Hot off the press! With some great events in the past and exciting opportunities in the near future, we’re happy to share with you our spring newsletter for WP&D 2024! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about being a member or finding out ways to support WP&D. Visit our bio for the link to the newsletter.

Calling all WP&D Board Alumnae! We’re hosting a special event for our previous board members to reunite with old friends and create new memories on Thursday, April 18th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm. Please join us for a tour of @insidetheplant (a project of @bubblydynamics), a research and production facility with a collaborative community of small food businesses. @therealhefferbbq and @whinerbeer will be on site for refreshments! Visit our bio for the link to register. We hope to see you there!

Join us in Logan Square for our March WP&Drinks to enjoy some light bites, creative cocktails, and art deco vibes at @theduplexchicago! This month’s WP&Drinks will be on Wednesday, March 27th from 5:30-7:30pm. Visit our bio for the link to register. We hope to see you there!

We are partnering with @transportchicago, @wts_greaterchicago @yptchicago, and @apaillinois to hear from women in our field, gain inspiration on their most valuable advice/experiences, and learn more about how we can continue to make our workplaces the best they can be, for everyone. Whether you are a part of these organizations or not, if you are a woman that interacts in the transportation industry (e.g., planning, engineering, architecture, finance, etc.) please consider responding to one or all of the questions in the quick survey (link in our bio). All responses are anonymous and will be compiled, briefly summarized, and shared via social media at the end of Women's History Month later this month. #internationalwomensday

WP&D, in collaboration with the @aiachicago and @apaillinois, are excited to host the “Professional Parents Forum”, a networking and skills-building event for working parents. Many people can relate to being a working parent, and this event will provide a space to gather and share knowledge of the unique challenges parents face juggling career and family expectations. We seek speakers representing all walks of life and stages of parenthood, from new moms to parents of multiples to those whose kids are flying from the nest! If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please see the guidelines and submission form linked in our bio. Proposals are due on Tuesday, March 12th. Presentations will strive to achieve either an AIA or APA continuing education credit.

A core tenet of WP&D is to foster meaningful connections and exchange ideas, and this Sunday the WP&D Board gathered in the Mayfair neighborhood to strengthen connections, reflect on the year to date, and share ideas for the coming months. We were fortunate to have a beautiful day for team building and brainstorming outside, and we're excited to share exciting programs and events with the community this spring! Stay tuned for updates.

WP&D loves to share the good news of our many inspiring members with our community. Please contact info@wpdchicago.com if you’d like to contribute a short blurb and photo(s) about some good vibes you’ve had recently! These can be non-work related to lift up and celebrate positive experiences. Good Vibes from @rashanahbaldwin about running the Chicago Marathon: “I officially joined the 0.01% club - of the global population that can proudly say, I ran a marathon! 🌎💪 And not just any marathon, I tackled the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2023 where Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan speedster (may he rest in peace), set a new world record at 2:00:35! My pace was definitely a bit more chill, but I conquered all 26.2 miles without falling apart! 🎉 Let me tell you, marathons are challenging. It's early mornings, evening track sessions, running in all kinds of weather, running in the rain, and investing in shoes and gear that make your wallet shed a tear. It's worrying about your safety while sometimes running alone or in unfamiliar neighborhoods; it's developing a tough mindset and challenging your body for 18 weeks being a #carbybarbie and #crabbypatty! I spent four months fully committed, waving goodbye to my social life, and embracing running 5-6 days a week. From carb-loading to foam rolling, it was all about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, week in and week out. 🏃🏿‍♀️🌦️ And here's the heartwarming part - I didn't just run for myself. I ran for a cause, a fundraiser for Mercy Home for Boys & Girls with #MercyHomeHeroes. With so much happening in our city and around the country, I wanted to make a difference for those in need." 🏠❤️

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the fun gathering at the Mesler Kitchen at The Sophy Hotel in @dhpchicago! We sincerely thank our sponsor @seccchicago for tasty appetizers and refreshments. Stay tuned for the next WP&Drinks in March! If your organization or business wants to sponsor a future event, please reach out to us directly at info@wpdchicago.com.

If the early spring has energized your job hunt, be sure to check out our Job Board! It features employment opportunities curated by the WP&D network for various career stages in urban planning, development, and related fields. Interested in sharing a job opportunity? Please send employment and internship listings to info@wpdchicago.com in either PDF format or as a link to the organization's website.

We’re happy to share a Member Spotlight for Janet Li, LMSW, who served as the WP&D Board President from 2020 to 2021. Janet is the Senior Manager of Service Programs at Full Circle Communities, a nonprofit affordable and supportive housing developer in Chicago. She leads the Resident Services team in the provision of person-centered services across Full Circle’s rapidly expanding portfolio. To read her interview, click the link in our bio. Reach out with suggestions for future WP&D Spotlights!

