Where in the World is Women Employed?

Women Employed
12 min read6 days ago

You know what’s Scary? An inequitable world where women aren’t given the resources, support, or opportunities needed to thrive. So, what do WE do about it? We show up on panel discussions about addressing systemic barriers, speak at conferences on gender equity, present on how the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem can better support Women of Color business owners, discuss the necessity for financial support and agency for survivors of domestic violence, explore how to close the opportunity gap for Black students in higher education, and much more. We did ALL of that, just in the last month!

But while we’re hitting the ground running, pursuing equity for all, we also make time to practice self-care (with some help from the American Dance Therapy Association), celebrate the rich history of Chicago’s Latin community, acknowledge some of our most steadfast supporters, and spend time connecting with our Board of Directors. We even found time to travel to our nation’s capital to attend a gala filled with moving testimonials, fireside chats, and a reminder to, “Find joy amidst the struggle.”

We do all of this to ensure that we leave this world better than how we inherited it. Want to learn more about where we’ve been? Check out our monthly recap. And be sure to read all the way to the end to learn about where we’re going next.

Fe League Panel Discussion on Systemic Barriers

On Thursday, September 19th, WE’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, Sharmili Majmudar spoke on the Fe League’s virtual panel discussion on Systemic Barriers. Joining Sharmili on the panel were Laurell Jones, Board President at Dress for Success; and Heather Spilsbury, CEO at 50/50 Women on Boards; with the Fe League’s Willena Jones serving as moderator. The virtual conversation covered how systemic barriers impact underrepresented groups, how to recognize and identify systemic barriers, examples of strategies to address systemic biases, and more.

Institute for Women’s Policy and Research: Power + Summit Conference

The Institute for Women’s Policy and Research (IWPR) held their Power + Summit, From Research to Revolution: Women’s Voices in Policy on September 23rd and 24th. The conference served as a call to action to reimagine the future of gender equity. WE served as the part of the host committee with Starr De Los Santos, WE’s Associate Director of Coalitions, participating in the opening session on what intersectionality means in research and in policy. To watch videos from all sessions, visit https://www.powerplus2024.com/session-videos.

Chicago Foundation for Women’s Fall Grantee Convening

WE’s Chief of Staff, Mary Kay Devine attended the Chicago Foundation for Women’s (CFW) Fall Grantee Convening on Wednesday, September 25th, at BUILD Inc.’s (Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development) new campus in the Austin neighborhood. There, 50+ grantee organizations―including Hustle Mommies, Ladies of Virtue, Mother and Child Alliance, Life Span, Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Alas-Wings Asociación Latina de Asistencia y Prevención del Cáncer de Mama, and Anew: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse―had the opportunity to network, learn, and build relationships across our issue areas and our communities.

Special shout out to Ilda Laguna’s, CFW’s Director of Community Engagement, for planning a very successful event!

Illinois Women’s Business Collective Meeting

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Economic Equity and Empowerment hosted an Illinois Women’s Business Collective meeting on Wednesday, September 25th. Representing WE were Chief of Staff Mary Kay Devine, Director of Business Development Ibie Hart, and Event and Volunteer Manager Shelby Flores. They shared what we’ve learned from women entrepreneurs, and presented our recommendations for how the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem can better support Women of Color business owners to help them improve their financial security, build their wealth, and achieve their own vision of success.

Mayor’s Latine Heritage Month Celebration

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson hosted a Latine Heritage Month Celebration on Wednesday, October 2nd. Held the at Chicago Cultural Center, the event celebrated Chicago’s Latin community, with WE’s Associate Director of Coalitions, Starr De Los Santos in attendance.

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) Building Latina Wealth Junta Summit

WE’s Associate Director of Coalitions, Starr De Los Santos, attended the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) Building Latina Wealth Junta Summit on Thursday, October 3rd. The event explored the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Latina workers and offered actionable insights and strategies for overcoming these challenges. Guests had the opportunity to engage in motivating discussions, participate in transformative workshops, and connect with a network of supportive peers.

Celebrating Latina Labor Leaders

On Tuesday, October 8th, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau held a special webinar to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, “Celebrating Latina Labor Leaders.” The inspiring panel included WE’s Associate Director of Coalitions, Starr De Los Santos, and distinguished advocates and labor professionals who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in advocating for workers’ rights and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Cheers to an energizing, informative, and successful event with these trailblazing women!

