On March 21, South Suburban College hosted the 2025 Chicago Women’s Conference and Expo at its campus in South Holland, Illinois. The theme of this year’s event was “Winning the Race” and featured a panel discussion, breakout seminars, a vendor fair, and even a fashion show.
Although South Suburban College has been the site of Chicago Women’s Conference and Expo for the past 12 years, the event has been on a hiatus since the pandemic. The 2025 Chicago Women’s Conference and Expo marks the event’s triumphant return after a five-year break.
Dr. Lynette Stokes, president of South Suburban College, said that her institution is in a unique position to bring this event to the local community.
“This event is about women coming together and acknowledging our strengths,” Stokes said. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the innovation, resilience, and power that black women possess. We also discuss topics like how to establish a good work-life balance as well strategies for maintaining physical and mental health. South Suburban College is a community college, so it is important that we offer a safe space for the women of our community who are interested in furthering their education and improving their lives.”
This year’s conference featured a total of nine breakout sessions that touched on a variety of topics. One of the sessions – “Keep One Foot In Front of the Other In Family Matters” – offered tips on how to navigate family law situations like paternity, divorce, and post-decree matters. Another session, entitled “Mental Freedom: You Hold the Key,” advised attendees on how to develop their own mental health freedom.
Over 20 vendors were present to exhibit and sell their wares at this year’s expo. Local woman-owned businesses like Memorable Lips, Godfidence Apparel, Olver International, and Angel Avenue Scent Studio participated in the vendor fair.
South Suburban College Manager of Continuing, Corporate, and Community Education Gervaise Edwards has played an instrumental role in planning each Chicago Women’s Conference and Expo installment.
“There is no better time for women to inspire and encourage one another than during Women’s History Month,” Edwards said. “We are here to build each other up. Many women-owned businesses are here today, so this event is also a great networking opportunity. I love working for South Suburban College. It’s inspiring to be a part of this event and bring all of these women together. It pushes me and motivates me. I hope everyone here leaves feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and maybe taking some fresh ideas with them. I hope they are excited to come back next year, too.”
During the award ceremony, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Felicia Houston presented four Woman of the Year awards in the categories of education, entrepreneurship, community services, and healthcare. Janet Rogers, a South Suburban College trustee and secretary for the South Suburban College Board of Education, received the “Woman of the Year in Community Services” award. Rogers was recognized for the work she has done during the course of her over 32-year career, including working as a Bloom High School special education and culinary teacher as well as the president and current vice president of Harvey School District 152.
Rogers is deeply honored to be included among the day’s recipients.
“I am amazed to be receiving an award today,” Rogers said. “I had no idea it was coming and only learned about it last week. I don’t think there’s a better way to celebrate women than this award ceremony. Unfortunately, they can’t recognize all of the great women who are here today with awards, but I believe they made great choices when choosing this year’s recipients.”
The day’s event closed out with the Dress for Success Fashion Show. This showcase featured clothes provided by local retailers Wired the Design Boutique and Dawns Passion 4 Fashion. The onlookers cheered as the models showed off their eye-catching outfits and emcee Deborah Kimball Crosslin kept the mood upbeat with her lively commentary.
If you want to learn more about South Suburban College’s educational programs and upcoming events, please visit ssc.edu.