Clara Frost serves as the southwest sectional director of the National Association of University Women. In this capacity, she oversees 10 branches in Southern California in fulfilling the mission of NAUW to serve women, youth and the disadvantaged in our communities and in developing countries.
NAUW was founded in 1910 by Mary Church Terrell, Sara Winifred Brown, Nancy Fairfax Brown and Mary E. Cromwell. According to the NAUW website, the women “stepped out on faith to start an organization to stimulate women to attain professional excellence, exert influence in movements for civic good and promote a personal and intellectual fellowship among professional women.”
Frost embodies those qualities in her role and with God as her counselor, she seeks to lead and inspire NAUW women to join her in “appreciating, loving and supporting each other.” The following is an edited version of the Sentinel interview with Clara Frost.
What factors influenced you to accept this position? Have you ever asked yourself, “Can I Do This?” Shortly after the NAUW’s 2018 National Convention, I found myself asking that exact question, “Can I do this?” I had a few conversations with God, praying and seeking His direction. One morning He responded, “Do it,” so I did and said, “Yes, I can.”
What role has your faith played in your position? I am guided by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Due to my strong relationship with Christ, I believed that He would help me to lead and inspire the officers and members of this great organization to unite together as well create and promote unity with a focus on sisterhood and visibility.
What is a memorable experience as a sectional director? After becoming sectional director, God started giving me ideas such as presenting a Crazy Hat Tea. God was very clear about the occasion for the tea, which was simply to have some fun, leave all of the drama behind, laugh, joke and forget about titles and roles. He aimed for us to just embrace each other as NAUW sisters and enjoy the fellowship.
What impact is NAUW having on the community? NAUW awards branch, sectional and national scholarships to college-bound students, provides tutoring and mentoring classes for teens and recognizes outstanding women having an positive impact in their communities. As a public service organization, we offer a range of programs that focus on education, health, international development and strengthening the African American family. We also present several “Community Service In Action Days” to raise awareness about various issues including breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and caregivers. We believe that everyone matters and we hope to improve the lives of others with innovative and high-impact programs.
How can others help or get involved in NAUW? Visit our website at nauw1910-sw.org for more information.
Dr. Kathye Jenkins contributed to this article.