About Us
Mission, Theme and Affiliations
AAUW Mission Statement
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research
AAUW Lodi 2025-2026 Theme
The Wisdom We Carry: Stories, Strength and Sisterhood
The Wisdom We Carry — as women, as leaders, as mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends — is the wisdom of our stories. The strength we forge from them. And the sisterhood that makes the journey bearable … and beautiful.
State and National Affiliations:
AAUW California and
AAUW Lodi Goals and Objectives
To ensure that the overall mission and goals of AAUW are at the forefront of all we do and promote within the community.
To engage all members in supporting equity for women and girls in all walks of life.
To continue to grow in membership, involving all members in increasing diversity.
To provide a wide range of goal-oriented programs for members as well as the public.
To improve communication within the community and branch through the website, Facebook, and print media.
To provide scholarships and financial assistance for women and girls.
AAUW Lodi History
The AAUW Lodi branch was chartered in 1959 and incorporated in 1962. Charter members devoted many months to organization under the direction of the first president, Beth Haden.
The national association was founded in 1881. There is AAUW activity at the local, state, and national levels. The purpose of AAUW includes continuing education for its members; advancement of women and girls; and service to the community. AAUW administers the oldest and largest non-university program of graduate fellowships for women in the U.S.
California AAUW was organized in 1921 and has more than 180 active branches. Due to its membership size, the state of California is one of the ten national regions in AAUW. California AAUW is sub-divided into eight districts. The San Joaquin District reaches from Lodi to Amador, south to the Tehachapi Mountains, and from the coast range to the Nevada border.
The Lodi Branch fundraising contributes to the Education Foundation (EF) and Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF). Each year the branch also provides scholarships for middle school girls to attend science and technology Tech Trek camp at CSU Fresno. AAUW activities include monthly meetings, special interest groups, and fundraising activities. The branch participates in community projects and provides annual scholarships to local high school girls.
The Lodi Branch was responsible for the establishment of: Family Life Education program in Lodi public schools, the Friends of the Lodi Library, and the Lodi office of the Women’s Center of San Joaquin County, which was funded in part through a grant awarded by the Educational Foundation of AAUW.
AAUW is open to all persons who hold associate or baccalaureate degrees from accredited colleges or universities and to graduates of foreign institutions recognized by the International Federation of University Women.
Board of Directors
President
Nancy Gonzalez St. Clair is an educator, community leader, and writer whose work is rooted in equity, education, and empowerment. An educator in the Lodi Unified School District for 25 years, she is widely recognized for her strengths in educational leadership, community building, and creative advocacy that support both students and families.
Nancy holds a master’s degree in School Administration from CSU Stanislaus and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Education Leadership at the University of the Pacific. At Live Oak Elementary, she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coach and member of the school leadership team. She helped implement the Ron Clark House System to strengthen school culture and foster a strong sense of belonging. She played a key role in earning her school Platinum-level PBIS recognition from the State of California for two consecutive years.
Nancy’s commitment to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Lodi is driven by her belief that education and advocacy are essential to advancing equity for women and girls. Since joining AAUW Lodi in 2022, she has served as Program Chair and is currently in her second year as President. During her tenure, she helped lead the branch to achieve 4-Star status by meeting national benchmarks in programs, advocacy, communications, and governance. She continues to lead fundraising initiatives and legal and governmental advocacy efforts that directly support women and girls in the community.
As the inaugural Poet Laureate of Lodi, Nancy uses poetry to elevate women’s voices through workshops and public reading programs. Beyond her professional roles, she remains deeply engaged in local nonprofits, mentoring youth, organizing community events, and creating spaces where learning, storytelling, and justice intersect.
Co-President
Veronica Riley has over 20 years of leadership experience across county, state, and private sector environments. Her career has focused mainly on the child support program, where she has worked at every level, from frontline service delivery to executive leadership.
She began her career as a caseworker in Ventura, California, and later served as a senior consultant and lead trainer on the implementation of California’s statewide child support system and other government IT initiatives. Veronica then joined the California Department of Child Support Services, where she held senior leadership roles including Chief of the Statewide Training and Program Oversight Branches, and Regional Administrator. She then served as Assistant Director/Interim Director of the San Joaquin County Department of Child Support Services. She has extensive experience in state and local government, budgeting, policy development and implementation, and training.
At the core of Veronica’s work is a commitment to social justice, kindness, and equity. She is drawn to efforts that expand access to education, strengthen women’s leadership, and create fair, inclusive systems. Throughout her career, she has advanced these values by developing leaders, strengthening organizational culture, and supporting initiatives that improve outcomes for families and communities.
Veronica is the founder of Veronica Riley Training and Consulting, Inc., where she partners with organizations nationwide to strengthen leadership, culture, and performance. She remains engaged with national child support associations and professional networks.
