I am very honored to be the president of AAUW San Antonio. I feel I have a very tough act to follow coming behind Diane. I appreciate, love and respect her! I will do my best to lead this organization gracefully and really invoke the values of doing what’s best for women in my everyday walk in life. I hope to see you women at as many meetings as you can attend this year and let’s be mindful of having a servant’s heart as we join hands and embrace our differences as we attain the common goal of making women’s lives better. 

Claudia L. Walker, Ed.D.

President

AAUW San Antonio

2024-2025 Branch Leaders

Executive Committee

President

Claudia L. Walker, Ed.D.      

President Elect

Vacant  

Vice President Membership

Debbi Sochia                        

Vice President Programs

Martha Steele             

Secretary

Debbi Sochia    

Treasurer

Kathy Dicke

Parliamentarian

Vacant

Standing Committees

Public Policy

Pat Sanford

Finance/Budget

Kathy Dicke

Scholarships/NCCWSL/CU

Jeanette Pierce

AAUW Funds

Vacant

DEI

Dre Andrepoint

STEM

Vacant

Governance

Jeanette Pierce

Appointed Positions

Membership Outreach

Claudia L. Walker, Ed.D.

Community Coordinator

Claudia L. Walker, Ed.D.

Reservations

Martha Steele

Publicity

Michelle Burk

Historian

Rachel Skelley

Communications

Malinda Gaul

October Meeting

Rep. Josey Garcia on Public Education in Texas

October 5, 2024

Education has been a concern of AAUW since it’s earliest days, and not just education of women. AUW San Antonio played a pivotal role in guaranteeing the continuation of existence of San Antonio College after its first experimental year.

Now Texas K-12 public education faces threats resulting from the veto of the bipartisanship education support bill by Governor Abbott in the last legislative session, and the re-introduction of proposals for state funding of private schools in the upcoming legislative session.

Our speaker will be the Honorable Representative Josey Garcia of District 124. Representative Garcia co-founded the nonprofit organization Uniting America Outreach, to train youth volunteers to provide resources to San Antonio communities in need. She currently serves as CFO of the organization. She regularly conducts humanitarian missions to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, where thousands of migrants from all over the world are waiting to apply for asylum in the United States.

Representative Garcia is a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force who was stationed at Lackland AFB from 2001 until 2014. When she retired from the Air Force, she and her husband decided to make San Antonio their permanent home.

In the Texas House of Representatives, she advocates for reform of the troubled foster care system, currently under federal oversight, and for public education.

___________________________________________________________________________________

The meeting will be held on Saturday, October 5, at the Westside Educational and Technical Center, 610 SW 41st Street, San Antonio, 78237.

Lunch will be catered by Olive Garden, which will offer a pasta station with a selection of three sauces with either meatballs, grilled chicken or sausage. The gluten-free menu is Zuppa Toscana and salad.. The vegan menu is minestrone and salad. Cost will be $25.00 per person or $18.00 for soup and salad. You may pay at the door with exact change or with a check. Or you may pay in advance using Zelle. AAUW San Antonio has no Venmo or CashAp account to receive payments.

If you intend to join us for lunch, email Martha Steele, steelemar@gmail.com, by September 30, so we can place an accurate order.

AAUW San Antonio Textbook Scholarship Drawing 

 $300 VISA Gift Card and $100 VISA Gift Card

You do not need to be present to win or a member of AAUW, so anyone can buy tickets!

Drawing at the Dec 7 General 

1 Ticket - $10    10 Tickets - $75    3 Tickets - $25    15 Tickets - $100

Paying by check: 

Payable to:   AAUW San Antonio

Mail check to: Ruth Lyle

14907 Hidden Glen Woods, San Antonio, TX 78249

To Pay with Zelle:

Click the bill pay tab in your bank account and select Zelle.

Use the email aauwsatx@gmail.com to send money.

In the memo field identify the payment: AAUW Textbook drawing.

Tickets will be available at AAUW monthly meetings and some interest group meetings.

Thank you for making this year’s Textbook Scholarship Fundraiser another great success.

Questions: Ruth Lyle, 210.722.1732, ruthannlyle@gmail.com

CAN WE TALK? A San Antonio Tradition

“CAN WE TALK?” is a coalition of over 65 women’s organizations in the San Antonio area that presents two programs each year. Although the name of the organization is, no doubt, the catch phrase borrowed from the late comedian Joan Rivers, the purpose of the organization is very serious, and the timing of the two programs indicates its purpose. One program is in March to celebrate International Women’s Day and the second in August to commemorate the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, which occurred on August 20, 1920.

Topics for the programs are selected by a steering committee of volunteers from the various organizations. This year, Diane Claiborne-Carr, our past president, and Dr. Claudia Walker, our current president, are members of the steering committee. The topic of the March program was public education in Texas, and the program last month was entitled “Being an Informed Voter.”

