AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Volume 93 #5, Fall 2025
President, Heather Reichert | Editor, Roxann King | Email | AAUW Maryland Website | Fall ’25 Marylander PDF
Table of Contents:
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I’m writing on August 26, which is Women’s Equality Day. This day was officially designated by President Gerald Ford on August 22, 1974, and recognizes the day that women gained the right to vote in national elections in the United States. Women’s suffrage was the first of many advances in women’s rights. But, after 105 years, we still do not have equal rights.
According to the 2025 Gender Parity Index produced by Represent Women, only Oregon, Maine and New Hampshire have established near parity (but not 100%) in women’s political representation. Maryland received a “C” grade, which seems unusual. Maryland still does not have 50/50 representation at the state and federal level of political positions. With our new Public Policy team of Barb Carter and Deb Daniel, we will have an opportunity to influence state legislation and maybe help increase Maryland’s standing in the Index. We will keep fighting in whatever way we can to make Maryland a better place for all.
Upcoming Fall Meeting/Equity and Inclusion
At the Fall State meeting, we will learn about the history and current state of the rights of Native Americans living in the Maryland area. Please join us on October 18 in Severna Park to hear about these issues from some of the state’s experts. Details are included in the newsletter and online. Our state board meeting will start after the presentations and lunch.
Our Fall Meeting program aligns with the equity and inclusion efforts that AAUW National supports. As you may or may not know, AAUW does not receive any federal government grants or other funding. This means that AAUW can continue to support equity and inclusion.
All branches are encouraged to incorporate equity and inclusion information and issues into your programming and projects. AAUW National is creating a series of webinars related to equity and inclusion. If we all work on this issue, we can make a difference!
Summer Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended the virtual summer meeting. I apologize again for the many issues we had with zoom. I appreciate everyone’s patience in sticking with us during the workshops and the board meeting. We shared some good news:
- Every physical branch submitted the annual branch survey, so Maryland was 100% in compliance – thank you to all who helped reach that goal.
- We have nearly 100% compliance on the mandatory bylaws’ updates. For those still working on them, please send them to Eileen Menton as soon as possible.
- AAUW National has created two new funds to which we can donate: the Defend Higher Education Fund and the Public Policy Fund. See the article by Jeri Rhodes included in the newsletter.
- With the fact that NCCWSL will no longer accommodate the Maryland Woman of Distinction fundraiser, we are in the process of outlining a new award/fundraising campaign that would culminate at the Annual Meeting.
Lobby Corps/Public Policy
As usual, I am encouraging all members to consider participating in the Capitol Hill Lobby Corps. Even if you attend only a few times, it is an experience you will remember! Additionally, we hope to establish a Maryland Lobby Corps to enhance our participation in Annapolis during the General Assembly session. In conjunction with those efforts, we will learn about many relevant legislative proposals at the MLAW conference in November. I look forward to seeing many of you at that event!
AAUW Member Webinar
National will hold a member webinar on Sept 18. Everyone should have received an email from “AAUW” with a registration link. They will discuss the branch surveys, the 5-star status, among many other topics. I hope everyone can attend.
And I hope everyone had a wonderful summer break from their regular routines and that you were able to relax and enjoy time with friends and family — either with a staycation or travelling around the globe. I will be seeing many of your either at the state meeting or your branch meetings!
Warmly,
Heather Reichardt
President
AAUW Maryland
NOTICE TO MEMBERS: PROPOSED STATE DUES INCREASE FOR 2026-27 FISCAL YEAR
At the State Board meeting on July 26 (via zoom), the topic of increasing state dues was discussed. The combination of inflation and fewer members means that the state organization has been losing money in the dues account year over year.
Based on these long-term trends, the Board agreed in a motion that the dues should increase from $10/year to $14/year. Please note that the $10 dues have been the same for many years.
This is a notification to all state members that the State Board will have a final vote on the dues increase at the Fall Meeting on October 18, 2025, in Severna Park. The increase will go into effect for the 2026-2027 fiscal year if two-thirds of the Board vote affirmatively on this issue.
The board understands that this looks like a large increase from a percentage perspective. However, this will maintain a viable funding balance for operations, and another increase is not expected in the foreseeable future.
