Where in the World is Women Employed?
The time has come to say goodbye to 2024. But as we prepared to disconnect to spend time with our loved ones for the holidays, we made time to go out into the world and amplify the importance of building economic equity for women. Closing out the month of November, we hosted workshops and did radio interviews discussing equal pay laws. And we spent December celebrating with partner organizations, attending holiday gatherings, and finishing up strong by discussing with WBEZ the experiences and challenges of women over 55 at work. WE also celebrated together―gathering in our new office for our annual staff holiday party! To get your monthly download of all we’ve been up to, check out our recap.
And a special thanks to YOU for being an integral part of Women Employed. We could not do this impactful work without you. Happy Holidays!
Cognizant Workshop: Know and Earn Your Value with Illinois’ Equal Pay Laws
On Thursday, November 21st, WE’s Chief of Staff, Mary Kay Devine, and Executive Vice President of Policy, Programs, and Research, Sharmili Majmudar, facilitated a workshop for Cognizant Chicago titled Know and Earn Your Value with Illinois’ Equal Pay Laws. The workshop focused on:
· The state of the gender and racial wage gap,
· Components of Illinois’ current equal pay law,
· Recent updates to local and national laws,
· Preparing for what’s on the horizon in 2025,
· Utilizing tools and resources to support negotiations, and
· Ensuring you’re receiving a fair and equitable salary in this new environment.
Special thank you to WE supporter and Marketing Council member, Nicole Domanski, for hosting this education session for your team!
820 AM radio interview with Patti Vasquez
WCPT 820 — Chicago’s Progressive Talk invited WE’s Chief of Staff, Mary Kay Devine, back into the studio on Monday, November 25th for another interview with host, Patti Vasquez. The conversation centered around the work Women Employed is doing to build women’s economic power, details about the recently passed paid leave laws, and the new salary transparency law that goes into effect on January 1, 2025! To listen to (and watch) the replay, visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19pMcYmGdZ/
Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding Virtual Listening Session
In September, the Coalition for Transforming Higher Education Funding launched its listening tour, hosting in-person and virtual listening sessions across Illinois to bring together students, higher education advocates, legislative leaders, and university faculty and staff to discuss the Adequate and Equitable Funding Formula for Public Universities Act (SB 3965 / HB 5907). Women Employed, alongside Young Invincibles, led the virtual listening session on Wednesday, December 4th, ensuring that stakeholders in all corners of the state were introduced to the legislation and able to provide feedback. See the Coalition website to learn more and get involved.
Obama Foundation Democracy Forum
On Thursday, December 5th, our President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, attended the third annual Obama Foundation Democracy Forum. At this crucial time for global democracy, this day-long forum highlighted the importance of pluralism, honoring the diversity of our identities and communities while working together for the collective good. The day featured conversations with leaders, experts, and changemakers, including remarks from President Obama. Watch the replay here: https://www.obama.org/democracy-forum-2024/president-obama-remarks/.
WE’s Annual Holiday Party
The Women Employed team gathered in our new office, located at 67 East Madison, on Monday, December 9th, for our annual holiday party! Staff enjoyed lunch from Mole Village Restaurant, participated in a White Elephant gift exchange, and teamed up for a gingerbread house making competition. Huge kudos to our party planning team for making sure we ended the year on a celebratory note. Needless to say, WE knows how to party!
2024 Annual Access Living Meeting
Access Living held their 2024 meeting on Monday, December 9th. Attended by WE Associate Director of Coalitions, Starr De Los Santos, the annual gathering celebrated their impact in 2024 and honored former Board Chair John Schmidt with their Access Living Leadership Award.
Mayor Johnson Holiday Celebration
Chicago Mayor, Brandon Johnson held his annual holiday celebration on Monday, December 16th. Taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center, the annual event invited organizations across the city to network and celebrate the holiday season. Associate Director of Coalitions, Starr De Los Santos, represented Women Employed and even ran into former WE Director of Development, Christina Perez!
WBEZ Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons
WE’s Senior Research Analyst, Corinne Kodama, was invited to appear on WBEZ’s Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons on Tuesday, December 17th. The live interview, inspired by an article from the Washington Post titled Older women are changing the face of the U.S. labor force, focused on why more and more women over 55 stay in their jobs, and some of the unique challenges they face in the workforce. Corinne provided insight into the wage gap and its impact on older working women, financial insecurity, not earning enough to save for retirement, lack of benefits, and what employers can do. Listen to the replay at https://bit.ly/49KuKh1.