A panel of two political science professors and a journalist/editor, answered the moderator’s questions about becoming informed about candidates. Dr. David Crockett, Professor of Political Science and Dr. John Hermann, Associate Professor of Political Science, both of Trinity University, represented conservative and liberal viewpoints, and Laura Garcia, the Managing Editor of THE SAN ANTONIO REPORT, represented the neutral viewpoint of a journalist.

Following the program, each table engaged in a discussion led by a member of the League of Women Voters. In the closing reports on table talks, one moderator quoted Olivia Bradshaw, the youngest member of AAUW San Antonio, on the importance of voting in primary elections.

Besides dinner and the program, attendees are offered an opportunity to shop from the vendors who contribute by renting a booth at the event. And at the 2024 programs, books from the library of Ruth Stewart were raffled off for $2 per ticket.

If you have never attended “Can We Talk?,” please consider joining the event in March. We’ll announce the topic in the newsletter.

AAUW San Antonio is encouraging attendance next March by having a brunch at our March meeting, to save money for the cost of a ticket to Can We Talk?.

Martha Steele

Vice President Program

AAUW San Antonio

Members of AAUW San Antonio attend the Can We Talk? event in August celebrating Women's Equality Day.

Past AAUW San Antonio President Diane Claiborne-Carr served on the Can We Talk? Steering Committee.

Current AAUW San Antonio President Claudia Walker served on the Steering Committee.

New Beginnings

We can almost feel excitement and anticipation in the air right now.

A new school year has begun. We want all students to have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Ask yourself, “What can I do?” Then do it.

Our AAUW branch has a new president, officers, and theme. The theme President Claudia Walker and her team have chosen is “Celebrating our differences as we work toward a common goal of advocating for all women.”  Dr. Walker says we will have opportunities to work together in our community to make a positive difference. We want all members to learn, grow, thrive, and contribute. Take advantage of these opportunities. Show up and do your part.

Election Day, November 5, is less than two months away. We want fair and free elections where citizens make their voices heard. We want our rights and freedoms to be protected.  And we want to move forward together, working together, for the betterment of all. VOTE!

The AAUW Texas Public Policy Committee met with Kate Khulmann, our lobbyist, who will continue working with us now and during the coming legislative session. She said that there is a lot of infighting among the governor and legislators at this time. This will result in a slower start to the session, a session that will begin without a budget. We will need to educate our members and provide them with high level talking points to use when contacting legislators about issues including vouchers, still one of the governor’s highest priorities, book banning, the curriculum, separation of church and state, school funding, teacher pay, and teacher certification. Your public policy committee will develop talking points and send them to you to help you communicate pros and cons of issues more effectively. We urge you to contact your legislators by calling or emailing them. If you need help in determining who your legislators are, you can contact Pat Sanford, at pacmsan@me.com.

AAUW Texas reminds members that while AAUW is non-partisan, it is a values-driven organization. AAUW and AAUW members help make change happen. Vote! And when you vote, support candidates who support AAUW priorities.

Thank you for you continued support in making a positive difference.

Pat Sanford

AAUW SA Public Policy Chair

AAUW Texas Public Policy Committee

Mentorship and More at the NCWSSL 2024

By Bianca Rawlings

Thanks to the generous scholarship from the AAUW San Antonio chapter, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) 2024. This was my second year receiving the scholarship, which was unheard of for the AAUW - SA chapter, and I am deeply grateful for the support that has allowed me to participate in such a transformative event.

NCCWSL's mission is to foster a moment that ignites a powerful movement by bringing together hundreds of college women from across the nation for an immersive multi-day experience of leadership training, inspiration, and networking. 

The 2024 conference lived up to this mission and more. The experience was not only educational but also immensely exciting. One of the highlights for me was the STEM series, which provided insightful and engaging sessions on various topics within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These sessions are of great importance to the movement to invest in more women entering STEM fields and I was thrilled to take part in them.

The round table discussions were another standout aspect of the conference. These discussions offered a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with peers and professionals. We shared experiences, debated ideas, and brainstormed solutions to common challenges. This format allowed for a deep dive into topics that are important to us as emerging leaders.

Networking at NCCWSL was incredibly rewarding. I met a diverse group of attendees, including a fantastic group from College Station and several individuals from the Midwest. The connections I made were not only professional but also personal, and I am excited to keep in touch with these new friends and colleagues as we support each other in our respective journeys.

Reflecting on my experience, I am immensely thankful for the AAUW San Antonio chapter's scholarship, which made my attendance at NCCWSL 2024 possible. I am particularly grateful to my AAUW mentor, Pat Sanford, whose guidance not only helped me navigate the 2024 NCCWSL but who also played a part in me landing a new job!