She holds a BA in Political Science from CSU Chico, and a Master of Public Administration from CSU San Bernardino. Veronica is a Myers-Briggs certified practitioner, a contributing member to The Center for a Loving Workplace, and a Meals on Wheels volunteer. She lives in Lodi, California with her husband and their two Sheepadoodles. She enjoys cooking, kayaking, traveling, and dancing. Her current goal is to visit every continent.
Program Co-Vice President
Marne Simpson has lived in Lodi most of her life and enjoys working and contributing to her beloved small community of Lodi. She is an Architect and designs residential and small commercial projects. She also works in the hospitality industry managing a portfolio of short and mid-term vacation rentals. She is very creative and responsive to the developmental needs of local tourist and educational community groups. Marne is an enthusiastic volunteer and has been instrumental in the creation and support of numerous significant local groups that contribute to the betterment of Lodi.
Marne received a high school scholarship from AAUW upon graduation from Tokay High School and went on to receive a degree in Architecture at Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo. After several Architectural internships in southern California and the Bay Area, Marne launched her career in Architectural design at a renowned San Francisco design firm specializing in construction defect detection and reconstruction. This often involved building systems testing and re-construction observation on some of the tallest San Francisco high rises and multi-family residential projects. She eventually opened and managed a branch office in Stockton for the Bay Area firm for several years. Leaving the firm to raise her two daughters, Marne began her own design firm in Lodi once they were flown. Her current “dual” profession of Architectural Design and Vacation Rental Management has sharpened her project management and planning skills as well as her expertise in hosting and promoting the unique attributes of Lodi.
Marne has been a member of the Lodi AAUW branch for over thirty years just as her mother and mother-in-law were before her. Raising two daughters and working in a male-dominated profession has made her an advocate for supporting continued education and STEM learning for young girls. Awareness of the possibilities and encouraging future growth for women has inspired her involvement in almost every aspect of our local AAUW Branch. Marne has served positions from Newsletter Editor to Program Vice-President and Co-President and has gladly served on several committees including Tech Trek and Fundraising, presenting scholarships to local graduates and so much more. She received the Educational Foundation Fellowship Award in 2002.
Each phase of life has brought different opportunities to be involved in different aspects of the local Lodi community. Support of the Hutchins Street Square Arts and Community Center, Lodi Unified Schools and Parent Groups, Sporting and Scholarship Programs, the WOW Museum, the Village Adult Day Care and Community Center, the Lodi Conference and Visitors Bureau, and the Lodi Independent Lodging Association have all inspired and fulfilled her interest in contributing to the Lodi Community. Marne’s involvement with the AAUW Board and interest groups has brought a lifetime of friendships and inspirational connections.
Program Co-Vice President
My name is Ellen Estrada and I am, currently, an officer in AAUW Lodi. I am a retired RN, having worked for over 45 years in my chosen profession.
Most of my professional experience was spent at the patient’s bedside, but I always enjoyed teaching and sharing my acquired knowledge and expertise with others.
I joined AAUW when I learned about their mission of encouraging and promoting higher education for girls and young women.
I attended the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center’s School of Nursing and graduated in 1974. This was a hospital-based nursing program and featured academics along with many hours of bedside experience in, at the time, one of the largest hospitals in the country.
I moved to Lodi about 5 years ago to be closer to my son and daughter-in-law after my retirement. I would like to spend my final years engaged in whatever role I can find, in making the world a better, safer space for humanity.
Membership Co-Vice President
Roberta Williams serves as Membership Co-Vice President of AAUW Lodi.
Membership Co-Vice President
Aleathea Langone serves as Membership Co-Vice President of AAUW Lodi.
She attended U.C. Berkeley and has a B.A. in molecular biology. She is a retired Lodi Unified educator.
Recording Secretary Board
Dr. Elizabeth Orwin is an educator and engineering leader dedicated to shaping the future of STEM education. As Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of the Pacific, she brings a student-centered, equity-driven approach to innovation, design, and experiential learning.
In her role as dean, Elizabeth has led transformative initiatives that place students at the center of learning. She launched an interdisciplinary first-year design and innovation course grounded in real-world community projects, guided the school’s participation in the Kern Engineering Entrepreneurial Network to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, and led the creation of the school’s Makerspace, now a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving.
Elizabeth is deeply aligned with AAUW’s mission to advance equity for women and girls. Her lifelong commitment to expanding access and opportunity, particularly for those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM,drives her advocacy, leadership, and service. She believes education is a powerful lever for social change and works to ensure that girls and women can see themselves as innovators, engineers, and leaders.
Elizabeth brings extensive expertise in engineering education, design thinking, and inclusive pedagogy. Her professional experience spans higher education leadership, curriculum development, community-engaged learning, and STEM outreach for K–12 students.
