American Association of University Women seeks gender equity in Palm Springs Area

We are all familiar with the motto "Girl Power." You've no doubt heard that positive quote as well as "You go, girl!" All are ways to encourage and support young women.

It's crucial we empower young women, and fortunately for our valley the local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been doing just that since 1949. The organization offers various programs to empower and educate young women.

The mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls in our community. AAUW Palm Springs has become a driving force for positive change, thanks to the passionate commitment and tireless efforts of its volunteer chapter members.

Under the leadership of these dedicated members, AAUW Palm Springs has become a very influential local nonprofit.

"We are celebrating our 75th year in the valley this year and are so proud of the work we have done to mentor and inspire young women," says Kathi Farber, AAUW Palm Springs president.

"One of our primary focal points is fostering education. We provide many scholarships and programs that enhance our local girl's educations. It's truly transformative."

A great example of the organization's outreach is its commitment to the STEM program, which helps bridge gender gaps in all STEM fields. AAUW Palm Springs spearheads initiatives that encourage young girls to explore and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

"Our commitment is to break stereotypes and foster an environment where girls feel empowered to embrace many options, including the amazing STEM disciplines," Farber says.

AAUW understands the power of collaboration and actively partners with local businesses, all three local school districts and other nonprofits. They find that by joining forces they can create a collective impact.

"We love working hand-in-hand with the community" Farber says. "Our membership is robust, (including) eight women who have been members for 50 years! We welcome all women who have attended a college or university — even if just for two years — to join us."

It's for their indispensable role in our community inspiring young women that we award this week's Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant to AAUW Palm Springs so they may continue to help shape the futures of our local young women through education and advocacy.

So, the next time you hear "Girl Power," you'll know our valley is definitely empowering and supporting our local "Girl Power," thanks to AAUW Palm Springs!

To learn more about American Association of University Women, Palm Springs Branch visit palmsprings-ca.aauw.net.

Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert, creating and hosting NBCares for six years. She is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley. Watch it Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KESQ, at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 11 and noon Mondays on CW5.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: AAUW seeks gender equity in Palm Springs Area