Happy holidays from Women Employed! In this issue, we take a moment to thank you for your support of WE, and your ongoing commitment to making the world a better place for working women. Plus, hear from one of our former summer interns, Reyna Moreno; read a tribute to bell hooks from President and CEO Cherita Ellens, see a recap of a recent Chicago Foundation for Women event that featured Cherita, and more!

During this time of gratitude, we are so thankful for supporters like YOU who make our work possible. And we acknowledge that the history of Thanksgiving is also a painful reminder of the brutality against Indigenous peoples and the inequities that are deeply rooted in American history. We will continue to work, alongside you, to dismantle that legacy of inequity to ensure women can emerge from the “shecession” stronger and more economically empowered than before.

In this issue, our President & CEO Cherita Ellens reflects on the Texas abortion ban, threats to our reproductive rights, and the importance of voting. We also highlight the need for pay equity, featuring a guest piece written by Advocacy Council member Lauren Miller for Native Women’s Equal Pay Day, as well as an upcoming Latina Equal Pay Day event, and a recap of a recent conversation we had on International Equal Pay Day. We also provide an update on our newly-launched ASPIRE Project, which aims to improve developmental education in Illinois.

This month we marked Black Women’s Equal Day, and Women Employed seized the opportunity to shine a light on the greater disparities faced by Black women and many other women of color due to the ongoing impacts of racial and gender bias. Plus, learn about our fall wellness break, our survey for survivors of domestic violence, and current job openings at WE.

In this issue, our President and CEO, Cherita Ellens, reflects on the changes in our society as we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and shares updates and goals related to our new fiscal year and strategic plan. We also announce an upcoming WE-hosted event featuring White House Correspondent, Political Analyst, and author, April Ryan, taking place on August 3rd, Black Women’s Equal Pay day—the approximate day a Black woman must work into the new year to make what white non-Hispanic man made at the end of the previous year. And so much more!

Pride month is an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQIA+ people and the community’s history and culture, but the LGBTQIA+ community needs more than rainbow logos and flags. In this issue, we discuss the importance of having an expansive definition of “families” in policies such as the Chicago and Cook County sick time ordinance, welcome our 2021 cohort of The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership program, and more!

It’s finally Spring, and do we need it more than ever. In this issue, we embrace the power that comes with transformation as we embark a new season of change as well as celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. We also share details about our upcoming fundraising event, The Working Lunch, our recent legislative victories, and more!

“Like you, the continuous and all-too-frequent events where young Black and Brown people lose their lives at the hands of a system sworn to serve and protect has our hearts filled with anger and sadness. As an organization focused on pursuing equity in the workforce and expanding access to educational opportunities, we’re left to ask: What good is an equitable workplace when Black and Brown people continue to be robbed of the right to grow old, and to fully explore their passions and realize their potential?”

In this issue, we mourn the death of Ma’Khia Bryant, Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo, and all of the lives taken at the hands of law enforcement. The issue also contains announcements around our annual fundraising event, The Working Lunch, our Digitized Career Foundations, and more!

“Our hearts hurt in solidarity with Asian Americans. Women Employed commits to stand with the Asian American community in dismantling white supremacy and xenophobia.” Read more from the team at Women Employed in this month’s issue of WE-Zine, along with a list of resources you can use to speak out against racism and xenophobia against Asian Americans. Plus, we share some exciting announcements about The Working Lunch – Virtual  taking place on May 25th, raise awareness about the lack of equal pay in preparation for Equal Pay Day on March 24th, share an our interview with Boozy Bites Founder, Dee Dee Bryant,  and more!

We’re one year into COVID, and women are continuing to absorb the shocks of the pandemic. In this issue, we discuss the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on women–and predominantly women of color—and how we can ensure an equitable recovery. Plus, a list of actions you can take to support working people and our work to pursue equity for all, our most recent media coverage, articles we recommend for you to check out, and more!

WE have big plans for 2021 and we are ready to capitalize on our opportunity to “build back better” for women and families. In this issue of WE-Zine, you’ll find four action items you can take to start the year off strong!

In this issue, we reflect back on the challenges brought by 2020, but also the opportunities. “As we close out this year that will undoubtedly make it into the history books, I choose to live forwards and dive into the work to build back better. I hope you all will join me,” writes our President and CEO, Cherita Ellens. Read about our plans to make the next four years count–and more!

The last four years have challenged the fabric and soul of our nation. We have made our collective voices heard, and demanded change and the proper representation to shape and push that change forward. Now, we do the work to build back better, together!

