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October News from YWCA Metropolitan Chicago

Highlights from the YWCA's 52nd Annual Leader Luncheon

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's 52nd Annual Leader Luncheon, themed "She the People," was a resounding success at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on October 25th! Attendees gathered to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women from diverse sectors who are driving meaningful change in our communities. 

This year, we honored four exceptional women who have positively impacted their communities through dedicated leadership: Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun, Lisa Duarte, Jennifer Scanlon, Dorothy Tucker, and CBS Chicago Investigating Injustice Team.

The event highlighted the power of collective action in the pursuit of a more perfect union for everyone. Together, we celebrated these inspiring leaders and reinforced our commitment to empowerment, equality, and progress. Thank you to all who joined us and the nearly 100 companies and individuals who chose to support our mission by donating or becoming a Luncheon Sponsor this year. We hope to see you next year! 

Advancing Safety, Healing, & Belonging

Hope. Love. Pink. 5K: A Celebration of Strength

On Saturday, October 5, over 100 attendees laced up their running shoes to support women and families affected by breast cancer. Participants enjoyed a day filled with walking, stretching, and dancing while competing for exciting prizes in categories like best race times, top fundraisers, and best costumes!

This annual event raises crucial funds for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Health Promotion and Navigation team, which provides essential services such as health education, nutrition support, free mammograms, and more.

Remembering Lives at No One Fights Alone: Breast Cancer Memorial

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is proud to announce that this year’s No One Fights Alone event, organized by Health Promotion and Navigation Program, brought together over 200 participants in a heartfelt and powerful gathering. This annual event is dedicated to educating the community and raising awareness about breast cancer, shining a light on a cause that affects so many.

In a poignant moment of reflection, participants honored the courageous women who bravely fought their battles, reminding everyone that they are not alone in this journey.

Thank you to all who attended and supported this vital cause. Let’s keep the momentum going—raising awareness, supporting one another, and spreading love. Together, we are stronger.

Unleashing Youth & Family Potential

Empowering Families: YWCA Team Members Lead Child Development Training

Join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of Derrick McCollum and Lorena Sanchez, two outstanding ambassadors for our organization! Derrick has played a vital role in strengthening partnerships with School District #U46 and EPEL (Elgin Partnerships for Early Learning). Together, he and Lorena recently delivered a dynamic child development training designed for parents, showcasing how Head Start equips children for lifelong learning. They also highlighted the Child Care Assistance Program and the invaluable services offered by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

We are excited to announce that Lorena has received professional development funds from INCCRRA to attend the Family Child Care Summit in Chicago. We can’t wait for her to share the insights and knowledge she gains with our team!

Derrick and Lorena truly shine in our community, inspiring others and creating a lasting impact. Let’s celebrate their achievements and the positive change they foster!

Driving Economic Equity

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and Apostolic Church of God Bring Resources and a Job Fair to the South Side of Chicago

The YWCA partnered with the Apostolic Church of God to host a successful Resource & Job Fair on October 17! This event provided community members on the Soutside of Chicago with valuable resources and employment opportunities. Attendees had the chance to explore various services, meet local employers, and enhance their job readiness skills. Together with the Apostolic Church of God, we are proud to have empowered individuals and strengthened our community by facilitating access to essential support and career pathways. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the event's success!

The YWCA Presents at the Executives' Club of Chicago Workforce Development Summit

YWCA's CEO, Nicole Robinson, and Chief Economic Empowerment Officer, Paul Thompson, took center stage as panelists at the Executives' Club of Chicago Workforce Development Summit.

This pivotal gathering of Chicago’s business leaders focused on navigating the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes. Together with industry experts, they explored groundbreaking strategies for upskilling, reskilling, and developing robust support programs to empower the workforce of tomorrow.

The 'She The People' Edition of YWCA's StreetWise Magazine

Did you miss your chance to grab the special Leader Luncheon “She the People” edition of StreetWise? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! You can check out the digital version by clicking the button below. 

Enterprise News

Celebrating Día de los Muertos and Honoring Latin(e) Civic Heritage

On Sunday, October 6, the YWCA had the privilege of organizing and leading an impactful event that celebrated the vibrant traditions of Día de los Muertos while honoring the profound civic contributions of the Latin(e) community.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the National Museum of Mexican Art, ALMA Chicago, and Mujeres Latinas en Accion for their partnership as we not only paid tribute to our ancestors but also inspired the Latin(e) community to embrace their sacred right to vote.