Minnesota Chapter
The Minnesota Chapter is proud to be a part of the National Association of
Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE). Building on the vision of the 13
founding (2020) members of our local chapter, we recognize the need for a
stronger Black voice in the educational affairs of our nation. Committed to
this objective, we seek to provide a forum for action related to improving the
quality of education for Blacks, and particularly for Black children, youth, and
young adults, in every aspect of learning.
Our chapter promotes the intellectual growth and educational development
of Black women in K-12 and higher education. We seek to utilize our talents,
strengths, and expertise to connect, support, and advance our vision for
quality education, equity, social justice, and positive outcomes for the
broader community. Our members have over 100 years of experience in
these areas as well as in profit and non-profit agencies.
Our dedication to community service is reflected in our annual sponsorships
of student educational scholarships, school backpacks, and supplies,
Thanksgiving baskets and adopting a school or program, just to name a few.
Some of the faculty and staff benefits of being a member of the Minnesota
Chapter includes having space for professional and personal development,
networking, mentoring, writing opportunities, and participating in leadership
development forums, conferences, partnerships, and self-care. Students
may join the organization for the same opportunities.
We’d love to have you join us at the local, virtual, and/or national level
throughout the year.
Chapter Leadership
Karen Ruth-Jarmon, Ed.D.
Minnesota Chapter President
Dr. Karen Ruth-Jarmon is the current President of ABWHE-MN and the Treasurer of the National Executive Board. Dr. Ruth-Jarmon is a retired middle school science teacher. She continues her work with students by serving as a substitute teacher.
Caroline Gaither, MS, PhD, FAPhA
Minnesota Chapter Vice President
Caroline A. Gaither serves as Director of Graduate Studies, Social and Administrative Pharmacy Graduate Program and Professor and Interim Associate Department Head in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care and Health-Systems, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy. She received her pharmacy degree from the University of Toledo, and advanced degrees in Pharmacy Administration from Purdue University. She has over 25 years of experience as an educator, researcher and faculty member and practiced pharmacy in various community settings where she developed an interest in pharmacists’ work-related attitudes and behaviors. Dr. Gaither served as pharmacy manager, department chair and assistant/senior associate dean of professional education. Her research interests include understanding and improving the work life of pharmacists, specifically focusing on individual-level (organizational and professional commitment, job satisfaction, job stress, role conflict, turnover, gender and race/ethnicity effects) and organizational-level (culture and empowerment) factors.
Dr. Yvette Pye
Minnesota Chapter Treasurer
Dr. Yvette LaShone Pye received a BA in Education at Chicago State University, and an MA and Ph.D. in Urban Social Geography from the University of Minnesota. With fourteen years of research experience and seven years of teaching in Higher Education, Dr. Pye coordinates efforts between diverse community groups, and builds rapport with colleagues at all levels. She is deeply fulfilled by loved ones and through research endeavors across the United States and abroad in Brazil and Kenya. A published author, Dr. Pye, has written her memoir, Going from the Projects to Ph.D.: Transcending My Geography, and contributed chapter 14, "Innovations in Mentoring: The Many Faces of Chosen to Achieve" to the edited book Breaking the Mold of Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students: Innovative and Successful practices for the 21st Century.