AAUW advances equity for women and girls through
research, education, and advocacy
Our 2025 AAUW-IL State Convention was held April 25-26, 2025 in Springfield, IL
Congratulations to our 2025 Agent of Change:
Karen Hoffman of the Rockford Area branch
Read the 2024 Convention Booklet on the Members Only page
100 Years of AAUW-IL History: View this slide show as shown at our April 2024 State Conference.
The Illinois delegation at the Regional Conference held October 2023 in St Louis, MO
(click photo to enlarge)
Connection newsletter: Stay current on AAUW-IL news in the latest issue of Connection
AAUW Office Hours
National AAUW offers weekly virtual Office Hours sessions every Thursday at 2:30pm CT for member leader inquiries. Register to join our next session!
The 2024-25 AAUW Illinois State Board:
President: Laura Desmarais – Wheaton-Glen Ellyn
Co-Vice Presidents – Programs: Kathyy Battee-Freeman – Springfield & Jo-An Takamoto-Sabonjian – Waukegan
Co-Vice Presidents – Membership: Danielle Byron – Wheaton-Glen Ellyn & Lori Switzer – Chicago, Inc
Director of Finance: Jennifer Urish
Secretary: Carol Heisler – Crystal Lake
AAUW Funds Director: Sylvia Martin – Rock-Island Moline
Director – Bylaws and Policy: Carolyn Schjelderup – Rock Island-Moline
Nominating Committee Chair: Andi Danis – Aurora
Branch Liaison: Sue Topp – Naperville
Co-Directors – Public Policy: Karen Kortsch – Waukegan & Ken Olson – Schaumburg
EQUAL MEANS EQUAL is a film that gives an unflinching look at how women are treated in the United States today. The Gender Equity Fund will provide a DVD or a theater-ready version of this movie with the completion of a reservation form and the receipt of a modest fee. Please complete the form and mail to Carol Heisler. Download the agreement form.
LEG-Up Grants
LEG-Up grants help branches run Local Engagement mission-based projects. Read more about the LEG-Up and other grants offered by AAUW-IL.
Who We Are
AAUW, the oldest women’s organization in the United States, was founded in 1881, and advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
Read more about AAUW at www.aauw.org
Read more about AAUW’s research
Membership Criteria
Any graduate with an associate or equivalent degree or higher may become a member of AAUW. More AAUW-Illinois membership information.
In principle and practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in this organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.
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