Illinois Women in Leadership

Sarah Brewer gives insight on IWIL Women's Symposium 2025.

Co-host Vanessa Ferguson welcomed back Heather Burton from Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) to spotlight the 2025 Athena Award nominees. With the nomination period closed, IWIL has selected ten women who exemplify the award’s core values of leadership, community service and professional excellence. Burton shared each nominee’s inspiring contributions. The recipient will be announced at Erin's Pavilion on July 17. For information about attending the event visit: https://www.iwil.biz/athena-award

Nakesha Rice is a human resources professional with a passion for helping people succeed. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences growing up in Mississippi, her time in the military and her journey to Springfield. She also talked about her experience as the president of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and gave advice for young professionals who may be uncomfortable in new environments.

Every year Illinois Women in Leadership gives out the Athena Award to a woman who exemplifies a commitment to mentoring other women. Heather Burton spoke to Community Voices about the award and the process to submit a nomination. She also shared the importance of mentoring and how to get involved with the organization.For more information about nominations for the Athena Award visit: https://www.iwil.biz/

Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) will host its annual symposium on Sept. 25. IWIL members Jen Bettis and Sarah Brewer spoke to Community Voices about the organization and what is slated for the symposium.For more information visit: https://www.iwil.biz/

Amy Beadle is the marketing manager at the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau for the City of Springfield. She spoke to Community Voices about volunteering with local non-profit and career development organizations in Springfield. She also shared the plans for the Illinois Women in Leadership Symposium and what she is looking forward to at the event.