The Kirkland-Redmond American Association of University Women (AAUW) is meeting Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. for a panel discussion with award-winning women on the topic of “Changing Lives Through Philanthropy.”

After a brief networking time, the program will begin at 7 p.m. in Room TAN 250 in the Evergreen Hospital Surgery and Physician Center, which is adjacent to Evergreen Hospital Medical Center (12333 NE 130th Lane, Kirkland). The event is open to members and guests.

The program will begin with a discussion of what philanthropy is and an overview of the philanthropic programs sponsored by AAUW. This portion of the program will be presented by retired Judge Carolyn Hayek, the director of an ESL Conversation Class, which was the recipient of a Community Action Grant, and Rebecca Hirt, an Evergreen Hospital Commissioner, who completed her MBA Degree with a Project Renew Grant, enabling her to change careers.

The featured speaker of the evening is Dr. Sahba Fatherazi. Fatherazi completed her pharmacy degree at the University of Tabriz in Northwest Iran. She left her country to pursue a doctorate degree in neuropharmacology at the University of London. After receiving her doctorate degree in 1979, Fatherazi returned to Iran. While teaching at the University of Tabriz, she applied for and was awarded an International Fellowship Grant from AAUW. Using the grant, Fatherazi started her postdoctoral training at the University of Washington in 1983.

Since 1983, Fatherazi has held positions as a research scientist and faculty member at the University of Washington and at the University of Pittsburg. Currently, she is a member of the faculty at Lake Washington Technical College. Her presentation will emphasize the role of education in helping women achieve equality in society.

Further information about AAUW is available at http://AAUW.org, http://AAUW-WA.org, and www.facebook.com/aauwkrbranch.

Founded in 1881, AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.