In the fall of 1962, Mrs. Carrie H. Williams, a Raleigh teacher, invited some friends into her home for a meeting. The purpose was to share and discuss membership in an outstanding organization, The National Association of College Women. The overwhelming response from her associates encouraged Mrs. Williams to communicate with Mrs. Lillian W. McDaniels, the National President from Richmond, VA. On December 8,1962, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie O. Williams, 509 Coleman Street, Raleigh NC, the National President inducted six college graduate women. Mrs. Williams, along with Mrs. Caesarea D. Debnam, Mrs. Almeda B. Glascoe, Mrs. Minnie T. Howard, Mrs. Vera Morgan and Mrs. Gladys Turner were inducted as Charter Members. Thus, began the Raleigh Branch of the National Association of College Women.

Over the years, the charter members recruited other women of the community and the Raleigh Branch grew in numbers, promoting and conducting educational activities designed to provide community outreach services at every level of development. In 1974, the National Association updated its charter and became known as the National Association of University Women (NAUW).

The Raleigh Branch is a member of the Southeast Section of NAUW. With other branches in NC, SC, GA, VA, and Florida, the Raleigh Branch was awarded a banner at the 2004 Annual Sectional Conference for the largest increase in membership.