Saint Mary's junior Catherine Cleary said she felt honored when she was appointed to the National Student Advisory Council for the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
The council, which consists of college women ranging in age from sophomores to graduate students, works with the AAUW staff to provide a direct link to the program by voicing student needs and ideas, Cleary said.
"AAUW is reputable organization, and there were many qualified applicants," Cleary said.
Members are responsible for updating the program's blog, monthly conference calls with the council, promoting AAUW's National Conference for College Women Student Leaders and collaborating with the local AAUW branch in their area.
Cleary said that she is eager to carry out the mission of AAUW on Saint Mary's campus.
"AAUW is a fantastic organization with a purpose that I feel very strongly about," she said. "By being a part of it, I can bring the programs and a fresh perspective to our campus."
Cleary, a self-designed Women's Studies major, said she learned about the program from a former Saint Mary's student previously on the Council. She said she hopes to use her position on the council to bring awareness to the discrimination of women in higher education and the workplace.
Cleary recently attended the Council's retreat in Washington, D.C., where she met other members of board.
"The council has a great range of ages, experience and culture," she said. "I am both excited and grateful to have been given the chance to serve with the women."
Cleary, who is involved in numerous campus organizations ranging from Campus Ministry to Saint Mary's Straight and Gay Alliance, was also the recipient of the Office for Civic and Social Engagement's Sister Christine Healy Aware for Service with Women award.
"My goal has always been to be an advocate for women, and this program is a fantastic way to do that," Cleary said.