SUMMER MEETING AND BOARD MEETING SUMMARY
By Heather Reichardt, President
Our morning program was excellent. We learned how AAUW National is dealing with the drastic changes being made to public school funding, higher education and Title IX. We also discussed the importance of using the 5-STAR criteria to plan out your branch calendar. Christine Schmitz explained the major tasks to be taken by branch treasurers.
Heather Reichardt and Del. Lily Qi, during the Spring Convention
The important discussions from the Summer 2025 State Board Meeting are:
- We need a branch or branches to host the Annual Convention in Spring 2026. Heather will be contacting branches to discuss.
- The Nominating Committee is searching for candidates for the 2026-2028 term. Open positions include President, VP Programs, VP Funds, VP Communications. Any of these positions could be held by two or more members working together. I encourage all members to consider a state board position. Everyone on the state board was at one time “just” a branch member!
- Christine Schmitz lead a discussion of the new program year’s budget, which was approved with modifications. Several sub items were discussed, as well:
- Proposed increase in membership dues – see article boxed on page 2.
- The Board authorized the Treasurer to invest in an 8-month CD.
- Funds – Jeri Rhodes mentioned National has created two new non-restricted funds, in addition to the Greatest Needs Fund, to address current issues: Defend Higher Education Fund and the Public Policy Fund. Please consider making even a small donation to each of these new funds to assist National in achieving their policy goals.
- Membership – don’t forget about Shape the Future benefits that accrue with new members and VP Membership, Jeanne Blades, is requesting that branches share any good ideas for promoting new membership and retaining existing members.
- Public Policy – the new team of Barb Carter and Deb Daniel is planning more local/state advocacy as well as continuing with programs such as MLAW and the Women’s Legislative Briefing.
MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND OUR 2025 AAUW MARYLAND FALL CONFERENCE!
Maryland’s Native Americans, Past to Future
October 18 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park
By Roxann King, President, AAUW Anne Arundel County Branch
Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs with Gov. Wes Moore
AGENDA
9:00 AM: Door Open
9:30 AM: Welcome
9:40 AM: The Archeology and History of Indigenous Peoples in Maryland, Dr. Katherine Sterner, Towson University
10:45 AM: Tribal Law and the Abuse of Indigenous Women, Caroline LaPorte, Esq., Indian Law Research Center
11:45 AM: Current Issues in Native American Higher Education, Dr. Donna Brown, American Indian Higher Education Association
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:15 PM: AAUW Maryland Board Meeting
REGISTRATION
Online:
With Eventbrite (Click here to pay online)
Through mail:
Download and complete this Registration Form and mail it to Roxann King, at:
2535 Painter Court,
Annapolis, MD 21401
Make check payable to AAUW Maryland.
The 2025 AAUW Maryland Fall Conference is being hosted in Severna Park by AAUW Anne Arundel County. While you are in our County, consider spending the afternoon or evening taking in the sites in Annapolis.
Visit the museums, the Naval Academy, the dock area, the State House or any of the fine restaurants and shops. We look forward to sharing our beautiful capital city and county with you.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
By Barb Carter and Deb Daniel, Co-Vice Presidents for Public Policy
Hello, from Barb Carter and Deb Daniel! We are your new Co-Vice Presidents of Public Policy.
We are greatly appreciative of all the work Roxanne has done in sharing her expertise with us. We hope to keep up her good work. We will continue with the State Public Policy committee that includes all branch presidents and branch public policy vice-presidents as well as any member who is interested.
In addition, we will have an AAUW Maryland Lobby Corps comprised of those who are interested in physically lobbying in Annapolis. Magnetic pins to identify us as advocates are ordered. Although education is our main interest, other types of bills will be considered. We will work with MLAW to identify bills for possible support. Other bills for consideration may be proposed MCASA (Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault), Maryland Commission for Women and others as interest dictates.
Co-VP for Public Policy, Deb Daniels, uses the Maryland General Assembly website https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/ to keep track of legislation as well as advocate, testify, and send emails. She is willing to coach individual members on how to best use the system for advocacy. Every member of the Maryland General Assembly has phone contact and email address on that site.
Contact Deb for more information at debdanie1@yahoo.com. Please let Deb know soon by email whether you have access to a large-screen computer like Microsoft Windows or an Apple iPad or a Chromebook to use ZOOM. Also please note whether your mobile phone is “Android” or “Apple iPhone”.
