At our September 2022 Luncheon, the Hendersonville Branch announced the winners of the branch’s Legacy of Leadership Award. Diana Bagwell received the 2020 Award and Cathy Veal the 2021 Award. Both members have more than met the criteria of furthering the AAUW mission and making a significant/sustained contribution in support of the program and goals of the branch.

Diana Bagwell – 2020 Award Recipient

Diana Bagwell

Diana has long desired to help girls and women to meet their individual goals. Aside from working in many aspects of AAUW, she has served as a mentor and support person for girls hoping to go to college and start careers in science and other fields. She founded the Mecklenburg County Guardian ad Litem Advocacy Foundation to support girls, boys, and Guardians involved in the Courts. Since her retirement as a biology teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent for high schools in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, she has stayed busy working on special projects and has still enjoyed being retired!

Currently Diana is being trained as a Docent at the Polk County Historical Foundation, to serve as a provider of information to those learning about the history of their region in Columbus, North Carolina, where she recently moved.

Cathy Veal – 2021 Award Recipient

Cathy Veal

Cathy is an active member of the AAUW and volunteers for her past employers, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics both of which develop girls who become accomplished professionals in STEM and other fields.

To support entrepreneurs who are alumni of IMSA, Cathy is a founding partner in Blue Titan Ventures, an early-stage venture capital syndicate. One of their portfolio companies is The Planting Hope Company Inc. led by CEO & Co-Founder Julia Stamberger, IMSA ‘92 — an all women corporate leadership team! Learn more about this unique company and its innovative plant-based and planet-friendly food & beverage brands here: https://plantinghopecompany.com/ You can find some of their products locally.

Mary Ann Bents – 2022 Award Recipient

Mary Ann Bents

Mary Ann is a relatively recent retiree and member of the Hendersonville community. Her career experience started in Special Education and evolved to Computer Science supporting Information Technology for NASA in Ohio and Maryland. Interest in Special Education was influenced by parents that founded and directed a residential school for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and their handicapped son. While at NASA she also supported Center Diversity and Inclusion programs, particularly the Women’s Advisory Committee for the Center in Maryland, and also helped to support STEM initiatives.

Since joining AAUW after retirement she has supported website communications and the state newsletter, Connect, and helping the state and branches with use of the AAUW Community Hub. She also is the current facilitator for the Hendersonville branch book group.