Attendees are greeted by an unexpected surprise in the street . . .

. . . and amazed by a powerful and passionate speaker!!

by Kathy Garfinkle

Attendees enjoy a lovely lunch at the Acqua e Farina Restaurant

The AAUW Fellowship Luncheon on February 6th at the Acqua é Farina Restaurant in Hayward was an enriching and enjoyable event for the 37 members and guests that attended. Attendees were greeted by an unexpected surprise when they encountered a lively Beer Fest being held out on the street! The lovely Italian Restaurant was a pleasant surprise that offered a private room and allowed us to be seated in a rectangular formation giving everyone an opportunity to be heard and seen.

Liz Bathgate was our distinguished MC. She led the event with ease and efficiency. Liz welcomed everyone before a delicious lunch was served that included a choice of Ravioli de Spinaci, Linguini Gamberoni or Pollo Piccata. Because she is a Fellow Sponsor, Liz was delighted to introduce our speaker AAUW Fellow recipient Kristin De Nesnera.

Liz Bathgate presents the Legacy Circle pin to Erica Campisi and Ruth Rymer

Genevieve Angelides and Mary Lynn Pelican share a happy moment

Kristin is a PhD candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz. She studies rocky shore habitats in California-the area of rocky coastline that lies between high and low tide. Kristin began by explaining that her passion for this study began at a very young age and was nurtured by her grandmother. As a young adult, Kristin discovered that her passion could become a career. Kristin is motivated by the desire to protect, manage and restore habitats that are vulnerable to threats from human activity. She is also very passionate about and involved in science education. Kristin teaches and mentors at UC Santa Cruz. Her enthusiasm is evident in the beautiful images she shared of her students from the Watsonville Inquiry Based Learning in Environmental Sciences program that incorporates active learning in marine ecology. Kristin’s power point presentation was both very professional and personal. She is committed to pursuing a career in research and education.

Liz Bathgate with our speaker Kristin DeNesnera

The Legacy Circle pin was presented to Erica Campisi and Ruth Rymer. Members of the Legacy Circle make a planned gift to AAUW in their long-term estate or financial plan. Members are encouraged to consider remembering AAUW in their financial plans. Six lucky attendees won the beautiful raffle baskets. Attendees left motivated and inspired by the power of women in action!