We are considering adding members’ Delegates and Senators to the AAUW Maryland membership spreadsheet whereby individual members across the state can be contacted to email, phone, or send a letter to their personal Delegate or Senator. We are looking forward to your participation in making the 2026 legislative session a successful one.
Deb will organize a zoom meeting in the fall. If you want to be on the committee and are not a president or vice-president public policy, let us know. Contact Barb Carter at 43bcarter@gmail.com.
Mark your calendars. MLAW (Maryland Legislative Agenda for Women) has scheduled November 1 for its presentation bills being considered for 2026 legislation. Saturday, November 1, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, MLAW’s 2025 Fall Agenda Conference will be held at the Meeting House in Columbia. Tickets are already available at: Women Lead in Maryland: Protecting Our Rights Tickets, Sat, Nov 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite. See the attached flyer. See the link for details.
In November/December, we will be looking for your priority list of the MLAW bills to determine where we will concentrate our energies. Additional bills may be added later. Then we move on to activities with the General Assembly that is in session from January 14 to April 13 in support of the bills on our legislative agenda.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
By Jeanne Blades, Vice President for Membership
Shape the Future Campaign
As you know, this is a great opportunity to offer 50% off National dues to new members. Then, for every two new members that join, your branch earns one free National membership, up to 3 free memberships per year.
To check out the number of free memberships your branch has earned just go to aauw.org/membership, scroll down and click on State and Branch Tools, then scroll down and click on Learn More About AAUW’s Shape the Future Campaign.
Click on Status Report to find the number of free memberships your branch has earned. Click on Redemption Form to claim your free memberships. Forms must be filed by October 31, 2025.
Renewal Reminders:
For those branches that have opted in, National sends out 4 email reminders when memberships are about to expire. All reminders go out on the week of the 20th of the month. The first reminder is sent the month before the membership actually expires, then an email reminder in that month of the expiration, and then, if necessary, for 2 months after the month the membership expires. There is a grace period of 90 days to renew.
The June Membership Matters newsletter (6/26/25 email) has an excellent chart showing the renewal reminder schedule. It’s easy to renew online. If you’d like a video tutorial or screenshots of how to renew online this just go to aauw.org/membership/new-systems-update/.
Now you’re on the Community Hub page, so just scroll down to the video tutorials to How to Self-Renew for Existing Members or scroll down further to the screenshots.
Changing or Updating an Email Address:
There are two ways you can change your email address for your AAUW membership:
- Online – Go to AAUW.org/membership and log in. Once logged in, use My Contact Information on your Personal Snapshot page to update your personal information, including your email address. Scroll down and hit SAVE.
- Contact AAUW directly – You can email connect@aauw.org with your member number and the information needed to update your profile, including your new email address. Alternatively, you can call the AAUW helpline at 800-326-AAUW (2289) and ask to speak with someone in the Membership department to assist you with the change.
Speaking of Emails:
If you are not receiving AAUW email announcements and would like to re-subscribe to them, just go to aauw.us/emailoptions, or log into your Personal Snapshot and scroll down to and click on My Preferences. On this page you can choose the information that you’d like to receive from AAUW and how AAUW should communicate with you.
Check out Discounts:
Yes, we all could use some help saving money. Just go to AAUW.org/membership and click on Discounts and Perks for savings on long term care, car rentals and travel discounts, UPS shipping rates, and more!
FUNDS REPORT
By Jeri Rhodes, Funds Chairperson
AAUW Maryland has been committed over many years to supporting National AAUW with funding above and beyond our payment of dues. Our members have been generously supporting individual grants, the “Greatest Need” funding (9110) and of course, our multi-year support of the Women of Distinction event at the NCWSSL conference.
AAUW National has asked members to continue their support of the “Greatest Need” funding, which provides the National Board with some flexibility to apply those funds in strategic places. AAUW Maryland members have met – and continue to meet – that request.
National has also created two new funds, specifically designed to fund initiatives for the years ahead – one is a Public Policy Fund (4337) and the other is the Defend Higher Education Fund (4513). While Maryland members of AAUW have supported both areas, we are proud of the work our Public Policy leadership has accomplished in the Maryland legislature over the past years. It is fitting for us to actively support National’s work in this area. And we do – besides funding, we have members of Lobby Corps and we support specific actions made by National.
