Upcoming Events
See Our Empowerment and Fundraising Events Here
Upcoming Events
Burger Fest
We’re looking for amazing volunteers (ages 21+) to help staff the Beer Tent at one of Chicago’s favorite summer street fests!
Every hour you volunteer helps raise funds for &Rise, a nonprofit empowering women and girls impacted by sexual and domestic abuse. 💜
Women’s Community Healing Circle
We know things have been heavy. With fear, grief, and uncertainty rising—this circle is a space for women to pause, breathe, and be held in community.
Whether you’ve been directly impacted by ICE raids or are carrying the weight of concern for others, this space is for you.
🕯️ This is a space for collective healing, where we’ll:
• Begin with grounding and breathwork led by Jennifer Solarte, Founder of &Rise
• Receive legal updates and information from Immigration Attorney Claudia Casas
• Learn coping strategies and emotional support tools from Dr. Xiomara Cervantes-Gómez, Founder + Principal of Xritica
• Share our stories, reflections, or simply listen
• Close with affirmations, shared resources, and a sense of connection
You don’t need to have the words. You don’t need to be “okay.” You just need to come as you are.
Speakers & Facilitators:
Jennifer Solarte – Founder & Executive Director of &Rise
Jennifer supports women who have experienced trauma and adversity through healing-centered events, counseling, and recovery services across the U.S. As a survivor herself, she brings empathy, trauma-informed care, and certified expertise in crisis support, emotional well-being, and EFT tapping. Her work centers on creating safe, empowering environments where women can feel seen, supported, and capable of thriving.
Claudia Casas – Immigration Attorney
Carla Casas is a trauma-informed immigration attorney and the heart behind Casas Immigration, Ltd., where she advocates fiercely for survivors and immigrant families seeking safety and stability. Rooted in empathy and cultural humility, Carla’s work centers on restoring dignity and hope through family-based petitions, VAWA, U visas, and removal defense. She believes healing begins when we are heard, and that every story is a source of power.
Dr. Xiomara Cervantes-Gómez – Founder + Principal of Xritica
Dr. Cervantes-Gómez leads Xritica, a transdisciplinary advocacy firm offering strategic advocacy, survivor accompaniment, and public education for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities navigating institutional harm. Her work blends abolitionist social work, intersectional healing, and narrative sovereignty to build liberatory systems of care.
Stay and Play Giveback Fundraiser for &Rise
Game On for a Cause: An &Rise Fundraiser at Stay & Play Game Cafe!
Join &Rise for a fantastic evening of fun, food, board games, and impact at the vibrant Stay & Play Game Cafe in Chicago!
Love board games, delicious food, and making a tangible difference in your community? Then mark your calendars for our special fundraiser event!
On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM, gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a fun-filled night at Stay & Play Game Cafe. This unique spot offers hundreds of board games for all skill levels, from classic favorites to exciting new releases, alongside a menu of tasty food and refreshing drinks – perfect for a lively evening of laughter and connection.
Here's how your fun night supports a powerful cause:
When you dine with Stay & Play Game Cafe on our selected date, 10% of your qualifying dine-in order will be generously donated directly back to &Rise! All you have to do is mention &Rise to your server or game guide before placing your order. It's that simple to turn your night out into vital support for women in need.
Every game you play and every bite you enjoy helps &Rise continue our critical work empowering women and girl survivors of trauma and abuse. Your participation directly fuels our free counseling services, crucial support groups, financial literacy workshops, and career development programs, helping women rebuild their lives and thrive.
Planning to bring a larger group? Reservations for parties of 7 or more are accepted and highly recommended to ensure you secure a prime spot for your game night and support &Rise! Simply call 312.685.2255 to reserve your table!
Come for the games, stay for the cause! Let's play our way to a brighter future for women in our community.
We can't wait to see you there!
