AAUW of Michigan Awards

In keeping with AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy, AAUW of Michigan encourages branches to identify a person who has promoted equity for women and girls in Michigan.  This award was established in 2008 to honor Martha Griffiths’ memory.  Ms. Griffiths was elected in 1948 to the first of two terms with 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 on the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, as well as chairing the House Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy.  Her unique powers in Congress 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 for two terms as Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.

The recipient of the Martha Griffiths Equity Award will have promoted equity for women and girls in a demonstrable manner.  The recipient does not need to be a member of AAUW.

Past recipients of the Martha Griffiths Equity Award 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

This 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

Because AAUW of Michigan celebrated its centennial at our Convention in April 2022, we thought it was a perfect time to honor all of our members who joined our organization fifty or more years ago. These members have demonstrated a commitment to our mission of achieving equity for women and girls and have participated in AAUW branch/state activities. In future, we will continue to recognize AAUWMI members who have achieve fifty years of membership since the last convention.