The Women’s Leadership group held its first meeting on Nov. 1, in West Chicago Community High School’s Learning Resource Center.

Six teachers were invited to speak to students to discuss current social issues in the school, challenges, and means of coping.

“We had teachers talk about the importance of speaking up, talked about stereotypes, and shared encouraging words for the girls who joined us about leadership and reaching out for help,” said senior Shayla Hernandez, who is credited with the return of the group.

“We had a good amount of students join us for this summit and had great conversations. A lot of our participants were engaged and asked questions. I would say that everyone that came to our summit left with at least one piece of valuable advice given on behalf of our teachers, and that was not just based on academic success, but also on life fulfillment and finding true satisfaction in what you do. I find great pride in saying that we have created a safe space in WEGO for an establishment in women’s leadership,” said senior Dayanna Sanchez, who has also been instrumental in reforming the Women’s Leadership group.

Previously, Women’s Leadership hosted its first event since the pandemic on Wednesday, Oct. 26 in the school auditorium: a movie night to welcome new participants, featuring the 2016 award-winning film “Hidden Figures“.

The movie night was open to anyone with an interest in the club. Shayla Hernandez and Sanchez had assistance from fellow seniors and Executive Board members Andera Hernandez, Ximena Valenciano, Itzel Hernandez, Melanie Coss, and Kary Hernandez in organizing the event.

“The Women’s Leadership Executive Board strived to send out a strong message to young females. ‘Hidden Figures’ is an incredible movie that demonstrates the essential role women play in the work force, but unfortunately, are often not credited. The purpose of projecting this movie was for all attendees to recognize the importance, empowerment and intelligence of all women regardless of all the obstacles that are often more present simply due to their gender. We want teenage girls to realize that they, too, are capable of achieving their dreams,” said Valenciano.

The group is hoping to hold several other events over the course of the year.

One of the group’s goals is to generate excitement for the organization, and encourage students to get involved. They recently hung fliers in the halls and on lockers as a means of recruiting new members who can help carry the organization into future years.

Women’s Leadership was last seen in 2020, when the group was advised by then-English teacher Lauren Stewart. When Stewart was approached by Shayla Hernandez earlier this year about bringing Women’s Leadership back to West Chicago Community High School, she signed on again as adviser.

“I was really excited this year when Shayla Hernandez approached me and said ‘I remember [Women’s Leadership] happening when I was a freshman. Is there any way that we’ll be able to make this happen again?’ And there was no way I could say no,” said Stewart. 

“During my freshman year, I remember attending the Women’s Leadership summit. I remember how amazing it was to have a club where girls feel comfortable participating and relating to various topics. It really creates a huge sense of unison within the high school as well as new friendships. I hope that The Women’s Leadership encourages young women to partake in new leadership positions, create a better community, and strengthen personal skills,” said Shayla Hernandez.

Women’s Leadership aspires to put together events that can teach students valuable lessons, and provide them with experiences that allow for self-growth and communication.

“I think participating in this summit is an opportunity to kind or explore who you are, and see opportunities for yourself as a young woman to grow and how to become more professional,” said Stewart.

“WEGO was in need of a club that specifically focused on the empowerment of women. I wanted to be involved in creating a safe space for all women regardless of race, sexuality, and religion; a place where we could just be comfortable in our own skin and not feel belittled or as if we were in competition with anyone. I think Women’s Leadership accomplishes just that,” said Andrea Hernandez.