Stay & Play Game Cafe: 3932 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois 60618 [https://stayandplaygamecafe.com/]
Learn more about &Rise at www.womenrisechicago.org
Latina Speaking Network: Speaking with Confidence
Join us for Latina Speaking Network: Speaking with Confidence, a dynamic and supportive network designed exclusively for Latina entrepreneurs and professionals. This is your safe space to practice public speaking, refine your pitches, and confidently share your unique stories and business visions. We'll cultivate an environment of encouragement, helping you hone your communication skills, overcome speaking anxieties, and empower your voice to resonate with impact and authenticity. Each event all attendees will get to practice their speaking skills in small groups and then to the larger group. The more you practice, the more comfortable you get with this skill. Come connect with other Latinas and learn and grow with a community that celebrates your journey and helps you shine!
Event series #1
Getting Comfortable, Body language and, what to do with your hands
How to hold a mic
Overcoming nerves/anxiety - they came to here what you have to say
Becoming more confident in what you’re saying
Where to look when you’re speaking
Speaking Exercises
Event series #2
Practicing filler words and becoming aware of the words we use when nervous
Sitting in silence and utilizing silence as moments of power and reflection
Disorganized content - clearing up your message
Vocal Delivery Issues: Monotone voices, speaking too quickly or quietly, and poor articulation can bore or confuse the audience.
Speaking Exercises
About the Host: Jennifer Solarte is an author, entrepreneur, coach, reiki master, somatic practitioner, and speaker who is passionate about helping women live their best lives after trauma and abuse. She is the Founder of the nonprofit organization, &Rise, whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter their adversities. Jennifer has over 6 years of experience speaking publicly and sharing her personal story about trauma and abuse. Jennifer has done many keynote speaking engagements, spoken on panels, has been a guest on many podcasts, and has even been on the radio and local news channels in Chicago. Jennifer is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and saw that there was no communities or spaces for Latinas to learn to better their speaking skills so she saw an opportunity and the Latina Speaking Network was born!
Comedy for a cause
Our Stand-up comedy features an all woman lineup and all proceeds support &Rise's vital work with survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. Your ticket purchase helps provide crucial resources and support.
Virtual Budgets Made Easy WS - Capital One Cafe
Budgets Made Easy
A personal budget can help you take control of your money without sacrificing everything. In this course, we’ll learn the basics of budgeting, explore a few budgeting tools and explore setting short term and long term goals
This event is being held by Capital One Cafe and &Rise which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced.
&Rise is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced.
We offer free counseling, free support groups, financial education, career development, workshops that teach women about healthy relationships, healthy coping skills, and red flags, and so much more! To sign up for event updates, inspiring stories, or to learn more about how &Rise empowers women please visit our website at www.womenrischicago.org
Lotería Night
Join us for a fun-filled night of Lotería at Simone's Bar, where we'll be raising money for the incredible organization, &Rise.
Virtual Healing Meditation & Reiki
Are you a survivor of trauma or abuse seeking peace and healing? We invite you to join us for a special Virtual Healing & Meditation event.
Women's Empowerment Book Club
Join us for a two-part virtual book club as we explore Take Back Your Brain by Kara Loewentheil
Financial Education Seminar: Savings Success
Savings Success is designed with a focus on behavioral economics tools that promote positive financial behavior change.
Virtual Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships
Red Flag Alert! Decode the Signs of Unhealthy Relationships
Ever feel like something's off in a friendship or relationship, but you can't quite put your finger on it? &Rise is here to help you decode those gut feelings with our Red Flag Alert workshop!
Child Support and Custody
Do you have a child with an ex-partner, and have questions about what the law provides for co-parenting moving forward?
Do you have concerns about if, and how, you are to communicate with your ex regarding decisions for your child, and what financial obligations there might be?
Join &Rise and Wilson Family Law, as we discuss custody considerations, which include:
Major decision-making for a child, as well as what types of custody there are
How custody is determined, and how to seek it.
We will also discuss child support, including how it is calculated, and how it can be paid.
The Wounded Mother
Empowered Life Events in partnership with &Rise presents: The Wounded Mother a virtual event. Did you have a wounded mother? Well, guess what, you aren’t alone. The wounded mother is a topic we simply don’t talk about. The damages and side effects can unfortunately last a lifetime and the wounded mother spirit can even be passed down. There’s no better time than now to expose the truth and bring this topic out for discussion. It’s time we heal this wound.
