PHILADEPHIA – Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, Maxine Henry Wilson has become the first Caribbean national to be granted honorary membership in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Philadelphia branch.
The Minister was inducted in the association by its President, Dr. Claudette Dia-Taylor at the association’s annual panel discussion, held recently at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia.
Dr. Dia-Taylor said Mrs. Henry Wilson was given the honor for her unwavering commitment to educate and enforce quality education for all children and for the empowerment of women.
She argued that the Minister has maintained a stellar reputation in public service and education and was also being recognized for her boldness and frank conversations about women as leaders and in their pursuit for careers in science.
Dr. Dia-Taylor noted that Mrs. Henry Wilson has contributed, in a very meaningful way, to the lives of many throughout the span of her career and has earned the respect of her constituency, family and peers.
Education and Youth Minister, Maxine Henry Wilson (right), accepts her honorary membership certificate from President of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Philadelphia Branch, Dr. Claudette Dia-Taylor, at a ceremony held at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia recently.
The President said that the Minister exemplified the mission of the association, which is to advance equality for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.
In her response, Mrs. Henry Wilson said she was deeply honored to be granted honorary membership by the AAUW, and that she would be looking at ways in which the AAUW could forge partnerships with various educational institutions in Jamaica.
The mission of AAUW is to advance equity of women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The group actively pursues issues of women of diverse background, culture, perspectives and profession.
The Philadelphia branch of the AAUW was established in 1935 and is part of the National AAUW, which has a membership of 125,000, and the International Foundation of Women, which is 180,000 strong.
