Presenters
Gloria L. Blackwell
AAUW Chief Executive Officier
Gloria, in addition to her role as CEO, is also AAUW’s main representative to the United Nations. Among her many accomplishments is her 15-year management of AAUW’s highly esteemed fellowships and grants program—awarding more than $70 million in funding to women scholars and programs in the U.S. and overseas.
Gloria has also been the driving force behind AAUW’s signature programs, including its salary negotiation trainings, which have reached nearly 190,000 nationwide. She has worked on pay equity initiatives with public officials in Washington D.C., New York City, Boston and Pittsburgh, as well as with numerous other state and municipal partners. She also worked with the National Science Foundation to increase girls participation in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Most notably, Gloria has significantly expanded the AAUW’s outreach to girls and women of color.
Before joining AAUW in 2004 she was the director of Africa education programs at the Institute of International Education (IIE). She also managed fellowships programs during her decade at IIE and has held positions as a Peace Corps staff member and volunteer in Africa. She holds a master’s degree in education and human development from the George Washington University, a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and studied at the American University in Paris. Gloria is committed to supporting opportunities and empowerment for women and girls globally.
Gloria has also been the driving force behind AAUW’s signature programs, including its salary negotiation trainings, which have reached nearly 190,000 nationwide. She has worked on pay equity initiatives with public officials in Washington D.C., New York City, Boston and Pittsburgh, as well as with numerous other state and municipal partners. She also worked with the National Science Foundation to increase girls participation in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Most notably, Gloria has significantly expanded the AAUW’s outreach to girls and women of color.
Before joining AAUW in 2004 she was the director of Africa education programs at the Institute of International Education (IIE). She also managed fellowships programs during her decade at IIE and has held positions as a Peace Corps staff member and volunteer in Africa. She holds a master’s degree in education and human development from the George Washington University, a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and studied at the American University in Paris. Gloria is committed to supporting opportunities and empowerment for women and girls globally.
Danielle L. C. Beach-Oswald
Danielle is Partner and Founder of BOILA PC for past 17 and has been an immigration attorney practicing for past 30 years. As a member of AILA since 1992, she has been on many AILA committees with EOIR, ICE and CBP and has been servicing as Chair of EOIR liaison to the courts. She earned her B.A and M.A in Comparative Literature from University of California, and practices in a wide range of areas including removal proceedings, federal litigation, asylum, family law, SIJS and custody, Consular processing and employment-based immigration law especially EB 2 NIW. She has served spoken at various panels and immigration conferences as a speaker and has written a number of articles published by Immigration Briefings and Interpreter Releases. Since 2011 to present she has been listed as a Superlawyer in the Washington Post and DC magazine and since 2017 she was listed in Washingtonian magazine as Washington ‘s top lawyers. In 2018 she was listed in Washington Post as top 50 Women Lawyers. She continues to Chair AILA DC EOIR liaison committee.
Dian Belanger
An AAUW life member, Dian Belanger has held leadership positions including president of the Rockville and Kensington-Rockville branches and president of the then-Maryland State Division. On the national level, she served as Middle Atlantic Regional Director, Legal Advocacy Fund Director, Executive Vice President, and Educational Foundation Program Vice President. AAUW MD members generously funded an endowed International Fellowship in her name. She has volunteered with the AAUW Capitol Hill Lobby Corps and currently works with the AAUW Archives Corps.
First a history teacher, later a public historian, Dian has published three peer-reviewed books. She also worked as associate curator and technical editor for engineering exhibits at the National Building Museum and curatorial associate and docent at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. She is currently a docent at the National Portrait Gallery.
Dian earned her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in history from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Master of Arts in American Studies from the George Washington University, with additional graduate work at the University of Southern California and California State University, Los Angeles.
First a history teacher, later a public historian, Dian has published three peer-reviewed books. She also worked as associate curator and technical editor for engineering exhibits at the National Building Museum and curatorial associate and docent at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. She is currently a docent at the National Portrait Gallery.
Dian earned her Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in history from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a Master of Arts in American Studies from the George Washington University, with additional graduate work at the University of Southern California and California State University, Los Angeles.
