Chandler Assistant Police Chief Melissa Deanda will speak to AAUW SEV Branch members and invited guests at the branch’s Nov. 18 meeting.
Mary Kenny
The AAUW (American Association of University Women) Southeast Valley Branch will host Chandler Assistant Chief of Police Melissa Deanda as its speaker at its Nov. 18 general meeting. The monthly meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church on Riggs Road. Members are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors who may be interested in joining the organization.
Assistant Chief Deanda will speak about her current responsibility in her leadership role and share her story that led her to this key position. Deanda will also be available to local high school and Chandler-Gilbert Community College students, invited as guests, to answer questions on how to pursue a career in the justice system.
Inspired by a school resource officer during her high school years and eager to make a difference in her community, Deanda joined the Chandler Police Department in January of 1999, making this her 25th year in policing. After working her way up through a variety of positions within the department, she received a promotion to assistant chief in January of 2023 and began overseeing the Professional Services Division.
AAUW Southeast Valley Branch (SEV) has a special interest in community issues and programs that affect the lives of its members who live in Chandler, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes.
AAUW is a diverse group that encourages participation by those who wish to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, philanthropy, and research. It also supports education and legislation impacting girls and women.
Last year, the organization awarded 10 scholarships to deserving women pursuing careers in a variety of STEM-related fields that include Exercise Science, Data Analytics, Nursing and Applied Human Behavior, Computer Science, Nutritional Science, Biological Studies, and Mortuary Science.
The Southeast Valley Branch of AAUW was chartered in 1989. AAUW is a national organization open to all graduates holding an associate or equivalent, baccalaureate, or higher degree from a qualified educational institution. There are more than 170,000 members across 1,000 local branches.
Are you looking for a way to make a difference, meet other accomplished and interesting women, and have fun together? Join us and be a part of change in the making! For more information, email us at [email protected].