As members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of North Carolina, we are motivated by our aspirations and commitment to create a better world while empowering women and girls. We promote leadership and advocate for equality, believing that each member contributes unique ideas and vital skills that can help elevate North Carolina to its fullest potential. Leading an organization brings pride, duty, and responsibility. Taking charge brings clear communication with members where ideas are both welcomed and shared. So, I thank each of you for placing your trust in me.

I am Lena Murrill Chapman, a graduate of Bennett College and North Carolina A&T State University, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Instructional Media and Technology. I am also a certified K-12 Library Media Specialist and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Language Arts. Throughout my career, I have served in various roles, including Curriculum Facilitator, Technology Facilitator, Library Media Specialist, adjunct college professor, and classroom teacher.

I received my Leadership Certificate from the Center for Creative Leadership and completed the Leadership Development Program at Yale University. I am a co-author of the Library Media National Board Certification initiative and have served on the National Board, having been appointed by the Governor of North Carolina. Alongside twelve other librarians from across the United States, I helped establish the initial guidelines and processes for the licensure that many media specialists now aspire to obtain.

I have also held leadership positions within the American Association of University Women (AAUW), serving as the President of the Greensboro branch and currently as the new President of AAUW North Carolina. I founded the READS (Read, Excel, Achieve, Develop, and Succeed) Program, which provides resources to place books in schools and homes where they are most needed.

Additionally, I am the past President of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel of Greensboro-Guilford and currently serve as the Vice President of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel state organization, where I was honored as the state Volunteer of the Year for my region.

I am also the proud owner of NANDLE Seminars and Training. Some of the notable NANDLE presentations include:

One of my most memorable honors is the Outstanding Presidential Award presented to me by North Carolina Retired School personnel of Greensboro-Guilford. I am particularly proud of my membership in the African American Genealogy Society of the Piedmont and the Ever-Achieving Retired Teachers Club of Greensboro.

In my support of the Greensboro History Museum, where I have served on the Board for five years, I hope to build a relationship between the AAUWNC and other organizations and services throughout North Carolina.

I believe that “Caring is a gift; the more we give, the more we receive.”