WOMEN & CULTURE
from Carol Blohm
Featured in this year’s annual June program of Extraordinary
Women will be those who have appeared on
postage stamps. As a quick google search will yield an
abundance of them, we hope that many attending will
choose to do brief (3-5 min.) introductions to them. Of
course you are welcome to attend even if you just want to
listen.
Hopefully the day—June 25th—is sunny and temperate
because we plan to gather in Sue Schulz’s garden to enjoy
wine & cheese along with the presentations. Please let
Sue know whether you plan to attend as well as if you are
willing to bring munchies and/or wine.
We will also be meeting on July 3rd to plan events for
the coming year. The more the merrier, but because we’ll
be at Brianna’s Pancake House, please let me know if you
plan attend so that I can reserve space enough for all. If
you can’t attend but have suggestions for programs,
please let me know of them before the meeting.
2025-2026 Scholarship Recipients
Valeria Hernandez will receive the Betty Medearis
Scholarship. An Elgin resident, she will graduate from
ECC this spring. In the fall, she will attend Northern IL
U, majoring in education. She has already been selected
as a Golden Apple Scholar and has been paired with top
teachers in the state to participate in a hands-on summer
school program with Chicago Public Schools and St.
Xavier U. She is a member of ECC’s Phi Theta Kappa
and TRIO. She is also the youngest member of Elgin’s
Hispanic Network.
As Valeria wrote in her application, As a first-generation
student and young woman of color, I have faced challenges
and criticism for pursuing education, a field often
undervalued despite its power. Through my leadership
roles and scholarships, including my work with the
Organization of Latin American Students and my involvement
with Phi Theta Kapa and TRIO, I have seen the
importance of empowering women and girls in underserved
communities. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to
remain united as women and uplift one another because
when one of us wins, we all win.
2025-26 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Maricarmen Paredes Lopez will receive the Brooke
Transue Legacy Scholarship. A resident of Woodstock,
she attends Aurora U, majoring in healthcare administration.
During high school, she was an IL State Scholar
and AP Scholar with Honor and Distinction. At Aurora U,
she has maintained a 4.0 average while also participating
in Aurora U’s chapters of Latin American Student
Organization and the Healthcare Administration
Organization.
As Maricarmen wrote in her application, Being a first generation
Mexican-American student, navigating the
demands and financial responsibilities of college is
definitely hard. With parents who didn’t have the opportunity
to even finish elementary school, I navigated this
process mainly on my own. And since I am the youngest
of three siblings, the money that my parents had saved
was largely used up. This scholarship will give me the
opportunity to lessen the financial stress that comes with
college attendance as well as give my parents a bit of a
“breather” to live life without it always being defined by
their work schedules.
Growing up and going to doctor appointments without
proper translation for my parents and seeing the lack of
resources in certain areas of my parents’ native country
are factors that have shaped my desire to pursue a degree
in medical administration. Knowing that I could promote
the need for the development of electronic health systems
as an e-health implementation coordinator within underdeveloped
countries has made me believe that this is the
career for me.
BRANCH OFFICERS FOR 2025-26
Continuing in their current positions are the following
members, whose leadership is appreciated by all.
Co-Presidents: Jennifer Ford & Judi Tepe
Vice-President (Program): Jane Watson
Vice-President (Membership): Cathy Malm
Secretary (Recording & Corresponding): Beth Small
Treasurer: Sandy Kaptain
Membership Treasurer: Cindy Maldonado
Past President: Linda Youngren
Click to complete application
Shape the Future
Now is the perfect time to invite prospective members
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| MISSION STATEMENT AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. |
VISION STATEMENT Equity for all. |
DIVERSITY STATEMENT In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. |