Becky Gaul
Becky is retired after a long career as a federal government technology specialist and analyst in Washington, DC, Boston, and North Carolina. She has been a member of the Falls Church Virginia AAUW Branch for more than forty years, serving in many leadership positions. Her favorite AAUW role continues to be participating in the Action Fund Capitol Hill Lobby Corps, regularly representing AAUW members nationwide through in-person visits to Senate and House offices, helping to bring AAUW Public Policy into reality at a nationwide level.
Mary Ann Gorman
Mary Ann is a member of AAUW Anne Arundel, MD Branch and AAUW Easton, MD Branch. She is also chair of the Maryland Chapter – National Organization for Women Equal Rights Amendment Task Force, steering committee member at Maryland Equal Rights Action Network and team member of the National Sign4ERA Petition (if you haven’t already signed it, please do so at www.sign4ERA.org). Her resolve to see the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) published as the 28th Amendment was sparked by the 2020 Supreme Court Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade. She believes the only way to ensure permanent protections for gender equality is to enshrine them in the Constitution. Before becoming an ERA activist, Mary Ann was an education consultant working with universities and advocacy groups to improve education outcomes for students with disabilities. She lives in Stevensville, MD with her husband Jeff. She enjoys visiting her daughters in Brooklyn and Washington, DC; taking walks with friends; and exploring new places with Jeff.
Ajla Glavasevic Laussegger
Ajla Glavasevic Laussegger serves as Deputy General Counsel & Global Data Privacy Officer of a global chemical manufacturing company in Conshohocken, PA, Quaker Houghton. There, she leads the Data Privacy organization, advises on business matters, drafts and reviews contracts, and provides legal support and leadership in litigation, regulatory matters, corporate restructuring, labor and employment matters, corporate compliance, crisis management, corporate governance, artificial intelligence, investigations, mergers and acquisitions, environmental matters, and day-to-day business needs of the organization.
Ajla serves on the board of AAUW PA as the Diversity Officer, and previously served as the Secretary.
Ajla serves on the board of AAUW PA as the Diversity Officer, and previously served as the Secretary.
Janine Greenwood
For fifty years’ Janine Greenwood has been an organizational leader, chief legal officer and policy strategist for media and nonprofit organizations. She worked with governments on a national, state, and local level to forward organizational goals. Her roles within AAUW have included four years as member of AAUW National Governance Committee, where she was involved in two bylaw revisions and the creation of a civility code; new member of the AAUW National Public Policy Committee; member of Lobby Corps; former Co-Vice President Public Policy AAUW-VA; and President of Reston-Herndon Area Branch.
Carol A. Griffith
Carol is the AAUW NYS Immediate Past President, AAUW NYS Vice President Public Policy and a member of the National Advancement Committee. A resident of Williamsville, New York, Carol is a Patient Representative in the VA Western New York Healthcare System.
Carol was appointed Federal Women’s Program Manager for the VA WNY Healthcare System and held that position for eighteen years. Carol was elected Federal Women’s Program Network President.
Carol is long time member of the Friends of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Supporter of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, New York. Carol is a long-time supporter of the Women in Military Service Memorial, Washington, D.C. Carol was a volunteer for the Veterans National Golden Age Games, National Veterans Creative Art Festival, Dedication of the World War II Memorial, and Crisis Service Hospital Advocate.
Carol has been recognized for her government community service and local community service by VA WNY Healthcare System, The Federal Executive Board, the YWCA of WNY, Erie County Veterans Service Agency, Buffalo Area Waves, Unit 113, and Crisis Service of WNY.
Carol was appointed Federal Women’s Program Manager for the VA WNY Healthcare System and held that position for eighteen years. Carol was elected Federal Women’s Program Network President.
Carol is long time member of the Friends of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and Supporter of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, New York. Carol is a long-time supporter of the Women in Military Service Memorial, Washington, D.C. Carol was a volunteer for the Veterans National Golden Age Games, National Veterans Creative Art Festival, Dedication of the World War II Memorial, and Crisis Service Hospital Advocate.
Carol has been recognized for her government community service and local community service by VA WNY Healthcare System, The Federal Executive Board, the YWCA of WNY, Erie County Veterans Service Agency, Buffalo Area Waves, Unit 113, and Crisis Service of WNY.
