Home About Portfolio Contact

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Editorial

My Happy Flo •

A Mom's Journey To Ensuring Her 11-Year Old Had A Better Period Experience

Length of time on My Happy Flo: 7 months

As a mother, Ryan R. was hoping to have a little more time before her daughter Sabella began her journey into womanhood. Although she’d been educating Sabella since an early age on the ins and outs of puberty, nothing quite prepared her for the sudden arrival of her 10-year-old daughter’s period. Thankfully, months of reading books on the subject had put Sabella on game. She’d read about the painful periods and heavy bleeding that usually started around...
My Happy Flo •

Christini's Journey From Divorcing Her Pain To Loving Her Period

Name: Christini Briggs
Age: 31
Location: The Colony, TX

Length of time using My Happy Flo: 6 months

Christini Briggs felt like she was living in a nightmare. Whenever that time of month rolled around, she went into prep mode— heating pads for the intense cramps, stuffing extra pads in pockets and bra straps for the heavy bleeding, calling out “sick” from work whenever Aunt Flo made her grand (and undesirable) debut. Even her wife knew to clear the schedule of activities leading up to her perio...
My Happy Flo •

How I Got Pregnant With Endometriosis: Miracle Baby

Location: Springfield, IL
Length of time on My Happy Flo: 12 months
For Victoria Q,, periods weren’t just inconvenient, they were downright debilitating. At her best, from sun up to sun down she’d find herself running to a bathroom or bent over a trash can suffering from 12-hour vomiting spells. At her worst, she’d end up in the hospital where they encouraged her to take the Depo shot, resulting in unusual pain shooting through her body and her feet turning blue.
And then there was the endometri...
My Happy Flo •

How She Healed Fibroids Naturally In 6 Months | My Happy Flo

Like many women, Syrenia found herself in a relentless pursuit of answers after suffering a miscarriage in March 2021. Her doctor suggested that the miscarriage was simply because she has been using birth control for so many years and sent her on her way without further testing. 
Not wanting to give up hope, she continued trying to conceive only to be met with menstrual cycles getting continuously worse as the months went on. She began having migraines, body aches, and back pain so severe that s...
My Happy Flo •

Marie's Journey From Fibroids And Blood Transfusions To A Happier Flo

Name: Marie McQuitta
Age: 33
Location: Vacaville, CA

Length of time on My Happy Flo: A little over four months

Marie McQuitta had tried it all. The patch. Multiple brands of birth control pills. An IUD. The NuvaRing. No matter what birth control methods her doctor prescribed to ease her flow, they did nothing to alleviate her fibroids or the heavy cycles that came with them. What’s worse, her doctor didn’t even take her health concerns seriously until she ended up in the hospital with an emerg...
xoNecole •

Manifestation Meets Pleasure: How Sex Magic Can Transform Your Life

I don't know who needs to hear this, but sis, it's time for you to start having better sex. And not for the obvious reasons. Yes, we all know that sex is great for boosting the immune system, improving your sleep, clearing your skin, and is a form of preventative medicine. But did you also know that sex is a great inclusion to your manifestation practices? When exercised properly, your orgasms can be the gateway to getting the things you ultimately want in life. This can be achieved through a li...
xoNecole •

From Educator To Entrepreneur: Abena Boamah-Acheampong On Creating A Sustainable Brand With Hanahana Beauty

Sometimes the best solutions aren't found in reinventing the wheel but instead found through getting back to the basics. That is a truth that helped founder and CEO Abena Boamah-Acheampong sow the seeds that would eventually make her clean beauty brand Hanahana Beauty bloom. Birthed from a place of needing nourishing skincare products to combat Chicago’s harsh, cold weather, Abena happened upon a solution for dry skin by turning to a trusted product she grew up on, shea butter. This time though,...
xoNecole •

How A Search For Solutions Led To Actor Dorion Renaud’s Pivot Into The Skincare Industry

