International Women’s Day: A Day of Empowerment, Wellness, & Action

Together, we thrive! Join YWCA Evanston/North Shore on Saturday, March 8, for an inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, where empowerment, wellness, and action come together. This special day offers opportunities to connect, learn, and grow through engaging workshops, wellness sessions, and meaningful discussions on critical issues impacting women today. With the support of the North Shore (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc® Delta Chi Omega Chapter, we invite you to be part of this enriching experience.

Enjoy yoga with Gail Hutchison, interactive sessions with State Senator Laura Fine and State Representative Robyn Gabel, a vibrant networking lunch featuring women-owned businesses, and an inspiring keynote presentation by Taylor Elyse Morrison, CEO of Inner Workout and a nationally recognized self-care advocate.

• Yoga Sessions with Gail Hutchison, Founder of The Joy Yoga and creator of the Joy Mat - two invigorating yoga sessions designed to help you find balance and renewal. Choose between a gentle Chair Yoga session for beginners or an intermediate Vinyasa Flow session (please bring your own mat if participating in the Vinyasa session). Through yoga and mindfulness, we'll honor strength, unity, and the power of collective well-being as we explore balancing your peace while working with others.

• Breaking Barriers: Advancing Mental Health Equity with IL State Senator Laura Fine – Learn more about the Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Act (HB4475), which enhances protections for mental health and substance use treatment coverage, ensuring that these services are treated equally to physical health care by insurance providers, and its critical impact on individuals and families in our communities.

• Empowering Women’s Health Through Legislation with IL State Rep. Robyn Gabel – A deep dive into the groundbreaking women’s health bill HB5142 passed in July 2024, which expands access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, improves maternal health outcomes, and ensures equitable healthcare services for all women across Illinois.

Taylor Elyse Morrison is a self-care visionary, author, and CEO of Inner Workout, dedicated to helping individuals prevent burnout while striving for success. Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Thirty, Taylor’s work centers on practical, holistic self-care practices that promote healing, resilience, and balance. Her keynote, "Balancing Your Peace While Empowering Others," will explore how women can sustain their well-being while leading change in their communities. The session will conclude with a Q&A and book signing for her acclaimed book Inner Workout: Strengthening Self-Care Practices for Healing Body, Soul, and Mind.

• Scents & Such – Handcrafted scented home accessories (Black Women-owned)
• Little Words Project® – Inspirational jewelry rooted in kindness
• YWCA Shop for Good – Chic, sustainable fashion finds benefiting YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Domestic Violence and Economic Advancement programs

Attire: Embrace comfort and wellness with relaxed, casual wear. Yoga attire is encouraged for those participating in yoga sessions—bring your mat for the vinyasa flow!

We hope to see you for an inspiring day filled with empowerment, wellness, and action!

Doors will open at 10:30 AM for check-in and Refresh Bar.

Free parking is available in the YWCA E/NS parking lot.

Info: Start your day with still and sparkling fruit-infused water, healthy snacks, and breakfast treats at our Check-In & Refresh Bar!

Info: Understanding the Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Parity Act, which enhances protections for mental health and substance use treatment coverage, ensuring that these services are treated equally to physical health care by insurance providers, and its critical impact on individuals and families in our communities.

Info: A deep dive into the groundbreaking women’s health bill passed in July 2024, which expands access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, improves maternal health outcomes, and ensures equitable healthcare services for all women across Illinois.

Info: Enjoy a nutritious lunch while networking, learning more about YWCA Evanston/North Shore, Links, Incorporated, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ®, and shopping with our inspiring vendors: Scents & Such handcrafted home accessories, Little Words Project jewelry, and YWCA Shop for Good’s chic, sustainable fashion supporting vital YWCA programs.

Info: Taylor Elyse Morrison is a self-care visionary, author, and CEO of Inner Workout, dedicated to helping individuals prevent burnout while striving for success. Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and The Thirty, Taylor’s work centers on practical, holistic self-care practices that promote healing, resilience, and balance. Her keynote, "Balancing Your Peace While Empowering Others," will explore how women can sustain their well-being while leading change in their communities. The session will conclude with a Q&A and book signing for her acclaimed book Inner Workout: Strengthening Self-Care Practices for Healing Body, Soul, and Mind.

Host or Publisher YWCA Evanston/North Shore