Women Community Events in Chicago, IL

I’m a licensed therapist with 13 years of diverse clinical experience helping you navigate your life’s challenges with greater ease, self-awareness, and meaning. I specialize in working with women experiencing hormonal shifts, whether due to perimenopause or menopause. I also work with individuals navigating relationship challenges, particularly in polyamorous relationship structures. Whether you’re facing stress, identity shifts, relationship struggles, or personal growth obstacles, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and heal. I believe therapy is more than just problem-solving—it’s about empowerment, self-discovery, and growth. I draw from several evidence-based modalities to provide tailored support, including: -Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping you develop psychological flexibility, embrace emotions, and take meaningful action aligned with your values. -Imago Dialogue: A powerful approach to improving communication, deepening intimacy, and resolving relationship conflicts. -Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional: Providing knowledgeable and affirming support for individuals navigating intimacy, sexual concerns, and relationship dynamics. With a background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, I take a holistic approach to therapy—recognizing the deep connection between mental health, physical well-being, and emotional resilience. True healing goes beyond just addressing thoughts and emotions; it involves nurturing the body, understanding how food and lifestyle impact mood and energy, and aligning all aspects of your life to support your overall well-being.

U.S. immigration and citizenship law. Whether you are an individual pursuing the American dream, a family seeking to be reunited, or a business needing the services of foreign talent, we are capable of providing answers to your toughest immigration questions. Beata Leja is a partner at the law firm of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. Beata’s practice includes both employment-based and family-based immigration law. She is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where she currently serves as the Co-chair of the Fall Conference Planning Committee, co-chair of the LGBT Committee, and as a member of the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Liaison Committee. She has previously served on the Social Security Administration (SSA) Liaison Committee and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) & Department of Labor (DOL) Liaison Committee, as well as other committees. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Advocates Society for Polish lawyers. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, she was named an Emerging Lawyer in Immigration Law by Leading Lawyers, a distinction given to only 2% of lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois. She has also been recognized as a Rising Star in Immigration by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and awarded the Pro Bono Guardian award by AILA for her pro bono services to the immigrant community. Beata has conducted seminars about immigration law for students, employers, employees and attorneys. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois and in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Beata is a 2007 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was a member of the Niagara International Moot Court Team (3rd Best Oralist). Prior to law school, she was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools as a corps member of the national service corps Teach for America. She has a Master of Education from National–Louis University and two Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and International Relations from the University of Southern California. She is fluent in Polish and conversant in Spanish.

The DePaul Women's Bar Association is a student-led organization rooted in the mission of supporting and empowering women within DePaul University's law school community in Chicago, IL. As a dedicated student organization, it serves as a welcoming space where law students can connect, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships with fellow members who are passionate about advancing women's voices and perspectives in the legal profession. Located at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, the Women's Bar Association creates an inclusive community for students interested in networking, professional growth, and mutual support. The organization recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in law and provides a platform for members to engage with one another authentically and purposefully. Through its various events and activities, the association fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among its members while celebrating the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of the women in its community. As part of the vibrant student life at DePaul in Chicago, IL, the Women's Bar Association embodies the university's commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all students can thrive. The organization values connection, collaboration, and the empowerment of its members to pursue their professional goals with confidence and support. By bringing together law students who share common interests and values, the DePaul Women's Bar Association contributes meaningfully to the overall campus culture and provides a crucial resource for women navigating their legal education and early career development.

If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice operates as a student organization at DePaul University College of Law, rooted in the institution's deep commitment to serving Chicago's most vulnerable populations. This organization embodies DePaul's mission-driven approach to legal education by bringing together law students passionate about reproductive rights and justice. Based in Chicago, IL, the group connects with a national network dedicated to ensuring all people have the freedom to make personal decisions about their bodies, futures, and families. The organization reflects DePaul College of Law's institutional values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a community where students can explore reproductive justice issues through both academic and practical lenses. Members work collaboratively to understand how law intersects with reproductive autonomy, informed by the law school's emphasis on clinical experience and community engagement. The student-led initiative demonstrates how DePaul law students translate their education into meaningful advocacy for populations often marginalized in legal and policy discussions. Located within one of Chicago's leading legal education institutions, If/When/How benefits from faculty mentorship, law library resources, and connections to the broader legal community. The organization represents the next generation of lawyers committed to reproductive justice, working alongside their peers in a supportive environment that values social justice work. Through their involvement with If/When/How, DePaul law students in Chicago, IL develop both professional competence and a deep understanding of their role in advancing rights and dignity for all people.

Rooted in the Chicago, Illinois legal education community, the Chicago-Kent Society of Women in Law stands as a student-led organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women pursuing legal careers. Located at the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law, this organization has become an integral part of student life, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among its members. The society recognizes that women in law benefit from intentional community building, mentorship, and spaces where they can openly discuss their professional journeys and aspirations. The organization's mission centers on creating meaningful connections among female law students while building bridges to experienced women practitioners throughout the Chicago legal market. Members find value in the supportive community the society cultivates, where shared experiences and challenges are acknowledged and addressed collaboratively. This peer-focused approach distinguishes the organization from purely professional networking groups, emphasizing genuine relationships and mutual support. Operating within Chicago-Kent's broader ecosystem of student organizations and academic journals, the Society of Women in Law benefits from a rich institutional culture that values student engagement and professional development. The society's presence on campus reflects Chicago-Kent's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. As the institution embraces new platforms and technologies through the 312 Community Hubs initiative launching in Fall 2025, the organization continues to adapt while maintaining its core mission of supporting women in law. For women law students in Chicago seeking community, mentorship, and professional growth, the Chicago-Kent Society of Women in Law offers authentic connections and practical support grounded in shared values and collective experience within the legal profession.