Dorion Renaud was first introduced to us in 2008 on BET’s College Hill: Atlanta. Soon after, the Beaumont, Texas native saw great success as a model, gracing the pages of Vogue magazine, and as an actor, starring in Bounce TV’s hit sitcom, In The Cut. Recently, Dorion has added the title of 'entrepreneur' to his ever-growing list of accomplishments and successes over his decade-plus-long career. With the launch of his skincare line, Buttah, he has taken the beauty and skincare industry by storm,...
xoNecole •

How Yoga Helped Peloton's Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts Heal From Past Traumas

Since her Peloton debut in May of 2020, Chelsea Jackson Roberts, Ph.D., has become one of the most sought-after yoga instructors on the app. Using a mixture of hip-hop, R&B, classical, gospel, house, and funk-themed classes, the Dayton, OH native guides Peloton users across the globe, in the weekly practice of feeling connected with the body and the breath as they “root down and rise up.” With many leaving her classes feeling more grounded and anchored than they were when they started, it’s easy...
xoNecole •

Exclusive: How A Season Of Solitude & Self-Work Set The Tone For Melanie Fiona Finding The Love Of Her Life

Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter, Melanie Fiona says that her story with her husband, fellow singer, and songwriter, Jared Cotter is her favorite love story. Describing it as having all the makings of a romantic comedy, their relationship involves “real introspective lessons of growth and self-awareness.” Following a year and a half of doing intense and intentional, spiritual work, the Canadian native decided that it was time to meet her person. What she didn’t know was that on her way...
xoNecole •

Former Beyoncé Dancer Deja Riley On Changing Her Career For Her Mental Health

Born into the world of entertainment, Deja Riley is a star in her own right. And if her last name sounds familiar, it is because she is the daughter of legendary producer and King of New Jack Swing, Teddy Riley. But rather than rely on her father's connections and last name, Deja chose to forge her own path into the entertainment industry. Going from dancing professionally with the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and the queen herself, Beyoncé, to now becoming one of the most sought-after MIRRO...
Chicago Defender •

Why Women Should Prioritize Galentine's Day

Long ago, before the term “Galentine’s Day” was coined, my friends were my original Valentines. Each year, on February 14th, I made it a priority to celebrate my best girls. Whether going to dinner, sending flowers, buying simple gifts, or having a movie night, I always did something with and for my friends. It was a tradition that I looked forward to, carrying it with me from college into adulthood.
Now, I can’t remember what initially prompted me to dedicate Valentine’s Day to my friends. But...
xoNecole •

4 Self-Boundaries To Make & How To Maintain Them

Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth an...
xoNecole •

How To Know If You're In A 'Communicationship' + 3 Ways To Handle It Directly

Pluto goes retrograde in Aquarius from May 4 until October 13, and this will be a time of remembering your power when it comes to your purpose, innovations, and the ability to attract support into your life. Mercury moves into Taurus on May 10, making this a good time for negotiations, creating new plans financially, and sticking to your word on something that holds value to you. The Full Moon of the month occurs in Scorpio on May 12, and this is the Flower Moon of the year, signifying growth an...
Chicago Defender •

Two Years Later: What the COVID-19 Pandemic Cost Me

I, like many people, did not believe the severity of COVID when first learning of it. I thought it was a fear-mongering tactic by the media to put us in a constant state of panic. Dismissing their updates and shaking my head at people for wearing masks wherever they went. Thinking that this was something that would end soon after it started. But on Friday, March 13, 2020, I began to take it a little more seriously.
Now, I am not sure why, but something in my spirit told me to take that day off o...
xoNecole •

Five Steps Towards Becoming Emotionally Intelligent

Emotional intelligence or, EQ as it is commonly called, is the ability to identify and manage one’s emotions. It is how you overcome challenges and identify triggers that threaten to impact your day-to-day. It is being in control of your emotions so that you can healthily express them. As well as understanding the art of honoring your feelings without being overwhelmed. But being emotionally intelligent doesn't just apply to oneself. It is also being in tune with the feelings of those around you...
xoNecole •

