Women are 51% of the U.S. population and yet are very underrepresented in political and public office. We need more women in these positions of power where they can influence public policy and make positive changes for our society. But how do you get started in politics?
The event will include a panel session with 4 very accomplished local female leaders who will discuss the importance of having our voice heard and share their journey to getting elected. If you have ever considered running for office and don’t know where to start, or want to support more women devoting their time to public service, come listen to - and learn - from these remarkable women.
NACC and WIB plan to make this an annual event, with the focus in 2021 being on non-partisan municipal races.
WIB will also be collecting donations for our not-for-profit partner, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet. Catholic Charities offers supportive housing programs for families who are homeless. We will be collecting items for children ages 12-17. Gift ideas include:
(Donations can also be made during your registration.)
For every gift and online donation, you will receive 1 raffle ticket for a selection of raffle items at our event!
PANELISTS:
Kristin Fitzgerald, NCUSD 203 School Board Director
Kristin Fitzgerald is an active member of the Naperville community, serving as a Board of Education Member for Naperville District 203 since 2013. After being reelected in 2017 and 2021, she was named President of the Board of Education by her fellow Board Members.
Kristin is a tireless advocate for the success of every student. Kristin has volunteered extensively with SUCCESS, District’s 203’s family led organization founded to empower African-American/Black students and other students of color and their families. For her school board advocacy and work with SUCCESS, Kristin was awarded ISBE’s Award of Excellence for Outstanding Contributions to Illinois Education in 2018.
Kristin co-chairs the Legislative Education Network of DuPage. Kristin has also written IASB resolutions and testified before the Illinois General Assembly. Kristin has been awarded the IASB Master School Board Member every year since 2015-2016.
Kristin volunteers as a part of the Home and School Association and the School Family Community Partnership. Kristin also serves as a part of the Advisory Team for Naperville Neighbors United. Kristin worked for twelve years in Washington D.C. as an education and health care policy analyst. After working on Capitol Hill, she founded her own policy firm, Fitzgerald Consulting, where she worked until her husband’s death from cancer.
Patti Gustin, Naperville City Councilwoman
Mary Gibson, Vice President, Naperville Park District Board of Commissioners
Mary Gibson, a Naperville resident since 2014, was elected to the Park Board in 2021. She grew up in Lisle, and after living in moving around for school and work, she and her husband knew that Naperville was where they wanted to raise their family. Mary is a mother of three young children and a former director at a data analytics firm where she advised Fortune 500 companies, government entities, and non-profits on public sentiment, unforeseen risks, and strategic opportunities. After being a working parent for a while, she made the decision to pause her career to stay home with her growing family. She has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from the University of Dayton and a master’s degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago.
Judith Brodhead, former Councilwoman, City of Naperville
Judith Brodhead was elected to the Naperville City Council in 2009 and served until 2021. Before that, she served on the Transportation Advisory Board, the Plan Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. For several years she directed the Leadership Academy for the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. During her time on Council, she was the Legislative Representative for Naperville for the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, and a member of the NCTV-17 Board of Directors, the Riverwalk Commission, the Downtown Advisory Commission, and the Community Alliance for Prevention. She has been an English professor at North Central College since 1990, where she also is the Coordinator of Cultural Events. She and her husband Gary Smith are the parents of three grown children: Matthew, Sarah, and Garrett. Judith currently chairs SECA, the Special Events, and Cultural Amenities Commission.
* Mask regulations based on CDC guidelines. *
No refunds or credits will be issued.
CORPORATE WIB SPONSORS:
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