The Lesbian Community Cancer Project has tapped activist, comedian and Windy City Times 30 Under 30 recipient Jessica Halem as its new executive director, filling a post that has been vacant for over a year.
Halem, 29, will begin work on July 16. Interim Director Norma Seledon and various board members had been leading the agency since former Director Vicky DiProva left on March 31 of last year.
"I'm very excited that we've acquired a leader of Jessica's caliber," said LCCP Board President Christie Dailey. "I believe that LCCP is on the threshold of remarkable growth in serving our community and she will provide the vision to guide the agency to its full potential. One of Jessica's remarkable strengths for us is her passion for the issues of lesbian healthcare. Chicago lesbians will be well served by her deep caring and amazing energy."
"Women's health is an issue that Jessica has been passionate about for a long time. Her refreshing energy and talent are going to take LCCP to the next level," said LCCP Board Vice President Renae Ogletree.
Halem, a 1994 graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, brings with her experience gained during her work with the Women's Environment and Development Organization, New York Congresswoman Bella Abzug and as a safe sex counselor and abortion clinic defense teacher.
In 1995, Halem was chosen as a U.S. youth representative for the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing. In 1992, the Centre for Human Rights at the United Nations in Geneva chose her to work with the G-7 nations on the Right to Development. In 1996, Halem relocated to Chicago.
"Over the past five years, I have worked with many of the organizations and individuals that make up the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of Chicago," Halem said. "And I am truly looking forward to advocating on behalf of lesbians on issues so critical to their well being."
During her time in Chicago, she has volunteered with the About Face Youth Theatre and the Chicago Foundation for Women as a part of the Lesbian Outreach Task Force.
Most recently, Halem was the marketing manager at the kids' online community FreeZone.com . Prior to that, she represented non-profit and corporate clients at the public relations and public affairs firm Kathy Schaeffer and Associates, Inc.
Halem is perhaps best known in the community for her work in organizing and performing with the Hysterical Women, a group of lesbian stand-up comics. She is also a sought-after emcee, appearing at the 2001 Dyke March, the Bailiwick Theatre's All-Girl Revue, the Black Bra Party and Tanked.
LCCP, now in its 10th year, will host its 6th jazz brunch cruise Sept. 16. The kick-off party is set for July 9 at the W Hotel City Center. For more information, visit www.lccp.org or call ( 773 ) 561-4662.
BRIEFLY ...
Hot time, summer in the city ... a Windy City Times Singles night for the GLBT community is Wed., July 25 at Shakespeare Theatre for the stage version of Wizard of Oz. Win two tickets for you and a single friend to see The Wizard of Oz on stage, plus a special Windy City Times open bar singles reception prior to the show. OK, you don't have to be single, but it would be nice since this is a 100-person singles party! Wed., July 25, 5:30 reception with open bar and hors d'oeuvres, in the Skyline room, 7 p.m. show in Shakespeare Theatre. Fax or e-mail the following info: Name, daytime phone, home phone, e-mail. FAX your info to ( 773 ) 871-7609 or e-mail outlines@suba.com, by July 15, 2001.
Chicago 35's July picnic is Sunday, July 8, bring a side dish, beverage, chair and your fave game or sports equipment. From 1-5 p.m., Elliot Park, Lake Shore & Greenleaf, Evanston, ( 847 ) 622-4492.
Dunes Resort presents Tin Cricket's Red White on Blue Star July 6 with DJs Chris Racine and John Olson, Nan Mason and the ChicagoBeef.net Strippers. It's at 333 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI, ( 616 ) 857-1401.
Affinity's Jazz N' July annual benefit fundraiser with hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and silent auction is Sat., July 21, 8-11 p.m., $40, ( 773 ) 324-0377.
Celebrate Literary Exchange's 16th birthday with a Summer Sister Share picnic July 22, with special guest comic Karen Williams. On the grass by the parking lot of the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., ( 773 ) 768-2688.
We want to wish good luck to assistant publisher Mona Noriega, who returned to Lambda Publications last fall to assist us after the merger of Outlines and Windy City Times. She has been a terrific help and we wish her well. Karen Hawkins, our ace reporter, will continue to write for WCT at the same she is pursuing more freelance opportunities—and we also wish her luck on the AIDS Ride.
Long-time Lambda employee Terri Klinsky will become assistant publisher, while Sukie de la Croix will become associate editor of Windy City Times.
