Chicago, Illinois (Sept. 14, 2011) - Gov. Pat Quinn, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Rahm Emanuel proclaimed Sept. 14, 2011 Lilly Ledbetter Day as the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network (The Network) recognized the equal pay activist at a luncheon and reception for over 250 guests. Ledbetter inspired the crowd and encouraged women and men alike to continue to fight for gender equality at the event held at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel. Ledbetter is the namesake of the landmark Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed by President Obama which ensures that those who experience work discrimination on the basis of gender or race have a fair chance to sue their employers.
Event co-chairs, Network Board of Directors member Carol McGuire and Chicago attorney and former Board member Michele M. Jochner, welcomed Ledbetter as she described her humble roots growing up in rural Alabama. Detailing her rise to become one of the few women at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company positioned in a supervisory role, Ledbetter, 73, stressed how everyone can play a part in combating discrimination. Ledbetter frankly described how she faced sexual harassment and pay discrimination and unexpectedly became a crusader for equal pay.
"It's not easy; it's been a long, hard road," said Ledbetter. "A person who does this has to have three things—they have to be tough as nails, have strong faith and above all else, have a family who supports you."
Ledbetter's story is unfortunately not unique, and other accomplished women who The Network has previously recognized as being 'Women of Influence' told of similar experiences.
"As we climb the ladder of success, we need to look out for each other," said Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez who shared that at one point she also received less income than her male counterparts but was later brought up to scale. "We need to be there for each other in the workplace, no matter what."
There are important lessons that everyone can take from Ledbetter's journey, said Julie Hamos, director of Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.
"Her [Ledbetter's] story is also a triumph," said Hamos. "She's just one of us who has incredible strength we can all learn from."
The younger generation can draw from such inspiration, and reaching out to the youth is crucial in winning the battle against gender discrimination, said Ledbetter. Speaking to students at college campuses is of particular significance because they are "the people coming up who can make a difference."
"Young people should know if it's right, it's right, and it's not gray," Ledbetter said.
Ledbetter, who said she does not plan to run for office, showed no signs of slowing down and plans to challenge caps placed on the amount plaintiffs can receive in pay discrimination suits.
"I can't give it up because it's not who I am," said Ledbetter. "We all have to stand up."
Ledbetter's upcoming book "Grace and Grit" will be on bookshelves Feb. 28, 2012, when she will return to Chicago for its release.
Event sponsors included: Supporting Sponsor Clifford Law Offices; Challenger Sponsor Chicago Alumni Chapter - Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International; Pioneer Sponsors, Friends of Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez; Julie Hamos (Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services); The Healy Law Firm; Holland & Knight; Hughes Socol Piers Resnick Dym, Ltd.; Illinois Chapter of National Employment Lawyers Association; Nolan Law Group; and Staff Management.
Since 1980, The Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women's Network has served the needs of domestic violence survivors throughout the Chicagoland area. The Network's chain of membership organizations has played a vital role in ending society's tolerance of domestic violence through advocacy, education, and outreach.
