LA MESA-EL CAJON BRANCH OF AAUW TO HOLD 21ST ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT APRIL 29

Source:  American Association of University Women 

March 11, 2023 (La Mesa/El Cajon) - The La Mesa-El Cajon AAUW Branch is hosting Susan Carol McCarthy, a Carlsbad resident, as the featured speaker at their 21^st annual scholarship benefit and luncheon, held at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley, 950 Hotel Circle North on April 29 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The acclaimed author of three novels, Lay That Trumpet In Our Hands, True Fires, and A Place We Knew Well, was born and raised in the pre-Disney groves of Florida. According to her web page, Susan “graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in English literature. McCarthy wrote advertising for newly opened Walt Disney World in Orlando. McCarthy married a Californian and settled in San Diego as a full-time freelancer.”

In an interview, she said “I’m drawn to the stories of ordinary people who, when backed into a moral corner, choose, often at great risk, to do the right thing.” Ms. McCarthy is also the author of two non-fiction works.

Money raised from the  luncheon, which includes an on-line auction that runs from April 22-30 and a silent auction during the event, awards scholarships to women and enhances career development for girls. In addition to participating in national’s AAUW Fund program, the branch provides scholarships to local women enrolled in Cuyamaca or Grossmont Community College or San Diego State University. Each year, we pay for multiple local 7^th-grade girls to attend Tech Trek (science camp) and for aspiring high school students to participate in Speech Trek. We also hold a Career Day for 5^th-grade girls.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was founded in 1881 by a group of college-educated women who believed in education for women. They worked to make education more widely available to women – to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

For further information and to register for the event visit the branch’s website at AAUW Author’s Luncheon & Auction | La Mesa-El Cajon (CA) Branch. Coordinator of the event is Ways and Means chairperson, Jane Niemeier.

La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been engaged in “equity for all” efforts since the 1950’s and is one of the largest branches in the state. AAUW empowers women and girls by advocating for more women in leadership positions, closing the gender pay gap and preventing sexual harassment and discrimination. We support girls entering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers. We use research, education, and advocacy at the national, state, and branch levels to accomplish these goals. For more information about this organization go to www.lamesaelcajon-ca.aauw.net. New members are always welcomed and do not need to be invited to attend a meeting.