The State Board would like to actively fund the National Public Policy Fund in recognition of the importance of the work, but also to honor past and present State members who have made a difference in our state. We propose that we set a goal of $10,000 for this fiscal year and, at our Annual Meeting in the Spring, we honor a member who reflects our commitment to Public Policy activism, in the state and with National.
You should see more information on this topic as we begin active fund raising. If you have questions, please let me know.
2026 AAUW ATLANTIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE
By Kathy Pearre, AAUW North Carolina and Tracy Lantz, AAUW Maryland,
Hello AAUW Members of the Atlantic Region,
As we wrote earlier, the 2026 AAUW Regional Conference is being planned for September 25-27 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Committee work is underway, and we invite you to add your expertise to the planning groups, particularly the Program Committee.
We are accepting recommendations for program topics and speakers now. We will include presenters on current topics of interest to women in the Atlantic region as well as individuals who will address the approved AAUW Policies for 2025-2027: Education, Economic Security, and Social Justice and Civil Rights. Please let us know of issues you are interested in exploring further and potential speakers (and contact info for them). Contact Kathy or Tracy at aauw.regional.conf@gmail.com.
BRANCH ACTIVITIES
Baltimore Branch News
By Susan Wierman, Branch Board Member
The Baltimore Branch was recognized as the only Maryland branch to win AAUW’s 5 Star status for 2025. Branch co-presidents Yvonne Higgens and Dorothy Fraquelli led the branch and submitted documentation of extensive branch activities. For the past two years the Baltimore Branch has worked with the College Bound Foundation to provide college scholarships, and branch members have helped evaluate scholarship applications.
Additional branch activities in 2025 included voter registration events, supporting students who attend NCCWSL, attending the Atlantic Regional Conference, and holding numerous branch meetings, including one focused on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Education with a presentation and Q&A session with John Staley, the Baltimore County Public School District’s Blueprint Coordinator.
Garrett County Branch News
By Kendall Ludwig, President, Garrett County Branch
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is the nation’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls. Since its founding in 1881, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. The Garrett Branch of AAUW has been working since its creation in 1946 to bring strong women together for activities related to women’s empowerment in our community.
As of July 1, 2025, M. Kendall Ludwig, president and principal designer of CurlyRed, has taken over in the role of President. The immediate Past-President Judy Carbone is a force of nature and has done a tremendous amount of good in this region. Along with her Vice-President Linda Carr, these women have taken very good care of our AAUW-Garrett Branch chapter. Kendall hopes to honor their legacy in advancing equity for women and girls in Garrett County. Judy has kindly offered to help her, and our fabulous new Vice-President Dr. Susie Mosser, in this transition.
Dr. Mosser owns and operates her own private practice as a PA-licensed clinician working mostly with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety, Perinatal Bereavement, and Women’s Wellness. She was a doula (labor and delivery assistant) during her college years, so combining the fields of psychology and childbirth made sense. She is also a public speaker on these topics, has appeared in magazine articles for her work, and has written several books.
Her doctoral dissertation research was on the global impact of violence against women, rape used as a war tactic, the “package of victims,” (as she coined the phrase to show how not only are the mothers affected but the babies in the womb can experience long-term effects of trauma and stress in-utero), and how epigenetics can not only assist in physiological and psychological healing later in life from womb trauma, but even to the degree of phenotypic plasticity with visible changes in phenotype traits. From her research, she created brand new neologisms to add to the field along with new therapeutic treatments. With several certifications and dual degrees in reproductive psychology, ecological psychology, and environmental humanities, Dr. Mosser continues to be an advocate for the minoritized.
Susie has been an adjunct psychology instructor at Garrett College for several years and will be a full-time visiting professor this fall in addition to her psychology practice.
Garrett County Branch shared needed supplies with women
attending their Women’s Equality Day event, August 26th.
If you are interested in learning more about AAUW-Garrett Branch and supporting the branch’s initiatives and programs, please visit their Facebook page or contact M. Kendall Ludwig, Branch President, at kendall@curlyred.com or 410.878.6068.
