UM-Dearborn student chosen for AAUW National Advisory Council

Benita Robinson

“There is a great need for women to be represented in society equally and to offer the opportunity for others to learn about issues deemed as women’s issues and ways to diminish those ideas,” she said.

That’s why Robinson, along with four other University of Michigan-Dearborn students, helped found an American Association of University Women (AAUW) chapter on campus. Now, she hopes to spread that message on a national level.

Robinson was one of 10 college students chosen nationwide to serve on the AAUW Student Advisory Council.

“The thing that resonates with me most about the mission of AAUW is education,” Robinson said. “I feel this is the foundation for all social change. It is imperative that we educate the community on what problems we face as a society and how they can contribute to the changes that need to be made.

As a member of the Student Advisory Council, Robinson will offer AAUW staff members firsthand accounts of student needs and ideas for combating sexual discrimination in higher education and the workplace. She also will promote AAUW on campus, contribute to the AAUW Dialog blog and serve as a student leader at the NCCWSL.

“I’m looking forward to attending the 2013 NCCWSL and representing the voices and experiences of college students,” she said. “This is a huge task, but I feel I am adequately equipped to give valid input on how the conference can blossom.”

Robinson began her appointment last weekend when she and the nine other members of the council gathered in Washington, D.C., to learn more about the AAUW and develop a leadership plan.

Back on campus, Robinson looks forward to advancing the mission of the AAUW and strengthening her leadership skills in the process.

“I hope that with each leadership experience, I am able to contribute positively to my community,” she said. “I want to work with others to build a sustainable and equal-opportunity society for our future leaders to thrive in.”