Tucked away in Shaughnessy, the University Women’s Club of Vancouver sits proudly atop a tree-lined hill overlooking False Creek. Founded in 1907 by a handful of young female graduates, the nonprofit operates out of Vancouver’s most historic mansion: the stunning, 100-year-old Hycroft. With over 400 members, the UWCV is also open to the public for special programs and events.
“For over 100 years, we’ve supported education, public awareness and social action,” says President Dawn Longshaw. Among the nonprofit’s many positive initiatives are public lectures, scholarships for female students, and more than 30 committees with mandates that range from managing the UWCV’s finances and environmental impact to planning social events to advocating for the status of women on a global scale.
“Over the years, our members have taken a stance on women’s issues all the way to the federal legislature,” says Dawn. The UWCV’s ties to the Canadian and International Federations of University Women “allows big change to happen,” says Dawn, by “acting as a forum for our members to speak with one united voice.”
