AAUW NC Conference – April 2026

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

• • 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 EXTENDED: STILL ACTIVE

Speaker Summary

Read more about our scheduled speakers, their organizations and their planned presentation topics.

AAUW Chief Executive Officer: Gloria L. Blackwell

KeyNote Speaker: Congresswoman Alma Adams District 12

Additional Guest Speakers

Young People’s Literature Awards – 2025:

Carol Baldwin – Young Adult Literature author –  Half Truths and Patrice Gopo – Young Children’s Literature author – Ripening Time

Corey Mitchell, Founder and Executive Director, Theatre Gap Initiative

Jeanne Smith, State Education Co-chair, League of Women Voters Charlotte – Mecklenberg County

Marla Barthen – State Co-President ERA-NC Alliance

Judge Alyssa Levine – Mecklenburg County District Court Judge

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.

Friday Agenda – The Winners Circle: Friday: April 17, 2026

• 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
  • Derby elegance meets empowerment. No hats – save those for Saturday lunch.
• Awards 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Lena Murrill-Chapman – AAUW NC President and Da’Tarvia Parrish – AAUW NC Vice President
  • AGENDA
    • Greetings
    • Occasion
    • Introduction of Guests
    • Introduction of Speaker
    • Young People’s Literature Award – Carol Baldwin, author –  Half Truths
    • Awards Ceremony
    • Branch Recognition Awards
    • Individual Recognition Awards

Individual Award Nominations

AAUW NC Conference Individual Recognition Award Nomination Form

Conference Agenda – Saturday

Saturday Agenda – Run for Equity: Saturday, April 18, 2026 

• Breakfast 7:30 a.m.
• Group Discussions 8:00 a.m.- Five Star; ByLaws; Fundraising & 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
• AAUW National Chief Executive Officer – 9:00 a.m. – Gloria Blackwell
• Annual Business Meeting – 9:30 a.m. – Lena Murrill-Chapman
  • Report from Credentials Committee, “The meeting has a quorum if a majority of the branches are represented by a branch member.”
  • Treasurer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, Millie Hoffler-Foushee
  • Acceptance of Minutes of 3-22-2025 Annual Meeting
  • Report of the Nominating Committee, Pat Ashe and Laura Tew
    • Vice President – Tiffany Jacobs
    • Treasurer – Christi Whitworth
  • Election of the slate of officers, Lena Murrill-Chapman
  • Installation of newly elected officers that are present – Millie Hoffler-Foushee
  • President’s Closing Remarks
  • Adjourn for luncheon and afternoon program
• Luncheon Buffet – 12:00 a.m. Da’Tarvia Parrish
  • AAUW Children’s Literature Award Winner – Patrice Gopo, author –  Ripening Time
• Key Note Speaker – Congresswoman Alma Adams
• Group photos 1:00
• Key mission presentations and discussions – 1:20 p.m.
  • Public Policy, ERA-NC Alliance – Marla Barthen
  • The Judicial System – Judge Alyssa Levine
  • STEM Education – Theatre Gap Alliance – 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     Original deadline: March 19th.  However, Note: the conference planning team is working with the Hilton to secure rooms for all who wish to stay overnight. For assistance call Laura Tew 336-934-2743
• American Assoc of University Women
• Code: 93J
• Booking Link: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/americanassociationofuniversitywomen/