The La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women are inviting the public to hear STEM researcher, Estelle Reyes, career development grant recipient and senior VP of community enhancement at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubators (LACI) at their monthly meeting on Jan. 14, 2023.

“The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator’s (LACI) Middle School Girls in STEM Program aims to light a spark for middle-school girls— particularly those from underrepresented groups and in disadvantaged communities—to learn more about sustainability challenges at a young age and find their agency as problem-solvers. LACI’s MSG Program inspires girls through hands-on prototype development to address real-world problems, community engagement and, ultimately, solutions for global climate change.” (LACI website.)

Reyes was selected out of 39 grantees statewide to speak in January. Reyes will share her work with the middle school students and the benefits of STEM exposure at a younger age. She will also explain how this grant will increase her work in this area.

In addition, the branch will present their named gift honorary.

Every year the AAUW branch Fund Committee honors AAUW branch members who have done outstanding work in supporting the programs and goals of the AAUW Fund and/or AAUW La Mesa-El Cajon Branch. A named gift is a special way to pay tribute to an individual, a group, or an organization giving extraordinary service to AAUW. Branches can nominate a Named Gift Honoree for each $750 contributed by the branch or branch members on or before Dec. 31.

The social hour begins at 9:30 and the meeting commences at 10. Meetings are open to the public and members are encouraged to invite friends and family, co-workers, and associates.

Meetings are held in King Hall at Foothills United Methodist Church located at 4031 Avocado Blvd. in La Mesa.