Women Employed’s Virtual Luncheon Discusses COVID Impacts on Economy and Working Women

Today, more than 600 people from Chicagoland and beyond gathered virtually for The Working Lunch, Women Employed’s signature event that welcomed leaders from across sectors to discuss how COVID is impacting the economy and working women.

“As millions of women head to the frontlines during this crisis as essential workers, the need for better protections for working women has never been more urgent,” said Cherita Ellens, CEO of Women Employed. “That’s why this year’s event went virtual. To bring together area experts and leaders to ensure that when we emerge from this crisis, we don’t go back to the status quo, but come out better, stronger, more equitable and just.”

WE’s first-ever virtual luncheon convened experts from education, labor, policy research, corporate, and philanthropy for panel discussions on the fundamental changes that COVID will make in our economy and how we work, and what we must to do to ensure an equitable and just future for working women and families.

The first panel, moderated by Cherita Ellens, focused on the local economy and the future of work, and the impact COVID has had on our most vulnerable. Panelists included Greg Kelley, President, SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana Missouri & Kansas; Jill Gigstad, Midwest Researcher, Illinois Economic Policy Institute; and Juan Salgado, Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago.

The second panel, moderated by Connie Lindsey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Northern Trust, focused on what companies can to do ensure that women and families are protected, supported, and aren’t left behind. Panelists included Amy Mason, Manager, Account Solutions, Pharmacy Commercial Market Development, Walgreen Co.; Diana Sharpe, Vice President, Economic & Workforce Development, ComEd; Julia Stasch, Immediate Past President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; and Monserrat Moreno, Agency Marketing Manager, Global Business Marketing, Facebook.

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