Illinois Democratic Women is a statewide grassroots organization started in 1971. We work for more equitable representation of women in all levels of the Democratic Party and government.
Penny Severns Memorial Scholarship for Government Service
Deadline: Dec 31, 2025
Penny Severns was a trailblazer for women in Illinois politics.
She was elected State Senator in 1986 and was the first woman to ever be appointed Chief Budget Negotiator. In 1993, she ran for Illinois Lieutenant Governor and was paired with Dawn Clark Netsch – which is the first and only time in Illinois history that two women were at the top of the ticket. She died at age 46 from breast cancer.
At least two scholarships will be awarded:
- To a woman who has been out of high school less than seven years.
- To a woman who has been out of high school seven years or more.
Applicant must be a registered voter to apply and must be registered for at least six semester hours at an Illinois college or university upon receipt of the scholarship.
HANDMAIDS DAY OF ACTION
Join the Handmaids Protest at the Broadview immigration facility this Saturday. We will have Handmaids costumes for you. Please be sure to RSVP here:
NO KINGS PROTESTS
Geneva, IL
We are honored to work with these Illinois Democratic Women Charter Organizations:
WHEN WOMEN VOTE,
DEMOCRATS WIN!