In this issue, we discuss how we can make the next four years count, reflect back to Latina Equal Pay day, and provide information about your rights at work during COVID-19.

“We are roughly one month away from both the election and the deadline for the Census. There is nothing more important to our fight for equity than ensuring record-smashing voting numbers, and that we get every person in every household counted in the Census.” In this issue, read our tribute to RBG, get all the info you need to participate–and mobilize OTHERS to participate–in the Census and the election, learn what we’re doing to center the experiences of women of color on equal pay, download our new racial equity policy brief, take action for paid sick time, learn your COVID rights on the job, and MORE!

“In this moment, we have to determine as a women’s movement who we are going to be. Where do we stand? Who are we standing with, and what will we fight for? What is the work we must do to gain gender equity for ALL women?” Read the latest WE-Zine, chock full of actions YOU can take to advance equity for all.

Learn about recent Supreme Court victories and what they mean for LGBTQ+ workers and DREAMers; find out about our summer event series; meet our 2020 Summer Leaders, new Board members, and Board Officers; and watch a video update on paid sick time in Illinois.

“This week, we say the names of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Christian Cooper, George Floyd, Sha’Teina Grady El. Fortunately, not all of them lost their lives, but even the ones that are still alive to tell their stories suffered a form of death on the inside.” Read more from our CEO Cherita Ellens in today’s issue of WE-Zine. Plus, get legislative updates and actions you can take both in Illinois and nationwide that will make a difference for women and families.

Watch a video message from our CEO, Cherita Ellens, then find out what YOU can do to help us win paid sick time for all working people, and check out our one stop shop for all the resources you need to stay safe and supported right now.

Read about how we’re focusing our resources and what actions we’re encouraging our leaders to take in light of the COVID-19 crisis, including a personal perspective from our CEO Cherita Ellens.

February’s WE-Zine is HERE! Celebrate Black HERstory, learn about our 2020 Policy Priorities, why black women need #PaidLeave, and MORE! This issue is jammed packed with goodies! ?️??

Check out our first WE-Zine of the year as we give you 5 tips to help you be the best advocate EVER! Take a look at the new leadership we have on our Board and our Advocacy Council. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming events!

In 2019’s last WE-Zine issue, we reflect on our organizational growth during the 20teens, share some important event dates, and more! Check it out now!

In this month’s issue, we chat about Latina’s Equal Pay Day, our fall event, Schoolhouse on the Rocks, Reflect on a great year and more!

On the two-year anniversary of #MeToo going viral, read a message from our CEO on the progress we’ve made, the work still to do, and how YOU can have an impact. Plus, read a profile of one of our Career Foundations partners, download our No Salary History toolkit, and more!

Read why every day will be Labor Day at Women Employed, until all work is respected and honored. Plus, meet the 2019 class of The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program.

This summer has been filled with success, check out this issue to learn what’s new and what’s to come!

Check out June’s issue of WE-Zine for all our IL Legislation Agenda wins and updates. And we bid a “See You Later”, to two of our beloved team members!

Check out May’s issue as we chat shining on, changes happening in Chicago, and much more!

Read why we’re excited to celebrate the Power of Women at The Working Lunch, learn about each of our inspiring panel speakers, find out why Emily Miller is energized to introduce her networks to Women Employed, and learn about a policy we’re following that will impact racial equity in Illinois.

Hear why Cherita Ellens is excited for the future this Women’s History Month, hear about Chicago City Clerk’s “Pink New Deal” for women and girls in Chicago, get your tickets for The Working Lunch–WE’s signature annual event, and get ready to raise your voice for equal pay!

Meet our new CEO Cherita Ellens and learn more why she’s excited for her new role at WE! Plus, celebrate Illinois passing a minimum wage increase, read about the women we honored during Black History Month, and get a full video recap of our Advocacy on Tap event!

WE is resolving to make change in 2019. Read our legislative agenda to see how. Plus, join us for Advocacy on Tap on Feb 4, learn about mayoral candidates at a Feb 2 forum, see how Program Manager Shirlondra Brooks is showing her kids advocacy, save the date for The Working Lunch on May 9, and more!

WE is helping new IL legislators make higher ed a priority. Also, make the gift that gives back by donating to WE, get a recap of a recent ACLU panel on “Reworking the Workplace,” hear from our summer interns, and save the date for an evening of Lagunitas and live music on Feb 4!

We’ve crafted an Illinois Women’s Agenda for Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker. Plus, read how we’re doubling down on rising up, and hear from the people uniting around our cause, in our 2018 Annual Report. Then double down with us on #GivingTuesday, November 27th, by making your gift.