AAUW Gaylord -2026 Woman Making History Luncheon & Silent Auction

Judi A. Doan AAUW’s 2026 “Woman Making History”

To celebrate March as “Women in History” month, AAUW Gaylord Area Branch honors an Otsego County woman for her positive, groundbreaking impacts. The 2026 “Woman Making History” is Judi A. Doan. Judi will be honored on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 12:30 PM at BJ's Event Center.

Presently, Judi is the Coordinator of The Refuge of Otsego County. When Judi moved to the area in the 1970's, she worked at the Alpine Center, then opened several homes for developmentally disabled adults. As one of the first female members, Judi is a four-time president of the Kiwanis Club of Gaylord and twice-named "Kiwanian of the Year". She was the 2015 der Burgermeister and a national pistol shooting champion. Judi's other long-time associations include the Special Olympics, the Otsego County Food Pantry, Girl Scouts, Community Mediation Services, and the Order of the Eastern Star. As a member of the Northland Sportsmen's Club, she spearheaded the Refuse to be a Victim Seminars. She is a member of the First United Methodist Church.

“Woman Making History” event chair Renee Elias noted, “Over decades, Judi’s commitment to service is deep, compassionate and extensive.” Ever humble, Judi, is “amazed and thankful” to be selected for the award. She thought Renee called her to speak about The Refuge at an AAUW meeting.

Tickets for the March 8 luncheon are $30 per person. Electronic tickets are available at www.gaylord-mi.aauw.net. In-person tickets can be purchased by check at Oliver Chiropractic. RSVP deadline is March 2. Contact Mary Tomaski at ttomaski@hotmail.com for questions.

A silent auction at the event will help fund educational programs and awards for local girls and women.

AAUW is a nationwide organization that advances equity and education for women and girls. The Gaylord Area Branch empowers though education awards, educational programs, and honoring the achievements of local women. For more information on AAUW National, visit www.aauw.org. To join the AAUW Gaylord Area Branch, visit our website www.gaylord-mi.aauw.net or contact Membership Support Margaret Wallin at aauwgaylord@gmail.com