Women United Hosts ‘Social Emotional Learning’ Virtual Forum on Sep 19

Women United of Lake County’s Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Initiative is hosting a free and fascinating forum called “Social Emotional Learning: What is it and why does it matter?” on Monday, September 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Formal social emotional education is now happening at many of our public schools starting as young as preschool because of research that shows children who have SEL skills and tools have a better path to academic success than those who don’t. Sandra Bankston, Co-Chair of Women United’s Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging Initiative expressed the importance of this topic. “For years we have focused on providing support to address academic needs in underserved communities, and rightfully so. But we now have a better understanding that if we don’t address social emotional learning, there is no foundation or scaffolding to allow the academic support to take hold.”

Special guest speakers include Ashley Cullen-Williams, Student Support Specialist with the TRiO Educational Talent Search Scholars Program at College of Lake County and a former counselor at Waukegan High School; Lesley Bracero, pre-K teacher at Greenwood Elementary School; and Dr. Michael Allen, a past school principal and current educational leadership consultant with the Illinois Principals Association. Women United members Sandra Bankston and Trish Myers will moderate the discussion.

Register for this online event by sending an email to Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and to receive the Zoom link.

To learn more about membership with Women United, join their upcoming Wine & Learn prospective member event on December 7th from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Lori Miller, Chair of Women United, at Lori.Miller@uwlakeco.org.

View speaker bios: https://bit.ly/SEL_Sept22

About United Way of Lake County
At United Way of Lake County, we believe that preparing children to thrive in school is the best way to disrupt the cycle of poverty. That’s why we engage in activities that are ensuring children are ready for their first day of school, building children’s early literacy skills, helping youth overcome barriers to high school graduation and empowering families to develop a strong foundation for their child’s future success. United Way of Lake County leads 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline, connecting individuals and families in Lake County to essential health and human services, to improve and save lives.

Through the support of our partners and supporters, we are transforming communities by delivering programs that are timely, effective and scalable, with results we can measure. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.

About Women United of Lake County
Women United is Lake County’s premier women’s organization for strengthening the community through philanthropy, leadership and volunteerism while creating a meaningful sense of belonging. We are a powerful network of more than 130 women who enable each other to leverage our passions, ideas, expertise and resources to ensure children living in Lake County’s most vulnerable communities are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. Since 2014, Women United’s philanthropy fund has raised and granted more than $1 million dollars to provide early learning grants to local nonprofits. Women United is a critical community within United Way of Lake County. For more information, visit www.LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/wu.