AAUW – Bradford Branch met March 9 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Sharie Radzavich, co-president, expressed her appreciation to the hostess committee members, Anita Herbert, Susan Hughes and Holly Spittler and to the Bradford Hospital Foundation for sponsoring the program. Sharie welcomed guests Debbie Digel and Gae Colligan. Program co- chairperson Nancy Dryden introduced the guest speaker, Kimberly Garcia, CNM, DNP.   Garcia is part of the Women’s Health Services at Bradford Regional Medical Center. Garcia began her career as a bi-lingual journalist for a newspaper in Texas covering the violence and unrest created from the civil wars in Central America.  Seeking economic security for her family, Garcia decided to pursue a degree in nursing. Once she started on this path, she was offered full scholarships from Case Western University in Cleveland to pursue her master’s degree as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP).  As part of the Women’s Health Services team, Garcia stressed that she works with women of all ages, not just those who are pregnant, to help them make decisions related to their health needs.  Garcia is the only Doctor of Nursing in the region specializing in natural childbirth and women’s health promotion. She works collaboratively with Dr. Batchev and Dr. Gredzens to provide a comprehensive approach to care designed specifically for women’s health needs.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.  The Bradford Branch of AAUW was established in 1921. Membership is open to any woman who has earned an associate’s (or equivalent, e.g. RN), bachelor’s, or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university.  For more information contact Susan Hughes, membership chairperson.

Submitted by Holly Spittler

The February meeting of the Bradford Branch of AAUW was held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.  Co-president Sharie Radzavich opened the meeting and thanked the hospitality committee of Becky Danias, Flora Cohen and Ann Cavallero.  Dr. Anita J. Herbert, chairperson of the scholarship committee, announced that the AAUW scholarship application has been updated and is available. Susan Hughes, chairperson of membership, discussed some ideas to encourage women in the community to join AAUW. February’s  program, “Hopes, Dreams, Challenges – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” featured a panel discussion of two undergraduate Pitt-Bradford students – Amanda Kelps, a senior public relations major from Bradford and Danielle Erdley, a junior biology major from North Cumberland.  Dr. Holly J. Spittler, associate dean of student affairs served as the moderator. The student panelists shared their thoughts and insights on the role of girls and women in education, and discussed how their personal growth was shaped by the messages and support they received from important women and men in their lives.  AAUW members, many of whom attended college years ago, shared their experiences and memories related to education, family and work. Panelists andAAUW members agreed that girls and women today have much more freedom to pursue careers and opportunities based on their interests and skills, rather than on societal expectations.

Submitted by Holly Spittler

AAUW – Bradford Branch met January 12 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Sharie Radzavich, co-president, expressed her appreciation to the hostess committee members, Isabelle Champlin, Emily Zinsner and Jeanette Matto. Sharie welcomed Lisa Fitzsimmons, the branch’s newest member. Members discussed the passing of Majorie “Marmie” Hodges, a past Outstanding Woman of the Year award recipient and lifetime member of AAUW.  Mary Keller, chairperson of the legislative committee, announced that the National AAUWConvention will be held in New Orleans this year.  Nancy Dryden, Co-chairperson of the programs committee announced that the February meeting, “Hopes, Dreams, Challenges – Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” will feature a panel of Pitt-Bradford students who will talk about their experiences.  Following the business meeting, the group made cloth napkins to support the upcoming Empty Bowls and Baskets Dinner that is scheduled for Thursday, March 21 from 5 to 7 pm at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Since 2006, AAUW members have played an instrumental role in supporting this annual event that raises  awareness and funds to fight hunger.  The mission of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.  The Bradford Branch of AAUW was established in 1921.

submitted by Holly Spitler