Celebrating Women’s History Month 2025
Celebrate with CPL, CPS, and CPD
Since 1987, March has been recognized as Women's History Month: an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the historic contributions of women to our society. This Women's History Month, join us in honoring the notable women of Chicago and the 48th ward.
Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Park District have all compiled materials and resources for celebrating Women's History Month. Whether you attend a celebration at a park facility, check out a CPL event or recommended book, or read about notable women CPS alumni and leaers on their site, there are plenty of ways to get involved for free this month!
Aurie Penick Honored at City Council
This week, the City Council recognized women leaders from across Chicago. Join us in celebrating 48th ward civil rights attorney, housing advocate, and community organizer Aurie Pennick. Thank you Aurie for your committment to equality and community and for your years of work uplifting other women in our community.
Aurie is a native Chicagoan who, for over a decade, worked as Executive Director and Treasurer of the Field Foundation of Illinois where she was responsible for grant management and oversight for approximately sixty million dollars in foundation assets. Aurie was appointed by Mayor Harold Washington to serve on the Chicago Police Board from 1983-1987. At that time, she was the Assistant Director for Special Grants of the MacArthur Foundation where she designed and implemented The Fund for Neighborhood Initiatives: a multi-million dollar grants program for small and emerging community organizations. In 2018, Aurie was one of the co-producers of Shame of Chicago, a five-part documentary series about Chicago’s decades of systemic segregation. Today, she serves on the board of Chicago Women Take Action (CWTA).
