of women of many ages with strong interest in current issues, particularly women’s issues. Our branch has stronglly supported AAUW’s mission. We invite you to browse and learn more about our programs, community impact activities and special interest groups.
AAUW Celebrating Over 140 Years
AAUW Mission Statement
To advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Vision: Equity for all. Values: Non-partisan. Fact based.
AAUW Diversity Statement
In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks an inclusive membership, workforce, leadership team, and board of directors. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, geographical location, national origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
Our Upcoming Programs: Amy Crolius and Beth Boivin, Co-VPs of Programs
Public Policy and Advocacy: 
Susan Burk, Public Policy Chair
The following is a list of recent actions taken by AAUW’s National staff courtesy of Janine Greenwood, President of the Reston-Herndon Branch of AAUW-VA. Janine serves on AAUW National’s Public Policy Committee.
AAUW National Actions
The Public Policy team has had a very busy March. All letters endorsed can be found on the AAUW website here. Following are the letters and bills endorsed in the month of March.
Coalition Letters AAUW Joined:
- Letter to Congress Leadership on Protecting and Preserving Public Access to Federal Data (2/11/25)
- Letter to Senate HELP Committee Leadership Opposing Linda McMahon’s Nomination as U.S.
- Letter to Senators Opposing Confirmation of Linda McMahon as the U.S. Secretary of Education (2/19/25)
- Letter to House & Senate Committee Leaders on Protecting Students from $2.7 billion Pell Grant Budget Shortfall (2/26/25)
- Urging Congress to Protect and Secure Postsecondary Data, Research, and Student Data Privacy (3/10/25)
- Letter to the Senate Opposing the Nomination of Harmeet Dhillon to be Assistant Attorney General for Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (3/11/25)
Bills Endorsed:
- Caring for All Families Act (R.1002/S.437) (endorsed on 2/3/25)
- John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (R.14) (endorsed on 3/4/25)
- Salary Transparency Act (R.2007) (endorsed on 3/12/25)
- Equal Pay Day Resolution (Con.Res.21) (endorsed on 3/17/25)
- Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (Res.23) (endorsed on 3/18/25)
- Establish the Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (J.Res.80/S.J.Res.38) (endorsed on 3/24/25)
- Paycheck Fairness Act (bill yet to be published) (endorsed on 3/25/25)
Get Out the Vote (GOTV)
This year, Virginia will be electing a new Governor, LT governor, Attorney General, and every member of the General Assembly. It is not hyperbole to say that all eyes will be on Virginia this fall which is being widely characterized as a bellwether election.
Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Virginia General Election
Early In-Person voting is Tuesday, September 9 through Saturday, November 1.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.
And make sure you are registered to vote:
https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/view-your-info/
June Picnic: 2025-2026 Officer Installation
On June 1, 2025, we installed our 2025-26 officers and had a wonderful time together celebrating our work as a branch in 2024-25.
Co-Presidents: Cathie Boivin and Ann Sauberman
Co-Vice Presidents of Programs: Amy Crolius and Beth Boivin
Co-Vice Presidents of Membership: Deborah Dodd and Debbie Gilligan
Secretary: Judy Baldwin Treasurer: Sharon Draper
Our annual fundraiser, Spring Fling Luncheon and Silent Auction, was held at the Springfield Golf and Country Club on May 9. Our Silent Auction sold out this year as members and guests bid on their favorite baskets, gift cards, designer bags and many other enticing items. Jewelry and scarves were purchased at our “Take It” tables.
A delicious luncheon followed and all enjoyed listening to our featured speaker, Juliana Valencia, an Emmy-Award-winning reporter in two languages for News 4 and Telemundo 44. She is part of the News 4 Today team and a regular fill-in anchor. Juliana was introduced by Beth Boivin, a new member of our branch. Members and their guests enjoyed Juliana speak about her background and experiences as part of the News 4 Today team.
At the very end of the event Vivian Watts, who is serving in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 39th district, pulled the winning ticket out of our 50:50 raffle basket. And the winner was Debbie Gilligan! This year’s Spring Fling was a huge success.
2025 IncIusion Awards: Judy Baldwin
Samantha Gutierrez Granados, Manas Puri, Charlotte Petrick, Julia Albertani, Brooklyn Aguilar
Five high school Juniors were honored on April 24 for their efforts to promote inclusiveness in their schools and to combat bullying. Two Lake Braddock Secondary School students were awarded the $500 prizes because the Branch’s Student Inclusion Award Committee could not decide between their equally outstanding applications, and, as no applications had been submitted from Thomas Jefferson High School, that prize was available.
Samantha Gutierrez Granados from John Lewis High School sees Artificial Intelligence as the path to inclusiveness now and in the future. She gave a brief explanation of what AI is and isn’t.
Manas Puri volunteered with the Department of Education’s Civil Rights office and is President of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Lake Braddock. He works to make FBLA be welcoming and inclusive.
Charlotte Petrick from West Springfield High School and Julia Albertani from Annandale High School are concerned with creating acceptance for students with disabilities through sports and other activities. Charlotte introduced her brother Ben who is her inspiration.
Brooklyn Aguilar, also from Lake Braddock, has created a series of lessons for elementary school students on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is president of the Hispanic Students Association.
All five students are involved in many other activities including sports, student government, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, and academic competitions. They were a delight to meet over cookies and punch after the ceremony.
Did You Know? You can sign up now to start your free, online salary negotiation workshop. Just go to https://salary.aauw.org/ to begin. AAUW Start Smart is designed for college women who are approaching the job market. AAUW Work Smart is designed for women in the workforce at any career level.
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