Elizabeth teaches engineering design to high school students and leads outreach programs such as MESA and Science Blast. She is actively involved in the community as a volunteer and leader, having served as past president and board secretary of the AAUW Lodi branch. She supports programs like Tech Trek and contributes to organizations including the Society of Women Engineers. A former Girl Scout leader, Lego League coach, and science fair organizer, she is guided by values instilled by her parents and motivated by a simple, powerful mission: to inspire and support young people as they learn to create meaningful impact in the world.
Recording Secretary General
Karla Franck is a community-oriented professional with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising, event coordination, and health education. Brings over a decade of experience serving the Lodi community through hospital outreach, civic projects, and faith-based initiatives. Skilled in public relations, creative programming, and health promotion. Passionate about building partnerships that uplift families, promote wellness, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Karla graduated from Lincoln High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications – Journalism | Minor: Music from Azusa Pacific University. She is BSI Certified at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Hospital and CPR/AED Certified at American Red Cross (Adult, Infant & Child).
She has worked as a Fundraising Committee Member at Adventist Health Lodi Memorial as well as a Fitness Instructor at Twin Arbors Athletic Club and a barista at Starbucks.
She has served the community as a Health & Safety Event Coodinator for Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi, Creative Minds & Farm Day Event Coordinator at Lodi World of Wonders Science Museum, Beautification Committee Member at Downtown Lodi Business Alliance, Event Coordinator – National Night Out (Lodi Police Department Partnership at Vinewood Community Church and Mission Photographer at Mennonite Disaster Service Mission Project.
Corresponding Secretary
Michele Scardigli serves as the corresponding secretary for AAUW Lodi.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Davidson College and a Master's degree in occupational therapy from Texas Woman's University.
Treasurer
With over fifteen years of dedicated service in the telecommunications industry, Kaery Castillo-Ferreira brings a multifaceted skill set honed through dynamic roles in credit risk management, auditing, operations, and sales. Currently serving as a Business Strategy Manager within T-Mobile’s Credit Risk Management, Kaery plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing risk mitigation strategies that safeguard the company’s financial health while enabling responsible growth in the commercial lending space.
She has spearheaded the development of robust credit risk frameworks that proactively identify and manage potential liabilities, significantly reducing exposure to commercial credit defaults. Her work has led to measurable reductions in bad debt through data-driven analysis, enhanced underwriting practices, and cross-functional alignment on risk tolerance thresholds. By integrating strategic insights with operational execution, Kaery ensures that risk is managed not as a constraint but as a catalyst for sustainable growth.
The daughter of entrepreneurial parents, Kaery grew up with a front-row view of the challenges and opportunities that come with business ownership—instilling in her a lifelong passion for financial literacy and economic empowerment.
Kaery holds an MBA from the University of La Verne and a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University.
Membership Treasurer
For the past 50 years, Linda Hammons has been a member of Lodi AAUW. Linda has appreciated how membership has had value during different stages of life—raising two children, a career as a teacher, an ongoing interest in community service, and now retirement.
During her career, Linda was a kindergarten teacher and teacher coach. She holds a bilingual certificate and a teaching credential from UCLA. She began her career with the Urban Teacher Corps in East Los Angeles, where she worked with children from low-income families. She then served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa. After the move to Lodi, she wanted to connect with her new community and was lucky enough to discover AAUW. Over the years, Linda has served as president, program vice president, newsletter editor, scholarship chair, Be Informed chair, and membership treasurer. Through AAUW, she has benefitted from mentoring by phenomenal women (and now the inspiration of talented younger members), lifelong friendships, continuing opportunities to learn and develop leadership skills, and the pride of being a part of an organization that improves lives for women and girls.
Retirement has meant more time for community service with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Women’s Center of San Joaquin County (now Prevail), and Breakthrough Project youth activities that celebrate living together in a diverse community. Thankfully, it has also provided time to be with friends, to read books with her book group, to travel with family (including twin grandsons), to Jazzercise, to walk at Lodi Lake, to play Words With Friends—and to usually have a jigsaw puzzle going!
Committees
Directory
Carolyn Ross
Donna Swinney
Festival of Trees
Maurie Jacinto
Fundraising
OPEN
Historian
Liz Orwin (acting)
Holiday Party
Liz Orwin
Hospitality
Jan Wakefield
Legal Advocacy Fund
Nancy Gonzalez St. Clair
Newsletter
Michele Scardigli, Editor
Carolyn Ross, Publisher
Photographer
Karla Franck
Public Policy
Michele Scardigli
Publicity
Elena Wong
Scholarships
Manina Moles
SJ County Committee on the Status of Women
Nancy Mellor
Michele Scardigli
Elena Wong
Tech Trek
Michele Scardigli
Website
La Cinda Brasiel