To celebrate Black History Month, we look at the contributions of inspiring Black women leaders in Chicago and around the nation. Black History Month is not just a moment - it's a reminder to consistently acknowledge the work of past and present trailblazers while deliberately advocating for and building platforms on which new leaders can emerge.

We’re kicking it up a notch for this month’s WP&Drinks! Join us at the chic Sophy Hotel in @dhpchicago on Wednesday, February 28th from 5-7pm for some craft cocktails, tasty bites, and great conversation. Many thanks to the @seccchicago for hosting this event! We hope you can join us for a lovely evening of connection and conversation. Register through the link in our bio!

We appreciate the brave souls who trekked through the cold to attend our WP&Drinks in January! Join us at this month's gathering for some appetizers, refreshments, and great conversation. Stay tuned for more details.

We'd like mail! We have a new PO Box location at PO Box 1848, Chicago, IL 60690 (the Loop Clark Street Post Office). WP&D welcomes feedback from our members and the general public. If you'd like to get in touch, please email us at info@wpdchicago.com or send us a letter!

Our small networking lunch is transforming into Small Networking Coffee this month with a special guest - @nicolechavas , President and COO of #greenprintpartners ! Small Networking events are great opportunities to highlight the fantastic work of our members and connect with peers in planning and development. Join us Thursday, January 25th from 8:30-9:30am at Revival Cafe (in @revivalfoodchicago ) for coffee, treats, and good conversation! Register through link in bio.

Arctic blast got you down? We've got a remedy for that! Join us for our monthly WP&Drinks at @alulubrew in Pilsen on Tuesday, January 23rd from 5:30-7:30pm. Alulu has something for everyone, from draft cocktails and happy hour beer specials to non-alcoholic drinks and creative bites (did someone say zucchini frites?) Register through link in bio! No need to be a member, but you will need to create an account through our new website in order to sign up. Questions or concerns, please let us know at wpdchicago@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

We all know it matters more what's inside than out, but there’s something exciting about starting the new year fresh! Women in Planning & Development is thrilled to share our new brand and website with all of you - check it out in our bio! Much appreciation for @localitystudio, the women-owned company based in St. Louis who designed our new brand and logo. And, stay tuned for monthly WP&Drinks, member spotlights, and more ways to get connected coming soon! Stay warm and inspiring, WP&D.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the WP&D Annual Holiday Party last week! We had an amazing time at the beautiful @tayloredchicago event space in the Heart of Chicago. Much gratitude for @taylorstacoschicago for providing a delicious taco bar and @happy_hour_mobile_bartending for the seasonal cocktails! We’d also like to thank everyone who donated items to our holiday drawing. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, and stay tuned for an exciting update in early 2024!

See you at TAYLORED tonight for our 2023 Annual Holiday Party! Warm up with street-style tacos, sangria, and cocktails from local women and black-owned businesses Happy Hour Mobile Bartending Service and @taylorstacoschicago Festive attire encouraged! TAYLORED is accessible by the CTA and has off-street parking. Only a few tickers left! To register and learn more about the WP+D event, click the link in our bio.

We’re under construction! *Hard hats not required* for this website launch. Stay tuned for our sparkling new website and brand unveiling in the next few days! To get in touch in the meantime, send us a message.

Tickets for the 2023 Holiday Party are running out fast! Get yours today and join us on Thursday, December 14th at TAYLORED, an event space nestled in the Heart of Chicago that is operated by @taylorstacoschicago, a Women and Black-Owned business. Looking forward to seeing everyone in festive attire (reindeer antlers are welcome!) while enjoying tasty tacos and beverages, holiday-themed photography, and local swag. Don’t forget to enter in drawings to win holiday prizes! To register and learn more about the WP+D event, click the link in our bio.

Warm up with some WP+D holiday cheer and California sun at the 2023 Holiday Party! We’ll be gathering at TAYLORED, an event space nestled in the Heart of Chicago that is operated by @taylorstacoschicago, a Women and Black-Owned business. Enjoy complimentary Mexican street-style tacos with a soul food twist and beverages by Happy Hour Mobile Bartending Service — also a Women and Black-Owned business! — that is crafting delicious sangria and cocktails for the evening. TAYLORED is accessible by the CTA and has off-street parking. To register and learn more about the WP+D event, click the link in our bio.

Thank you to everyone who attended our event at Fatpour on October 30th! It was great to see old and new faces together. We hope to see you at our next WP+D Drinks on November 21st! We’ll be meeting at Park Tavern (1645 W Jackson Blvd) from 5:30-7:30 for drinks, light bites, and good company. To register, please click the link in our bio.

