Western Suburbs Giving Circle
The Western Suburbs Giving Circle of the Chicago Foundation for Women invited current and prospective members to kick off another year of grantmaking at their “Cocktails for a Cause” event at Lifetime Fitness Oak Brook on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The group aimed to lay the groundwork for increasing investment in women’s health and reproductive justice, economic well-being, and safety from violence in the western suburbs. Since 2016, WSGC awarded over $245,000 to local organizations addressing the needs of women and girls.
As part of a nationwide movement in women’s philanthropy, WSGC continues to amplify women’s voices and advocate for their needs through grants that create meaningful impact and improved lives.
Dena Byrd
➁ Tracy Hough, Monica Thorns, and a guest of the organization
Isabel Anderson and Josefina Navar attended on behalf of HOPE Fair Housing
Julie Olafson (Co-Chair), Elyse Kennard-Leavy (Member), Keenya Lambert (President & CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women), Dena Byrd (Member), Kendra Hyett (Co-Chair)
Laura Kaufman and Jennifer Rosenkranz
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
