Women Employed

Women Employed does incredible work to protect low-paid workers and make our employment and education systems more fair. As an Advocacy Council member, I am impressed by how knowledgeable and dedicated Women Employed staff are, and grateful for their unending enthusiasm to share their work and help others get involved.

I am constantly in awe of the phenomenal staff at Women Employed who work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of women and women's issues/rights. I have had the privilege of working with Women Employed in several contexts and have always enjoyed it!

I've attended multiple Women Employed events and am a monthly donor. I'm also a member of their Advocacy Council. Women Employed does an amazing job engaging people interested in their organization and the work they do on behalf of women (and all people!) in Illinois is incredible!

Women Employed is committed to enacting lasting changes to the workforce for all women. The staff and volunteers are passionate about ensuring that paid sick time, family leave, and supportive work environments are part of all worker's rights and not privileges for some. The organization has already made huge strides and I am hopeful for their lasting impact on our workforce.

Women Employed plays such a critical role in the work for equity in the workplace. They are committed advocates for issues such as paid leave and no salary history laws. As a volunteer, I have found Women Employed so helpful in advancing my knowledge of how these issues impact my community and they make it easy for me to spread the word to my network of friends and families.

I enjoy working with Women Employed an non-profit organization making strides in equity and inclusion for women throughout Illinois. Keep up the amazing work!!

Women Employed has been my go to organization for getting more involved in community efforts that are close to my heart. WE has been a great avenue for me to get access to helpful resources and actionable ways to impact initiatives that support and advance opportunities for women.

I have known about and been involved with WE for many years now. I love their platforms, their advocacy work, and have found connections with like-minded individuals over the years. I have enjoyed working alongside the staff at WE, and can honestly say that I enjoy serving alongside them.

Love them! You won’t find another organization that cares for the community they serve like women employed does

I was part of Women Employed's Summer Leadership Program. And it was a truly amazing experience! Through the program, I was able to meet like-minded young women who are passionate about economic equity and social justice, learn about the nonprofit sector, and develop valuable professional skills. Women Employed has been critical for preparing me to start my career journey as a young professional and also encouraging me to advocate for myself as a young woman in the workplace.

I've volunteered and donated to Women Employed for the last 20 years because of the work they do - and their successes. They don't waste your time or money, but focus it on achieving gains for women and girls by smashing glass ceilings. Helping to change laws and practices to allow better access to education and advance in the workplace. In my day job, I work with dozens of nonprofits. Many are wonderful - but this is the one that gets both my time and money.

I’m proud to be a monthly donor to WE, knowing that it’s going to help ALL women of ALL backgrounds. Equal pay and fair workplaces are a cornerstone to equality, and it’s something that’s still needed today (sadly).

This organization has such a comprehensive approach to addressing gender inequity. By opening up educational and economic opportunities for women, WE opens up opportunities for everyone. I’ve witnessed WE work tirelessly to achieve its mission from a variety of vantage points. I love the history of the organization almost as much as I love the direction it’s heading.

Women Employed is a fantastic organization that is dedicated to its staff, volunteers, and the community it serves. It is a safe and welcoming environment, and they are dedicated to their mission and vision of improving the economic status of women and promoting economic equity through safe workplaces, education, and training.

Women Employed has provided opportunities for people to easily get involved within their community and make an impactful difference for Chicago’s working women. Women Employed is a true gem in pioneering change and welcoming people to join them.

WE is committed to creative outreach in all communities and online so that women who may not know their evolving rights or what's at stake next can benefit from the great work the organization is doing. It's an honor to help them in this mission.

This is a nonprofit that's underrated for the work it does and the impact it makes. An advocacy organization that started in the '70s, Women Employed has been a force behind everything from paid sick time for all workers to eliminating salary-history questions in Illinois. Plus, their bench of volunteer talent is incredible. Brilliant, accomplished women (and men and other allies!) from all over Illinois and Chicago are in this organization's network, and there are lots of opportunities to work however much you'd like on campaigns and initiatives.

Great work for a worthy cause. WE supports women in the workplace and promotes equal access to education, as well as women in low wage-earning roles. Their advocacy work is effective as evidenced by their policy successes.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Women Employed. I have only been volunteering with them for a few months now, but the work they do in the community is impressive and so important. From education to advocacy, Women Employed is actively out in the world supporting women's rights in the workplace.

