East Valley women’s group achieves 5-star recognition

For the first time, the Southeast Valley Chapter of the American Association of University Women has been recognized for achieving milestones required in the national organization’s Five-Star Program.

The program, launched in 2020, directs branches to numerous stretch goals to help them continually improve their local effectiveness, according to a news release.

“This recognition reflects the many hours of dedicated work and thoughtful planning our Branch Board of Directors and individual members put into ensuring our local efforts are meaningful and worthwhile,” Mary Kenny, current branch advisor who served as president for the past two years, stated in the news release. “Through college scholarship fundraising, STEM class sponsorships, educational programs and more, we are continually striving to make a difference in the lives of girls and women in the East Valley community and beyond. Achieving Five-Star recognition tells us we’re on the right track.”

The letter from national AAUW noted the achievement reflects a commitment to AAUW’s mission to advance gender equity for women and girls, thoughtful branch leadership, strong programming and engagement, effective advocacy and communications, and the work needed to sustain a thriving affiliate, the release states.

Active for more than 36 years, Southeast Valley AAUW is one of 1,000 branches across the U.S. It is open to those in Chandler, Gilbert and Sun Lakes who hold an associate or higher degree or equivalent from a qualified educational institution.

Those looking for ways to make a difference, meet other accomplished and interesting women, and have fun together are invited to join. For more information, email AAUW.SEV.AZ@gmail.com.

 Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.