Where in the World is Women Employed
2023 was certainly one to remember for Women Employed, and not just because it was our 50th anniversary year. WE attended more events, hosted, participated, and moderated both in-person AND virtual panels, lent our voice to countless interviews, planning sessions, and forums, and traveled throughout Illinois and across the country to continue advocating for policies that benefit working women.
As the year comes to a close, we attended luncheons, launches, and squeezed in time to celebrate and bond with one another as an organization. It was the perfect way to end another phenomenal year. We thank you for joining Women Employed as we ventured near and far during our golden anniversary, and we look forward to taking you with us on our travels in the new year.
Here’s a look back to December. Happy Holidays!
Roosevelt University 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Council Holiday Luncheon
On Thursday, December 7th, Roosevelt University held their 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Council Holiday Luncheon. The event, hosted at the University Club of Chicago, honored Melissa Conyears-Ervin, City Treasurer of Chicago and a Roosevelt alumna, and was attended by Women Employed’s Senior Career Pathways Manager, Tara Driver.
Access Living’s Annual Meeting
Access Living held their Annual Meeting on December 11th at Northern Trust. The organization, a close partner with Women Employed on the Illinois Care Can’t Wait Coalition and the Time to Care Coalition, celebrated their achievements and honored their board of directors, allies, and advocates. WE’s own Senior Coalition Manager, Starr De Los Santos, was also in attendance.
Family Values @ Work Strategy Meeting
Also on December 11th, Family Values @ Work, along with WE’s Starr De Los Santos, gathered for a strategy meeting to discuss ways to engage community members during the upcoming election year.
We Thrive Launch
On December 12th, the Office of Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton launched We Thrive, a new initiative to foster women’s financial wellbeing and economic empowerment. WE’s President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, participated in a roundtable discussion at the launch.
As a woman leader, Lt. Governor Stratton is focused on how we can stand together and uplift each other’s voices to build the pathways to thrive. From expanding equitable childcare so working moms have support to ensuring women and girls receive the financial literacy they need and deserve to live well — there is more work to do. When women thrive, we all thrive!
Women Employed Annual Holiday Party
WE held our annual holiday party on December 16th! Staff exchanged gifts, enjoyed a taco bar and homemade vegan cookies, played games, and got the chance to connect with one another outside of the work — to laugh, celebrate, and have fun. Special thanks to our Associate Director of People and Culture, Kendra Randall, for planning the party; and to Efrata Sasahulih and Sarah Labadie for bringing homemade treats! What a great way to close out 2023!