She rises - A celebration of BIPOC Women's Mental Wellness
We'll explore the unique ways mental health impacts the BIPOC community, addressing the stigmas and barriers that often prevent us from seeking help. Whether you're new to discussing mental wellness or have been on your journey for some time, this event is for you. We'll create a compassionate environment where vulnerability is welcomed and healing can begin.
Somatic Experiencing for Pelvic Health
Learn about our nervous system, how our body, including our pelvic floor, holds stress and tension, and the impact this can have. Through implementing breathwork, grounding techniques, and pelvic floor exercises, we will learn how to bring more awareness to our bodies, connect to our pelvic floor, and release tension to improve our overall health and wellness. Our Pelvic Floor activities will be led by Allison Richardson.
Teens take the Lead: Building Consent Culture at Avon Township
Hey Chicago teens! Want to build stronger, healthier relationships? &Rise, in partnership with Avon Township, is bringing the Teens Take the Lead: Building Consent Culture workshop to YOU at Avon Township!
This isn't your average workshop – we're talking real talk about relationships, boundaries, and respect. We'll give you the tools and knowledge to navigate tricky situations, understand what consent really means, and build the confidence to communicate what you need and want.
Virtual Money Basics Workshop
Savings Success is designed with a focus on behavioral economics tools that promote positive financial behavior change.
What You'll Learn:
Identify Financial Goals: Set clear and achievable financial objectives.
Discuss Strategies to Reduce Expenses: Learn practical ways to cut costs and save more.
Plan for Next Steps + Setbacks: Prepare for potential obstacles and set reminders to stay on track with your financial plan.
Free donations appreciated.
This event is being held by &Rise which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced.
&Rise is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced. We offer free counseling, free support groups, financial education, career development, workshops that teach women about healthy relationships, healthy coping skills, and red flags, and so much more! To sign up for event updates, inspiring stories, or to learn more about how &Rise empowers women please visit our website at www.womenrischicago.org
Inner Child Healing Journaling Circle
Join us for a deeply transformative virtual event where we'll explore the power of journaling to connect with and heal your inner child.
This intimate online gathering will provide a safe and supportive space to:
Uncover and release childhood wounds: Explore and release past hurts, fears, and limiting beliefs that may be impacting your present life.
Reconnect with your authentic self: Rediscover your joy, creativity, and sense of wonder.
Develop self-compassion: Cultivate self-love and forgiveness for your inner child.
Gain valuable insights: Gain deeper self-awareness and gain valuable insights into your emotional patterns.
This workshop will be led by Jennifer Solarte, a Reiki Master, Somatic Practitioner, Author, and Trauma Coach, and founder of &Rise, this intimate circle provides a safe and supportive space for women to explore their inner worlds and cultivate deep self-awareness (more information about Jennifer below).
During this workshop, you will:
Engage in guided journaling exercises: Explore a variety of journaling prompts designed to connect with your inner child.
Participate in reflective discussions: Share your experiences and insights in a supportive and confidential online environment.
Learn self-soothing techniques: Discover and practice simple techniques to soothe and comfort your inner child.
This workshop is for you if:
You feel stuck or disconnected from yourself.
You struggle with self-doubt or low self-esteem.
You experience recurring negative patterns in your life.
You are ready to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Supplies needed: journal, pen, and a fire safe container which is optional (tin can, large glass bowl filled with water, etc)
Limited to 12 women. Sign up now before spaces fill!
About Jennifer Solarte:
Jennifer Solarte is an author, entrepreneur, trauma life coach, reiki master, somatic practitioner, and speaker who is passionate about helping women live their best lives after trauma and abuse. She is the Founder of the nonprofit organization, &Rise, whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter their adversities. Jennifer has years of experience working with survivors and provides trauma-informed care to those she works with. Jennifer is a passionate advocate for all women and offers prevention education to help empower and educate women on healthy relationships, red flags, and healthy coping skills. To learn more about Jennifer, please visit https://www.womenrisechicago.org/founder-and-board
A friendly reminder that when you purchase tickets to any of our events, 100% of the profits always go back to our services that are 100% free to the women and girls that we serve. Not only do you have access to this impactful event but you're giving back to a great cause simply by purchasing a ticket.
