GoWomen: Nevertheless, We Will Persist

Gwendolyn is a Regional External Affairs Manager with Comcast, with more than 30 years of experience. In her current role, she manages employee volunteer opportunities and is responsible for managing community impact events, initiatives, and partnerships, working with nonprofit organizations, and overseeing event sponsorship opportunities.  

 What inspired you to Co-Chair, recognize, and celebrate CFW’s 38th Annual Gathering?  

 What inspired me most to Co-Chair and celebrate CFW’s 38th Annual Gathering is the opportunity to lift up other women. When we support women and girls, their self-esteem is boosted, families thrive, and communities succeed. I am humbled by this organization and the knowledge and support it provides to all women and issues that face them. 

  What motivates you to continue the fight for gender and racial equity?  

 Gender and racial equity are a human right for everyone. My motivation was deeply rooted in me by my mother. She was an advocate for me, my sister, and exercising your right to vote. As a child, I attended many election precincts where she was a poll worker. She explained to me why we were there, and why it was so important for me as a woman and person of color to have my voice heard. If we do not advocate for ourselves and for equity in all things, no one else will. 

  What are some things that have influenced your passion to become an advocate for women and girls?  

 Girl Scouts. I can’t say enough positive things about them. I was a Girl Scout for many years, from a Brownie through Cadettes. They taught me to be myself, to be enterprising, to be a leader, to always learn new skills and to look for ways to volunteer and serve others. That knowledge I received as a child has continued throughout my life and influences the decisions I make today. The strength and knowledge that scouting gave me are things that I want to pass along to other women and the next generation of girls. When women support each other, allyship begins and change happens. Passion and support for others make women and girls more visible and increases the number of strong future leaders. 

 How would you define our 38th Annual Gathering Theme: Nevertheless, We Persist? What does it mean to you?  

The event theme reminds me that we must continue to speak up and not let obstacles get in the way of creating change. To me it means that we as women cannot and will not be overlooked or silenced by any group or society as we have been in the past. 

We hope you will join co-chairs Jessyca and Gwendolyn at the Annual Gathering Nevertheless: We Persist as they welcome Chicago’s philanthropists, grassroots community leaders and corporate partners and hundreds of long time supporters who share CFW’s commitment to gender and racial equity.