The American Association of University Women Salisbury Branch hosted a Women Who Lead forum on Oct. 14 from 6:30-8 p.m. on Zoom. Moderated by the branch’s president, Da’Tarvia Parrish, the event featured two notable women of Charlotte, 26^th Judicial District Judge, the Honorable Carla Archie and Academic Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Livingstone College, Dr. Dawn B. McNair.

Under the frame of the national AAUW research and data report, Barriers & Bias: The Status of Women in Leadership, attendees engaged in a fast-paced conversation that probed systems, and the fortitude needed to uplift and sustain women in leadership roles. Together, the panelists shared experiences of their backgrounds, challenges, and people who impacted their lives, that united all attendees, particularly those who aspire for leadership.

Livingstone College freshman student Me’cala Holland said, “This was an eye-opening experience for me. I was really moved by Judge Archie and her expressions regarding the skills needed to navigate spaces from multiple ends within the judicial system.”

AAUW member Vincia Miller was deeply inspired and moved by the experience of Dr. McNair.

“Everything Dr. McNair said was true to her leadership at Livingstone College,” Miller said. “I have always respected her leadership, but this experience has truly elevated my respect for her as a person. Powerful.”

Missing from the panel was Salisbury’s Mayor Karen Alexander who recently announced a medical diagnosis that prevented her from being a part of the event. President Parrish recognized Mayor Alexander’s leadership to all citizens of Salisbury and emphasized her steadfast commitment to AAUW while asking attendees to have a moment of silence to lift the mayor as she undergo this journey.

With an emphasis of advocacy, mentorship, balance, endurance, and voting voices, the well-rounded event also included program participants Eileen Hanson-Kelly who serves as the branch’s assistant Treasurer, freshman Livingstone College student Genice Smith, Gray Stone Day School student Seven-Hazel Boone, and college institutional representatives Bessie Hutchins of Livingstone and ChaMarra Saner of Catawba.

AAUW-Salisbury will host its next meeting at Livingstone College’s Tubman Theatre with the North Carolina Department of Justice and the college’s Public Safety to discuss the elimination of backlogs for sexual assault kits on Nov. 12 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.