Anne Arundel County Branch gathered Aug 26th to celebrate Maryland women with a C&C.
Kensington Rockville Branch
From newsletter
Our AAUW program brings us an exciting guest speaker, Meghan Kissell, the Senior Director of Policy and Member Advocacy at the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She leads AAUW’s non-partisan and mission-driven public policy at the federal level and supports the grassroots advocacy work of AAUW’s membership network.
What is AAUW’s policy stance on Capitol Hill, and how are AAUW branches advancing women’s issues on the state and local levels? We will hear directly about issues and challenges from the person responsible for guiding AAUW policy and advocacy activities. Ms. Kissell will answer questions and share insights into the current situation for AAUW advocacy.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Branch
From newsletter article by B-CC Branch President, Pat Stocker
During the fall, Bethesda-Chase Branch will host three interesting speakers at the Fox Hill senior community at 8300 Burdette Road in Bethesda . On September 13th, at 11 a.m., the speaker is Robert (Rob) Gordon, an expert in AI and a leader in government, nonprofit, and private sector organizations. Pat fortuitously met him waiting for a flight at Dulles Airport and was so impressed by him and his areas of expertise that she immediately invited him to speak to the branch.
The speaker for October, Chris Palmer, notes that “Death is inevitable; dying badly is not.” A good death is achievable, and he will share his perspectives from his book Achieving a Good Death. This is an issue of particular importance to women, since we generally live longer than our male counterparts.
In November, Julia Penny Clark, a noted private attorney, will tackle a topic very much in the news this year: What is the role of our federal court system, particularly the Supreme Court, in this time of rapid change and challenges to the courts? Julia Penny Clark previously served as clerk to Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court Lewis F. Powell Jr. from 1974 to 1975. She was among the first dozen women to clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Visitors and members from any branch are welcome at these meetings. We have a large meeting space which can accommodate many extra people.
THANKS TO AAUW MARYLAND LEADERS!
AAUW MD Elected Officers (Executive Board)
- Heather Reichardt, President (2024-2026)
- Edie Allison, Vice Pres. for Programs (2025-2026)
- Jeri Rhodes, Vice President for AAUW Funds (2024-2026)
- Lydia Alcock and Susana Hernández Martín (2022-2026) and Roxann King (2025-2026), Co-Vice Presidents for Communications
- Barb Carter and Deb Daniel, Co-Vice Presidents for Public Policy (2025-2027)
- Christine Schmitz, Treasurer (2023-2027)
- (Vacant), Secretary (2023-2025) (volunteers welcome & thanks to those who have helped this year)
- Jeanne Blades, Vice President for Membership (2023-2027)
AAUW MD Committee Chairs (Current Appointed Members of the Board)
- Carolyn Fisher, Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
- Terry Sayler, Archivist
- Eileen Menton, Member of the Bylaws Committee
- Judy Carbone, ERA Taskforce Chair
- Regional Event Planning Committee: Tracy Lantz, Carol Mueller, and Heather Reichardt
- 2026 Nominating Committee: Jacqueline Gray (Baltimore), Kate Campbell Stevenson (Kensington-Rockville), Pat Stocker (Bethesda-Chevy Chase), with Anita Rosen (past chair, ex officio)(Kensington-Rockville).
Thanks also to each Branch President, who is also a member of the Board of Directors!
Please don’t hesitate to volunteer for the vacant position of AAUW MD Secretary. Contact Heather Reichardt or any member of the board if you have any questions or to volunteer.
AAUW Maryland encourages members to consider serving on the State Board.
Get the most out of your AAUW experience! Serving as a Branch or State board member is an excellent opportunity to learn new leadership skills that can help in other areas of life. Service on a Branch or State board also builds connections and close friendships with fellow AAUW members.
Please contact any member of the 2026 Nominating Committee (listed above) or other officer if you would be interested in any of the following positions to be elected at the 2026 Convention:
- President
- Program VP
- Funds VP
- Communications Co-VP
- Secretary
2025-26 CALENDAR
- October 18, 2025: AAUW Maryland Fall Meeting
- September 25-27, 2026: AAUW Atlantic Regional Meeting
~ Happy Fall! See you at the AAUW MD Fall Conference on October 18! ~