WP+Drinks is a great opportunity at the end of the month to connect with other women and allies in planning and development in the Chicago area. Join us for a WP+Drinks event at FatPour McCormick on Monday, October 30th from 5:30-7:30pm! Come enjoy some drinks and light bites with WP+D. To register, please click the link in our bio.

Last weekend the WP+D board gathered at the Bronzeville Incubator @buildbronzeville for our annual retreat to connect with each other, grow our intentions as a supportive community, and set a solid foundation for the next year. We were fortunate to be able to tour @theforum43, a beautiful assembly hall that has been closed for over 40 years but was once at the heart of Black Chicago’s social, cultural, and political life. We would like to express gratitude for our wonderful tour guide, Bernard Loyd, who walked us through the past and future of The Forum. To learn more, we encourage you to support the work of renovating this iconic space to become a local incubator and community hub once again.

WP+D had a great time at the @apaillinois Annual Conference in Naperville earlier this week! It was especially fun to see WP+D members present on a broad spectrum of planning topics. Some highlights include Courtney Kashima’s ‘Is it Time to Evolve the Comp Plan’ panel; Kelsey Zlevor’s ‘Mental Landscapes’ panel; Kate Portillo’s ‘Who Takes Time to Read a Master Plan’ panel; Mercedes E. Miley’s ‘DuPage Children’s Museum’ mobile workshop; Abigail Rose’s ‘Demand-Side Housing Trends’ panel and Only Planners In The Building live podcast recording, and countless others throughout the three-day conference! WP+D also enjoyed networking with fellow members, colleagues, and future planners during Monday’s lunch event. Thank you to everyone that had a hand in organizing such an incredible event! #apail2023

WP+D can’t wait to see everyone at the @apaillinois conference next week! Many inspiring leaders and innovators throughout the state will share their local knowledge and experiences. Make sure to check out the sessions and walking tours led by WPD members, which include Kelsey Zlevor, Yashasvi Tulchiyav, Courtney Kashima, Emily Egan, Kate Portillo, Mercedes Miley, and Abigail Rose — to name a few! If you weren’t listed, please tag yourself or write a comment to share details about your session or walking tour. Also, don’t forget to introduce yourself and say hello to Kate Portillo, who will be representing WP+D on Monday during lunch! We hope to see you there. #apail2023

Join WP+D for an in-person Small Networking Lunch on Thursday, August 24th from 12-1:00pm in Grant Park. Take a break from your busy day and enjoy the Chicago summer with Kelsey Zlevor (she/her), a spatial strategist, design researcher, and cultural worker at the convergence of planning, climate justice, and social change. To register, please click the link in our bio.

WP+D members and friends gathered together at our Annual Member Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, August 5th at Washington Park. A rainy day couldn’t stop everyone from getting together to enjoy good grub, company (shoutout to Brittanii' Batts for performing a song and poetry), and conversation. Huge thanks to our outgoing Board Members! Drum roll please… now introducing the 2023-2024 Board of Directors: * President: Lily Brack, AICP * Vice President: Yun-ni Tsai * Secretary: Anna Jentz * Treasurer: Liz Kersjes * Marketing: Abigail Rose + Irene Henry, AICP Candidate * Membership: Kate Portillo, AICP + Taylor Gendel * Professional Development: Abha Rai + Mercedes E. Miley * Programs: Diane Burnham, MBNA + Rashanah Baldwin, M.A. Stay tuned for future WP+D events and updates!

Thank you to Commissioner Marisa Novara and Katanya Raby for joining us for our summer professional development workshop: “Embracing a Challenge: Saying ‘yes’ to a daunting opportunity”! This workshop focused on how women can step outside their comfort zone to embrace a challenging opportunity.

We are recruiting for six new board positions! Interested in learning more? See the link in our bio.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, WP+D partnered with Flower Girls Meet to host a relaxing daytreat. The event began with some restorative yoga and meditation led by Molly, then Ammie facilitated a journaling exercise and group conversation where participants used symbols inspired by nature to reflect on an important time in their life. 📸: @renacaptures

Check out our latest Member Spotlight on Paulina Martínez, AICP, Director of Business Development at @worldbusinesschicago , where she works on manufacturing retention and building and implementing a future vision for manufacturing in the Chicagoland area. She shares her path to becoming an Urban Planner, the evolution of her career, and commitment to Ballet Folklorico de Chicago to hold up her Mexican heritage and culture. Visit the "Member Spotlight" page on our website to read more!