I have been a volunteer with Women Employed for less than a year now, and my time with them has been nothing short of remarkable. The Advocacy Council embodies a diverse group of women that are both driven and passionate in achieving economic equity. Just this year, WE was honored to see the No Salary History Law take effect on September 29th in Illinois. I truly am excited to continue my volunteering efforts with this dedicated group and hope to build a better future for all working women!

Women Emoloyed's dual method of helping women and promoting equity is especially effective. They assist women with getting prepared for further education and obtaining that education. Then they focus on next steps by advocating for more equitable workplaces. It's a compelling mission with tangible results.

I am extremely proud to serve on Women Employed's Advocacy Council for the last two and half years, and most recently as the Council's newest co-chair. During my time with the organization, I have continuously been impressed with WE's ability to mobilize so many young advocates and inspire meaningful civic engagement. In addition, the staff's deep passion and vast knowledge is very evident in their recent numerous victories, and I know as a volunteer/donor, that my time and resources are building a better future for all working women.

Women Employed has succeeded for the past 40 years in their mission of advocating for women to gain equity in the workplace and beyond. Most people aren't aware of WE's efforts that have led to legislation protecting workers rights and income, state funded education, career pathing and so much more. As a volunteer I appreciate the staff's efforts, enthusiasm and fiscal responsibility in improving the economic status of working women.

I have been a volunteer with Women Employed for four years. The staff and volunteers are inspiring. The work the organization does to empower women and families is so needed. Great advocates for equality in the workplace, access to education and women’s rights.

Sometimes a connection is based on need; sometimes on chemistry. Women Employed has both and more. Organized, efficient, creative and dedicated to helping women achieve their workforce/professional and lifestyle desires and needs. Thumbs Up to Women Employed.

Women Employed has been instrumental in my growth as a young woman in business. I know they truly care about me and my future but all the women who rely on them and their support. I can't speak highly enough about this organization.

Amazing organization that empowers ALL women and helps us fight towards equality. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are outstanding! I am honored to be a volunteer for Women Employed.

Wonderful organization doing amazing work in Chicago--and a great place to volunteer my time!

Being part of Women Employed's Advocacy Council gives me the ability to proactively contribute to a cause I firmly believe in. Although it's easy to write an Instagram post or tweet a link to a story, sometimes it feels like being part of an echo chamber where everyone's speaking but no one's actually DOING something. WE offers various opportunities through its Advocacy Council for women (and men!) to take action, from simply calling a senator to planning a fundraising event. There's something for everyone, and I'm proud to call WE my favorite nonprofit organization in Chicago.

I have been involved with Women Employed (WE) for just under two years. During that time, I have met dozens (maybe more!) of inspiring women, learned valuable information about legislation/policy, and developed my own fundraising and development skills. There are so many ways to get involved, from receiving a monthly newsletter to attending regular meetings. If you believe in fighting for gender equity and are looking for ways to get involved in the Chicago community, then WE is a great place to start!

Women Employed is my favorite nonprofit because they keep me informed along with giving me action steps to really make an impact!

Women Employed has remained true to the fulfillment of its mission for more than 40 years. It maintains a small, committed staff and has attracted professionals who volunteer professional and consulting services to support the organization, thereby enabling them to do more with their financial resources. Their long record of successes on behalf of working women and heads of household is legendary. They fight for right and they win. It is an honor to be associated with this team.

I have been a Women Employed volunteer for several years. I am impressed by the way the organization leverages the passion and commitment of its small staff to make big changes in the lives of female workers. In addition to its advocacy for women already in the workplace, the organization has initiatives that lift women into the world of work by promoting access to education. They run a lean operation and maximize every penny so that their programs can be maximally successful. I am extremely proud to be a part of the Women Employed family.

I've been involved with WE for 3 years at this point. They've been around for 45 years, working on the same general set of issues. This speaks to the integrity and quality of work that WE is doing. I am continually impressed and amazed at the dedication of the people who work for WE, and at the amazing work that I see from my fellow volunteers. It's a group that inspires commitment and dedication from its people. I also think that it would be really easy to assume WE is only doing work for very high earning women (e.g. those fighting to break the Glass Ceiling) only, but WE is committed to doing the hard work of fighting for low-wage workers and helping all women get a leg up in the world. I'm very happy to see that they continue to be aware of intersectional issues.