&Rise is a 501c3 Latina-led nonprofit organization based out of Chicago whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they’ve faced. We proudly serve women and girls nationwide and are breaking barriers in underserved areas and making mental healthcare more accessible. To sign up for our services to or learn more please visit our website at www.womenrisechicago.org
Add us on social media at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/and_rise__/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@and_rise_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenrisechicago
Recognizing Unhealthy Relationships Workshop for Teens Girls 13-19
Red Flag Alert! Decode the Signs of Unhealthy Relationships (A Workshop for Teens)
Ever feel like something's off in a friendship or relationship, but you can't quite put your finger on it? &Rise is here to help you decode those gut feelings with our Red Flag Alert workshop!
This isn't just another boring lecture – we're diving deep into the world of healthy and unhealthy relationships, showing you real-life examples of red flags, and giving you the skills to spot them before things get messy.
We'll explore:
Common Red Flags: From subtle manipulation to outright disrespect, we'll break down the warning signs of unhealthy relationships. Think controlling behavior, jealousy, lack of communication, and more.
Missed Red Flags: Sometimes, we miss the signs even when they're right in front of us. We'll discuss why that happens and how to trust your instincts.
What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?: It's not just about spotting the bad stuff; it's about knowing what a good relationship looks like too! We'll explore the building blocks of healthy connections: respect, trust, communication, and equality.
Real-World Scenarios: Get ready to put your detective skills to the test! We'll analyze realistic scenarios and give you a chance to identify the red flags and discuss how to respond.
This is a safe and interactive workshop where you can ask questions, share your experiences (if you're comfortable), and learn from other teens. Knowing the red flags is the first step to protecting yourself and building the healthy relationships you deserve.
This interactive workshop empowers teens to identify red flags in relationships, set healthy boundaries, and build self-respect. Through discussions, real-life scenarios, and engaging activities, participants will learn how to recognize controlling behaviors, emotional manipulation, and other warning signs of unhealthy dynamics. They’ll also gain tools to communicate their needs, seek support, and foster relationships based on trust and respect.
A friendly reminder that when you buy a donation tickets to any of our events, 100% of the profits always go back to our services that are 100% free to the women and girls that we serve. Not only do you have access to this impactful event but you're giving back to a great cause simply by purchasing a ticket.
&Rise is a 501c3 Latina-led nonprofit organization based out of Chicago whose mission is to empower women to be the ultimate versions of themselves no matter what adversities they’ve faced. We proudly serve women and girls nationwide and are breaking barriers in underserved areas and making mental healthcare more accessible. To sign up for our services to or learn more please visit our website at www.womenrisechicago.org
6th Annual Galentines Brunch: Loving your Authentic Self
Celebrate Galentine's Day with Us!
You're Invited to Our 6th Annual Galentine's Brunch: Loving Your Authentic Self
Join us for a morning of fun, friendship, and self-love as we celebrate Galentine's Day!
Enjoy:
Delicious Brunch: Indulge in a delightful brunch spread with [chicken and waffles, hash browns, breakfast burritos, beverages, etc].
Cash Bar: Enjoy fresh alcoholic beverages from our cash bar.
Galentines Activities:
Decorate Your Own Journal: We will provide you with your own journal and provide items to unleash your creativity with a fun journaling decorating activity.
Letters of Love: Write a heartfelt letter to your future self to promote self love and appreciation.
Guided Meditation: End the morning with a relaxing guided meditation session to cultivate self-love and inner peace.
This year's theme encourages us to embrace our true selves and celebrate our unique qualities. This event is important because when women love themselves, they are more likely to set healthy boundaries, pursue their passions, and advocate for themselves. Self-love fosters Increased self-esteem and confidence, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved relationships. In essence, self-love is not selfish; it's essential for women to live fulfilling and empowered lives. It's about recognizing your worth, embracing your uniqueness, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion.
This is our most popular event of the year and tickets will sell out. RSVP early to secure your spot!