Bonus pics from our 30th Anniversary Celebration at @345artgallerychicago ! Tag yourself! We’re: proud 🥰💪👯‍♀️✨🔥 📸: @kr_prods

THANK YOU to everyone who joined us last week for our 30th Anniversary Celebration! Your support, whether you were there in person or in spirit, will help us provide opportunities for women in planning, development, and related fields for the next 30. Cheers! Venue: @345artgallerychicago 📸: @kr_prods Catering: @truecuisine 🎶 : @nopoweroff_ Sponsors 💪: @thebiggreenw Acosta Ezgur, LLC @bldgprojects @poahcommunities @cni_group @civiltech_inc @enterprisecommunityfund @farrassociates @planning_muse @sitedesigngroup

Thank you to @bldgprojects for your support of our 30th Anniversary Celebration! BLDG PROJECTS is an architecture + design firm, focusing in residential, mixed-use commercial & industrial projects. We can't wait to celebrate with you THIS WEEK! Tickets and sponsorship opportunities available on Eventbrite. Tickets will also be available at the door!

Thank you to @thebiggreenw , for your support in sponsoring our 30th Anniversary Celebration! The Walsh Group is a 124-year-old company providing design, build, finance, operation and activation services. We hope to see you at our event next week! Tickets are available on Eventbrite and as long as we don't sell out (!), will also be available for purchase at the door.

Join us next Thursday for: •Open wine and beer bar •Heavy hors d'oeuvres •Game Night themed networking activities •Chicago celebrity DJ entertainment featuring DJ DaiGroovie Tickets available on Eventbrite and at the door!

Thank you to our sponsor, @farrassociates ! Farr Associates is a firm of optimistic architects and planners passionate about cities, sustainability and leadership. Join us to celebrate, NEXT WEEK!

Thank you to @poahcommunities for your support and sponsorship of our 30th anniversary celebration! POAH is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve, create and sustain affordable, healthy homes that support economic security and access to opportunity for all. Tickets to our event are available on Eventbrite!

Thank you to Acosta Ezgur, LLC, for sponsoring WP+D's 30th Anniversary Celebration! Founded in 2014, Acosta Ezgur is a law practice working on land use and zoning matters relating to real estate development in the Chicago region. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite!

Thank you to our event sponsor, @civiltech_inc ! Civiltech Engineering, Inc. is an engineering firm with its primary focus on transportation and civil engineering. Would your organization like to sponsor our celebration and help promote the professional advancement of our members? Opportunities available on Eventbrite.

STUDENTS! We are passionate about supporting the next generation of WP+D members & we hope you’ll join us at our 30th anniversary celebration! Tickets available on Eventbrite - use code WPDStudentTix. Limited quantity available!

Thank you to @cni_group for your support of our 30th anniversary celebration! Find out more about our sponsorship opportunities on Eventbrite. Formed in 2010, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives coordinates resources, economic development and neighborhood revitalization efforts in Chicagoland’s low-to-moderate income neighborhoods.

Thank you to Enterprise Community Partners! With 40 years of experience in addressing America’s massive shortage of affordable rental homes, Enterprise is the only national nonprofit that does it all – solutions, capital and community development – under one roof. Sponsorship packages for our 30th Anniversary celebration are available now on Eventbrite!

Thank you to our sponsor, @planning_muse ! MUSE Community + Design is a woman owned, urban planning and public engagement firm that offers inventive and inspiring solutions to help manage change. Sponsorship packages available on Eventbrite!

We are ONE MONTH away from our 30th Anniversary Celebration! Have you snagged a ticket yet? Link is in our bio :)

Tickets and sponsorship packages are available NOW on Eventbrite! Join us April 27 to celebrate 30 years of WP+D! Link in bio.

Many thanks to Emily Egan, Director of Community Development at the Village of Brookfield, for joining us at the first Small Networking Lunch of 2023. Emily described her current work, including projects focused on long-range planning, active transportation, and infill development. She also shared her love for goal-setting and reflected on how her involvement with WP+D has helped shape her career.

SAVE THE DATE! Celebrate 30 years of WP+D creating spaces for women in planning, development and related fields. Ticket information coming soon!

Thank you to @rebuild_foundation for allowing us to host our board retreat at Stony Island Arts Bank yesterday! It was so nice to gather in person and discuss our goals for 2023 in a monumental space. We are looking forward to a busy year ahead and wish everyone a happy holiday!

We're all in agreement: last night's "Navigating Conflict in the Workplace" was such an incredibly informative professional development opportunity! Thank you Connie Meyer, Marisa Schulz, and Rachael Aziz for bringing the realness to a tough topic that's so essential to our roles in planning and development. Keep an eye out for more provocative programming from WP+D in 2023. @alltogetherstudio #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #UrbanPlanning #development #PublicEngagement #ConflictManagement #ProfessionalDevelopment

Next week is #GivingTuesday & we are asking you to join us! WP+D is an organization that provides opportunities for connection and professional growth to women at all stages of their careers in urban planning, development, and related fields. For 30 years, WP+D has been creating spaces for women to come together in honest dialogue to discuss the challenges we face and to celebrate our accomplishments. This Giving Tuesday, will you become a member? Check out the link in our bio to learn more.

