We’re excited to share our bi-annual newsletter where YOU can learn about how CWIP has been connecting its members to one another and the philanthropic community across Chicago. | | We extend our heartfelt thanks for their outstanding service to CWIP. | | |
Lindsey, Clare, and Jacki each served three full terms since 2017, and Rachel served on the board since 2017 before relocating from Chicago last year. Collectively, these women provided extraordinary leadership to CWIP as committee chairs and board co-chairs. Without a doubt, they have helped shape CWIP’s growth, strengthen our community, and advance our mission in lasting ways.
While we will miss their leadership on the board, we are grateful they will remain part of the CWIP community. We are excited to build on their legacy as we welcome new leaders to the board later this year.
Learn more about our CWIP member leaders through our CWIP in Focus: Voices in Our Sector series
| | CWIP’s spirit of connection and collective impact was also on full display at the sold-out 2026 Making a Difference Luncheon. Attendees reflected on the event’s themes of mentorship, partnership, and community impact: | | | | |
“The dynamic program uplifted the importance of mentorship for women and girls, community partnership, and pooling resources to drive social change.”
– Chicago Foundation for Women
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Joining CWIP, and staying involved can feel overwhelming at times!
The Communications and Membership Committees have partnered together to provide you all with a new resource to support your ongoing personal and professional growth while a part of CWIP. Our CIWP Member Roadmap includes tips n tricks on how to get the most out of our CWIP events, easy ways to network with fellow members, and more!
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Are you looking to connect with peers or folks in a specific sector?
Use our Member Directory to find CWIP members to connect with. All CWIP members are willing & open to connect with one another! Filter through our directory by industry/role & find a member who you’d love to connect with for a 30 minute virtual or in-person coffee chat.
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Are you thinking about a new role or title?
Learn new skills by joining a committee! View all of our committees here, and reach out to a co-chair to learn more about one you may be interested in! Time commitments can vary depending on the committee.
Check out our job board and connect with someone who works at a place you are interested in through our member directory.
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Are you looking to widen your philanthropic network in Chicago?
So are most of our members! Come to an event (virtual or in-person) to meet others face-to-face.
Get to know members better by joining a committee. It's a great way to network at the next level and gain introductions.
| | In February, CWIP relaunched our Days of Service, with members volunteering at both New Life Centers and Nourishing Hope to pack food boxes for families across Chicago. | |
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Margaret Jones, CWIP Board Co-Chair who championed the initiative, shared,
“Moments like this remind me why service matters. When we give our time and energy, the impact goes far beyond the day itself. I’m grateful to my fellow CWIP members who joined us — and this is just the beginning.”
| | Days of Service | Nourishing Hope | | Days of Service | New Life Centers | | | | |
2026 Making a Difference Luncheon Was Our Largest to Date
With nearly 700 attendees and $230,000 raised this year’s Luncheon was our biggest event to date. The afternoon was filled with connection, inspiration, and a shared commitment to advancing leadership, equity, and opportunity for women and girls across Chicago.
Honoree Andrea Sáenz of The Chicago Community Trust and Renetta McCann of Publicis Groupe led a fireside chat that sparked genuine reflection on what it means to be a philanthropist today. Emcee Sylvia Ewing brought remarkable energy to the room, and we were proud to recognize National Louis University as they mark their 140th anniversary.
| | But perhaps the moment that said it all came from 5th grader Danyell, a participant in CWIP's GLMP (Girls Leadership Mentoring Program), who reminded every person in that room why this work matters. No matter what career path she chooses, her future is bright, and programs like ours are part of why. | | Hearing directly from mentoring program participants reinforced what we believe to be true: career development is a lifelong journey, and community is what sustains it. The energy from last week does not have to end when the event does. There are three meaningful ways to stay involved right now: | | Throughout the year, we celebrate the wonderful work and wisdom of our CWIP leaders through the Voices in Our Sector interview series. | | | | |
“CWIP has an amazing leadership development pipeline. You can show up at an event, get a mentor, join a committee, and eventually help lead and shape the organization. That makes CWIP special.”
– Ailiana Denis, CWIP Board of Directors
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Check out our recent feature on Emma Walsh!
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| | | Do you know someone in CWIP who should be spotlighted in an upcoming Voices in Our Sector blog? Recommend them through our quick form here! | | Thank you for being part of this community. What we accomplish together is extraordinary, and we are just getting started. | We look forward to another great year of programming due in large part to the support we received through the Luncheon and we can’t wait to see you all there next year! | | Keep an eye on our CWIP calendar for updates and other upcoming events! | | Thank you for reading our bi-annual newsletter and for being part of the CWIP community. We’re grateful for the continued support, connection, and collaboration that make this network so impactful across Chicago’s philanthropic community. We look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and connect together in the months ahead! | |
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Our Mission:
Chicago Women in Philanthropy (CWIP) is a community of philanthropic, corporate-giving, and nonprofit women and non-binary individuals. Our members are passionate about helping women and girls advance in society. Our mission is to build an inclusive community that educates and empowers Chicagoland women to grow personally and professionally and to advocate boldly for themselves and their communities.
Our Vision:
An equitable, inclusive, and connected social sector.
For more information or to join CWIP, contact:
Chicago Women in Philanthropy
312.414.1277
info@cwiponline.org
www.cwiponline.org
Chicago Women in Philanthropy
CWIP is a volunteer-driven membership 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
| | Chicago Women in Philanthropy | info@cwiponline.org | 312.414.1277 | cwiponline.org | | | | |
