Women Employed is a 50-year-old Chicago-based advocacy organization that pursues equity for women in the workforce by effecting policy change, expanding access to educational opportunities, and advocating for fair and inclusive workplaces so that all women, families, and communities can thrive.

While we are based in Chicago, and our focus is on Illinois, we have been at the forefront of nearly every major advancement for working women in the U.S. since our founding in 1973.

Women Employed’s Summer Leadership Program, generously sponsored by The Pattis Family Foundation and supported by one other donor: Ora Kathleen-Flynn Family Foundation, provides a unique opportunity for professional skill building and practical experience by exposing a team of interns to leadership training, front-line research, and awareness of the barriers low-paid workers experience. The program seeks to introduce students and recent graduates to all areas of nonprofit work through workshops, guest speakers, and projects.

Program Details:

Interns serve on Mondays and Wednesdays, from June 10th, 2024, through July 31st, 2024, and are “in the office” from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Interns will participate virtually and will have the opportunity to meet in-person 1-2 times throughout the course of the program. Interns will need to have access to a reliable computer and internet connection, which Women Employed may be able to help provide to selected candidates who do not have access.
The program includes a $2,400 stipend.

A sophomore (or above) currently enrolled in an academic or training program at a community college, or a junior (or above) at a four-year institution. Graduate students will not be considered at this time.
Available June 10th through July 31st Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am-4:30pm each day.
Must have a permanent address in Illinois OR currently live or study in Illinois.
Must be eligible to work legally in the United States (WE does not sponsor Visas).

The interns' project work may consist of:

Facilitating issue-based discussions with staff and interns
Designing and implementing public information and awareness campaigns for specific Women Employed Issues
Conducting research and outreach on issues relevant to low-wage women
Conducting interviews and assisting with other program work as needed

Over the course of the summer, interns will:

Be familiar with the history and future of the women’s movement
Participate in professional development workshops on effective advocacy
Nonprofit organizational development and communications
Explore aspects of social justice work with guest speakers

Application Details

A sophomore (or above) currently enrolled in an academic or training program at a community college, or a junior (or above) at a four-year institution. Graduate students will not be considered at this time.
Available June 10th through July 31st Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00am-4:30pm each day.
Must have a permanent address in Illinois OR currently live and study in Illinois.
Must be authorized to work in the United States (WE does not sponsor Visas).

Women Employed (WE) seeks to improve the lives of all working women through systemic change. Therefore, WE values the unique experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, skills, knowledge, and workstyles that a diverse workforce brings to our organization. Women Employed is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

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The Pattis Family Foundation Summer Leadership Program