Do you ever find yourself in tough situations in the workplace, or while facilitating a public meeting? Join WP+D’s Fall 2022 professional development workshop: Navigating Conflict in the Workplace and Public Settings. The workshop will focus on how women can best manage and resolve conflict in the workplace and while engaging with the public. Join us for an engaging workshop where three panelists will share their insights and experience in conflict management.

Have you attended a WP+D SNL (small networking lunch)? Well you can, next Wednesday! Join us at noon on zoom with Maijinn Chen, aerospace architect! 🚀 Photo from our August SNL with Julie Burros. As a long-time planner, Julie shared her professional wisdom and discussed the various roles that she's had in the public and private sector. She also discussed her work in arts and culture planning and described some of her favorite cultural spaces in Chicago.

Join WP+D at Chicago Build Expo October 13-14! It’s the largest construction, design and real estate show supported by the Mayor of Chicago and the Governor of Illinois. Register at the link in our bio! #chicagobuild

TWO networking opportunities on the same night? You heard that right! Save the date!

Will you be attending the largest gathering for women in construction in the Midwest? Chicago Build (October 13-14, McCormick Place), the leading construction show for the Midwest that's set to bring together 20,000+ AEC and real estate professionals under one roof. Check out the full conference agenda and register for no-cost tickets - link in bio!

WP+D members and friends gathered together at our Annual Member Picnic on Saturday, August 6 at Montrose Harbor and kicked off our 30th anniversary year! Huge thanks to our outgoing Board Members and welcome to our incoming ones. Join us in congratulating: * Secretary: Anna Jentz * Treasurer: Anabel Abaraca * Marketing Chair: Taylor Gendel * Membership Co-Chair: Kate Portillo * Professional Development Co-Chair: Lily Brack * Professional Development Co-Chair: Mercedes Miley * Programs Chair: Evans Debeza & BIG thanks to our event sponsors Greenprint Partners, @poahcommunities & @sweetwaterscoffeetea !

Thinking about coming to this Saturday's WP+D Member Appreciation Picnic? Let us sweeten the deal for you! That's right, we'll have yummy treats from @sweetwaterscoffeetea Newcity, plus yoga, poetry, networking, and more. Did we also mention it's at the beach? Can't wait to see you there! Link in bio.

What a delight to learn from Kimberly Morris at our latest Small Networking Lunch! An economic development professional with over 10 years of experience supporting small businesses, revitalizing commercial corridors and bringing much needed resources to underserved neighborhoods, Kimberly currently serves as Director of Real Estate and Community Development at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives. See more exciting events coming soon on our website (link in bio).

Join us at Montrose Beach on Saturday, 8/6 from 10:30AM - 2PM as we celebrate with our Annual Member Appreciation Picnic! It’s our favorite way to say *Thank You* for your involvement in WP+D & to invite new women to get involved. RSVP link in bio. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #picnic #MemberAppreciation #members #ThankYou

Today's the final day to apply for the 2022-2023 WP+D Board of Directors! Outgoing Membership Co-Chair Mackenzie Drosd shares why serving on the Board has been such a professionally rewarding experience for her. Visit the link in our bio to submit your application. #WPD #BoardOfDirectors #WomenLead #WomenLeadership #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development

As we look ahead to recruiting new Board Members for next year, we want to send out a huge THANK YOU to our outgoing Board Members as well! We're delighted to share the words of Professional Development Chair Maha Issa, as she reflects upon her time with WP+D: "Being a board member at WP+D and Co-Chair of Professional Development was a unique experience for me. Professionally, I gained the opportunity to network with distinguished women in the planning, architecture, construction, and community development fields, enhancing my communication, facilitation, and interaction skills. Personally, I sensed the true feeling of friendship and support among the board members. Being a board member at WP+D is a rare mixture of work and fun!" If you or someone you know would like to apply to join the 2022-2023 WP+D Board of Directors, visit our website to learn more (link in bio). #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #WomenLead #WomenLeaders #WomenLeadership #leadership #BoardOfDirectors #application #JoinOurBoard