Here's What My Newfound Love Of Lingerie Taught Me About Loving My Body

As someone who has always considered themselves beautiful at any size, I can't say that I have always loved my body. Sure, there have been moments where I thought I was the sexiest thing walking. But for the most part, all I saw when I looked in the mirror were flaws. My thighs were always too big. Butt full of dimples from cellulite. Boobs always in the way. And my arms too jiggly. I never saw the same things as others when they looked at me because I was too focused on what I felt needed chang...
xoNecole •

How 100 Days Of Exercise Transformed Me From The Inside Out

For many, the new year signifies a time for growth, new beginnings, and fresh starts. It's a time to set the tone for the year ahead by making resolutions, setting intentions, and creating lists of goals. All for the sole purpose of improvement and to manifest the life of one's dreams. Over the years, like millions of people worldwide, I have made numerous commitments towards having a healthier lifestyle. As a yo-yo dieting, backsliding vegan, I have gained and lost weight many times. At my heal...
xoNecole •

No, We Can't Be Friends: 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Friends With An Ex

We've all been there. You meet this amazing person. Establish a solid foundation as friends. Decide to take things to the next level by becoming exclusive. Only to, sadly realize that it is no longer working, causing you to go your separate ways. And while we would all love to hold onto those feelings for a little longer, it's best to just cut the cord and move on. But what do you do with those leftover feelings? How do you move on, knowing that a central piece of your world is now gone? Or what...
xoNecole •

Nine Regular Beauty Maintenance Routines You Need In Your Rotation

The year of our Lord, 2021, has come to a close! This means that many of us are currently planning our New Year's resolutions, manifesting our higher selves, and honing in on what needs to be in our beauty maintenance routines. You know, the regular self-care, self-love, and beautification appointments that keep us naked sexy fine all year round. The ones ensure that we are always looking good, feeling our best, and turning heads wherever we go. Now when it comes to beauty maintenance, most wome...
xoNecole •

Try These Coping Mechanisms To Overcome Holiday Grief This Season

A few weeks ago, I did something pretty unprecedented. For the first time in over twenty years, I put up a Christmas tree. To some, that may not seem like a big deal, as people anxiously await this time of year to gather as a family and begin the tradition of holiday decorating. But for me, the holidays have always been a time of sadness due to long-term grief from my grandfather's passing. As a "grandaddy's girl," the holiday season was always a special time for the two of us. It was a time for...
Chicago Defender •

Iyanla Vanzant On Helping People Master Peace

For nine years, the phrase, “Do you work, Beloved”, has been synonymous with spiritual teacher, speaker, and writer, Iyanla Vanzant, as she guided people through their healing journeys on her NAACP-award-winning series, Iyanla, Fix My Life. There, viewers watched each week as Iyanla led individuals using spiritual practices on navigating their various obstacles. Thus, giving them a newfound outlook on life and equipping them with the tools needed to confidently go out into the world knowing that...
Chicago Defender •

My Beautiful Black Hair: Celebrating Our Crowns Through 101 Empowering Stories

These days, it’s not uncommon to see Black women wearing their natural hair. Something unheard over twenty years ago. Back then, sporting one’s kinks, coils, and curls was not socially acceptable. Forcing women to chemically alter their hair texture. Giving them that desired bone, straight, European look, that attracted the eyes of many.
This all changed with the onset of the “natural hair movement”. A mass exodus of women abandoning their coveted relaxers in favor of afros, braids, twists, locs...
Chicago Defender •

Porsha Williams on Faith, Legacy, and Advocacy in her Pursuit of Porsha

Actress. Television host. Entrepreneur. Reality star. Those are some of the words that describe Porsha Williams. Since 2012, Williams has been a fixture on television screens, starring in Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. There, the “cornbread-fed Georgia Peach” gave viewers an inside look into her life. Documenting her highs and lows, quickly becoming a fan favorite. And in July of last year, the 40-year-old mother of one added author to her growing list of titles.
In her debut book, The...
Load More

