Women’s History Month: UIC Edition
Celebrating Women’s History Month goes back to February 28, 1909 when a group of socialists and suffragettes from Manhattan celebrated the victory of the garment strike for the Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union. A year later, in March 1910, International Women’s Day was established at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. In the U.S., President Jimmy Carter passed a Presidential Proclamation in 1980 to celebrate Women’s History during the week of March 8. Women’s History Week continued to be celebrated until 1987 when Congress dedicated the month of March as Women’s History Month.
During Women’s History Month we celebrate all of the achievements women have contributed to society, and in our daily lives. This appreciation piece highlights some of the notable women from the UIC community who have done great things.
Jane Addams (1860-1935)
While Jane Addams was not an alumnus of the university, she contributed to the UIC community greatly. Jane Addams was a pioneering social worker that helped underprivileged communities by establishing settlement homes. Her goal was “to provide a center for a higher civic and social life; to institute and maintain educational and philanthropic enterprises and to investigate and improve the conditions in the industrial districts of Chicago.” The settlement homes united the poor and the rich, encouraging communities to interact and grow together. Jane was also the second woman to receive the Peace Prize.
Today, Jane Addams is celebrated through the Hull House Museum that is located outside of Student Center East (SCE). Under her, it was a leading center in the development of the profession of social work, fostering study and inquiry into the causes of urban poverty. The Jane Addams College of Social Work continues her mission by serving at-risk urban populations, engaging with marginalized communities, carrying out research and disseminating knowledge, and promoting leadership in the practice of social work.
Carol Moseley Braun (Class of 1969)
The former U.S. Senator, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science, served under President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. She was the first African American woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate, represent the Democratic Party, and represent Illinois. Today, nominated by President Joe Biden, she serves as chair of the United States African Development Foundation.
Mary Dillon (Class of 1983)
According to Fortune.com Women CEOs run more than 10% of Fortune 500 companies as of 2023. Mary Dillon, an alumnus of UIC (B.S. Marketing), is currently CEO of Foot Locker and former CEO of Ulta Beauty. She was also the Global Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at McDonald’s. Becoming the CEO of Foot Locker made Dillon one of the few female executives to head a footwear company.
Erika Sánchez (Class of 2006)
Erika Sánchez majored in English (creative writing concentration). Since the age of 12, Erika Sánchez wanted to become an author. Now, poet and author, she is most known for her book, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (2017). The book is set to become a Netflix Original Film, which began filming in October 2022. Keep an eye out for the official release! Her other works are available on her website.
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Learning about some notable women who have made an impact throughout their career can be inspiring. You can do great things too! Looking for inspiration? Visit the Women’s Leadership and Resource Center and participate in upcoming events. Someone may be writing about you and your achievements in the near future.
Happy Women’s History Month!