Meghan Kissell
Meghan Kissell is the Senior Director of Policy and Member Advocacy at the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She leads AAUW’s non-partisan and mission-driven public policy at the federal level and supports the grassroots advocacy work of AAUW’s membership network.
Meghan has more than 20 years of nonprofit policy and issue developing and implementing targeted social impact strategies designed to engage key stakeholders and policy makers to advocate for positive policy outcomes.
Prior to joining AAUW, Meghan worked on state and local health policy with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and led efforts to expand LGBTQ equality in the Deep South with the Human Rights Campaign. She also worked for the Conservation Lands Foundation to help lead local and national campaigns in the Western United States resulting in the successful protection of more than 5 million acres of public land. She was also previously AAUW’s Field Director, supporting local advocacy engagement and volunteer get out the vote efforts.
Meghan has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on community organizing from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania.
Meghan has more than 20 years of nonprofit policy and issue developing and implementing targeted social impact strategies designed to engage key stakeholders and policy makers to advocate for positive policy outcomes.
Prior to joining AAUW, Meghan worked on state and local health policy with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and led efforts to expand LGBTQ equality in the Deep South with the Human Rights Campaign. She also worked for the Conservation Lands Foundation to help lead local and national campaigns in the Western United States resulting in the successful protection of more than 5 million acres of public land. She was also previously AAUW’s Field Director, supporting local advocacy engagement and volunteer get out the vote efforts.
Meghan has a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on community organizing from Howard University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania.
Jennifer Lai-Peterson
Jennifer Lai-Peterson is an experienced voting rights attorney, legal strategist, and movement lawyer. A litigator and former union and community organizer, Jen served for nearly eight years as senior attorney in the Power and Democracy Program at Advancement Project, a national civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. Her work focused on advancing a federal constitutional right to vote amendment as well as state-based voting rights restoration efforts alongside grassroots civic engagement groups. Her practice also included defending such groups and individual voters against voter suppression tactics in multiple states including Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Louisiana.
Prior to rejoining Advancement Project in 2015, Jen served as a staff attorney with Advancement Project and the National Immigration Law Center in New Orleans, where she worked extensively racial and economic justice issues in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Jen has also practiced in the litigation group of Morrison & Foerster and with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd in San Diego. While in private practice, she won a Distinguished Service Award (Pro Bono Publico) in recognition of her outstanding contributions of legal services to the indigent community in San Diego. She also served as an adjunct lecturer at the Center for Labor Research and Education (Labor Center) at U.C. Berkeley. Jen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and UCLA School of Law.
DeLane Lewis
DeLane Lewis is the President of Together We Will Harford County/Upper Chesapeake (TWW) in Harford County, Maryland. TWW is an inclusive and diverse group of neighbors that will Reach Out, Speak Out and Step Out whenever democracy is marginalized or jeopardized. TWW fights for social justice and community where all can thrive. In her role as president, DeLane has helped facilitate rallies over issues of healthcare, immigration, policing, educational issues. And has hosted candidate forums, helped conduct community surveys and worked to build a coalition with other local and state organizations. She also helped organize the region's first Pride Festival and is a founding member of Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Foundation, Inc.
DeLane attended Goucher College and University of Baltimore Law school. She worked in a general law practice, with a focus on family law and adoption. In her second career she opened a real estate brokerage and has renovated and sold homes in the Baltimore area.
DeLane attended Goucher College and University of Baltimore Law school. She worked in a general law practice, with a focus on family law and adoption. In her second career she opened a real estate brokerage and has renovated and sold homes in the Baltimore area.
Jamie Lockhart
Jamie Lockhart, with nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit advocacy, political organizing, and public policy, currently leads Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia. As Executive Director, she's dedicated to preserving and broadening reproductive health care access through a multi-faceted approach, including legislation, education, electoral activity, and litigation. Her prior role as National Director of Mission: Readiness saw her mobilizing over 700 retired admirals and generals to strengthen national security through evidence-based investments in children. Jamie’s political acumen was honed on Virginia's campaign trails, notably with President Obama’s 2012 reelection, and through her legislative and digital communication roles on Capitol Hill.