Communications

Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

April brought with it not just rain showers, but a flood of summits, conferences, rallies, and events. After closing out March with a visit to our nation’s capital for the Equal Pay Today Summit, WE staff traveled to Dallas, Texas to discuss adult education program needs, hosted representatives of key Illinois organizations who share our commitment to students’ success, represented WE at Hands Off! rallies throughout Illinois and Indiana, and so much more. We even found time to travel back to D....
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

Do you hear that sound? No, not the birds chirping, wind whistling, or rain tapping on your window. We’re talking about the sound of Women Employed staff members going out into the world, sharing our work and engaging with partners on how we can continue removing barriers to economic equity. Whether it’s attending conferences on equitably increasing postsecondary attainment in Illinois, advocating for increased funding for Illinois’ youngest learners, or sharing our work on menopause in the work...
WE-Zine •

Rooting our activism in love

You know… We’re never too old to learn a thing or two from our mothers. From the moment they discover they are carrying us, they immediately go into mom mode, thinking about how to protect us, give us the best of everything, and teach us things like how to be kind, compassionate, and loving human beings. We also learn from them how to balance, shift, and adjust, all while showing up for others and caring for ourselves during life’s most uncertain moments. Because, after all, when they gave birth...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

It’s February! A month dedicated to love, history, and awareness. And while this month is often synonymous with flowers, cards, candy, and celebrating the love shared between friends and significant others, the Women Employed team proves that you can also show your love by advocating, educating, celebrating, and building power. This month, WE hosted financial wellness seminars, sipped cider while sharing WE’s mission with new audiences, attended Galentine’s Day gatherings, and celebrated the ric...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

2025 is here! And we know this will be a year of chaotic news and unprecedented challenges. So as a staff, we took time for a restful and restorative holiday break, spending time with loved ones, and preparing ourselves for what’s to come. Now we’re back and ready for action. But before stepping away from our desks, we managed to close out December with a few more meetings and events before kicking off the new year with media appearances, webinars, and panel discussions. From learning about new...
Medium •

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 ch...
Medium •

Five Things to Know About Salary Transparency

Salary transparency is an increasingly hot topic in the workplace these days. As more companies recognize the importance of fair pay and equal opportunity, salary transparency has become a key element of many organizations’ commitment to equity and openness. But what exactly is salary transparency, and why is it important?Salary transparency is best described as the practice of openly communicating salary information, such as pay ranges. It most commonly includes providing salary ranges and info...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

What do we want? Equity! When do we want it? Now! How do we get? By sharing the importance of closing the wage gap and the wealth gap, creating safe spaces for Black and Latina/x entrepreneurs and mompreneurs, celebrating leaders and organizations making a difference in the community, and engaging in discussions on the recent election and where we go from here. This month, we did all of that, and took the time to connect and share what’s on the horizon with committed supporters.Want to learn mor...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

You know what’s Scary? An inequitable world where women aren’t given the resources, support, or opportunities needed to thrive. So, what do WE do about it? We show up on panel discussions about addressing systemic barriers, speak at conferences on gender equity, present on how the broader entrepreneurship ecosystem can better support Women of Color business owners, discuss the necessity for financial support and agency for survivors of domestic violence, explore how to close the opportunity gap...
WE-Zine •

Check your biases about your older colleagues

September is National Menopause Awareness Month, a time for women to embrace and celebrate this time in their lives. But how can women celebrate this natural shift when their menopause symptoms disrupt their everyday lives? Or, perhaps a better question: How can they show up for themselves and others if they aren’t given the space to advocate for themselves, and if their concerns are dismissed or not taken seriously by both medical professionals and their employers?

