AAUW Funds is a nation-wide program where funds are awarded to young women who have completed university and would like to continue their studies, or return to school to change their profession.

AAUW Funds provide educational opportunities and equity for women and girls through research and support of fellowship and grants programs, in addition to the Legal Advocacy, Public Policy and Leadership Programs Funds. For further information, please go to www.aauw.org/what-we-do/educational-funding-and-awards/.

AAUW FUNDS SUPPORT RESEARCH AND PROJECT GRANTS

Fellowship and grant recipients perform research in a wide range of disciplines and work to improve their schools and communities. Our Half Moon Bay Branch of AAUW has endowed Research and Projects Grants to honor two longtime members, Ruth Rafello and Edna Cox.

For 2013-14, The Edna Cox R&P Grant Endowment (#1819) goes to Shakira Hemphill, George Washington University, Washington, DC. She is a native Washingtonian who is dedicated to promoting self-empowerment and realization of purpose in teenagers, young adults, and women. In January 2013, she created W.O.W!, or Women of Worth, LLC, a necessary platform for improving the lives of promising young women. Hemphill is currently pursuing a master’s degree in project management and raising her 8-year-old son.

The Ruth Rafello R&P Grant Endowment (#4254) goes to Jessica Estremera, SUNY, New York. She is pursuing a master’s degree to further her knowledge of managerial operations, and she hopes to provide financial education to young men and women. As a marketing professional, she has worked on campaigns for nonprofits and educational institutes. She would like to continue her work by starting her own business after graduation.