PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
As I write my monthly article, I remind myself of the AAUW mission and our theme this year, Moving Forward Together: Advancing in Equity and Inclusion. There was no better example than how members rallied around our speaker last month. A big thanks to Claire Koehler, Program VP who introduced us to Celeste Candida. She was a magnetic speaker, capturing our attention and touching on issues of social justice and racial prejudice as she shared the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman. She was failed by the medical system but her very name was embedded in the name of the immortal HeLa cells taken from her without permission or credit, and used for research to this very day. Celeste also volunteers for Union Station Homeless Services and suggested that we bring canned goods for the holiday food drive. We set up a donation table that was soon laden with donations from our members. Wouldn’t it be a great idea if we invited our speakers each month to highlight their favorite charity or social program.?
Thanks again to the wonderful holiday decorations and buffet provided by our Hospitality VP, Marian Locke; a big shout out to the Raffle Committee, Kay Clark, Pauline Rogers, and Quincey Grace; and the many people pitching in for setup and cleanup for the meeting. That fellowship with one another contributes to a rewarding and successful meeting.
Happy Birthday to everyone born in December!
| Sheryl Crockey | Dec. 1 | Rosemary Bertone | Dec. 12 | |
| Ann Topjon | Dec. 2 | Joyce Paul | Dec. 23 | |
| Carol K Anderson | Dec. 3 | Shirley Stewart | Dec. 28 | |
| Janice Geiger | Dec. 3 | Belen Duarte-Sousa | Dec. 31 | |
| Ana Sosa | Dec. 6 |
As I announced last month, the date is set for our 100th Anniversary celebration to be held on April 11, 2026. The word is out and people are congratulating our branch. One moving tribute was sent in by Jill Smith, who moved to Colorado 12 years ago, remains a member of GWA, and is currently co-President of AAUW Colorado. We received the following message:
Jill Smith has made a donation to AAUW In Honor of AAUW Greater Whittier Branch 100th Anniversary Celebration. “Congratulations on this achievement for our branch. I will be celebrating with you from Colorado!! Jill Smith”.
Paula Ocampo, GWA-AAUW President
AAUW MISSION STATEMENT – To advance equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.