Let's Work Together to Close the Equity Gap
As advocates, we are working to develop actionable steps to end systemic racism in higher education. Women Employed recently spoke with President Zaldwaynaka (Z) Scott of Chicago State University about a statewide Action Plan created by a multi-sector group of stakeholders from across Illinois to knock down barriers and address policies deeply rooted in racism in order to increase outcomes and success for Black students. Equity is one of three pillars in the new IBHE strategic plan which charts a path to building A Thriving Illinois. If you’d like to be involved in this ongoing conversation, contact Christina Warden at cwarden@womenemployed.org.

Higher Ed Wins in Illinois’ Spring Legislative Session!
We hope you’ll join us in celebrating some major victories, resulting from tireless (virtual) advocacy!

WE helped pass the Student Parent Data Collection bill (SB 267), which requires Illinois public colleges and universities to collect information about student parents to better understand their needs. This is an important first step in supporting student parents who are predominantly woman and face unique challenges in their pursuit of a degree.  

The Commission on Equitable Public University Funding Act (SB 815), which established a statewide commission for Illinois public universities that will explore a formula to more equitably distribute funds across Illinois’ universities and the racially and economically diverse students they serve. This, along with an increase of $28 million for the Monetary Award Program (MAP), are important steps in beginning to address racial equity gaps in Illinois higher education.  

Visit Our 2021 legislative agenda to learn more about bills that passed this session affecting homeless students, dreamers, early childhood educators, students with loan debt, and those who experience gender-based discrimination and violence.

Take Our Survey to Help Survivors!
Do you work with a organization that offers job training, adult education, employment placing or other workforce development services? If yes, WE need your help to support domestic violence survivors on their pathway to economic independence, a critical component of safety and healing.

We are seeking domestic violence survivors, domestic violence organizations, and organizations that offer workforce development services, to participate in surveys, interviews, and/or focus groups. If you represent an interested organization please complete this interest form. There are limited stipends for participants depending on level of engagement and eligibility.

WE will leverage the insights of survivors to craft solutions and strengthen collaborations between workforce development practitioners and domestic violence professionals. For questions, feel free to reach out to Sharmili Majmudar, Executive Vice President of Policy and Organizational Impact at Women Employed at smajmudar@womenemployed.org or (312) 702-2474.

Watch for 2022 Summer Leadership Program Application!
Thanks to all of you who joined us for the June Adult College Success Council Meeting where we featured a panel discussion with participants of Women Employed's Summer Leadership Program, generously sponsored by The Pattis Family Foundation. The interns spent the last eight weeks building professional skills and practical experiences by participating in leadership training, front-line research, and awareness-building of the barriers low-paid workers experience.

Stay tuned, applications for this highly competitive program will open in early 2022. Learn more here!


Minority Serving Institutions: What Policies Do You Need?
Many Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) receive little support to go along with the MSI designation. We’d like to change that. If you work at a MSI and would like to share your perspectives and ideas on what policy supports you need to serve students well, please contact Corinne Kodama, Policy Analyst at ckodama@womenemployed.org and we will make sure that you are included in the conversation.
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