Check out our latest Member Spotlight on Cat Vielma, a Director of Acquisitions at Red Stone Equity Partners, LLC, where she originates, underwrites, and closes tax credit transactions across the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and Chicagoland. She shares her experiences in that position, including one of her favorite local projects, Grace Manor, which is designed by JGMA, a minority architecture firm. "As a kid from Pilsen, it feels pretty personal to me. The City, the developer, and the architect, are coming up with a unique vision to not just build affordable housing, but to build something really beautiful that will beautify the space and draw people into it." Visit the "Member Spotlight" page on our website to read more! #MemberSpotlight #AffordableHousing #housing #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development

Many thanks to Ashley Bakelmun, Managing Director at RW Ventures, LLC, for being our guest at this month's Small Networking Lunch. Ashley explained her role in strategic urban planning and shared with attendees her experience in implementing inclusive economic development projects for regional development organizations across the country. It was a very engaging opportunity for conversation, exchanging information, and networking! #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #RWVentures #SNL #networking #conversation #ProfessionalDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #EconomicDevelopment #RegionalDevelopment

The call for applications for our 2022-2023 Board of Directors is here! Have you been looking to get more involved with WP+D? Now's the perfect time. For our upcoming 30th Anniversary Year, we have these exciting positions open on our Board: Treasurer, Secretary, Marketing Chair, Programs Chair, Professional Development (PD) Co-Chairs (2 positions), and Membership Co-Chair. Please visit our website to see full position descriptions and to submit your application. #leadership #BoardMember #professionaldevelopment #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #BoardOfDirectors #CallForApplications #treasurer #secretary #marketing #programs #membership

Join Women's Affordable Housing Network-WAHN NET-WORK (National Equity Together takes Work) launch event where we'll be discussing Parental Leave, featuring WP+D's own Kathleen Day! Panelists will be sharing their perspectives on trending topics related to parental leave, including how to spearhead an organic effort to get a fair Parental Leave Policy in your organization. RSVP today - you won't want to miss it! Link in bio. #event #networking #ParentalLeave #workplace #WorkplacePolicies #parents #parenting #WorkingParents

Still time to register for this week’s Professional Development Workshop - invite a colleague! Link in bio.

So excited to have Tina Fassett Smith and Elizabeth Scott join a conversation moderated by Tammy Gooler Loeb at next week's WP+D Spring Professional Development Workshop! This is an especially valuable event for folks who are new to planning and development, as well those who might be considering a mid-career change to the sector. Link in bio.

Enjoyed lively conversation at April’s WP+Drinks at @phpub! Would you like to see this monthly networking gathering at a spot near you? Share your ideas below! Women- and BIPOC-owned recommendations are especially welcome.

We have TWO great events coming up next week, including a Small Networking Lunch with Hannah Bader of @thelakotagroup on Wednesday, then a WP+Drinks gathering at @phpub on Thursday! Visit the Events page on our website to RSVP today. #networking #events #architecture #HappyHour #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #WomenInArchitecture

Thanks to everyone who came out to this month's WP+Drinks! It was awesome to network with new and familiar faces. Be sure to visit our website to keep tabs on our upcoming #events. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #networking

Join us this Wednesday at noon for WP+D's virtual Small Networking Lunch featuring Entrepreneur & Urban Planner Lobna Anous! She's making a significant impact in practice as co-founder of an urban enterprise based in Egypt called @uforurbanimpact, which focuses on regenerating underdeveloped spaces around the world through small scale projects and cultural exchange. Just a few spots remain, so visit our website to register soon. #networking #VirtualNetworking #VirtualEvents #webinar #entrepreneur #UrbanPlanning #Egypt #urbanism #urban #CulturalExchange

WP+D Chicago has launched a BRAND NEW Job Board, featuring employment opportunities curated by our professional network and positioned to reflect the interests of WP+D members in various stages of their careers in urban planning, development, and related fields. Interested in sharing an opportunity? Please send employment and internship listings to wpdchicago@gmail.com in either PDF format or as a link to the organization's website. Find your next opportunity today at wpdchicago.mcjobboard.net #careers #opportunities #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #jobs #job #career #opportunity #JobBoard #JobListings

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first ever WP+D Winter Games Scavenger Hunt! Whether traipsing around the Thompson Center, milling about Millennium Park, or bounding down the block, WP+D members and friends fanned out across the city and suburbs on January 22nd for a photo scavenger hunt that revealed old treasures, new businesses to support, and some favorite spots we return to again and again. It was so great to gather together in community both in person and online, and we were thrilled to be able to highlight women- and minority-owned businesses in our goody bags and prizes. A huge thank you goes out to everyone on the WP+D Board who made this possible, especially Program Co-Chairs Brittanii' Batts and Rachel Groat. You rock! We hope to see you all at one of our upcoming WP+D events.