City Council Resolution: Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Chicago

WE’s President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, attended the signing of a Chicago City Council Resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Chicago, and calling upon residents to raise awareness, support and believe survivors, and work towards a future free of domestic violence. The resolution was signed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Members of the City Council.

Changemaker Collaborative: Workforce Transformation Privisio 10/10

On Thursday, October 10th Changemaker Collaborative: Workforce Transformation, hosted a panel discussion at Provisio’s office in Merchandise Mart. The day was filled with insights, innovation, and invaluable connections as guests delved into the world of data management and outcomes understanding for workforce-focused human services leaders. WE’s Senior Career Pathways Manager Tara Driver attended, along with partners from Erie Neighborhood House.

WE Legacy Tea

Women Employed recently hosted a Legacy Tea for some of our most steadfast supporters on Friday, October 11th. When attendees shared their first experiences with WE, their stories spanned across the decades, back 30 to 50 years ago―with a few women having participated in the very first, formative meetings of WE in 1973. We are grateful to ALL our dedicated, educated, and activated supporters who have stood with us over the years. Without your time, talents, and treasures, WE would not be where we are today!

Career Foundations Consortium Quarterly Meeting

The Career Foundations Consortium held their quarterly meeting on Wednesday, October 16th. Joining WE’s Senior Career Pathways Manager, Tara Driver, and Programs and Research Coordinator, Efrata Sasahulih, was Ibie Hart, Director of Business Development, who presented the Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub (WE Hub) to our partners!

Fifth Annual Exploring Career Pathways in Economics and Related Fields Conference

WE’s Senior Career Pathways Manager Tara Driver attended the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Fifth Annual Exploring Career Pathways in Economics and Related Fields Conference on Thursday, October 17th. The day-long event featured leaders in economics and related fields as they discussed their work and their career journeys and featured a fireside chat highlighting the perspectives on career pathways between Kristen Broady, Senior Economist from the Chicago Fed, and Natalie Madeira Cofield, President and COO of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity.

To watch the replay, visit https://www.chicagofed.org/events/2024/exploring-career-pathways.

Annual Women Employed Board Retreat

WE held our annual Board of Director’s retreat on Saturday, October 19th. Our partners from Let’s Build Hope were also in attendance and helped keep the group energized. Board Directors, partners, and staff walked away from the day-long gathering saying:

· “I feel very privileged to be on the Board and getting to know each other,”

· “Every time I see a job position listed with the salary, I think about being part of WE and our work,”

· “What keeps me coming back is this group of women, particularly this current vibrant, diverse group of women that actually challenges,”

· “I get so much out of this Board that I could never give enough to match that,” and

· “The Board at Women Employed sets us up for success and is a tool in our toolbox, which is not the case at many other organizations.”

Safe Futures Panel

WE’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, Sharmili Majmudar, participated in Legal Aid Chicago’s Safe Futures panel on the necessity for financial support and agency for survivors of domestic violence on Monday, October 21st. The discussion was about how important flexible economic supports are to survivors finding safety, the importance of pro-bono legal counsel, and how child support specifically can be critical.

A recording of the panel discussion can be found at https://legalaidchicago.org/get-involved/events/panel-discussion-safe-futures/.

Chicago State University Equity Symposium

Chicago State University (CSU) held their 2nd annual CSU Equity Symposium: Transforming Access: Strategies & Stories for Black Student Success on Tuesday, October 24th. Panelists included WE’s President and CEO, Cherita Ellens; Lisa Castillo Richmond, Executive Director, the Partnership for College Completion; and Grace Mukupa, Policy Director, Complete College America; with Sameer Gadkaree, President and CEO of The Institute for College Access and Success serving as moderator. The panel discussion explored the state and nation’s trajectory in closing the opportunity gap for Black students in higher education, how employers are supporting students in succeeding academically and professionally, and how early college coursework, like dual enrollment, can impact Black students’ access to and success in college.

Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Symposium

The Third Annual Chicagoland Workforce Symposium took place on Tuesday, October 22nd at Malcolm X College. Hosted by The Chicagoland Workforce Funder Alliance, this year’s theme focused on Fostering Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Workers, Employers and Community. WE’s Director of Policy and Programs, Christina Warden, and Programs and Research Coordinator, Efrata Sasahulih, were in attendance, with Senior Career Pathways Manager, Tara Driver, speaking in a roundtable discussion on Service Through Collaboration: Keeping Our Communities at the Center.

Self-Care and Health Through Movement with American Dance Therapy Association

The American Dance Therapy Association held their 59th annual conference in Chicago on Thursday, October 24th. Each year, they choose a local nonprofit to give back to with a free session, and this year, they selected WE! During the session, they guided WE staff members through various exercise sessions that focused on self-care and health through movement.

Thank you to the American Dance Therapy Association!

Illinois MSI Roundtable Virtual Convening

On Thursday, October 24th, Women Employed hosted a virtual convening of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in Illinois. WE’s Director of Policy and Programs, Christina Warden, along with co-hosts from Chicago State University, Latino Policy Forum, and University of Illinois Chicago, discussed how an institution becomes an MSI, how MSI designations are defined, upcoming funding cycles, and who to talk to and network with before the next funding cycle opens.

Abosede Alimi George-Ogan from the Eisenhower Fellowship 2024 Women’s Leadership Program

WE were excited to host Abosede Alimi George-Ogan, representing Nigeria in the Eisenhower Fellowship’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Program. Abosede is the founder of Women In Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN). Staff had an engaging discussion including an overview of WE’s issue areas and approach, particularly to coalition building and measuring impact, and commiserated on challenges and opportunities in engaging governments, legislatures, and corporate organizations on advancing gender equity while also discussing the impacts of our unique cultural, religious, and historical contexts.

The Time Is Now: Equitably Funding Our Public Universities — Northern Illinois University

WE’s President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, and Director of Advocacy and Policy, Sarah Labadie, joined the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding at Northern Illinois University (NIU) on Thursday, October 24th for a listening session around SB 3965, the Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula for Public Universities. Cherita moderated a panel along with NIU President Lisa Freeman, Representative Barbara Hernandez, Dr. Simón Weffer, and Jatavion Young, a student at NIU.

The Power of Us: National Women’s Law Center Gala

On Saturday, October 26th, the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) held their annual gala in Washington, DC. WE’s President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, and Executive Vice President, Sharmili Majmudar, joined fellow attendees for a program that included moving testimonials from LeToya Luckett-Coles and Anna Nusslock about the impact of the reversal of Roe v. Wade on their lives, a tribute to Lilly Ledbetter, and a fireside chat with Melissa Murray, the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law, NYU School of Law, and co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny. Terri Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director, Women’s National Basketball Players Association, called on all guests to “beat the clock and sink the shot” while talking about WNBA players demanding what they deserve, and NWLC President and CEO Fatima Goss-Graves encouraged them to find joy amidst the struggle of not only the next couple of weeks, but what’s to come.

DOL Women’s Bureau Midwest Region Webinar on Older Women Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Women’s Bureau held a virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, October 29th. WE’s Senior Research Analyst, Corinne Kodama was a featured panelist and shared WE’s work on older women at work, menopause, and policy recommendations.

Get Out The Vote!

WE staff are exercising their right to vote and hitting the polls early! With Election Day being less than a week away, now is the time to make your voting plan! Check out our 2024 Voter Mobilization Toolkit for more important news you can use, and there’s even a digital outreach toolkit with sample posts and images so you can share the information on social media.

Your vote is your voice! Get out there and make yourself heard.

Still to come!

SHESolidarity: Entrepreneurs Empowerment Event

· Friday, November 8, 2024

· 10 a.m. — 1 p.m.

· RSVP by November 6th. Register here: https://bit.ly/4eRstm1

November Advocacy Council Meeting

· Tuesday, November 12, 2024

· 5:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m.

· RSVP: https://bit.ly/4hqudnF

2024 Leading with Virtue Annual Fundraiser

· Wednesday, November 13, 2024

· 6 p.m.

· Purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/4hcMJQx

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Women Employed

WE relentlessly pursue equity for women in the workforce by effecting policy change, expanding access to education, & advocating for fair, inclusive workplaces.