2025 WHM Spotlights
During Women’s History Month (WHM) this March, Community Renewal Society (CRS) reflects on the ongoing struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. Just as we honored the legacies of Black pioneers last month, we now turn our attention to the remarkable women who have shaped politics, culture, and justice movements.
WHM begins with a focus on five inspiring women who are making a lasting impact in their fields and within CRS’s mission to abolish racism and poverty:
Michelle Morales, President of Woods Fund Chicago, leading efforts to fund grassroots movements for racial and economic justice.
Our first WHM spotlight is Michelle Morales, President of Woods Fund Chicago and a first-generation United States-born Puerto Rican. CRS uplifts Michelle’s career centered on systemic issues such as gentrification and youth of color development. With philanthropy from Woods Fund, we proudly pursue justice together. Distribute Michelle’s 2023 world peace statement to your network to denounce destruction and devastation in Palestine.
Amanda Gorman, poet and activist, whose words continue to inspire global change.
American activist Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in United States history, is our second WHM spotlight. CRS congratulates Amanda for receiving the 2024 Chairman’s Award presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.Subscribe to her newsletter for notifications regarding her poem and book releases. Enjoy her captivating writing on hope and unity to be inspired to create change with us!
Jessica Estrada, Director of Policy and Strategy at Communities United, advocating for survivor-led justice.
The third WHM spotlight is Jessica Estrada, an advocate for survivors and families affected by the justice system. At Communities United (CU), a local grassroots partner of CRS, Jessica is the Director of Policy and Strategy. We are lucky to collaborate with Jessica for CU’s annual A Gathering of Communities conference in Chicago and look forward to seeing you at the November 2025 event!
Ameri Giannotti Klafeta, Director of Women and Reproductive Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, fighting for gender equity and reproductive freedom.
Ameri Giannotti Klafeta takes our fourth WHM spotlight as the Director of Women and Reproductive Rights Project for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, another nonprofit that mobilizes with CRS to defend civil liberties. With a wealth of expertise, Ameri pushes legislation to protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming care. Stay updated on opportunities to advance Ameri’s advocacy.
Mary Fears Crayton, the first female Midwest Regional Director of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, breaking barriers in labor leadership.
Trailblazer Mary Fears Crayton of CRS member congregation Trinity United Church of Christ is our fifth WHM spotlight. CRS applauded Mary at our 2025 Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Faith in Action Assembly “The People’s Inauguration: The Sounds of Freedom” and her appointment in 1990 as the first female Midwest Regional Director of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. We admire Mary’s lifetime devotion to the labor movement.