American Association of University Women
AAUW of NC State Conference
April 17 – 18, 2026 – Charlotte, North Carolina
“Hats Off to Her: Join the Race for Equity”
The Carolina Derby Experience
Please plan to attend the AAUW NC State Conference in April 2026.
Watch the AAUW NC State Conference Preview (curated by the Greensboro Branch)
Click the image below to experience the excitement of the State Conference — Hats Off to Her: Join the Race for Equity.
Conference Reservation – Let us Know Your Plans to Attend the Conference
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Online Reservation Form (this is NOT for payment)- Please Complete this online form to help us with our event planning
- Use this form also if your plans change and you need to cancel your reservation
Conference Payment
Conference Mail-In or Online Payment
- To commemorate our 1912 establishment in the state of North Carolina, the conference registration fee of $114 covers the Awards Reception, the Derby for Diversity Luncheon, and all registration materials.
- Instructions for Mail-in and Online Conference Payment: View these instructions for Mail-In Payment or to use Online PayPal Payment
- DEADLINE: MARCH 19, 2026
Speaker Summary
Read more about our scheduled speakers, their organizations and their planned presentation topics.
KeyNote Speaker: Congresswoman Alma Adams District 12
Additional Guest Speakers
Young People’s Literature Awards – 2025 – Carol Baldwin, author – Half Truths and Patrice Gopo, author – Ripening Time
Corey Mitchell, Founder and Executive Director, Theatre Gap Initiative
Jeanne Smith, State Education Co-chair, League of Women Voters Charlotte – Mecklenberg
Marla Barthen – State Co-President ERA NC Alliance
AAUW NC Officer Candidate Nominations
Vice President – Tiffany Jacobs
Below is some information about this VP nominee:
- AAUW NC Board Member- State Diversity Chair (Appointed), AAUW Greensboro Branch Board Member – Women in Nontraditional Careers Chair (Appointed) , AAUW Inclusion & Equity Committee (AAUW National Committee), AAUW Greensboro DEI Committee, AAUW Greensboro STEM Committee
- Executive Director, Forge Greensboro Community Makerspace (nonprofit leader), Previously served as Diversity Officer – Forge Greensboro Board of Directors. Experience in Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Grant Writing, and Collaborative Partnerships. Nonprofit Management Certificate issued from North Carolina Center of Nonprofits. Current AAUW NC Diversity Chair and AAUW Inclusion & Equity Committee Member. AAUW Social Change Ambassador
Certificate of Completion in AAUW’s Equity Network (Summer 2021). National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Advisor - I am seeking to serve as Vice President of AAUW North Carolina because I care deeply about the future of this organization and the women and girls we serve across our state. This is a moment that calls for bold leadership, intentional inclusion, and real collaboration. My experience within AAUW has shown me that our greatest strength is found in authentic relationships and open dialogue, especially when we bring different generations and perspectives to the same table. When we truly listen to one another, we become stronger and
our impact grows. - I bring both heart and preparation to this role. My professional background has given me the governance knowledge and operational experience to help support a strong and forward-thinking state board. AAUW North Carolina has tremendous opportunity ahead of us. We can expand our reach, help grow and diversify our membership across the state, and deepen our commitment to equity during these ever-changing times. I am ready to serve to help build bridges among our members, to amplify underrepresented voices, and to move our mission forward. It would be an honor to help lead this mission-critical work as Vice President for AAUW North Carolina.
Treasurer – Christi Whitworth
Below is some information about this Treasurer nominee:
- Tar Heel Branch: President, Vice-president, Treasurer; AAUW NC STEM education board member
- Executive Director, North Carolina, Science Leadership Association. This role involves strategic planning, in addition to day-to-day management of the organization from the
membership level through the Board of Directors. - I would like to expand the reach of AAUW in North Carolina by maintaining current members’ relationships while working to build new relationships with potential new member partners of like-minded professional people.
Conference Agenda – Friday
The Winners Circle: Friday: April 17, 2026
The Winners Circle celebrates the trailblazers, sojourners, advocates, and emerging leaders who keep AAUW’s mission in motion, advancing equity through education, leadership, and advocacy. The goal is to honor outstanding women and branches in North Carolina. Like a derby, progress requires preparation, perseverance, and teamwork. Together, we’ll tip our hats to those who paved the way and gather momentum for the next lap toward equality.
Derby elegance meets empowerment. Award categories; Equity, Leadership, Advocacy, Education.
Dress-up element: Attendees are asked to wear their finest hats or fascinators for a celebratory awards event.
Check-In 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Set up, On-site Registration – Charlotte and Salisbury Branches
Reception 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Heavy Hors d’oeuvres, open seating, silent auction
Awards 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Lena Murrill-Chapman – AAUW NC President and Da’Tarvia Parrish – AAUW NC Vice President
Young People’s Literature Award Carol Baldwin, author – Half Truths
Individual Recognition Awards Branch Recognition Awards
Individual Award Nominations
AAUW NC Conference Individual Recognition Award Nomination Form
Conference Agenda – Saturday
Run for Equity: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Breakfast 7:30 a.m.
Registraion 8:00 a.m.
Group Discussions 8:00 a.m.- Five Star; ByLaws; Membership
Welcome, Opening, Inspirational Moment – 8:30 a.m.
Pamela Ovieda Charlotte Area Branch President
Da’Tarvia Parrish- Salisbury Branch President
League of Women Voters State Education Committee – Jeanne Smith
Annual Business Meeting – 9:30 a.m. – Lena Murrill-Chapman
- Report from Credentials Committee of Quorum, Pat Ashe
- Treasurer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, Millie Hoffler-Foushee
- Acceptance of Minutes of 3-22-2025 Annual Meeting
- Appointment of minutes readers for 2026 Meeting
- Report of the Nominating Committee, Pat Ashe and Laura Tew
- Election and Installation of Officers – Millie Hoffler-Foushee
- President’s Remarks and Recognitions of 2025-2026 Board
Adjourn for luncheon and afternoon program
Luncheon Buffet – 11:30 a.m.
Young People’s Literature Award – Patrice Gopo, author – Ripening Time
Key Note Speaker, arrives for lunch – 12:00 p.m. Congresswoman Alma Adams
Group photos 1:00
Key mission presentations and discussions – 1:20 p.m.
Public Policy, NC ERA Alliance – Marla Brethen
STEM Education – Theatre Gap Alliance, speaker Corey Mitchell
Adjourn – 3:15 p.m.
Lodging Information
- Location: Hilton Airport 2800 Coliseum Centre Drive Charlotte, NC 28217
- Rate: $159 per night including breakfast Phone: 704-357-1414 Book by: March 19, 2026
- American Assoc of University Women
- Code: 93J
- Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/americanassociationofuniversitywomen/