I've been involved directly with Women Employed for over 4 years and have known about the work they do for even more. The staff is whip smart, kind, and very dedicated to the mission of helping low-income women have access to quality jobs and the education and training to attain those jobs. I am proud to serve on their young professionals Advocacy Council and even more proud to share the work they do with my friends and family on a regular basis.

Women Employed is one of the best run organizations I've ever seen - they are smart, effective at what they do and value every dollar and hour given to them by their supporters and put it back into the work. Since my day job is at a digital marketing agency working with many nonprofits, I've seen how many are managed and how they treat their volunteers. Initially met this organization over 10 years ago when a friend was volunteering with them. She kept saying how well run and impactful their work was for women - and had been for many years. They focus on advocating for change to help women get ahead in the world through employment and education. After checking it out myself - attending their events; reading their materials, including their annual report; checking out their credentials - how they spend their money etc. through organizations who rate charities - I decided to volunteer with my limited time. I'm still there after 8+ years! I love working with them to help change the laws, regulations and business practices that inhibit our ability - and those of our sisters, girlfriends, daughters and granddaughters - to gain pay equity, equal opportunity in the workplace and to remove obstacles like sexual harassment. I give money to several organizations - but I only give both money and my time to Women Employed. It means a lot to me - and if you check it out, I'm sure you'll find it worthy of either your time or money - or both!

As a member of the Advocacy Council, I was proud to help affect changes to the sick pay laws in Chicago - and I gained experience and exposure as a young professional.

Over the past year working with these women I have been able to see the passage of many key laws that protect and empower women as well as other working class citizens.

Women Employed is an excellent organization with passionate staff and an engaged army of supporters. They do so much to advocate for working women and initiatives that benefit all families. I’m proud to serve on its advocacy council.

Sometimes it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and dwell on the negative when doing social justice work. But as a member of Women Employed's Advocacy Council, once a month I get to engage with a room full of smart, passionate, and dedicated women who are all working towards the same goal. Thanks to them, I leave each meeting feeling supported, empowered and recommitted to being an advocate for myself and other working women.

I've volunteered on Women Employed's Advocacy Council for a few years now and in that time have been so impressed by their ability to engage policymakers, the business community, and women with diverse backgrounds and talents as partners in addressing the systems-level change that is needed to bring real, positive change to the lives of women throughout Illinois.

I've volunteered with Women Employed for over a decade because they are meeting a need that few other groups address. The working poor, and low-wage working women in particular, have Women Employed to thank for advocating for equal opportunity laws, equal pay for equal work, earning sick days, workplace rights for pregnant women, college financial aid for working adults, and fighting against unfair scheduling. I've had a US Senator's Chief of Staff say to me that he can always tell when Women Employed is "on the case" because they tackle issues others don't, because their constituents are always so knowledgeable when calling the Senator, and because they persist until they get results. Women Employed is a small but mighty nonprofit!!

Women Employed is committed to both breaking through glass ceilings AND raising the floor--making sure that all women have the opportunity to work in good jobs with benefits such as earned sick time, paid family leave, and supportive environments.

I love their hands on approach! WE really works to out women's issues in the spotlight. I am honored to be a part of WE and appreciate this nonprofit so much that I've brought friends in, which is the highest compliment. WE is also the most organized nonprofit I've ever volunteered for. My favorite experience so far was the women's luncheon. It's an event that everyone should attend.

I was first introduced to Women Employed when I attended an event in 2016 called "Putting Change on the Menu." This event, which talked about the impact that low-paying, low-opportunity food service jobs have on the women and men who work them, opened my eyes to issues that are not immediately in front of me. For the last year, Women Employed has done a tremendous job helping me understand the issues that women face in the workplace and giving me opportunities to help make a difference for myself and women everywhere. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and provide plenty of guidance for volunteer leaders to accomplish tasks to further the organization's mission.

