Gloria L. Blackwell is the new chief executive officer of the American Association of University Women. She had been serving as the executive vice president and chief program officer for the association.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful to the board for valuing my commitment to global gender equity, my leadership at AAUW, and the contributions of my high-performing teams,” said Blackwell, who is the second woman of color to lead AAUW in its 140-year history. “I stand in a unique place, and I plan to use my skills and expertise to build a new and stronger vision for AAUW. I vow to grow our impact across all communities and expand our commitment to infuse equity and inclusion in everything we do.”
Blackwell brings more than 30 years of nonprofit, international, and government experience to her new position. Among her many accomplishments is her 17-year management of AAUW’s highly esteemed fellowships and grants program which has awarded more than $70 million in funding to women scholars and programs in the U.S. and overseas.
Prior to joining AAUW, Blackwell worked at the Institute of International Education in Washington D.C., leading and managing girl’s education programs in Africa and mid-career fellowships for global professionals. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon.
Blackwell holds a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She earned a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.