The conference and my AAUW mentor have both left an indelible mark on me, strengthening my leadership skills, expanding my professional network, and inspiring me to always keep growing.

SIMPLE FIX

by Dee Kite

Our little dog, Coco, is dying. Probably not today, but soon. Scott and I have shared our lives with her for almost 15 years and are devastated. When I focus on that, when I wish for our time to never end, I am almost inconsolable. 

Thankfully I am reminded of a question I asked my clients when they told me what they didn’t like, what they didn’t want…

”In this situation if you could wave a realistic magic wand, what would you create, what would you want?”

Realistic is the key to this enquiry. If I had the magic wand of childhood tales, Coco would not die. But what do I want to do with my realistic magic wand? 

This subdues my chattering mind. I am centered in a place of power where before, I was a helpless victim, railing at the injustice of a cruel world.

I must sit down, quiet myself and listen. What do I want? 

It is clear. I cannot prevent my own grief. For me, this is the cost of loving. What I can do is be thankful for all of the wonderful times I’ve had with Coco. For the memories of her galloping across fields for a tennis ball, watching over Scott while he gardened, herding all of us into one room where she preferred her pack to be. I want to watch over her during her passage, to keep her comfortable and content, carry her as her legs fail, calm her when her anxiety rises.

Knowing this somehow makes it clear and simple. Knowing what we want, as opposed to what we don’t want, clears the clouds and confusion. 

Try it next time you’re upset. Sit down at the keyboard or with a pen and paper and write. Or sit still and contemplate. Ask yourself, ‘In this situation, if I had a realistic magic wand, what do I really want?’

You will be pleasantly surprised at the transformation.

Cheers,

Dr. Dee Kite

American Association of University Women

San Antonio Branch

2024-2025 Programs

November - May

Theme for 2024-2025:

Celebrating our Differences As We Advocate for All Women

November 2, 2024 - Veterans Day Program

Speaker 1) Sophie Lim, AAUW Member since 1985

• Topic: Chinese Americans who served in World War II, including Sophie’s father, were finally recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.

Speaker 2) Major Danielle M. Siler, retired U.S. Air Force and former Executive Officer of the 59th Medical Operations Group, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgery, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.

• Topic: Her service as an enlisted woman and later, upon graduation from Wayland Baptist University, her service as a commissioned officer.

Location: KinectEd Co-Working, 10401 W. Interstate I-10, San Antonio, 78230.

Lunch will be catered.

December 7, 2024 - Christmas Service Projects

1)    Bring school supplies to distribute to teachers to allow them to replenish supplies that are usually depleted by January.

2)    Prepare bags of toiletries for homeless individuals served by Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM). Many thanks to Jeanette Pierce for arranging this project for the second time in December.



Location: BaHa’i Center, 735 W. Magnolia Avenue

Boxed lunches

February 1, 2025 - Valentine’s Day Celebration

Activity: Painting With A Twist, The Forum, 8206 Agora Pkwy, Live Oak.

One week in advance, select a painting project from the offerings of the studio, and make a reservation directly with them and pay them online. Approximately $40 per person. Refreshments will be served, but not lunch. Gather a group to have brunch on your own at nearby La Madeleine.

March 1, 2025 - Women’s History Month

Speaker: Betsy Gerhardt Palsey, author of From the Sidelines to the Headlines: The Legacy of Women’s Sports at Trinity University, Trinity University Press, 2023.

Topic: Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972. Ms. Palsey’s participation in sports preceded Title IX, but in researching her book, she learned about how this law has affected women’s educational opportunities, including extracurricular programs such as sports. At this year’s Olympics, U.S. women’s participation exceeded men’s participation for the first time.

Location: TBA

*Brunch, not Lunch - Note the article in this newsletter about “Can We Talk?” This year we hope to recruit more members to attend this March dinner and program about issues and events affecting women in San Antonio. Date and program details will be announced at our February meeting and in the newsletter.

April 5, 2025 - Scholarship Luncheon

Master of Ceremonies: Jeanette Pierce, Scholarship Committee Chair.

Topic: Announcement of our scholarship winners, and introduction of those winners who can attend.

Location: Restaurant tba

Remember: The more money that is donated to the Raffle and to the Champagne and Chocolate Fundraiser, the more textbook scholarships we can fund.

May 3, 2025

Speaker: Brian Thompson, Edward Jones Financial Management

Topic: Management of AAUW Endowments, which fund our graduate student scholarships.

Location and lunch tba

September Wine, Women & Wisdom

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

4:30 pm

Frederick's

7701 Broadway

San Antonio, Texas 78209

https://www.fredericksrestaurantsa.com/

RSVP only if you plan to attend

by Monday, September 23 to:

Malinda Gaul

mgaul@satx.rr.com

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