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A Warm Welcome from the 2025 WEC Committee

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A Warm Welcome from the 2025 WEC Committee

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Welcome to our Women’s EmpowHERment Conference! We are excited to welcome you to Morton College to celebrate another year of WEC. We are honored that you chose to spend your day with us!

WEC celebrates empowerment for all and the impact we’ve had on our community over the years. This conference was created in 2019 to highlight women in our community. In its inaugural year, we welcomed Cicero-native, Erika L. Sanchez, author of “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” to kick off what would eventually become the Women’s EmpowHERment Conference. Since then, our conference has featured speakers from across the Chicagoland area - our sisters, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. We hope that with every story you hear today, you will walk out feeling inspired and motivated to implement new skills, strengthen new connections, and go for what you wish to accomplish next in your life!

Thank you to our supporters and sponsors. Especially to Seguin gardens & gifts, The Pile Bookstore, Morton College Library, Morton College Academic Deans office, Morton College Student Services for their generous contributions.

We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, to speak up and connect with other conference participants. Have a great conference and remember to tag us on your social media posts! We also welcome your feedback - wec@morton.edu or (Survey)

In Community,

WEC 2025 Committee:

Dr. Sara Helmus

Dr. Shannon Martino

Dr. Prairie L Markussen

Myeisha Grady

Elizabeth Melgoza

Rebecca Primm

Dr. Sam Chesters

Monica Rosas

Marisol Campos Garcia

Jessica Mendoza

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Sara Helmus has a pH.D. in physical chemistry from The Ohio State University and has been teaching chemistry for 16 years (12 at Morton). She has been on the WEC committee since year 1 and is so proud of how we have grown. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hiking with her husband and husky.

Shareout: Fave Book~ I love Pride and Prejudice and various retellings of the book such as Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev.

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Dr. Prairie Markussen teaches creative writing, literature, and composition at Morton College. She earned her PhD from the University of Arizona in Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English. She has published poetry in Atticus Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, The Fiddlehead, Louisiana Literature, and her chapbook, Go Here, See Elsewhere, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021.

Shareout: “You must write every single day of your life... You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads... may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.” -- Ray Bradbury

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Hello! I'm Jessica Mendoza. I’m a sophomore at Morton College, wrapping up my Associate of Arts degree. I’m extremely passionate about sociology and plan to major in it next, with plans of working in social work and ultimately teaching as a professor.

In addition to my studies, I’m involved on campus. I’m the secretary for Phi Theta Kappa, which helps promote academic achievement and community service. I’m also the Director of Engagement for ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), where I focus on creating connections and opportunities for Latinx students.

I’m all about using my voice and leadership to inspire others—especially women—to chase their dreams and make a difference. My goal is to help uplift marginalized communities, both in the classroom and out in the world.

Favorite Quote:

"I am nothing but I must be everything"- Karl Marx

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Vanessa is a passionate bilingual advocate and lifelong resident of Cicero, with a strong commitment to her community. In her role as Executive Director, she provides strategic leadership, manages programs, and builds partnerships to enhance services for children, youth, and families. She plays a key role in expanding the organization’s impact, securing funding, and ensuring that programs meet the evolving needs of the community.

Additionally, Vanessa is a proud Multicultural Latino Alumni, where she has honed her leadership skills to become a driving force for social change, policy influence, and community development. Through her experiences, she’s gained a deep understanding of how racial and ethnic groups contribute to transformative leadership and collaborative efforts. She has also built a strong network of leaders focused on strengthening communities by fostering trust and intercultural relationships.

Vanessa’s passion for advocacy and social justice is evident in her dedication to empowering communities through education and collaboration. She’s committed to pushing for systemic change that ensures equity and opportunity for all.

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Sofia Gonzalez is the 2019 Educator of the Year with the National Society of High School Scholars, Vice President of LULAC 5238 IL Ed Council, and an education activist from the Chicagoland area. A proud Latina, she is a sought-after public speaker on the state of education, trauma-informed practices, and empowerment known for her cutting-edge presentations, spoken word poetry, storytelling, and dynamic illustrations—delivering a passion that’s infectious. A teacher veteran at Morton East High School, she teaches English and serves as a high school teacher leader, guardian of culture, and disrupter. Sofia is an alum of prestigious programs such as Fulbright, Latinos for Education, Latinx Education Collaborative–Storytellers for Change, and Urban Leaders Fellowship DC. Her relentless energy and commitment to education equity make her a leading voice for the 21st-century classroom and beyond.

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Express & Empower: Healing Through Art

Workshop Cycle II 10:30am - 11:15am (Stem Center)

Workshop Cycle III 11:30am-12:15pm (Stem Center)

Annabelle Broeffle, a Menominee and Ojibwe multimedia fine artist based in Chicago, channels the depth of her ancestral knowledge into her art. Her art—encompassing painting and photography—blends her rich cultural background with a contemporary outlook. Drawing inspiration from indigenous social issues and cultural themes, her creations offer a deep and evocative exploration of the human experience.

