Where in the World is Women Employed?
2025 is here! And we know this will be a year of chaotic news and unprecedented challenges. So as a staff, we took time for a restful and restorative holiday break, spending time with loved ones, and preparing ourselves for what’s to come. Now we’re back and ready for action. But before stepping away from our desks, we managed to close out December with a few more meetings and events before kicking off the new year with media appearances, webinars, and panel discussions. From learning about new programs to educating Illinoisans on their equal pay rights, we’ve been busy. Want to read about it? Check out our monthly recap below. And make sure to read until the end for updates on where we’ll be next!
Career Foundations Consortium Meeting
The Career Foundations team held their bi-monthly Consortium meeting on Wednesday, December 11th. Special guest presenter and State Director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Illinois, Andi Drileck, shared their program with our partner organizations. She even brought “Dolly” with her!
Jingle Bells, Saving Well
Women Employed’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub (WE Hub) was thrilled to host Jingle Bells, Saving Well, a holiday financial wellness event in partnership with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and Chase. This event took place on December 16th at the Jane Addams Resource Center on the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus!
One of WE Hub’s primary goals is to empower women across Illinois to improve their financial security and build wealth. This financial literacy workshop provided attendees with the tools and knowledge to start building their nest egg.
Our speaker, Jared Evans, a Community Manager at Chase Bank, brought over 25 years of banking experience to the event. Jared is passionate about fostering relationships within communities and supporting small businesses at the neighborhood level. His approachable style quickly put attendees at ease, creating a welcoming space for financial questions. Jared’s enthusiasm was contagious as he explained just how achievable it is to start a savings account.
During the event, we discovered that many women in attendance were already developing side businesses — one attendee wanted to open an infused bakery, another was running a lawn care business, and a few others were working in child care.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CHA for providing the space and delightful holiday-themed refreshments that added to the festive atmosphere. We’re excited to host more workshops in the future!
WBEZ’s Reset
WE’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, Sharmili Majmudar, appeared on WBEZ’s Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons, speaking with guest host Natalie Moore on Thursday, January 2nd. Sharmili discussed Illinois’ new Salary Transparency Law and what people need to know. You can listen to her interview here.
Equal Pay Today Webinar
Equal Pay Today held a webinar on Thursday, January 16th on Examining Employer Compensation Practices that Contribute to Pay Inequities. The panel, which included WE’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, Sharmili Majmudar, discussed recent legal developments requiring employers to update their compensation practices and provide actionable steps for creating more equitable pay systems. Attendees walked away from the webinar with a better understanding of:
· How specific compensation practices contribute to pay inequities
· Recent legal developments affecting employer pay practices
· Practical steps for implementing equitable compensation systems
· Best practices from academic and other employment sectors
Can Masculinity Be Toxic? Exploring Gender Socialization in South Asian Communities
On Friday, January 24th, Sharmili Majmudar, WE’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, participated in a panel discussion exploring gendered expectations and influences for South Asian Americans. Participants reflected in their own experiences as South Asian Americans with varied experiences, with time allotted at the conclusion of the event for group discussion, Q&A’s, and take-homes.
Still to come!
11th Annual Chicago Cider Summit Festival
· Saturday, February 8th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
· Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.cidersummitnw.com/tickets
The Working Lunch
· Thursday, May 22nd, Networking Reception from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Program from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
· Registration opens soon! Stay tuned for details.
· Honoree nominations open from now until 11:59 p.m. CT, Friday, February 14th. Complete your nomination here.
· Questions? Contact Contact Shelby Flores, WE’s Event and Volunteer Manager at sflores@womenemployed.org, or at (312) 481–6771.