Guest speaker Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) took the stage to a standing ovation and gave a rousing, motivational speech. “I am humbled to be here today,” she said. “I’m a true believer in the work of AAUW. You are the pioneers, and we (members of Congress) stand on your shoulders so that we do the right thing.” DeLauro lauded AAUW members for their tireless advocacy in building support in Congress for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. But, she declared, we must continue to urge the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. “Do not underestimate the power of big ideas,” she told the audience. “As I look around this AAUW convention, I feel we can do it.”  DeLauro also spoke about the power of constituent advocacy, noting that members of Congress think about their chances for reelection whenever they hear from their constituents. DeLauro closed her speech with a quote from her mother:  “Come on girls; let’s make ourselves heard!”

Jennifer Wilken, AAUW Educational Foundation vice president of development; Lilly Ledbetter; and Educational Foundation President Barbara O’Connor