A small, low-key group of women is working hard to address education issues in the United States and abroad by working with women, youths and the disadvantaged in local communities and in developing countries.

“We are small … but mighty,” says Kimberly Battle, president of the Richmond Branch of the National Association of University Women.

Among its efforts, the group provides reading materials to youngsters at the Peter Paul Development Center in the East End; awards a $1,000 scholarship each year to a Richmond area high school graduate that is renewable for up to four years; helps increase the number of African-Americans in bone marrow and organ donation databases; and supports Alzheimer’s disease research, awareness and caregiver programs.

“We deal with the practical sides of programs and the nitty-gritty side of support and what we can do to make our community better,” Ms. Battle explains.

That’s a lot for the 16 women in NAUW’s Richmond Branch that traces its local beginnings to Virginia Union University in 1931, two decades after the national organization’s inception in Washington in 1910.

On Saturday, March 9, the branch will celebrate the vision and purpose of the organization with a Founders’ Day Luncheon honoring seven local “Unsung Heroes,” people who “demonstrate a commitment to uplifting the disadvantaged and improving the lives of African-Americans” in Metro Richmond, Ms. Battle says.

Honorees are Kevin L. Banks, a key figure in the restoration of historic Evergreen Cemetery; Shynetta Campbell, who established “Your Life Matters,” a nonprofit that increases community awareness of people impacted by depression, mental illness and suicide; retired Army Maj. Debbie M. Dozier, a registered nurse and kidney donor who promotes organ donation in the African-American and minority communities; Natima Jones, a former youth center director who continues to work with Armstrong High School’s leadership and cheerleading programs; Ronald Russell, a Scout leader who has mentored more than 25 young African-Americans helping them to achieve the Boy Scouts’ highest award, the Eagle Scout; Deacon Leon F. Jones, a longtime Cub Scout master and member of the Astoria Beneficial Club who started a mentoring program for elementary school students; and Marquella Whiters, a life coach who created a program to boost students’ self-esteem.

“This is one of our biggest programs,” Ms. Battle notes.

The Richmond Branch’s work follows NAUW’s national theme for the next two years: “A Legacy of Service and Commitment to Action.”

“It’s important to have a legacy of service and a commitment to action,” Ms. Battle says. “We are about action.”

Historically, branch members have largely been educators, Ms. Battle says. But as the role of women has expanded in society, so have the professions of the branch members.

“Now our membership consists of women in government, accounting, social work, business, law and health care,” she says.

Ms. Battle is a family nurse practitioner and nursing educator.

During her tenure in office, which ends in 2020, she hopes to expand the chapter’s Unsung Heroes awards program, increase the chapter membership and community service hours and extend the group’s offerings to more Richmond youths.

“We have to change (and grow) with the times,” Ms. Battle says. “That’s what we are doing. We have to embrace change.”

Meet this week’s Personality and community advocate, Kimberly Battle:

Occupation: Family nurse practitioner and nursing educator.

No. 1 volunteer position: President of the Richmond Branch of the National Association of University Women.

Date and place of birth: Sept. 24 in Richmond.

Current residence: Hanover County.

Education: Bachelor’s of science in nursing, Hampton University; master’s in nursing, Georgetown University; doctorate, Catholic University.

Family: Single.

Mission of National Association of University Women: To serve women, youths and the disadvantaged in our communities and in developing countries by addressing educational issues and strategically partnering with allied organizations. The organization embodies this mission by promoting and conducting educational activities designed to provide community outreach services at every level of development. Our national theme for the next two years is “A Legacy of Service and Commitment to Action.”

Membership requirements: Any women holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college, university or scientific school listed by the United States Department of Education is eligible for membership in NAUW. Women from other countries must hold a baccalaureate equivalent to a four-year or higher degree in the United States from a certified accredited institution in their country or the country from which they receive their degree. NAUW members come from varied backgrounds. Although the majority of us are educators, we do have members from professions in business, health care, social work, government and law. Most importantly, what we do have in common is a sincere desire to serve the communities in which we live and work and to continue to promote the goals and mission of NAUW. We are always looking for members who have the same commitment and interest. Our website is nauw1910.org for more information.

Why I am excited about this organization: I am so excited about our commitment to uplifting youths by supporting literacy programs through the provision of reading materials and sponsoring a monthly birthday celebration with Peter Paul Development Center; awarding a scholarship annually to one recipient from the Metropolitan Richmond area for four years (total value $4,000); financially supporting HBCUs; supporting increasing the number of African-Americans in the bone marrow, tissue and kidney organ donation databases, as well as participating in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. I also enjoy the fellowship, personal enrichment and professional development I receive from my NAUW sisters locally, regionally and nationally.

How I start the day: Excited to wake up and put my feet on the floor and start a new day!

Quality I most admire in another person: Integrity.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: Dance.

A quote that I am inspired by: “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”— Maya Angelou.

How I unwind: Watching TV.

Best late-night snack: Potato chips.

Top of my “to-do” list: Organize my home office.

The best thing my parents ever taught me: Kindness really matters.

The person who influenced me the most: My parents, Phillip E. Battle and Myrtle T. Battle, who is deceased.

The book that influenced me the most: “The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For?” by Rick Warren.

What I’m reading now: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.

My next goal: To pick up my tennis racket and start playing!