Page 26 - Berkeley BPW Club Centennial Commemorative Booklet - May 21st 2022_Neat

AWARDEES 26

Gwen Marie Austin (Cont. …)

The Commission’s role is to maximize parity for
women and girls by supporting the elimination of gender-
discriminatory services and practices in the areas of housing,
employment, health services, childcare, elder care (areas of
focus domestic violence, sexual harassment, affirmative ac-
tion, reproductive rights, and legislative issues). Gwen has
also served as a board member for a local organization
(Berkeley Community Scholars) that provides scholarships,
mentorships, and support to first generation college stu-
dents. Gwen’s passion is to work to strengthen and help to
make our society more equitable. She has spent a great deal
of time, through her current position as Community Engage-
ment Manager with Building Opportunities For Self Sufficien-
cy, visiting various universities and college campuses talking
to young people, especially women, about their worth and
value, and about social justice and a more equitable
society.■