Women Employed Recognized as one of Crain’s 2023 Best Places to Work in Chicago.

Celebrating 50 Years

of Smashing the Status Quo for Working Women

50th anniversary slideshow

Since 1973, Women Employed (WE) has relentlessly pursued equity for women in the workforce by shaping policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, and advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces so that all women, families, and communities can thrive.

And we’re not done yet! We won’t stop advocating until every woman—from those who make the tips, to those who make the laws—is given her due. We’re asking you to join us, because there can never be too many people on the right side of history.

CHECK OUT OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO

If you joined us at The Working Lunch on May 25th, you got to see our 50th anniversary video, highlighting our legacy and our vision. Watch it here!

The City and the State Celebrated With WE!

We are honored that the City of Chicago declared March 8, 2023―International Women’s Day―as Women Employed Day in Chicago in recognition of our 50 years of Smashing the Status Quo. And that the State of Illinois issued a proclamation honoring and celebrating with WE for Women’s History Month in 2023.

Join Us! Together We Can Make More History!

Invest in Our Work


We maybe 50, but we’re not slowing down. We have a bold vision to ensure all women have access to build economic power and agency over their lives. Your support can make it happen.

Subscribe to Stay in the Know

Subscribe to Women Employed emails to be the first to hear about ways to celebrate our milestones, and take action to help us win more. With you, we can smash more status quos and build a better future.

Connect with Us on Social Media

Join the conversation! You can learn more about our history, see how we’re driving change now, and see our vision for a better, safer, more equitable future for working women and their families.

Thank You to Our 50th Anniversary Committees

Steering Committee

Holly Bartecki
Mary Kay Devine
Cherita Ellens
Carrie Garcia Palmer
Christina Perez
Caroline Greenberg
Ambar Mentor Truppa
Judy Miyashita
Michelle Schwartz
Lynn Watkins-Asiyanbi

Fundraising Committee

Carrie Garcia Palmer, Co-Lead
Caroline Greenberg, Co-Lead
Christina Perez, Staff Lead
Cynthia Alfaro
Linda Ballard
Shawna Dodds
Annalisa Funk
Pamela Haney
Lauren Smith 
Amanda Sousa
Jessica Swim

Planning Committee

Holly Bartecki, Co-Lead
Ambar Mentor Truppa, Co-Lead
Judy Miyashita, Staff Lead
Cher Alfaro
Pat Arnold
Teresa Becvar
Starr De Los Santos
Catherine Dennis
Scout Driscoll
Kate Everson
Racquel Fullman
Bravetta Hassell
Deborah Minor Harvey
Diana Sharpe
Jessica Swim
Lisa Turley
Christina Warden

Together, we will ensure more women, families, and communities can build their economic power and thrive.

All new or increased gifts will be matched by an anonymous donor!