- This event has passed.
Ladies Leadership Luncheon with Let It Be Us
April 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Bringing local female leaders together to discuss how adoption from foster care changes girls’ lives
Speaker Bios:
Senator Sara Feigenholtz
Sara Feigenholtz is a dedicated advocate for child welfare and adoption in Illinois. Serving as a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate since January 2020, she represents the 6th District, which encompasses Chicago’s lakefront neighborhoods, including Lake View, Lincoln Park, Buena Park, and the Near North Side. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Feigenholtz served thirteen terms in the Illinois House of Representatives, beginning in 1995. As an adoptee herself, Feigenholtz has a personal connection to adoption issues, which has driven her legislative efforts to reform the child welfare system. She established the first committee on Adoption & Child Welfare in the Illinois House to address systemic challenges and advocate for vulnerable children.
Feigenholtz’s unwavering commitment to child welfare and adoption reform continues to impact the lives of countless children and families across Illinois.
Kaycee Coles
Kaycee Coles is the organizer of the Ladies Leadership Luncheon, is a Board Member of Let It Be Us and is on the Fundraising Committee. Kaycee is a former educator teaching US History and Psychology and she is a licensed reading specialist. She is a mother to three sons. She has worked in the non-profit sector in education, advocacy, and legislative areas. Kaycee was instrumental in co-leading an effort to design, build and fundraise for an inclusive playground project at Countryside Elementary School. She is also a member of the Barrington Civic Leaders Program.
Dr. Susan A. McConnell
Susan McConnell is the Founder and Executive Director of Let It Be Us. She has held the position of Chair of the Permanency Committee for the Illinois Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council for 4 years. She recently graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a Doctoral Degree in Social Work. Susan is the mother to four free range young adults, three of whom joined her family through adoption. She has over 30 years of experience with special needs and open adoption.