Dr. Carla Featured Keynote Speaker at National Association of University Women’s National Convention and Accepts Community Service Grant Award on Behalf of HOTGIRLS, Inc.

NAUW Community Service Grant Award

Donna Clark presents 2012 NAUW Community Service Grant Award to Dr. Carla for HOTGIRLS

HOTGIRLS founder and Executive Director Dr. Carla Stokes accepted an $8,000 Community Service Grant award on behalf of Helping Our Teen Girls In Real Life Situations, Inc. (HOTGIRLS)® at the 68th National Convention of the National Association of University Women (NAUW) in Atlanta, Georgia.  NAUW’s Community Service Chair Donna Clark presented a big check during a public meeting at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Atlanta on August 1, 2012, which was attended by local residents, city officials and community leaders.  Mrs. Clark and NAUW’s National President, Dolores Y. Owens spearheaded the efforts to raise funds from the organization’s membership for NAUW’s first-ever community service grant award.

Dr. Carla and NAUW members (Far left: Dolores Y. Owens / Far right: Donna Clark) (Photo credit: John Stephens)

Dr. Carla accepts award on behalf of HOTGIRLS (Photo credit: John Stephens)

Dr. Carla Speaks at the Focus on Youth Luncheon

On August 2, 2012, Dr. Carla was the keynote speaker at the “Focus on Youth Luncheon.” HOTGIRLS youth advisors Mary-Pat Hector and Kristen Robinson performed monologues from the HOTGIRLS “Walk in My Shoes” project, which raises awareness about street harassment and violence against women and girls.

Dr. Carla (far right) and HOTGIRLS youth advisors at the NAUW luncheon

HOTGIRLS youth advisors Mary-Pat Hector and Kristen Robinson performed monologues at the luncheon

During her speech, Dr. Carla acknowledged that foundations have scaled back grantmaking for girl-serving organization in recent years and thanked the NAUW for “being champions for HOTGIRLS” and emphasizing the importance of educating and uplifting women, girls and disadvantaged communities.  “We are extremely grateful to receive this generous and unexpected award,” said Stokes.  She also encouraged NAUW members to continue supporting youth-serving organizations in their local communities.

HOTGIRLS youth advisor and spokesperson Kristen Robinson said:

“I would like to extend a special thank you to the women of the National Association of University Women. I was a member of HOTGIRLS back in high school and now that I have graduated and I attend the University of Georgia, I continue to share my passion for empowering young girls because the HOTGIRLS organization has given so much to me. It has allowed me to understand my self-worth and I now have the confidence to speak out on issues that are relevant to my age group and also to empower young girls who are coming up after me.”

The NAUW’s generous gift will provide support for HOTGIRLS’ innovative youth leadership development, violence prevention, media literacy and empowerment programming, allowing the organization to upgrade its website and serve more youth and organizations through educational workshops and online programming.

Dr. Carla, Donna Clark and HOTGIRLS youth advisors

Donna Clark and Dr. Carla

NAUW Community Service Project Wall of Fame – VIP Donors

About NAUW

The National Association of University Women has a long and rich history, which spans over 102 years.  NAUW’s mission is to serve women, youth and the disadvantaged in communities and developing countries by addressing educational issues, advancing the status of women’s issues and strategically partnering with allied organizations.  Under the leadership of Dolores Y. Owens, the biennial convention was hosted by the Atlanta Branch, where Ms. Virgia Chappell serves as Branch President.  Nearly 400 women from across the United States and Liberia, Africa attended the convention.

For more information, visit the NAUW web site.

Press Coverage:

• Press Release
• Cheers: HOTGIRLS Awarded $8,000 Community Service Grant Award at National Association of University Women Annual Convention
  The Atlanta Voice, August 24, 2012
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• University Women to Convene at Hyatt
  The Atlanta Voice, July 27, 2012
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