SALT LAKE CITY — Western Governors University (WGU) graduate students Carolyn Moore and Brandi Johnson were awarded Career Development Grants by the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The grants highlight the achievements of women throughout the nation who are making a difference in their local communities.
AAUW is one of the world’s leading supporters of graduate women’s education, having awarded more than $115 million in fellowships, grants, and awards to 13,000 women from more than 145 countries since 1888.
Carolyn Moore, one of 63 recipients of the Career Development Grant, is pursuing a master’s degree in management and leadership at WGU. She is a 28-year veteran and captain of the St. Louis Fire Department, where she is the only African-American female Commissioned Officer. One of Carolyn’s goals is to implement a mentoring program for young girls aspiring to enter Public Safety Careers, such as firefighting.
“With my vast work experience in the public sector along with the knowledge I achieve in the master’s program at WGU, I feel certain that I can establish programs to foster talent, build confidence, and give the girls the necessary tools to be successful,” Moore said. “The AAUW grant is a great honor and blessing to me. I am one step closer to achieving my goals because of AAUW and Western Governors University.”
Brandi Johnson, also a recipient of the Career Development Grant, is also pursuing her master’s degree in management and leadership at WGU. Brandi is an award-winning speaker and coach. She is also the founder of Purpose Prevails and recently joined Red Hat as a Learning and Development Facilitator. Brandi focuses on developing the world's next generation of leaders by creating experiences that transforms lives.
“I am a member of the first generation in my family to attend desegregated schools,” Johnson said. “The M.S. Management and Leadership degree is not just about me and my advancement. Earning this degree will help me mark a milestone for my family for generations to come.”
The programs, aimed to tackle barriers women face in education, provide funding to help female students continue their education and research.
“AAUW’s fellowship and grants programs are making a difference in the lives of women and girls around the world,” said Marni Baker Stein, WGU’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer. “It inspires me to see women like Carolyn and Brandi recognized and supported for their invaluable contributions in their communities.”
For the 2018–19 academic year, AAUW awarded a total of $3.9 million through six fellowships and grants programs to 250 scholars, research projects, and programs promoting education and equity for women and girls.
About AAUW
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s fellowships and grants have helped scholars and activists overcome barriers to education and advancement for 130 years. Learn more at www.aauw.org.
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 109,000 students nationwide and has more than 124,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
