Chicago's By Women For Women Program Kicks Off Signature Event

Chicago's Center on Halsted's Women's Actions Committee is launching its signature event, "By Women For Women: An Evening of Art, Fashion and Engagement" at the Navy Pier on Oct. 11. The event will feature a cocktail reception, live music, a fashion show, an interactive art show and music and dancing.

"This night is especially exciting because of all the different elements coming together," said Vivian Gonzalez from L Stop, who is on the host committee for this event. "This will bring together the women of art, dance and fashion with Chicago's breathtaking skyline as a backdrop. This, all led by the Women's Action Committee of the Center on Halsted, makes me a proud member of WAC. I can't wait for this night and to see what magical concoction we brew up for the next event!"

The evening will include a live musical performance from electric violinists, The CoverGirls, and a fashion extravaganza featuring local boutiques and designers. A cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m., with passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by lesbian chef Nancy Duran. A fashion show and an interactive art show follows, led by Sam Kirk. After the fashion show, music and dancing will continue through the evening. Event partners include Amigas Latinas, Affinity, The L Stop, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

"'By Women for Women' events showcase the talents and expertise of LGBTQ women from all across Chicagoland," said Center on Halsted Senior Accountant Renauda Riddle. "Our 'By Women For Women' event series offers a variety of venues for networking and engagement of other LGBTQ women who are thriving in the community. It really gives women a sense of ownership of the Center when they have a key role in planning events like "By Women For Women."

By Women/For Women is a component of Center on Halsted's Women's Action Committee (WAC). It gives LGBTQ women a platform to engage with each other, advocate for issues of vital interest to women, create the programming that meets women's needs and participate in the community and cultural life.

Riddle said that the Center on Halsted CEO Modesto Tico Valle has been their biggest advocate in regard to the success of these "By Women For Women" events.

"He really supports the need for women to be more engaged and visible at the Center," said Riddle, adding, "The Women's Action Committee has become an amazing vehicle to engage women of the community and to build a stronger presence of women at Center on Halsted."