Leah Silvestre Franklin, President of the American Association of University Women, Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch (AAUW-ORE) has invited Marian Kaanon, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Stanislaus Community Foundation to sit down with members of AAUW-ORE at their Thursday, Jan. 8 meeting and chat about the Foundation. In issuing Kaanon the invitation, Silvestre-Franklin stated: “Some members are familiar with SCF; some are not. It would be great if we understood what you do, the impact you make and how you support us with our scholarship funds and process.”
The Stanislaus Community Foundation, started in 2002, has granted more than $42 million in charitable funds to nonprofits and scholarship recipients in Stanislaus County and houses over 190 funds. One of those funds is AAUW-ORE’s Scholarship Fund. Each year the Branch offers scholarships to two of its Tech Trek alums from Oakdale, Riverbank, and Escalon high schools.
Kaanon has deep roots in Stanislaus County having grown up and worked in Modesto for many years. After graduating from U.C. Davis with a communications degree, she began her career as a broadcast journalist, then moved on to working in public relations, marketing and lobbying/legislative affairs. In 2012 she became the CEO of the Stanislaus Community Foundation, which is headquartered in Modesto. In 2015 she was named an Outstanding Woman for Stanislaus County.
The Jan. 8 Thursday evening meeting will start with a social time at 6 p.m. in a member’s home in Oakdale and is open to members, guests and those interested in possibly joining the organization. Individuals interested in attending or who want more information about the meeting or AAUW’s mission are asked to RSVP by emailing membership director, Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Learn more at www.aauw.org. Branch information is at http://ore-ca.aauw.net or by emailing the branch at AAUW.ORE@gmail.com. Graduates holding an associates or higher degree from an institution of the AAUW list of qualified institutions and persons holding an honorary degree are eligible for membership in AAUW.