It’s true, conversations...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

The leaves are changing colors and falling, the sun is setting earlier, and there’s a slight crisp in the air letting us know that fall is now here. But even though the seasons have changed, our commitment to improving the economic status of women has not. Picking up where we left off in August, we kept working women in the spotlight―speaking at tour stops on the importance of care; sharing thoughts, ideas, and concerns about how American Rescue Plan Act funds should be used; and joining our par...
WE-Zine •

Do something.

When famously Beyonce sang, in her 2016 hit song Formation, “I dream it. I work hard. I grind till I own it,” she had to have been talking about MariaJose Sierra. The 2023 graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio has big dreams, a hard work ethic, and an undying willingness to go the distance to see her dreams come to fruition. Armed with determination and fearlessness, Maria has been taking leaps of faith since leaving her home state of Texas for Chicago in pursuit of finding opportun...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

August brought with it beautiful weather, summer fun, and Chicago on the national stage as we close out the last full month of Summer before transitioning into back-to school, election season, and the pumpkin spice vibe that fall brings. But just because we enjoyed all summer has to offer this month, doesn’t mean that our advocacy and activism has slowed down any. We still showed up, showed out, and made quite the impact wherever our presence was requested. From attending a bill signing for a la...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

At Women Employed, we know a few things about not being all work and no play. We also know you can make an impact AND have a good time doing it. For instance, this month, we attended a ‘90s-themed prom, an outdoor festival, and we were even invited to the White House for the 60th Anniversary of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We also facilitated trainings, attended conferences, and advocated for the needs of Chicagoans at the 2025 City Budget Roundtables. We know it can be nearly impo...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

As we all know, June represents the official start of summer, better weather, and increased opportunities for fun, sun, and laughter. But the temperatures aren’t the only thing that’s ramping up. Here at Women Employed (WE), there’s been no shortage of invitations to present at conferences, facilitate trainings, attend networking events, and show off our Pride. We even found time to support a fellow staff member at their modeling debut, introduce a brand-new event series, and have an in-person s...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

May is always a big month for Women Employed — it’s the month we host our signature fundraising event, The Working Lunch. But while making sure that our annual celebration was a great success (and it was!), we still found time to step away from our day-to-day responsibilities to join our partners for rallies, brunches, speaking engagements, and trainings―even trips to Washington, D.C. for two different conferences!From advocating in Springfield for funding for higher education and early childhoo...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

As April ushered in plenty of rain and sunshine, it also brought with it the call for Women Employed to show up at several events across Chicago, Springfield, and even Washington, D.C.! Starting with a continuation of Women’s History Month celebrations, WE made appearances at forums, receptions, conferences, radio interviews, and fairs. We even met up with a former Summer Leader and a group of Girl Scouts who share an extra special connection to WE.Read on to find out where we’ve been this month...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

Women’s History Month is always a busy time at Women Employed. And this March ushered in an abundance of panel discussions, site visits, conferences, galas, and much more! WE honored the life and legacy of Marilyn Katz, a Chicago advocate who truly did make history for women. And WE even found time to gather as a team to celebrate our very own Senior Development Officer, Amanda Sousa, as she prepares to welcome her baby girl!WE are thankful for every stage, every rally, every celebration, and ev...
WE-Zine •

Not always validated, but wholeheartedly affirmed.

The Working Lunch is back! Registration is now open for WE’s signature annual fundraiser and one of Chicago’s most anticipated springtime events, attended by nearly 1,000 activists, community partners, and prominent leaders in philanthropy, business, media, and politics. 

