School is back in session, and fall is upon us! I hope everyone found a little time to recharge this summer—self-care is so important.

One highlight of my summer was spending a week at UC Santa Cruz with our Tech Trek camp as the Day Volunteer Coordinator. If you haven’t volunteered there yet, I encourage you to try it next year—it’s inspiring to watch young women campers and counselors build community, tackle challenges, and create amazing projects, from science experiments to the inventive newspaper structures of “Build It” night.

You’ll also read in this issue about our branch’s involvement in community events such as the 4th of July Parade and National Night Out. An important part of our goals is keeping our mission visible to the community, and these are just two of the many events where we promote that vision.  

As we begin a new year, we’re placing a special emphasis on public policy. We are living in a moment when we must speak out for women’s rights and stand with integrity and resolve for equity and justice. I’m grateful to Nancy Altman and Doris Fredericks for their dedicated work in recent years, and I’m delighted to welcome past branch president Maggie Leininger as our new Chair of Programs and Community Events.

I’m proud to be part of this industrious, caring group. The work ahead to advance gender equity for women and girls is great—but so is our determination. Together, we are up to the task!