Hailing from Chesterfield County, Virginia, Jamie is a James Madison University alumna, where she earned her BA in Political Science with magna cum laude honors, before securing an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jamie is passionate about fitness and wellness, being a certified fitness instructor and triathlete, all while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with two young children.
Hailing from Chesterfield County, Virginia, Jamie is a James Madison University alumna, where she earned her BA in Political Science with magna cum laude honors, before securing an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School. Beyond her professional pursuits, Jamie is passionate about fitness and wellness, being a certified fitness instructor and triathlete, all while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood with two young children.
Edwina Martin, Esq.
Hon. Edwina Frances Martin, Esq., is a public interest lawyer experienced in Litigation, Public Policy, Government Relations, Non-Profit Management, and Strategic Communications. She is the Commissioner, Public Administrator of Richmond County, responsible for the administration of estates of persons that have left no will, and where there is no qualified person(s) to administer the decedent’s estate. Duties of the position include providing for burial arrangements when no close relative is available to do so; protecting the decedent’s property from waste, loss, or theft; and locating persons entitled to inherit from the estate and ensuring that legal distributes receive their inheritance.
Prior to her current appointment Ms. Martin served as Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff for former NYC Councilwoman Debi Rose (49th District); Director of Government Relations, Communications & Pro Bono for Legal Services NYC; and litigation associate with the law firms of Shearman & Sterling LLP, Herrick Feinstein LLP, and Van Lierop, Burns & Bassett LLP. She began her legal career serving as law clerk to the Hon. Lawrence W. Pierce in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Ms. Martin volunteers extensively within her home community and the New York legal community. Her volunteer work includes the American Association of University Women (past New York State president; past Branch President; member, national board of directors); the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Co-Chair, Social Action); the New York State Bar Association (Delegate, House of Delegates (13th JD)); National Council of Negro Women/SI (Chair, Social Justice); Soroptimist International of Staten Island (Chair, Live Your Dream Award); Staten Island Meals on Wheels (board member); St. John’s Episcopal Church (Vestry member); the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association (past president); and the Alice Austen House & Museum (member, Advisory Board).
Ms. Martin graduated from New York University School of Law (Vanderbilt Medal, Arthur Garfield Hayes Civil Liberties Fellow, Convocation Speaker, and NAACP LDF Earl Warren Scholarship Fellow) and holds her B.A. in Art History from Williams College (Dean’s List, Art History Merit Award Winner).
Prior to her current appointment Ms. Martin served as Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff for former NYC Councilwoman Debi Rose (49th District); Director of Government Relations, Communications & Pro Bono for Legal Services NYC; and litigation associate with the law firms of Shearman & Sterling LLP, Herrick Feinstein LLP, and Van Lierop, Burns & Bassett LLP. She began her legal career serving as law clerk to the Hon. Lawrence W. Pierce in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Ms. Martin volunteers extensively within her home community and the New York legal community. Her volunteer work includes the American Association of University Women (past New York State president; past Branch President; member, national board of directors); the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Co-Chair, Social Action); the New York State Bar Association (Delegate, House of Delegates (13th JD)); National Council of Negro Women/SI (Chair, Social Justice); Soroptimist International of Staten Island (Chair, Live Your Dream Award); Staten Island Meals on Wheels (board member); St. John’s Episcopal Church (Vestry member); the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association (past president); and the Alice Austen House & Museum (member, Advisory Board).
Ms. Martin graduated from New York University School of Law (Vanderbilt Medal, Arthur Garfield Hayes Civil Liberties Fellow, Convocation Speaker, and NAACP LDF Earl Warren Scholarship Fellow) and holds her B.A. in Art History from Williams College (Dean’s List, Art History Merit Award Winner).
Ingrid Guillen Marquina
Ingrid Guillen Marquina is a Chemistry Lab Safety Coordinator at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus, and a proud recipient of the AAUW Career Development Grant for 2023-2024. She holds an MS in Chemistry from George Mason University, where she received the "Outstanding Graduating MS Student Award". Fluent in Spanish, Ingrid is dedicated to fostering inclusivity. She lives in Stafford, Virginia, enjoying Latin music, cooking, and cultural engagement.