Last year, with your help, we Smashed the Status Quo and this year, WE are going ALL IN. Join us on Thursday, May 23rd where we will celebrate our victories, and look ahead to building a future of equity for working women,...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed

What a month! After easing our way into the first couple of weeks of 2024, Women Employed took off running. From closing out January with a visit to the White House to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to presenting at the National Organization for Student Success conference in Las Vegas, WE gave new meaning to being ALL IN, showing that no event was too far or too out of reach when it comes to improving the economic status of women.This month alone, we participa...
WE-Zine •

2024 New Year's Resolutions

Dear Judy,

Happy New Year from all of us at Women Employed! As we begin 2024, we are reflecting upon how grateful we are for the work we did and the victories we achieved in 2023. And we are so thankful for YOU, our supporters, who make all of our work possible. Alongside you, we are ALL IN for what's to come―today, tomorrow, and however long it takes until we achieve equity for ALL. Thank you for joining us in our mission to improve the economic status of women, and remove the barriers t...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed?

2024 is here and although it’s a new year, Women Employed remains committed to showing up and showing out whenever and wherever needed to advocate for groups who need it most. Whether it’s joining a collective of like-minded women to advance a shared vision or braving freezing temperatures to discuss the current state of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and their impact on diverse professionals, WE are all in.Here’s a recap of our January and a brief snapshot of what’s to c...
Medium •

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 bon...
Medium •

Where in the World is Women Employed

During this season of thanks, Women Employed is thankful to have been able to attend events near and far to advocate, inspire, and participate in conversations that benefit us all. From speaking on behalf of the organization on gender-based violence in the workplace to participating in film screenings about race, access to care, and housing inequity, WE are grateful that our opinions and expertise continues to be valued and that our appearances are requested.This month, we judged pitch competiti...
Load More

Impact Writing

She Says •

“She Says” with Andi McDaniel

One thing to know about Andi McDaniel is that she is far more than her title. In addition to her role as the Chief Creative Officer of City Cast — a national network of daily podcasts and newsletters spanning 13 (soon to be 15) cities — she is compassionate, committed to her work and the advancement of her colleagues, a multi-media maven, a storyteller, a leader, a mom of two, and all-around problem solver. From developing the look and sound of City Cast’s newsletters and podcasts to figuring ou...
She Says •

“She Says” with Michelle Dokes

You want to know how to help women become unstoppable? One word, seven letters: SUPPORT. When women have the proper support and belief in their dreams, they are truly a force of nature. Michelle Dokes, owner of Michelle Dokes Photography knows this all too well. From the moment she decided to step out of her comfort zone and inquire about a unique camera, she was met with a series of fortunate events. From her husband gifting her the camera she inquired about, to her job funding her photography...
She Says •

“She Says” with Allie Sundet

You know… We’re never too old to learn a thing or two from our mothers. From the moment they discover they are carrying us, they immediately go into mom mode, thinking about how to protect us, give us the best of everything, and teach us things like how to be kind, compassionate, and loving human beings. We also learn from them how to balance, shift, and adjust, all while showing up for others and caring for ourselves during life’s most uncertain moments. Because, after all, when they gave birth...
She Says •

“She Says” with Elizabeth Evans

Many people have suspicions and misconceptions when it comes to human resources (HR). Some feel going to HR is scary, or that they may not have your best interest at heart. And some think HR’s only role is to hire and fire. But Elizabeth Evans, Human Resource Associate at Children’s Legal Center (CLC), is here to debunk every myth, and to show what a resource HR can be to employees. Following her own negative workplace experience, she is on a mission to reshape what people think of HR and show p...
She Says •

“She Says” with Kate Attea

For the past four years, Kate Attea has served on Women Employed’s (WE) Board of Directors. There, she shares her time and talents, working with both staff and the Board on strategy and leadership. She has joined fellow Board Directors to help “friendraise,” lent her expertise to the development of WE Consulting, and continues to find ways to introduce people to WE and educate them on the importance of our work. And Kate’s nonprofit work goes far beyond her role as one of WE’s Board Directors.Fo...
She Says •

“She Says” with Leeatt Rothschild

The holiday season has arrived, and companies worldwide are preparing to send and receive gift boxes and baskets filled with delectable treats, gourmet goodies, and exclusive items to show their appreciation for others and spread cheer. However, one thing these thoughtful tokens are often missing is a societal benefit. Leeatt Rothschild took notice of this and decided to do something about it. After years of advising corporate executives on how to use their social responsibility dollars to help...
She Says •

