Branch Meetings and Programs
Interested in AAUW but not a member? Come share a meal with us during a monthly meeting and see what you’re missing! Guests may come for the program only at no charge.
Saturday, February 7, 2026 Branch Meeting
Social starts at 8:45 am, Brunch at 9:30 am, Program at 10:15 am
Brunch is $25. Student members $15. Attending the program only is free.
University of Redlands, Casa Loma Room, 1173 E. Brockton Ave., Redlands, CA.
Reservations: RSVPs are accepted on a space-available basis only via email or phone at this time. If you have issues with online reservations, please email AAUWrsvp@AAUWRedlands.org or call 909-362-4955.
Program: Dr. Gwendolyn Dowdy-Rodgers will speak on the “Role of an Elected School Board Member 101” at the AAUW Redlands branch meeting on February 7, 2026. She is a dynamic and respected leader, currently serving as President of the San Bernardino County Board of Education and President and CEO of the Arrowhead United Way. Previously, she completed two terms as a board member for San Bernardino City Unified School District and continues to spend countless hours working in the community, serving on boards, and is also a commissioner for San Bernardino First 5 Children and Families Commission.
In 2023, she was profiled on PBS SoCal, where she talked about the importance of citizens getting involved in government meetings. Similarly, Dr. Rodgers will discuss public participation in school board meetings, active involvement during public comments, and how to contribute to policy discussions at the meeting. She said, “Whether it’s advocacy or policy making at the school board meeting, the focus should always be on students.”
She is a wife, mother, and lifetime resident of San Bernardino. She holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, a master’s degree in human resource management, and a doctorate in educational leadership. She spent over 20 years in finance management, followed by 14 years as a foster youth mental health community development specialist, before joining Arrowhead United Way.
Almost two decades ago, she created the Young Women’s Empowerment Foundation (YWE), a social, emotional, and academic enrichment program where the mission is to empower young women 12-21 to reach their highest aspirations. To date, YWE has mentored four thousand plus young women and provided scholarships.
Dr. Rodgers is a champion of the people and fights every day to make sure there is equity for all students, parents, staff, and community. She continues to work on educational issues to close the equity gap while providing advocacy to ensure all school sites have wellness centers to address the social, emotional, and mental health needs of everyone.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 Branch Meeting
Time: Social starts at 8:45 am, Brunch at 9:30 am, Program at 10:15 am
Location: University of Redlands, Casa Loma Room, 1173 E. Brockton Ave., Redlands, CA.
Reservations: Please make your reservation(s) online by February 22, 2026, at https://forms.office.com/r/ThNzaPZ1F3. After February 22, RSVPs are accepted on a space-available basis by emailing AAUWrsvp@AAUWRedlands.org or calling 909-362-4955.
Meal Cost: Brunch is $25. Student members $15.
Attending the program only is free.
Program:
Higher education researcher Brianna Huynh will speak on “Finding Belonging in Mathematics: From Transfer Student to Researcher” at the AAUW Redlands Branch meeting on March 7, 2026. Brianna will share her “nontraditional” journey through higher education, where she earned an associate’s degree from American River College, a B.A. in Mathematics from Pomona College, and is on her way to completing a master’s degree in Mathematics at Cal Poly, Pomona.
Brianna is a recipient of the 2025-26 AAUW Selected Professions Fellowship and currently serves as the 2025-26 Andrew Nichols Higher Education Research Fellow at EdTrust.
Brianna’s personal narrative informs her master’s thesis, a research project examining the experiences of mathematics students who transferred from community colleges to local four-year universities. She will describe her research methodology, presenting her initial findings and focusing particular attention on the voices of female and non-binary students navigating transfer, belonging, and identity in mathematics.
Brianna has a passion for education, and she wants to ensure that other students are provided with equity in their education. Brianna hopes that her audience leaves with an even deeper understanding of the challenges and strengths that transfer students bring to mathematics, as well as a deeper appreciation for how belonging and institutional support influence student success. She also hopes that others continue to advocate for more inclusive policies and practices that better support women and gender-diverse students who are navigating transfer and STEM pathways.
Future Meetings:
- Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Saturday June 6, 2026
Board Meetings
2nd or 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 PM, both in person and online.
Board meetings are open to any AAUW Redlands Branch Member.
Contact Amy Bisek for online access or other information.