Anjali Mehrotra
Anjali Mehrotra is the founder of Equality, Period. NJ – an advocacy coalition that focuses on menstrual equity for all and raising awareness regarding period poverty and stigma. The coalition played an instrumental role in passing legislation to provide free menstrual products in NJ public schools in 2023. Anjali also serves on the Board of Trustees of Union College of Union County, NJ. In addition, she was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to the New Jersey Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission in 2022, and to the New Jersey-India Commission in 2024. In 2023 she joined the Executive Board of American Association of University Women (AAUW) of New Jersey as Vice President of Communications and Director of Public Policy.
Anjali was born and raised in Calcutta, India. She came to New Jersey to pursue higher education and received a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Science from Stevens Institute of Technology in the field of Computer Science. After seven years as a software consultant, she obtained her Certification in Digital Design from Parsons School of Design and started her own freelance design business and her certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell. In 2023, Anjali was honored to receive the Woman as Agent of Change award from AAUW NJ and be recognized as a Menstrual Equity Champion by two national advocacy organizations Period. Inc and Period Law.
Anjali was born and raised in Calcutta, India. She came to New Jersey to pursue higher education and received a Bachelor of Engineering and a Master of Science from Stevens Institute of Technology in the field of Computer Science. After seven years as a software consultant, she obtained her Certification in Digital Design from Parsons School of Design and started her own freelance design business and her certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell. In 2023, Anjali was honored to receive the Woman as Agent of Change award from AAUW NJ and be recognized as a Menstrual Equity Champion by two national advocacy organizations Period. Inc and Period Law.
Andrea Miller
Andrea Miller is the Founding Board Member of the Center for Common Ground, Executive Director of People Demanding Action, Founding President of the National Women’s Political Caucus of Virginia. Andrea is an IT and Political Director and a digital and elections strategist. She designs and administers digital phone banks and texting programs. From 2013 to 2015, she led the Progressive Round Table on Capitol Hill, bringing together members of Congress, activists, and non-profit leaders. Her expertise is in voting rights, climate, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She has successfully advocated for legislation on both the Federal and State level. In 2008 she was the Democratic nominee for the Virginia 4th Congressional district.
Kristin Moyer
Kristin Moyer, a life member of AAUW who celebrated fifty years as an AAUW member in 2021, is a member of the AAUW National Legacy Circle Team. She serves as a Legacy Circle liaison to the states of Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina, West Virginia, and the District.
Kristin is a past president of AAUW of Virginia and served on the state board for eight years. Kristin was local arrangements co-chair for the AAUW national conference held in Washington DC, 1989. She has served numerous times in elected and appointed positions in the Vienna Area Branch of AAUW including three terms as branch president, and has developed and led community action projects for the branch.
Kristin is a writer, poet, and storyteller and publishes a blog www.notawimpywidow.com. She is an avid traveler, genealogist, and gardener.
Kristin is a past president of AAUW of Virginia and served on the state board for eight years. Kristin was local arrangements co-chair for the AAUW national conference held in Washington DC, 1989. She has served numerous times in elected and appointed positions in the Vienna Area Branch of AAUW including three terms as branch president, and has developed and led community action projects for the branch.
Kristin is a writer, poet, and storyteller and publishes a blog www.notawimpywidow.com. She is an avid traveler, genealogist, and gardener.
Dr. Carol L. Mueller
Dr. Carol L. Mueller is an experienced educator retired from Harford Community College where she was an assistant professor in math and Earth Science. Dr. Mueller earned an associate degree in Education from the College of DuPage, a Bachelor of Education in Earth and Space Science, a Master of Education in Geology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Arkansas. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning, completing two more certifications, one in Leadership for Higher Education and one in Developmental Education. Her interest in student success led her to serve on the board for the National Center for Developmental Education and as a presenter at the Kellogg Institute at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Since 2009, Dr. Mueller has worked with three schools in Meru District South in Kenya, helping them with resources needed to provide a quality education to their students. After retiring in January of 2020, she was appointed by the county council to complete a term on the Harford County School Board. She was elected to a second term and has served as both President and Vice President of the Board. Dr. Mueller has served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and is the chair of the Conference Program Committee.