Through her artistic practice, Annabelle encourages exploration, reflection, and a deep appreciation of diversity, reminding us that wisdom is found in our capacity to listen, learn, and connect with one another.

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Think To Elev8

Workshop Cycle I 9:30am - 10:15am (174C)

Workshop Cycle II 10:30am - 11:15pm (174C)

I focus on the holistic personal development of individuals seeking to become a greater version of themselves. I guide individuals towards discovering their self-autonomy though their journey of building, sustaining and expanding on a holistic lifestyle of choice from the inside out.

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Wish I Had Known: Financial Empowerment of Life's Unexpected Moments

Workshop Cycle I 9:30am - 10:15am (175C)

Workshop Cycle II 10:30am - 11:15am (175C)

Mary Ann Galicia and Sheryl Mercedes are financial advocates and empowerment champions. Their primary mission is to help families understand how money works, offering guidance on building a strong financial foundation and preparing for the unexpected challenges life may bring.  Having both experienced the devastating loss of loved ones, Mary Ann and Sheryl have firsthand knowledge of the financial realities that follow. These personal experiences have fueled their passion and commitment to educating others, ensuring families are equipped with the financial literacy needed to navigate life's toughest moments. EBook link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/uQNvag2

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Beige & White, Two host podcast, event, guest expert, Instagram Post-2

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From Experience to Empowerment

Workshop Cycle I 9:30am - 10:15am (106 C)

Workshop Cycle III 11:30am- 12:15am (106 C)

I am a dedicated HR professional, full-time graduate student, and licensed mortgage loan originator with nearly a decade of banking experience. Currently, I serve as the HR Coordinator at Corazón Community Services, where I oversee multiple departments and work to improve organizational structure and HR processes. I am pursuing dual master’s degrees in Human Resources and Industrial-Organizational Psychology at National Louis University, using my education to enhance workplace dynamics and leadership strategies.

Beyond my professional and academic journey, I have undergone a transformative wellness journey, successfully losing 100 pounds and overcoming obesity-related health challenges. My commitment to self-improvement extends into my career, where I strive to create healthier, more efficient work environments. With aspirations in non-profit and corporate management , I am continuously expanding my expertise in HR, compliance, and leadership to make a lasting impact in both nonprofit and corporate sectors.

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Empowerment Through Hope

Workshop Cycle I: 9:30am-10:15am (178C)

Workshop  Cycle III: 11:30am-12:15pm (177C)

Dr. Prairie Markussen teaches creative writing, literature, and composition at Morton College. She earned her PhD from the University of Arizona in Rhetoric, Composition, and the Teaching of English. She has published poetry in Atticus Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, The Fiddlehead, Louisiana Literature, and her chapbook, Go Here, See Elsewhere, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021.

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Empower your Education: Apply for Scholarships

Workshop Cycle I: 9:30am-10:15am (177C)

Workshop Cycle II: 10:30am-11:15am (177C)

Elizabeth is a dedicated Financial Aid Assistant at Morton College, specializing in scholarships. With over seven years of experience in higher education, Elizabeth has developed a strong passion for supporting students through financial barriers to education. She is an active member of the Women Empowerment Committee, working to uplift and empowered women.

Currently in her final semester of a Master of Public Health Administration program, Elizabeth focuses on health disparities and community equity, aiming to address the systemic barriers that prevent communities from thriving. She is deeply committed to reducing health inequities and ensuring that all individuals have the resources and opportunities to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

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Women in Leadership: Turning Pitfalls into Purpose

Workshop Cycle I 9:30am - 10:15am (176C)

Dr. Kennedi Strickland- Dixon is a Professional Learning Specialist for West40 with 30 years of experience in education. West40 serves as the Regional Office of Education for western Cook County.   In her role as a Professional Learning Specialist, she provides professional development for schools in the area of special education and equity. She leads networks for the 38 districts and 3 cooperatives West 40 serves in the area of Special Education and a Nurses Network. She co-leads a network in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Prior to joining West40, Dr. Strickland- Dixon served as a Director of Special Education for 19 years.  Her years of service included Maywood District 89, Bellwood District 88, Oak Park and River Forest High School, SASED, and St. Charles School District. In her role as Director of Special Education, she often served as the first person of color and in many spaces one of a few administrators of color. These experiences have helped her to mentor many women of color in their pursuit of administrative positions and advanced degrees.

In addition to her role at West40, Dr. Strickland-Dixon is an adjunct professor at DePaul University where she received her doctorate in 2013.  Dr. Strickland- Dixon teaches courses in Race, Resistance, and Power and its impact in public education. She has also been an adjunct professor at National Louis University and Triton College.

