March 2025 Branch Meeting
Monday, March 17th, 7:00 PM via Zoom
Women’s History Month Presenter and Topic:
Joni K. Roberts, DrPH – The Evolution of an Intersectional Health Scholar
The 2025 Women’s History Month theme is Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. On Monday, March 17, Dr. Joni K. Roberts, Assistant Professor in Cal Poly’s Kinesiology and Public Health Department, will present on her background, her research, and her professional journey.
Joni K. Roberts, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), is an early-stage investigator who sits at the intersection of being Black, an immigrant, and a Caribbean woman. The experiences of her intersectionality propelled her to gain training as a health educator to address the health inequities of marginalized communities by leveraging both research and practice to bring about change. Her research involves projects that examine how various social determinants affect health and identify structural solutions to address health inequities.
Her research on health disparities and women’s health lends itself to understanding the interplay between sexual health, sex as exercise, and obesity intervention goals and sets the path to transformational practices in weight management care on behavior and its impact on obesity outcomes. This is ultimately useful for addressing obesity inequities, particularly among minoritized women and marginalized populations, focusing on Black and Hispanic populations.
Zoom information will be sent via email the weekend prior to the meeting. Please join us for this inspiring and informative presentation!
Please attend to show your support and see our efforts as a branch at work in transforming lives.
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- Our AAUW Branch has been a part of the community for over 80 years
Founded in 1943, our branch was instrumental in the creation of Mission Plaza and the
Art Center of San Luis Obispo. We also initiated Art Park, a summer arts program for
children, and were founding members of the SLO County Women’s Legacy Fund. We
continue to sponsor candidates’ and issue forums.
Today the branch consists of more than 60 individuals from varied backgrounds
who promote the Association’s goals.
Our current community actions include:
- Tech Trek: Every summer, we fully fund multiple students from Laguna Middle
School to attend this week-long math and science camp for middle school girls. - San Luis Obispo High School Scholarships: Our branch raises money to
provide scholarships for college-bound high school girls. - College Scholarships: We created and support multiple scholarships to assist
re-entry students at Cuesta College and one scholarship at Cal Poly that assists
a transfer student from Allan Hancock or Cuesta college who is continuing their
education at Cal Poly. - Adopt-a-Poll: Our branch staffs a voting site during elections.
- Support for AAUW’s Educational Foundation: This program provides
fellowships and grants to women for graduate study and community action. - Support for AAUW’s Legal Advocacy Fund: This program provides support for
women seeking judicial redress for sex discrimination in academia and the
workplace.
To find out more about these projects, including ways to contribute, see our Outreach
Projects page.
Branch meetings are generally held once a month on either Monday evening via Zoom
or Saturday during the day at various locations around town. These monthly programs
provide opportunities for members to discuss and learn about critical issues affecting
women and the community. For more details on upcoming programs please see the
Programs page. All meetings are open to the public. If you would like to talk to a branch
representative before attending a meeting, please feel free to contact us.
We also have a variety of special interest groups you may enjoy. These include two
bridge groups, a book club, a watercolor painting group, hiking, and dining out.
Members are welcome to establish new interest groups, too! See our Branch Interest
Groups page.
Please join us!
