The American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), a national organization that began in 1973, provides opportunities and events that create synergy and assist women in achieving their professional goals.
The AAWCC at CSM chapter was established in 2025 to:
Empower women across roles: staff, faculty, students, administrators
Create a space for mentoring, networking, and growth
Connect locally and nationally with like-minded professionals
AAWCC-CSM will host a conference for community college professionals designed to empower individuals at every level with the tools to lead collaboratively and courageously.
CSM Leonardtown Campus
Friday, October 17, 2025, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fill & Spill Series: Sisterhood - Supporting, Mentoring, and Sponsoring Others
Several women from the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) attended the 2024 Annual Conference of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC), “Leading Like a Woman: 50 Years Strong,” held from October 31 to November 2 in Crystal City, Virginia. Energized and inspired by the experience, a group of attendees committed to starting an AAWCC chapter at CSM.
With the guidance and support of CSM President and AAWCC President-Elect Dr. Yolanda Wilson, the core team began organizing. After three months of planning sessions, the team submitted the chapter bylaws to Dr. Tykesha Reed, Regional 2 Director, on March 31, 2025. Dr. Reed endorsed the application on April 2, 2025. The CSM Chapter was officially founded on April 13, 2025, after the AAWCC national board of directors approved the bylaws.
The chapter’s charter members are Destini Courtney, Dr. Kandace Foreman, Tamara Gibbs-Franklin, Avis McMillon, Lesley Quattlebaum, Dr. Trenace Richardson, Sylvia Royster, and Erika Stevens.
The AAWCC–CSM Chapter joins a national network committed to advancing women through education, leadership, and community engagement at two-year colleges. Membership is open to all CSM faculty and staff, regardless of role or department.
Founded in 1973, the American Association for Women in Community Colleges champions women’s leadership, equity, and advancement in community colleges. It is an affiliate council of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the leading national advocacy organization for community colleges.