National Conference for College Women Student Leader (NCCWSL)
What is NCCWSL?
Each year, college women from around the country for three days of leadership training, inspiration, and networking. This is the eleventh year the AAUW-Walla Walla Branch is offering NCCWSL scholarships. This significant scholarship pays for tuition, travel, and lodging for the conference.
The 2026 National Conference for College Women Student Leader NCCWSL (fondly known as nick-whistle) is launching at the end of May. For the past eleven years, AAUW Walla Walla has been supporting outstanding young college students. Thanks to the generosity of AAUW- Walla Walla, our chapter is delighted to award three full scholarships to Ariel He, Hannah Peralez, and Karin Omari. On May 26th, these women will travel from Walla Walla to the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland for a three-day conference with college women from all around the country for days packed with leadership training, inspiration, and networking. According to all reports from the previous women our chapter has sent, the conference is inspiring, exciting and chock-full of great and useful information.
This year’s theme is “Built for This Moment” and is made possible by generous sponsorship from NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. Previous attendees have found the conference to be inspiring and life-changing.
Applications will open in April 2027. Check back for future details!
Have questions?
Introducing the 2026 NCCWSL recipients:
Ariel He
Whitman CollegeHi, my name is Ariel He and I am a Politics major at Whitman College who is always curious about how big ideas such as law, rights, and public policy show up in people’s everyday lives. I’ve been lucky to study in different places, including Paris, and I really love the kinds of conversations that make classroom ideas feel real. I’m especially excited about AAUW and NASPA (the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession.) Both organizations bring together leadership, advocacy, and care for the community, which are all things I value deeply. I’m usually happiest in spaces where I can keep learning, bring positive energy, and meet thoughtful people who genuinely want to make a difference.
Hannah Peralez
Walla Walla Community College (WWCC)I am Hannah Peralez and I grew up in Waitsburg. I am a freshman at WWCC. I chose Energy Systems Technology (EST) because I'm passionate about sustainable energy solutions and want to be part of developing the technologies that power our future. I anticipate I will be able to use the skills gained from the conference by putting them towards my role as the EST club president. Energy Systems Technology is a male dominated field, and I want to make a positive difference. My interests are hunting and the outdoors. I really am excited for this chance to meet with other college students around the country and learn how to advocate for myself.
Karin Omori
Hello, I’m Karin Omori. I’m an international student from Japan and the current president of AAUW at Whitman College. I appreciate for the opportunity to participate in this conference. I am excited to share my perspective and improve my leadership skills. I am looking forward to bringing the insight and experience to the Whitman College community.
Whitman College
NCCWSL is expanding, and this is partly due to the growing presence of AAUW on the Whitman campus with a new college chapter. Thanks to members Alice Lanier and Nadine Stecklein for the help and enthusiasm in getting information out regarding NCCWSL (nick-whistle). Safe travels to all and to all a good flight.