She Spoke Up!

This gathering brings women together for honest conversation, reflection, and collective care during uncertain times. Through a faciliated panel, we'll explore:

• What self-advocacy looks like in this moment
• How the political and social climate impacts our mental and emotional health
• How to use our voices with intention, sustainability and boundaries
• What it means to show up for ourselfves and one another without burnout

Following the conversation, participants will be invited into a guided art therapy reflection pinpointing how we see ourselves, and how we show up in relationship with others. This will be a safe space to pause, reflect, and feel less alone. Learn about our speakers below:

Ashley Álvarez is an attorney, collaborative strategist, and creative force with extensive legal, political, and leadership experience. She serves as Executive Director of La Collective and General Counsel of SEIU Healthcare IL IN, navigating complex systems without losing sight of those they impact most. She is known for bridging divides, reimagining what's possible, and her relentless pursuit of shifting who holds power and how it is used.

Gwen Pepin is a born-and-raised West-Side Chicagoan who currently helps lead communications at the Democratic Party of Illinois. Previously, she worked in the U.S. Senate. She graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (ILL!) and, in her spare time, Gwen volunteers with Girl Scouts, co-authors a newsletter, and daydreams.

Jacqueline Carmody is a board-certified and licensed clinical professional counselor and art therapist. She brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, specializing in facilitating non-clinical art therapy groups that foster community connection, self-expression, and personal growth.

All art supplies, food, photography, and facilitators' time and expertise are included in your ticket!

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