Our WP+D Winter Games are underway! Have fun and stay warm out there. ❄ #ScavengerHunt #Chicago #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #fun #GameTime

The WP+D board and community was saddened to learn about the passing of Dr. Janet Smith this week. Janet was a pillar in the planning and academic community and a mentor to countless students at UIC. As co-director of the Voorhees Center, Janet was an advocate for affordable housing and creating a just city for all. Rest in power, Janet. We will miss you.

WP+D's Parental Leave Affinity Group meets this Thursday at 4:30pm! This group seeks to demystify how leave policies function and how to (covertly if necessary) find out what your job’s policies actually are, and provide resources on how to improve them. Based on data as well as real life experiences from women at various stages in their careers, we can provide confidential access to a network of women with information and support on how to interpret existing policies and negotiate better ones. We welcome moms and those who may be mom-curious or allies of working parents and caregivers. We will likely all be caregivers at some point in our lives and having strong policies in place from employers and government should be a fundamental right, one that this group hopes to influence so we all benefit. For more info and to receive the Zoom link, please contact Kristin Horne: kristin.horne@gmail.com #ParentalLeave #WorkingParents #WorkingParent #WorkingMom #WorkingMoms #LeavePolicy #LeavePolicies #HR #HRPolicies #HRPolicy

WP+D's Inaugural Winter Games - our in-person, team competition - will kickoff on 1/22 in an outdoor, public space with pastries and coffee before we separate into teams to complete photo challenges. We will regroup at the end to announce winners and award prizes! Not ready to venture out? Compete virtually in our individual challenge. A small box with instructions and a few goodies will arrive at your door. Open it at the stroke of 11am with your competitors in a Zoom kickoff. Individually complete photo challenges in your home and local neighborhood before signing onto Zoom again to tally points and determine the winner! Visit our website to register.

We wrapped up a phenomenal year of programming with December's Small Networking Lunch, featuring Katanya E. Raby, Director of Planning at the @farsouthcdc. At WP+D, we are always excited to hear about and highlight the ambitious and continued efforts that women in planning and development are involved in to ensure more equitable opportunities for communities in Chicago. Thank you, Katanya, for sharing your expertise with us! #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #FarSouthCDC #EquityInPlanning #Chicago #planning #development #communities

Announcing WP+D's Winter Games, a super-fun citywide photo #ScavengerHunt that you can join in person or virtually! Know Chicago like the back of your hand? Prove it. Recently relocated and want to meet other professionals? Join us! We can't wait to connect on January 22, 2022. Visit our website to register.

Great to see so many planning and development early bird colleagues at 7am for our annual WP+Drinks Morning Edition! We met kids, dogs, and cats; saw the inside of one member's car; and had another member join in from - wait for it - the beach...in Spain. We're thinking maybe travel there for next summer's Member Appreciation Picnic (just kidding). #NetworkingEvent #networking #planning #development #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #coffee #conversation

So great to meet up with folks from @uiccuppa / @wppa_uic for a combined WP+Drinks in November! Many thanks to @saigonsisters for hosting as we connected with other women in #planning and #development. #WPDChicago #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #ChicagoPlanning #UrbanPlanning #housing #construction #students #UrbanPlanningStudents #networking

Join us for a special Virtual WP+Drinks: Morning Edition on December 9th at 7am! Grab a cup of coffee or your favorite morning beverage and connect with other women in planning and development. Board Members @sashkosh_bgosh and @emhchicago will be your well-caffeinated hosts. This event is open to unlimited participants, so please feel free to invite friends and colleagues. RSVP at http://wpdchicago.wildapricot.org/event-4574413 #networking #planning #development #RiseAndShine #coffee

WP+D's Fall Professional Development workshop featured three outstanding business professionals from Chicago who highlighted the challenges, impacts, and best planning strategies for women in business. Thank you to Claudette Soto, LEED AP, Tracy Lewis, and Shaylyn Cullen for sharing your time and insights with our members. #WomenInBusiness #WomenInLeadership #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #construction #SmallBusinessOwner #business by

You're invited to join us for our Fall Professional Development Workshop, "Women in Business, Challenges, Impacts Experienced During the Pandemic, and Future Planning" on Thursday, November 11 at 6pm. Our panelists will discuss the challenges, planning initiatives, and economic development programs taking place in Chicago right now to support women in business during these uncertain times. Visit our website to register today! #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #workshop #ProfessionalDevelopment #planning #UrbanPlanning #EconomicDevelopment #business #construction

Such a pleasure to have Mary Kuhn - an urban planner whose work focuses on bringing resources to underserved communities - join us for the October Small Networking Lunch! Mary currently helps manage $26 million in grant funds for disadvantaged areas at the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) with @@chicagodpd #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #UrbanPlanner #UrbanPlanning #UrbanPlanningChicago #Chicago #networking #MembershipBenefits