Dr. Mueller lives in Bel Air, Maryland with her husband. She has two children, and four grandchildren. She teaches Sunday School, sings in the choir and serves as the Elder in charge of administration and personnel at her church. Carol volunteers for several non-profits and enjoys reading, knitting, travel and spending time with her family. She has served as President and Program VP for the Harford County branch of AAUW, and Membership VP and Treasurer for Maryland AAUW.
Since 2009, Dr. Mueller has worked with three schools in Meru District South in Kenya, helping them with resources needed to provide a quality education to their students. After retiring in January of 2020, she was appointed by the county council to complete a term on the Harford County School Board. She was elected to a second term and has served as both President and Vice President of the Board. Dr. Mueller has served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and is the chair of the Conference Program Committee.
Dr. Mueller lives in Bel Air, Maryland with her husband. She has two children, and four grandchildren. She teaches Sunday School, sings in the choir and serves as the Elder in charge of administration and personnel at her church. Carol volunteers for several non-profits and enjoys reading, knitting, travel and spending time with her family. She has served as President and Program VP for the Harford County branch of AAUW, and Membership VP and Treasurer for Maryland AAUW.
Heather Reichardt, MRICS, CMI
Heather Reichardt is the current AAUW Maryland President. She has previously held several state offices including Co-VP for Programs and Secretary. She is also very active in the Gaithersburg, Maryland AAUW Branch, serving a President there, as well. Heather just started volunteering with Ranked Choice Voting Maryland this year.
Heather’s professional career centered around real estate tax consulting for several companies over the years, including Marriott International and Ernst & Young. She just retired from Ernst & Young of July 1 of this year. She participates in several professional groups oriented toward her real estate work including the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and the IPT (Institute for Professionals in Taxation). She has served as local chapter chair as well as Symposium Chair for these organizations.
Heather earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on real estate and urban development from American University in Washington, DC and Masters of Science in Real Estate from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Although a native of Pennsylvania, Heather has lived in Montgomery County, Maryland for many years with her husband, daughter and two dogs. Her son and daughter-in-law live in Takoma Park, MD.
Heather’s professional career centered around real estate tax consulting for several companies over the years, including Marriott International and Ernst & Young. She just retired from Ernst & Young of July 1 of this year. She participates in several professional groups oriented toward her real estate work including the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) and the IPT (Institute for Professionals in Taxation). She has served as local chapter chair as well as Symposium Chair for these organizations.
Heather earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on real estate and urban development from American University in Washington, DC and Masters of Science in Real Estate from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Although a native of Pennsylvania, Heather has lived in Montgomery County, Maryland for many years with her husband, daughter and two dogs. Her son and daughter-in-law live in Takoma Park, MD.
Vashti Dominiqué Robinson, CPC, ELI-MP, CIC
Vashti Dominiqué Robinson is a Certified Professional Life Coach and Psychology major attending Howard University in Washington, DC. Choosing a nontraditional route, Vashti began a career in commercial real estate after graduating high school, and worked her way to mid-level management before age 30.
In her mid-30’s, Vashti pivoted from asset management to business development before resigning in 2020 to launch her coaching practice and complete her post-secondary education. In 2023, after attending Northern Virginia Community College off and on for 28 years, she graduated cum laude with an Associate of Science in General Studies.
Vashti is a dedicated humanitarian and volunteers her time and skills to women and youth in the greater Washington, DC area. She also serves as a volunteer lobbyist with AAUW’s Washington, DC Policy Center Lobby Corps program.
In her mid-30’s, Vashti pivoted from asset management to business development before resigning in 2020 to launch her coaching practice and complete her post-secondary education. In 2023, after attending Northern Virginia Community College off and on for 28 years, she graduated cum laude with an Associate of Science in General Studies.
Vashti is a dedicated humanitarian and volunteers her time and skills to women and youth in the greater Washington, DC area. She also serves as a volunteer lobbyist with AAUW’s Washington, DC Policy Center Lobby Corps program.