“She Says” with Tania Medina

There’s something to be said about the power of being surrounded by women. The nurturing, the care, the resilience, the limitless possibilities, and the gentle push needed when self-doubt and Imposter Syndrome try to tell you what you can’t do. Tania Medina can attest to all of the above. Not only is she the product of what happens when the women in your life breathe and speak life into you, but she has positioned herself to do the same. In her professional life, at the Boys and Girls Club of No...
She Says •

“They Said”: Menopause at Work

September is National Menopause Awareness Month, a time for women to embrace and celebrate this time in their lives. But how can women celebrate this natural shift when their menopause symptoms disrupt their everyday lives? Or, perhaps a better question: How can they show up for themselves and others if they aren’t given the space to advocate for themselves, and if their concerns are dismissed or not taken seriously by both medical professionals and their employers?It’s true, conversations surro...
She Says •

“She Says” with MariaJose Sierra

When famously Beyonce sang, in her 2016 hit song Formation, “I dream it. I work hard. I grind till I own it,” she had to have been talking about MariaJose Sierra. The 2023 graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio has big dreams, a hard work ethic, and an undying willingness to go the distance to see her dreams come to fruition. Armed with determination and fearlessness, Maria has been taking leaps of faith since leaving her home state of Texas for Chicago in pursuit of finding opportun...
She Says •

“She Says” with Lily Rocha

July is both BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month and Social Wellness Month. And as hard as it is to believe, with all of the resources that are available to us, the topic of mental health is still taboo in many communities, namely due to stigma and access. But if we could imagine a world where mental health services were more easily accessible, were part of more conversations, and were better funded, then maybe there wouldn’t be as much shame surrounding it. At least that’s what Lily Rocha, Asso...
She Says •

“They Said”: Meet the Summer Leaders

For six weeks out of every summer, the Women Employed team grows as we welcome an impressive group of interns as part The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program. The Summer Leadership Program provides college students with the opportunity to learn professional skills by exposing them to leadership training, front-line research, and awareness of the barriers low-paid workers experience. They also get a chance to learn the ins and outs of nonprofit work through workshops, guest speaker...
She Says •

“She Says” with Amber N. Anderson

A planter is often described as a farmer, grower, or producer, and Amber N. Anderson is the embodiment of that and more. In 2017, the then-16-year-old began planting seeds for what is now Black is Gold Organization, a nonprofit that focuses on empowering young Black women and girls in high school and college throughout the United States. Now, seven years later, the nonprofit leader is watching as those seeds blossom into something greater than she could have ever imagined. To date, the Black is...
Medium •

Four Black Mompreneurs You Should Know

May 10th is National Small Business Day, and here at Women Employed, we are proud of the work we have done to assist women entrepreneurs in rethinking how they look at running a business. Through our Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub (WE Hub), we are providing Black and Latina/x women small business owners with options, resources, and tools to take their businesses from ideas and side hustles to pathways to economic freedom. Since launching the WE Hub September of 2022, we have helped over 400 women...
She Says •

“They Said”: The ASPIRE Project

April is National Community College Month, and here at Women Employed, we are proud of the partnerships we have forged with 10 Illinois community colleges through our Accelerating Student Progress and Increasing Racial Equity (ASPIRE) Project. The ASPIRE Project aims to: (1) accelerate students’ progress through remedial education; (2) increase racial equity and inclusion; (3) provide opportunities for colleges to learn from one another, and (4) use what we collectively learn to inform the field...
She Says •

“She Says” with Pat Arnold

Pat Arnold will tell you that her secret power is her passion for writing. And at her core, she finds joy in supporting organizations that set out to make a difference in the lives of others. So, it’s no surprise that attending Women Employed’s (WE) signature event, The Working Lunch (TWL), in 2013 would have such a profound impact on her, leading Pat to lend her time and talents to WE in a number of ways. From serving on the Adult College Success Council (which has since been merged into the Ad...
She Says •

