The American Association of University Women will recognize four Stanislaus County mayors — all female — in honor of Women’s History Month on March 15 at the Turlock Public Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is free to the public.

Scheduled to attend are Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak, Oakdale Mayor Cherilyn Bairos, Riverbank Mayor Rachel Hernandez, and Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen.

Former Turlock Deputy City Manager Sarah Eddy, who retired last month after 36 years of service, will introduce Bublak.

Former Stanislaus State  counselor Wanda Bonnell is the president of the local AAUW chapter, and said it’s important to recognize the accomplishments of the mayors.

“It’s important to celebrate their leadership in what traditionally has been a male-dominated role,” said Bonnell, now in her third year as AAUW president and 10th year with the organization. “We’re a relatively small community and to have four female mayors in the district at the same time is significant, and it can encourage younger women to pursue leadership roles in public service.”

The local AAUW branch, which has been active for 65 years, is teaming with the Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon chapter to honor the four mayors.

The AAUW is a non-profit organization with a nationwide network of about 170,000 members and supporters that was founded more than 140 years ago.

Each year, the local Turlock-Modesto chapter distributes six $1,000 scholarships to female high school seniors who will major study science in college. The organization also sends a handful of middle school students to tech camp each summer.

The AAUW’s annual fundraiser is held each November.

Bonnell stressed that the event is non-political.

“This is a non-partisan event,” said Bonnell. “It’s about recognizing these women for their achievements, not their political positions. It’s about what they do for their communities and how their communities respond to them.”