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Valuing Workers. Embracing Change.
Dear ,
As we close out September―the month we acknowledge American workers, their contributions, their achievements, and their issues―we also enter the season where we embrace and remember the beauty and value of change. In this post COVID-19 pandemic moment, the voice of the worker continues to bellow loudly in pursuit of wages that are conducive to providing for themselves and their families, workplaces that are safe and free of harassment and discrimination, work environments and cultures that allow them to thrive as their authentic selves, and balance to live whole, healthy lives outside of the workplace. Low-paid workers, workers of color, and women are aligning across industries, roles, and regions to ensure that our labor is recognized, is fairly compensated, and that we continue to evolve, change, and create workplaces where we are seen, heard, and valued.
There is a concerted and deep push to block or stall change. To maintain the status quo, and in some respects to push back the positive progress we have made. A great deal of employers are driving employees to return to the office without consideration to the data that shows a unilateral return to the office is counterproductive to the well-being of many workers, and to productivity and the bottom line. This is also coming at a moment when we are still in a child care crisis in this country. However, we must not be dismayed by set-backs or inaction. We have seen what can happen if we remain steadfast and resolute in our advocacy. Workers are unionizing, wages are being increased, paid leave and paid safe and sick days laws are being passed throughout the country.
Even right here in Chicago, we have the opportunity, next week, to eliminate the subminimum tip wage which is a hold over from slavery and a driver of poverty in Chicago. Women make up 70 percent of the wait staff in Chicago, with a median annual earning of just $21,000 a year. If we are to build an economically sustainable city for everyone who works and lives here, we must pass the proposed ordinance that phases out the subminimum wage for tipped workers over five years, and ensures that tipped workers will rightly earn the full minimum wage. There is an action alert in this issue that enables you to add your voice to this fight. And the battle will be tough, so we need you to take action—especially if you live in Chicago.
Let’s continue to embrace the beauty and value of change this season, and as Ms. Angela Davis says…change the things you cannot accept.
In solidarity,
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Take Action for a Full and Fair Wage |
On Wednesday, October 4th the Chicago City Council will take a historic vote on an ordinance to give tipped workers what they need and deserve: A full and fair minimum wage with tips on top. We need your help to get this law—which would phase out the subminimum wage over five years—passed.
A racial, gender, and economic injustice, the subminimum wage is a direct legacy of slavery. The almost 100,000 tipped workers in Chicago earn just 60 percent of the city minimum wage and are subject to discrimination and wage theft. The subminimum wage forces tipped workers to endure harassment just to earn tips and make a living.
Call your alderperson NOW to let them know you support ending the subminimum wage for tipped workers. |
Women Employed Recognized as One of Crain’s Best Places to Work |
Let's celebrate! Women Employed (WE) was recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as #22 out of the Top 100 2023 Best Places to Work in Chicago! We have been recognized for our deep commitment to equity, which starts here in our own workplace. As a small non-profit organization of 26 staff members, WE provides top-tier benefits, prioritizes fairness and inclusivity, and is responsive to staff needs. To ensure we are aligned with what we advocate for, WE offer family-friendly and employee-centered benefits such as generous sick time, paid leave, vacation, and health insurance, plus hybrid work and flexible scheduling options, allowing staff to manage responsibilities inside and outside of work. The leadership team holds itself accountable for organizational culture, staff development, and for nurturing and supporting the overall well-being of staff.
“We couldn’t authentically pursue equity for women in the workforce without ensuring equity, inclusivity, support, and flexibility in our own workplace,” said Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed. “We believe our staff members deserve the best working environment to achieve success for themselves and our mission. We are thrilled to be recognized alongside so many other notable organizations that are doing right by their workers.”
Read our full Crain’s Profile here. |
Saying Bon Voyage to Linda Ballard |
This month we are giving a very warm, loving send off and congratulations to Linda Ballard as she retires from her role as Senior Development Officer with Women Employed. For almost 10 years, Linda has worked closely with our donors— building and fostering genuine relationships, giving supporters up-to-the-minute insights on our work, and ensuring they know the impact of their gifts and how their investments are shaping a brighter future for women and families.
If you’ve had the pleasure of interacting with Linda—whether it be chatting with her at an event, reading one of her emails, or talking with her about a gift—you know she leads with her heart. Her kindness and her empathy define everything she does. And her dedication to leveling the playing field for working women, and advancing women’s economic empowerment is second to none.
Linda, to say you will be missed is an understatement. Your WE team will miss your infectious laughter, humor, positivity and warmth. Our supporters will miss your thoughtfulness, commitment, and grace. Thanks to you, Women Employed is truly building a legacy of change and smashing the status quo for women and families!
We’re not saying goodbye, but rather see you later! And wish you nothing but the best in your new adventures! Don’t forget to send us pictures!
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Entrepreneurship is a proven pathway for women to generate extra income and achieve economic empowerment. So one year ago, Women Employed launched our Women’s Entrepreneurship HUB (WE Hub), a first-of-its-kind free tool to provide women across Illinois—and especially Black, Latina/x, and/or low-income women—with information and resources to help them launch and grow their own businesses. Within that time, we’ve had 367 people, a little more than one per day, sign up to achieve their own vision of success!
