2020 - ECC to host Immigrant Women’s Roundtable during Women’s History Month

Elgin Community College will host its annual Immigrant Women’s Roundtable on Thursday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The roundtable gathers immigrants from ECC and the community to tell their stories about coming to the United States, struggles they faced, and hopes that helped them to endure. The event takes place in the Heritage Room, Building B, Room B180 at 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, and is free and open to the public. 

This year’s theme, “Immigrant Women and the U.S. Economy: Your Path to Success,” explores the roles that education and training play in the lives of immigrant women. Attendees will hear from many women and men whose paths to success were positively influenced by their education and training in the U.S. and abroad.

“Since the start of the roundtables, we have seen many new faces and heard many new stories,” said event founder and facilitator Irina Del Genio, Ph.D., ECC associate dean of liberal, visual & performing arts. “This series educates everyone on how immigration issues impact women, families, and our society as a whole.”

Guests are invited to share their diverse experiences, aspirations, and advice during the event. Community organizations and agencies that provide resources and assistance for immigrants are welcome to attend the event.

The roundtable has been part of the college’s monthlong celebration of Women’s History Month since March 2007 when Del Genio, an immigrant from Russia, wanted to connect immigrant women in the community to one another and with critical community resources.

For additional information about the event, to become a roundtable panel participant, or to attend the event as a community organization or agency representative, please contact Irina Del Genio at 847-214-7864 or idelgenio@elgin.edu.