Celebrating Women’s Leadership
A fireside chat featuring Andrea Sáenz of The Chicago Community Trust and Renetta McCann of Publicis Groupe.
At Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, we believe that community is everything. That’s why we were proud to be among nearly 700 attendees at the Chicago Women in Philanthropy (CWIP) 2026 Making a Difference Annual Luncheon (the organization’s largest event to date.)
A Record-Breaking Gathering for Women and Girls Across Chicago
This year’s sold-out luncheon brought together nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates for an inspiring afternoon of connection, learning, and celebration. Together, attendees raised an incredible $230,000 to fuel CWIP’s mission of advancing leadership, equity, and opportunity for women and girls across Chicago.
The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities show up for one another.
Honoring Visionary Leaders
The program featured an engaging fireside chat with two remarkable honorees: Andrea Sáenz of The Chicago Community Trust and Renetta McCann of Publicis Groupe. Their conversation sparked meaningful reflection on what it means to be a philanthropist in today’s world, and what it takes to build a more equitable future for women and girls in our city.
The event also recognized the extraordinary impact of National Louis University, celebrating their 140th anniversary of transforming lives through education and opportunity right here in the Chicago area. Their commitment to access and equity deeply resonates with the work we do every day at Milk Bank WGL.
Milk Bank WGL at the Table
Representing Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes were three dedicated team members:
- Katera Goldman, Senior Donor Screener / Community Engagement Specialist
- Susan Dillon, Program Manager
- Ashley Losacco, Marketing Coordinator
Their presence reflects our organization’s commitment to showing up not just for the families we serve, but for the broader nonprofit ecosystem that makes Chicago’s health and wellness community stronger.
Why Events Like This Matter
At Milk Bank WGL, our mission, providing safe, pasteurized donor human milk to the most vulnerable infants, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It thrives within a network of organizations, advocates, and philanthropists who believe in equity, access, and the power of community. We are a nonprofit founded by women, run by women, and working directly with women and families at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives.
CWIP’s luncheon is a celebration of that network. When women’s leadership is elevated and resourced, entire communities benefit, including the premature and medically fragile infants and families we serve every day.
Support the Work
CWIP’s mission to elevate women and girls and strengthen Chicago’s social sector continues year-round. If you were inspired by this year’s luncheon, consider making a donation to CWIP to keep this vital work going.
And if you’d like to learn more about how Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes supports families across the region, visit milkbankwgl.org.
If you are inspired to donate milk please visit milkbankwgl.org/donate-milk/
Together, we grow. Together, we connect. Together, we create impact.
