District 88 hosts SHE Conference to provide students with day of connection, courage and conversation

On March 25, more than 100 female students from Addison Trail and Willowbrook came together for a day of connection, courage and conversation, as District 88 hosted its first SHE Conference – which stands for Strength, Hope and Empowerment. The schools have previously hosted individual SHE Days, but this was the first districtwide event.

The workshop focused on helping students build confidence and address challenges, as well as teaching them to network and support one another.  

The keynote speaker was 2024 Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael Mahmood, who guided participants through a dynamic dialogue model entitled “The World Café.” Dr. Mahmood shared her personal story of growing up in a diverse family and struggling to find where she fit in at school. She also communicated an important message: To ensure a school environment where all students and staff members feel a sense of belonging, it takes everyone working together with intentional effort. For more about Dr. Mahmood, go to https://www.isbe.net/teacheroftheyear and https://www.isbe.net/Lists/News/NewsDisplay.aspx?ID=1497.

“The World Café” provided students with an opportunity to engage in an interactive activity with their peers. They discussed the characteristics of an ideal school, the challenges and strengths of District 88 with regard to providing a welcoming learning environment, and action steps students can implement to make a positive difference. To view a photo gallery from the day, see the images below.

ABC 7 Chicago covered the event as part of the news station’s celebration of Women's History Month. To watch the segment, and to read the article, click on the video above.

The SHE Conference was organized by District 88 Student Success Coordinator Dr. VaLarie Humphrey, along with a team of female staff members and administrators from both high schools.