Had a great turnout for our October WP+Drinks at Happy Camper Wrigleyville! If you're new to WP+D, or interested in introducing someone to the organization, WP+Drinks offers a relaxed setting in which to learn more about our organization and boost your network. These events fill up quickly, so keep an eye on your inbox for November's event. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #networking #membership

Thank you, Jasmine Gunn, for making a return visit to WP+D, this time at our September Small Networking Lunch! Jasmine is a City Planner for the Far South Region with the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development, where - among other initiatives - she's leading DPD staff working with CTA on their Red Line Extension transit supportive development plan. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #TransportationPlanning #planners #RedLineExtension @chicagocta

Great conversation and tasty bites made for another successful WP+Drinks this September! Thanks to all those who came out to Shinya Ramen House to connect with their fellow women in #planning and #development. Keep an eye on our website #events calendar for upcoming #networking opportunities.

Many thanks to Pam Hutter, Principal at Hutter Architects, for sharing her wisdom on creating spaces for both living and working at August's Small Networking Lunch! Our monthly SNLs are members-only virtual events geared toward engaging conversation around critical topics. Keep an eye out for September's speaker announcement soon! Not yet a member of WP+D? Today's a great day to join! Visit our website to learn more. #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #SmallNetworkingLunches #events #networking #architects #WomenInLeadership #WomenLead #MembersOnly #MembershipBenefits #BecomeAMemberToday

After nearly two years, it was AMAZING to see so many WP+D Members at our annual event! We value your incredible contributions to the profession and to our communities, and we look forward to all that the upcoming year of programming and events has in store. Thank you for being a part of it! #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #UrbanPlanning #development #membership #members #leadership #WomenLead #ProfessionalDevelopment

It's with great excitement and gratitude that we welcome our 2021-2022 Board of Directors (you'll see many familiar faces) and say a fond farewell to our outgoing board officers Janet Li and Estefany Noria. Full introductions to new board members coming soon! #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #planning #development #volunteers #members #directors #BoardOfDirectors #leadership

Cheers to the weekend from our June WP+Drinks attendees! We enjoyed gathering at @T@thechicagodelta to connect with colleagues across planning and development practices. Held the third Thursday of every month, WP+Drinks is a great opportunity to build your network over bites and beverages. Keep an eye on the events calendar on our website for July's location. #networking #events #planning #development #WPD #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment

We're thrilled to welcome @lasaia_wade, Founder and Executive Director of @bravespacealliance, as the featured guest at our June Small Networking Lunch! LaSaia is an open Afro-Puerto Rican indigenous Trans Woman and is the first Trans woman in Illinois history to be celebrated in Women's History month for the work she's doing. She has 10+ years of experience in organizing and advocacy work with black, indigenous, trans, and gender-nonconforming people around the world. Join us Wednesday, June 16th from 12:00 PM-1:00PM for this virtual chance to learn and connect. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #WomenInOrganizing #PrideMonth #PrideMonth2021 #LGBTQIA #BIPOC

Thank you, @chicago.dot Commissioner Gia Biagi, for talking #transportation and much more at our latest Small Networking Lunch! SNLs are just one of the many benefits of being a WP+D member. Our programming will continue apace throughout the summer, so now's the time to join! Visit our website to learn more. #urbanplanning #networking #membership #programming #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment

Call for new Board Members! Everything that WP+D does is the result of the hard work and generous spirit of our all-volunteer board. We are looking for women who are similarly invested in WP+D’s purpose, value teamwork and open communication, and are committed to centering racial equity in all aspects of WP+D’s work. For the 2021-2022 term, WP+D has five available positions on our Board of Directors: Treasurer, Professional Development Co-Chairs (2), Membership Chair, and Fundraising Chair. Learn more and apply on our website. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #leadership #BoardRecruitment #volunteers #BoardOfDirectors #teamwork #RacialEquity #treasurer #ProfessionalDevelopment #membership #fundraising

Special event on May 13th! Join WP+D for "Parental Leave and the Motherhood Penalty." At this virtual session, you'll learn from fellow members about how employers in our field can support working parents and make suggestions for how WP+D can act as an advocate for Chicago moms working in planning and development. This event is hosted by Kimberly Morris, former WP+D Board Vice-President, and Kathleen Day, former WP+D Board President. Visit our website to register today. #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #WorkingMoms #event #events #ParentalLeave #WorkingParents #WorkingWomen

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in WP+D's spring professional development workshop, The Art of Delegation. We were so thrilled for the great turnout, engaging conversation, and thought-provoking presentation by our guest speaker, Erika Jones. #planning #development #WomenInPlanning #WomenInDevelopment #networking #delegating #CareerDevelopment #workshops