I got involved with Women Employed about a year ago and have been continuously impressed with the professionalism and passion the Women Employed team possesses. I have seen first hand the work they put into their mission. I've worked with several non-profits in the past, and Women Employed is top-notch.

Women Employed is smart, focused, and effective, and is making a real difference particularly in the lives of low-wage working women

WE has truly been an inspiration ever since I was first introduced to the organization in 2012 by another single mom/ friend! Over the past couple of years, I have eagerly shared WE's info & messages concerning wage equality, support for the Non-Traditional student, availability & the options surrounding financial aid, and the importance of women voting. I urge others (like us) to do the same!

I serve on the marketing committee for Women Employed and am truly honored to be a part of this great mission. WE is working hard to advance the lives of all women, and especially women working in low-wage jobs. It takes a clear vision of a better future, smart leadership, and a consistent, fresh message to remain relevant in a saturated marketplace. WE has all of these - as well as the history and savvy to rise above the fray and remain a critically important advocate for this segment of the workforce.

Very proud to be a part of this amazing organization that focuses on building the best workplace and work environment for women. Excited to share my marketing and communications expertise with everyone going forward!

I've been a member of Women Employed for over 7 years and have contributed to their Marketing Committee for most of that time. Women Employed is a highly effective organization focused on equal opportunity in employment and education for women. The staff are very professional and they are quite efficient and effective in their efforts. Their efforts have improved the working conditions for women for over 40 years--they deserve the highest marks

Fabulous organization that works to improve the opportunities and working conditions for low-wage working women!

Women Employed tackles the root causes of the issues facing women today. By mobilizing women to make a difference in the policies that impact all women's ability to attain a high quality, affordable education and advance in their careers, Women Employed is laying the groundwork for generations to come. On behalf of my own two little girls, I'm incredibly grateful for the work Women Employed engages in every day!

From helping make sexual harassment illegal in the 70s to helping pass the Pregnancy Fairness Act just four months ago, WE does not settle! It's laser focus on working women's issues is why I have been volunteering with WE for nearly 10 years.

I am a former Board member of Women Employed and can testify to the dedication, expertise, and compassion that Women Employed brings to its mission of serving working women. The lives of women nationwide have been improved because of Women Employed's efforts. From strengthening EEO enforcement to advocating for educational opportunities to providing sound, real-world advice to women on legal and career issues, Women Employed is a champion for women. And by benefiting women, WE benefits families and society as a whole.

I am proud to have been a volunteer, on the board and now a supporter as a general member of the public. Hooray for Women Employed!

From my perspective as a volunteer member of the WE Advocacy Council, Women Employed is an organization filled with people who are deeply committed to their mission and values -- to diligently advocate on behalf of women in low-wage employment to improve labor conditions and opportunities. I always feel energized and more informed after WE events. The organization has also proven nimble over the years, adapting its central issues to meet the changing needs of women in the low-wage sector in order to address the social, political, and economic realities of the historical moment (although of course, many of the same issues persist, as well).

Women Employed represents my values through its mission and dedication to issues that affect low-income women. They have a strong team, an incredible history of achievements, and continue to make great strides in bolstering the higher education and financial stability if this population. I'm proud to volunteer with WE!

Women Employed is by far one of the best run and most effective non-profit organizations I have ever worked with. Lead by the dynamic and focused Anne Ladky, Women Employed excels at mobilizing people and organizations to expand educational and employment opportunities for America's working women. Women Employed understands that people need stability and support as they work to create economic opportunities for themselves and their families. WE works on the advocacy level to increase the National Minimum Wage, develop Educational Bridge Programs and continued commitment from the state of Illinois for need based Tuition Assistance programs. It has been a pleasure to serve on its board these past several years.

I first heard of this organization through a work colleague. I attended an event and was immediately impressed with the women involved and their dedication to each other, the organization and the issues impacting women of all backgrounds. The knowledge-base and welcoming attitude of those who make this organization run made me immediately interested in playing a larger role - I hope that my schedule will allow for it in the near future!

I've been involved with Women Employed since the early 90s. This organization has never wavered from its commitment to making life better for working women. Over all these years Women Employed has consistently retained the most intelligent, hardest working, most thoughtful and passionate staff of any I've known. They've accomplished so much and continue to work hard.