Dupage Policy Journal

Springfield, IL – Representative Grant welcomed two district residents to the Illinois State Capitol for the annual Emerging Women Leaders (EWL) Conference on March 5, 2024.

Now in its third year, the EWL initiative stands as a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of up and coming women leaders across the state. This annual event empowers legislators, including Rep. Grant, to spotlight “women to watch” from their constituencies and celebrate their contributions while engaging in meaningful dialogue, and offering them a day to develop with motivational activities and networking opportunities.

This year, Rep. Grant extended invitations to two upcoming women leaders from her district: Sarah Starke and Amy Erkenswick. Both women leaders were invited because of their role at DoodleBug in Wheaton, an organization that equips the special needs community with vocational skills, fostering independence, and building self-esteem, all with the help of volunteers from the community.

Speaking of Sarah Starke, who owns DoodleBug, she has invested a significant amount of time and resources into improving the lives of the special needs community. Amy Erkenswick, on the other hand, works alongside Starke as a planning developer for the organization, implementing their long-term and strategic goals.

In recognition of their efforts, Rep. Grant expressed gratitude, stating, "Rep. Grant thanks these influential women for their outstanding work in the community helping vulnerable populations who are too often overlooked."

For more information on Rep. Grant’s efforts to uplift the voices of fellow women leaders from her community, visit her website at RepGrant.com.