Martha Griffiths Equity Award Recipient

Anne Gautreau holds degrees from Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan and has studied at other universities including Harvard, Berkeley, SUNY, Northeastern, Skidmore, Creighton, and Trinity in Dublin. She taught humanities courses, leadership training, film study, composition and creative writing for over three decades at the high school and college level. She has published poetry, short stories, essays, articles on teaching and learning, and has contributed to textbooks. In addition, she has had two plays produced.

In 2015, Anne was the Service Person of the Year for Interservice Club Council of Dearborn, citing her work to increase AAUW diversity in branch membership and educating the public on issues of human trafficking, as well as campus and domestic violence. She helped AAUW-Dearborn expand its programs by partnering with the Dearborn Public Library, the League of Women Voters, and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The organization attributed its enhanced relationship with the UM-Dearborn Women’s Resource Center through work Gautreau did to build workshops, provide scholarships and mentor officers of the AAUW Student Organization, the first in the country. Gautreau increased AAUW presence in local high schools while advocating for Speech Trek and the Marge Powell Leadership Awards.

AAUW of Michigan is honored to recognize Anne Gautreau as the recipient of the Martha Griffiths Equity Award for her commitment, energy, and perseverance in promoting equity for women and girls.

This award was established in 2008 to honor Martha Griffiths. Griffiths was elected in 1948 to the first of two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, was later a Recorders Court Judge, and then served as a US Congresswoman until 1974. She was the first woman to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, as well as chair the House Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy. Her unique abilities enabled her to accomplish significant legislation, which included moving the Equal Rights Amendment out of Congressional Committee and securing passage of Title IX. In 1982 she was elected Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

Recipients of the Martha Griffiths Equity Award have promoted equity for women and girls in a demonstrable manner. Recipients need not be AAUW members.

Past recipients include:

• 2008 Erma Henderson
• 2010 Laura Carter Callow
• 2012 G. Asenath Andrews
• 2014 Jean Ledwith King
• 2016 Karlyn Rapport
• 2018 Gladys Holdeman McKinney
• 2022 Christine Greig

Young Leader Award Recipient

Julia Heck’s interest in AAUW was sparked by both a passion for women’s leadership and college student development. In 2017, Julia was encouraged to become a trainer for StartSmart so she could help facilitate workshops across her EMU campus. Learning about and joining AAUW as a member was an integral part of becoming trained and it lit a spark in her wanting to get more involved. Julia joined the AAUW-Ann Arbor branch and could not have imagined the possibilities and opportunities ahead. Throughout her involvement in the branch, Julia has been able to move through numerous leadership opportunities, serving as the College & University liaison (2018-2019), CoPresident-Elect (2019-2020), Co-President (2020-2022), and Past-President (2022-2023). Additionally, she has helped to support the branch’s social media, served as a liaison to help recruit students from EMU to attend NCCWSL. Finally, Julia has been engaged with AAUWMI, serving on a panel regarding membership engagement and how to continue to bring in younger professionals engaged in advancing the mission of AAUW in the years to come.

It is a pleasure to recognize Julia Heck as the recipient of the Young Leader Award. She is already showing us what a strong leader she is and will continue to be.

The Young Leader Award was first given by AAUW of Michigan in 2006. Its purpose was to replicate an award developed by the Association to encourage involvement of young leaders in the mission of the organization. This award was designed to recognize members who were seen as budding leaders within their branches. Recipients of this award have recognized the importance of life- long educational goals and life-long learning in the community. They have participated actively in branch activities and have indicated an interest in participating actively at the state or national level. The recipient must be age 45 or younger and have been an AAUW member for a minimum of three (3) years.

Past recipients of the Young Leader Award include:

2006 Samkeliso Charmaine Mawocha, Ann Arbor Branch
2008 Kim Enders, Rochester Branch
2010 Sandra Ianucci, Plymouth-Canton Branch
2012 Crinela Todea, Wyandotte-Downriver Branch
2014 Yvette Wernick, Ann Arbor Branch
2016 Amy Shamroe, Traverse City Area Branch
2018 Amy Everhart Perry, Albion Branch
2022 Judi Cox, Midland Branch

Liz Kummer Award Recipient

Janet Denise Watkins has been a member of AAUW since 2000. She currently serves as AAUW Detroit Branch president. As a member-leader, she has served in capacities at the branch, state and national levels including: AAUWMI’s Membership VP, Technology Website Director & Social Media Coordinator, member of AAUW Voices Project, and AAUWMI President from 2012-2014. She is a recipient of the Harriet Tubman Leadership Award. After extensive undergraduate work at Wayne State University, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix in 1999. Janet is a published author and writer and is currently working on a historical time travel story. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, studying life and the cosmos, and the relationship human beings have with it. However, the most rewarding aspect of her life is contributing to the happiness of people and the world. “As we work for the greater good, we build happiness for ourselves and others. The more we do for other people, the more the path of our own happiness will open. In realizing this, we discover a sense of gratitude in being able to help them.” – Daisaku Ikeda

The Liz Kummer Award recipient is chosen by the AAUW of Michigan board. Board members are pleased to recognize Janet Watkins for her longtime service to AAUW and for being an ardent and diligent advocate for the mission of AAUW.

AAUW of Michigan established the Liz Kummer Award in 1979 to honor the memory of Elizabeth B. Kummer, a longtime member of AAUW and an ardent, diligent advocate for the public policy positions and educational goals of the organization. The purpose of this award is to recognize those who have advanced the goals and ideals of AAUW in an exceptional and significant manner. The Liz Kummer recipient was chosen by the AAUW of Michigan board at their 2022 winter board meeting.

Past recipients of the Liz Kummer Award include:

• 1979 Ruth McNamee
• 1981 Bette Wilson
• 1983 Betty Davis
• 1985 Elly Peterson
• 1987 Christine Jacobson
• 1991 Patrice Elms
• 1993 Harriet Sawyer, Ed.D
• 1995 Diane Neth Covel
• 1997 Katherine Tobin
• 1999 Barbara Bonsignore
• 2002 Lynette R. Brown
• 2004 Laura Carter Callow
• 2006 Gladys M. Beckwith, Ph.D
• 2009 Jane P.K. Strand
• 2011 M. Jean Jokipii
• 2013 Vida Sisco
• 2015 Josie Burke
• 2017 Mickey Edell
• 2022 Sharon Belobraidich