Diane Schrier
Sue Shineman
Sue is a 50-year member of AAUW, having served her branch in many capacities. She is currently president of AAUW Missouri and served as co-chair of the Central States Regional Conference in St. Louis, October 2023. During this presidency, her theme is Action & Advocacy – Living the Mission of AAUW with a focus on collaboration.
Also in 2023, Sue was one of 3 presenters on a national I & E Webinar. She is the creator of ‘Inclusion Infusion’ activities, helping branches share DEI in 10-minute interactive settings. As state president in 2021, she was a charter member in the class of AAUW Zoom presidents leading through Covid. During that time, she directed the establishment and work of the state DEI committee.
Sue is a Legacy Circle member and enjoys serving on the National Governance Committee. She holds degrees from Brown Mackie School of Business and Kansas State University. Living in Independence, MO and being active in the First United Methodist Church is a very important part of her life. She is proud to have three daughters, all of whom are making a difference in the lives of their students as educators.
Also in 2023, Sue was one of 3 presenters on a national I & E Webinar. She is the creator of ‘Inclusion Infusion’ activities, helping branches share DEI in 10-minute interactive settings. As state president in 2021, she was a charter member in the class of AAUW Zoom presidents leading through Covid. During that time, she directed the establishment and work of the state DEI committee.
Sue is a Legacy Circle member and enjoys serving on the National Governance Committee. She holds degrees from Brown Mackie School of Business and Kansas State University. Living in Independence, MO and being active in the First United Methodist Church is a very important part of her life. She is proud to have three daughters, all of whom are making a difference in the lives of their students as educators.
Emily Sumner
Emily Sumner is an immigration lawyer running her own practice in Richmond, VA (www.sumnerimmigration.com). She and her team focus on employment-based and family-based immigration law, assisting clients from all over the United States, and the world. She has practiced immigration law exclusively throughout her career, focusing on development of systems and procedures that streamline and simplify the visa process and that decrease the often lengthy application period. It’s critical to Emily that her clients have a clear understanding of their immigration options, including the pros and cons of the various options. She and her team practice immigration law with keen attention to detail, determination, thoroughness, and empathetic minds and hearts.
Emily works with companies and organizations in the fields of pharmaceutical development, information technology, fintech, veterinary medicine, education, and robotics, among other industries. Her client base includes start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations of all sizes in between. As part of her job, she really enjoys working both with HR and directly with employees to make sure everyone is well-educated about the process and has reasonable expectations in terms of expected timelines and outcomes so employees are happy and productive, rather than worried about or frustrated with their immigration processes. She also regularly presents at professional gatherings including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (national and chapter levels).
Emily lives in the greater Richmond area with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs. She’s very active in her church, having served on Boards and committees including the Board of Administration, Board of Missions, personnel committee, vitality committee, and regularly participating in missions projects and community outreach. She’s a proud third-generation alum of Wake Forest University (undergrad) and attended University of Richmond School of Law.
Emily works with companies and organizations in the fields of pharmaceutical development, information technology, fintech, veterinary medicine, education, and robotics, among other industries. Her client base includes start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, and organizations of all sizes in between. As part of her job, she really enjoys working both with HR and directly with employees to make sure everyone is well-educated about the process and has reasonable expectations in terms of expected timelines and outcomes so employees are happy and productive, rather than worried about or frustrated with their immigration processes. She also regularly presents at professional gatherings including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (national and chapter levels).
Emily lives in the greater Richmond area with her husband, teenage son, and two dogs. She’s very active in her church, having served on Boards and committees including the Board of Administration, Board of Missions, personnel committee, vitality committee, and regularly participating in missions projects and community outreach. She’s a proud third-generation alum of Wake Forest University (undergrad) and attended University of Richmond School of Law.
Liberty Tennyson
Liberty Tennyson is a senior at Shenandoah University studying History, Political Science, and Global Studies. She is heavily involved on campus as the Voter Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Civic Engagement and has a position on Shenandoah’s Student Government Association. Her plans following undergrad is continuing her education and going to graduate school studying International Relations, Foreign Service, or Conflict Resolution and Analysis. She was the 2023 NCCWSL attendee through the Winchester AAUW Branch and loved her experience there.