Dr. Strickland-Dixon is a product of Maywood, Illinois.  She is very active in the community through her work with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

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Sarah Rose Sykes-Goldsmith, INHC, NBC-HWC 

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Sarah Rose Sykes-Goldsmith, INHC, NBC-HWC 

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Empower your Mindset

Workshop Cycle I 9:30am - 10:15am (105C)

Workshop Cycle II 10:30am- 11:15am (105C)

Sarah Rose Sykes-Goldsmith, INHC, NBC-HWC, is a trauma-informed Health and Wellness Coach, breathwork and meditation teacher dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to thriving. Her approach is strengths-based with an emphasis on self-compassion, growth mindset and mental fitness. Trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Sarah Rose promotes mindfulness and self-awareness as tools for empowering personal development, overcoming challenges, and making meaningful connections.

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Understanding Grief through Journaling

Workshop Cycle II: 10:30am-11:15am (178C)

Workshop Cycle III: 11:30am-12:15pm (178C)

J9 Vaughn (they/them) is a queer librarian and author who believes in the power of creating what you see is needed in the world. This is how they approach many problems in their life, some with great success, others with great failure, but always with great learning. My Swan Song for Joy: a Sister Memoir, their first published book, came from such a need and journaling. They also have several fiction stories published. myswansongforjoy.com

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As a faculty member, I find the WEC conference to be a great opportunity to meet more of the neighborhood. I see the impact this conference has on the young women in our community and the relationships that they form with each other. I have been teaching in the Humanities department at Morton College since 2015 and am both an art historian and an archaeologist. While women may not be well-known in the field of archaeology, they have always been important scholars in the field. Check out the site Trowelblazers (https://trowelblazers.com/) to learn more.

Shareout: One of my favorite authors these days is Rebecca Roanhorse and a favorite artist is Tamla Boone. You can check out her art at the Museum of Science and Industry until April 27th.

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Myeisha Grady joined the Morton College family in 2012, first as a part-time faculty member and now full-time. She loves public speaking and is excited to hear the speakers at this year's conference. As a lifelong learner, Myeisha enjoys the opportunity to learn new things, especially the gems provided by innovative women in leadership. This is her third year on the conference committee, and she looks forward to offering her support in years to come!

Share out: Fave Quote~ “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” – Oprah Winfrey

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Now in her 12th year at Morton College, Rebecca is full time art faculty and the Humanities Department Chair overseeing art, music, theatre, philosophy and humanities courses. Previous to her tenure at MC, she spent six years as a freelance artist, creating everything from designs, illustrations, murals and set designs. She aspires to infuse her students with love of the arts and a desire for life-long learning though encouragement and advocacy.

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou

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Dr. Sam Chesters teaches in the English Department at Morton College. This is her thirteenth year as an instructor in higher education. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys running, baking, and whipping her cat, Gil, into a frenzy.

Favorite Quote: “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” –Ann Richards

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Elizabeth Melgoza is a Financial Aid Assistant at Morton College with more than 7 years of experience in the Financial Aid field. Elizabeth, is currently in her last semester in her Master's degree in Public Administration at Benedictine University. This is her third year as part of the Women Empowerment Committee, and she could not be any more excited about the great things WEC represents and is part of.

Shareout: Fave Quote~ "There is no limit to what we, as women can accomplish" - Michelle Obama

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Click here to access Survey

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Women's Empowherment Exit Survey QR Code.2025.JPG

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Priority today …. Me ❤️‍🩹

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Hello! I'm Jessica Mendoza. I’m a sophomore at Morton College, wrapping up my Associate of Arts degree. I’m extremely passionate about sociology and plan to major in it next, with plans of working in social work and ultimately teaching as a professor.

In addition to my studies, I’m involved on campus. I’m the secretary for Phi Theta Kappa, which helps promote academic achievement and community service. I’m also the Director of Engagement for ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America), where I focus on creating connections and opportunities for Latinx students.

I’m all about using my voice and leadership to inspire others—especially women—to chase their dreams and make a difference. My goal is to help uplift marginalized communities, both in the classroom and out in the world.

Favorite Quote:

"I am nothing but I must be everything"- Karl Marx

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Monica Rosas is a first-generation college graduate who earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Individual Development from Northern Illinois University and her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. With over 10 years of experience at Morton College, she has served in various roles and is currently the Director of Student Success and Retention. Monica is passionate about helping others succeed in their educational journeys and is committed to supporting students in achieving both their academic and personal goals.

Quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

― Norman Vincent Peale

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Marisol Campos Garcia is a Cicero native. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication and a Mater's in Public Administration, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).

Marisol currently serves as the Director of Student Activities at Morton College, where she leads initiatives designed to enhance student engagement and leadership development.

Favorite quote: " The empowerment of women is the key to unlocking the potential of a nation." -Michelle Obama