“She Says” with Angel Rogers

Wife, mother, esthetician, registered nurse, and phlebotomist are some of the many hats that Angel Rogers wears. But being an entrepreneur might be the most impactful. As the founder and CEO of Bella Reine Cosmetics, Angel is on a mission to transform the way women look at themselves. Through impactful messages adorned on her product’s packaging, Angel is helping her customers recognize both their inner and outer beauty.When Angel launched Bella Reine in 2012, the mother of four did not expect t...
She Says •

“She Says” with Natrina Kennedy, MPH

Natrina Kennedy, MPH, has made it her mission to stand up to the healthcare disparities that Black women face through her organization, Women’s Health Initiative, Inc. (WHI). But it took a few calculated risks and stepping into the unknown to get there.Recognizing that her calling was bigger than her, Natrina―a native Chicagoan who WE honored at The Working Lunch in 2023 as an Emerging Power Builder―says that it was the feeling of being unsettled that led her to change her career path. From swit...
She Says •

“She Says” with Stephanie Bryan

For Stephanie Bryan, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO, meeting challenges head on is a part of the job she embraces and values. “I have seen, firsthand, that our struggles have made us stronger. At our core, we understand that taking action when times are difficult has allowed us to survive, become more resilient, and ready ourselves for future opportunities.”Bryan’s own path to leadership reflects those values. In her almost 20-year career in Tribal government, Stephanie has go...
Medium •

Complexities of a Millennial Caregiver

by Racquel C. Fullman, Communications Coordinator, Women EmployedIf I had to sum up my caregiving experience into one word, it would be “isolated.” And many caregivers will agree. There is a certain isolation that comes with caring for a loved one that no one talks about. The tears, the sacrifices, the hard days. It can feel like you’re going through it alone with no support or anyone to commiserate with. And as a millennial caregiver, this was especially true in my case.Earlier this month, I ha...
She Says •

“She Says”: What the Advocacy Council is Thankful For

At Women Employed, WE have so much to be thankful for. This year, as we celebrated 50 years of Smashing the Status Quo, we also celebrated some major wins! Those include making history for Illinois families with the passage of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, winning an ordinance in Chicago that will end the subminimum wage for tipped workers as well as an ordinance that will expand paid time off for working Chicagoans, and securing $100 million in additional funding for need-based financial...
She Says •

“She Says” with Alexandra Heiden

A mentor is often defined as an advisor, confidant, role model, tutor, and coach. And Alexandra Heiden is all of that and more. Equipped with a lifetime of experience and a natural-born gift, Alexandra’s passion stems from her late mother who recognized this strength early on and nurtured it, reminding her that serving others was just “in her.” Alexandra’s mentoring style can be described as assertive, confident, and extroverted and has led to her assisting colleagues with excelling in their car...
She Says •

“He Says”: Dads Need Paid Leave Too

What was once viewed as a benefit for mothers only has become a hot topic of conversation for fathers too. And that topic is paid parental leave. While many hold the outdated belief that pregnancy and childbirth only impact moms, dads provide vital support, care, and compassion to their partners and children throughout not just the nine months of pregnancy, but in the months that follow. And that goes double in many same-sex partnerships. They carry just as much responsibility as moms yet are of...
She Says •

“She Says” with Taylor Leven, Owner of Headspace Barber

If you had to find one word to describe Taylor Leven, “tenacious” would probably fit her best. After discovering her passion for barbering only to be denied access to working in barber shops due to being a woman, it was her tenacity that wouldn’t allow her to give up on her dream. And because of sheer determination, faith, and belief in herself, Taylor has not only found success as a barber but is now the proud owner of Headspace Barber located in Downer’s Grove, IL, and has traveled the world e...
Load More