Diversity Brunch 2019

President’s Message:

On February 23, 2019, AAUW Rockland celebrated 20 years of diversity in Rockland County at our annual Diversity Breakfast held at the Pearl River Elks Club. The theme for our 20th anniversary was “Empowering Women in Diverse Communities in the Age of ‘Me Too’”. This annual celebration was in conjunction with our co-sponsors, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Jill and Jack of America, and the NYS National Association of Social Workers. The guest speakers Emily Waters and Michelle Grier were from Girls for Gender Equity (GGE) who provided us with information on how we acknowledge and support women no matter where they identify on the “gender spectrum”. They shared information on the mission of GGE and offered a moving spoken word performance on the topic of rape. Both speakers were knowledgeable and left us more informed.
We also chose to honor three women as shining examples in the areas of community service, justice administration and legislative leadership. Joyce Brown, past president of Rockland AAUW, received the Champion of the Community Award; Maureen McGarry Porette, Champion of Justice; and Ellen Jaffe was surprised with the Champion of the Legislature Award and a special Citation from Governor Cuomo. The assembly of more than 100 people in attendance served as a testimony to how valuable and beloved these women warriors are to our community.