“The Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub has guided me in next steps to pursue in my business journey.” –WE Hub User
As we celebrate wehub.org’s anniversary this week, we’re reflecting on what we—and our users—have been able to achieve, and looking ahead to what’s next.
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, with Latina/x women close behind, but both face greater barriers to success in business ownership. And low-income women also face particular obstacles to going out on their own. So we built WE Hub with them in mind, and have targeted our outreach to ensure they’re hearing about our tool. And we’re thrilled to report that nearly two-thirds of our users are Black and/or Latina/o/x!
Some additional insights on the people using WE Hub:
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WE Hub users range in age from their 20s to 70s.
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Their education levels run the gamut, nearly evenly split between high school or lower, post-secondary certification, bachelor’s, and graduate.
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The household income of WE Hub users also shows a wide range, with 16 percent earning less than $10,000 per year and another 16 percent earning more than $101,000. Overall, 51 percent live in households that earn under $50,000 annually, and 49 percent earn more.
The takeaway? Entrepreneurship truly is for everyone. You’re never too young—or too old—to become your own boss. You don’t need a degree to pursue your dream. And a modest household income doesn’t have to hold you back. And WE Hub is empowering people all across the spectrum to take that next step.
What’s particularly gratifying is that, in a survey of WE Hub users, two-thirds reported they log into the site several times a month, working on their business, whether they are in the ideation stage or managing business they may want to grow.
“WE Hub is Giving me advice, giving me insights from experts, giving me information that is very helpful in my journey.” –WE Hub User
And we’ve got a lot in store for year two! We're working on exciting new resources like a money finder tool to help more women find the resources they need to succeed, making improvements to the site so it’s even more user-friendly and tailored to the needs of women logging in, and constantly updating and adding new resources from trusted partners all across Illinois to ensure we've got the best, most current information available to our users.
Click here for more information on our WE Hub, and to get started today.
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She Says: Isabel "Izzy" Dobbel |
September begins with Labor Day, a celebration of the efforts of workers and labor activists throughout the years. Many of the rights we take for granted today are due to the advocacy of labor unions―giving us the eight-hour workday, weekends, greater safety measures, and more. Today, unions continue to be a stronghold for worker rights and protections.
Isabel, or Izzy, Dobbel is the Political Director at the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), the umbrella organization which represents over 300 unions who in turn represent 500,000 workers in Chicago and Cook County. Women Employed partners with the CFL to pass legislation and fight for economic equity. Izzy, a Latina immigrant who has previously fought an uphill battle to get the pay and respect she deserves, has proven herself a powerful advocate for women in the workplace. WE connected with Izzy hot off a meeting on one of the issues CFL is working with Women Employed on—paid time off.
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Tell Congress: Avoid a Government Shutdown |
The looming government shutdown disproportionately harms women and their families by interrupting critical public services, disrupting the livelihoods of over a million workers, and affecting everything from workplace safety inspections, WIC, immigration services, and equal pay investigations to TANF, Social Security, small business loans, Headstart and housing applications. A shutdown would make vulnerable communities including people of color more at risk and result in their disproportionate harm.
Call Congress today at 202-224-3121
and tell them to pass a clean,
bipartisan stopgap spending bill
that addresses urgent needs. |
Where in the World is Women Employed |
September has provided us with opportunities locally and nationally to lift up the issues - and the voices - of working women, and especially the low-paid, Black, and/or Latina/x women who face greater barriers to economic equity. Whether talking wage justice with national leaders in feminist philanthropy, celebrating two decades of progress with national partners, discussing the needs of Black women with the Biden Administration, speaking up on the Mag Mile for women who've experienced sexual harassment, or helping people understand Illinois' new salary transparency law, WE are ensuring that ALL women are heard. |
Don’t miss out on the next event! Visit the events page on our website so you can be kept in the loop about where Women Employed is going next and how to be involved. |
August 31st was Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Equal Pay Day. The biggest wage gaps experienced by women are hidden in data that aggregates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) people together. When looking at all workers (full- and part-time), NHPI women earn on average 61¢ for every $1 dollar earned by the average white, non-Hispanic man. The pay gap can only be addressed if we have full information on how it impacts all Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
This Equal Pay Day our hearts are with those impacted by the Maui wildfires, and the many people and organizations who are answering the call to assist those in the community who are dealing with devastating loss.
Thanks to our partners at National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) we ask that you support and uplift the many organizations that have sprung into action to help the people of Lahaina, including Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Kāko'o Haleakalā, and ‘Āina Momona.
EPIC has shared a resource list with many opportunities to support through financial donations and needed supplies.
Make sure you know
YOUR rights to equal pay!
Visit equalpayillinois.org
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Women Employed is hiring! We're currently seeking an Associate Director of Development. Did you want to work for an employer ranked #22 on Crain's 100 Best Places to Work in 2023? Are you passionate about developing and leading fundraising strategies? Are you experienced in portfolio management and frontline fundraising? This might be the perfect job for you!
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National Partnership for Women & Families |
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