Dear Wonderful Branch Members, 

“I hope the incessant rains in January didn’t affect you too much. Thank you to everyone who contributed to helping impoverished South County farmworkers badly impacted by both the floods and the tragic Half Moon Bay shooting. It is a testament to our membership that our community can always count on our generosity and compassion.

This is just one of the reasons our AAUW Morgan Hill Branch was selected as the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce (MHCC) 2023 Non-Profit of the Year. CONGRATULATIONS to each and every one of you, members new and old! It’s all that you’ve done, still do, and will do, while supporting our critical mission of gender equity and economic security that made it possible.

Being recognized in our community as we celebrate over 40 years as an organization and plan our 40th Wildflower Run is immensely gratifying and motivates us even further to continue our work into the future. I look forward to seeing you at the March 12, MHCC Celebrate Morgan Hill 2023 Gala at Guglielmo Winery. Additionally, we will celebrate throughout the year too, most of all by continuing the wonderful work we do year-round.
Congratulations to branch members Cecelia Ponzini (first ever Legacy Award) and Kathy Chavez Napoli (Volunteer of the Year) who will also be honored at the gala. We are so proud of you

Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Quick 5 podcast featuring AAUW

Coincidentally, I recorded a Quick 5 podcast featuring AAUW, planned last November to go live at the beginning of this month right before the Wildflower Run; don’t forget to tune in to the Podcast here. This weekly podcast showcases Morgan Hill businesses, non-profits, and local issues in conversation with the Chamber’s CEO / President Nick Gaich answering 5 questions,.

Partnership with the MHUSD School District

Earlier last month, Branch member extraordinaire Elizabeth Mandel and I met with MHUSD superintendent (and proud AAUW member) Dr. Carmen Garcia and renewed our special relationship with the school district. Working synergistically through the decades with our community partners has been a contributor to our success.

A Request

In the pages of this newsletter, you will read about the incredible work being done in our branch: The Wildflower Run, Tech Trek, scholarships, community action grants, leadership programs, Young Women Leaders (YWL), Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI), Climate Education (CEAC), monthly programs, and more.

There are events associated with many of these branch programs, and my ardent request to you is to please attend them in a show of support for the wonderful work being done by our branch. You don’t have to attend them all – you can pick those that appeal to you and help spread the word to others. They are an incredibly enriching and impactful way to connect with important issues and avail ourselves of another opportunity to make a difference. No pressure.