&Rise is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers women of all ages, colors, creeds, and backgrounds to be the best versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced. &Rise offers free counseling for women in Illinois, free in-person (in Chicago) and virtual support groups for women trauma survivors, and wrap-around support. Visit our website to learn more about us or sign up for our services at: www.womenrisechicago.org
Add us on social media at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/and_rise__/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@and_rise_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenrisechicago
Women's Empowerment Book Club
Join us for bi-weekly gathering of inspiring women! Our book club is a safe and supportive space to connect with like-minded women, delve into insightful self-help books, and embark on a journey of personal growth and healing.
The book that we will be reading together is "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk - please be sure to have your copy of your book ready to go by the first meeting together.
02/07/25 and 02/14/25 at 8:00 - 09:39pm CTS
What to Expect:
Engaging discussions and thoughtful conversations.
Opportunities to share personal experiences and insights A supportive community of women who understand and uplift one another.
A chance to learn new tools and strategies for personal growth Expect to read 2-3 chapters to be prepared for the discussion.
Expect that this book club will take up to 3 months to finish the book together.
No experience necessary. All women are welcome! Reserve your seat now, spaces limited! Let's come together, empower one another, and create lasting connections.
Through my own journey of overcoming trauma, I found comfort and strength in helping others do the same. As we rediscover the parts of ourselves that we lost along the way, we find our voice, we find our strength and we find our passion. It is then we can begin to build a life greater than we ever imagined. As Bianca Sparacino said, “We are not broken, we are becoming.”
About the book club facilitator: As a 911 Dispatcher for 14 years, I have been with people who are in their darkest moments in life. I worked as a Chemical Dependency Counselor in an all-male prison and found that helping people rebuild connections allows them to begin healing. I worked with people who suffer from mental illness and would respond directly to the scene when they were amid crisis. I am grateful to be a part of a community dedicated to helping women rise to the top.
&Rise is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that empowers women of all ages, colors, creeds, and backgrounds to be the best versions of themselves no matter what adversities they've faced. &Rise offers free counseling for women in Illinois, free in-person (in Chicago) and virtual support groups for women trauma survivors, and wrap-around support. Visit our website to learn more about us or sign up for our services at: www.womenrisechicago.org
Add us on social media at:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/and_rise__/
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@and_rise_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenrisechicago
Order of Protection Workshop
& Rise is proud to bring you this complimentary and educational event: Navigating Orders of Protection followed up with a Q&A session with legal advocates in the field.
Document the Abuse: A New Way to tell Your Story for Domestic Abuse Survivors Virtual Workshop
Join &Rise and Norma Peterson as we teach our participants about this revolutionary evidentiary abuse affidavit (EAA).
Comfort and Joy: Christmas Edition Virtual Support Group
Comfort and Joy: Christmas Edition is a special virtual support group hosted by &Rise, dedicated to providing a compassionate and understanding space for women who find the holidays difficult.
Navigating Live's Challenges: Exploring New Perspectives
Join &Rise and mindset coach and speaker Stephanie Martino for an empowering session designed to gently explore how we can find personal meaning amidst life’s challenges.
Special Heart-to-Heartgiving Virtual Support Group
This Thanksgiving, &Rise is hosting a Special Heart-to-Heartgiving Virtual Support Group for Women Trauma Survivors. For many, the holidays can be a challenging time. We’re here to remind you that you don’t have to face it alone.
Gratitude Collage Journals for Teens
In this activity, teens will explore gratitude in a fun, creative way! They’ll start by writing down a few things they’re thankful for and then express those thoughts using their artistic skills—whether it’s drawing, collage, or digital/graphic design.
From Idea to Impact: A Paypal and &Rise Workshop for Women of Color
Join us for an impactful and empowering virtual experience designed to uplift and support women entrepreneurs of color on their journey to success!
Find Your Peace Soundbath and Reiki Event
Join &Rise and Evelyn Luviano, CEO of Voyage of Frequency, for this Find Your Peace Soundbath and Reiki Event
Capital One Credit Voyage
In this Credit Voyage interactive session, Volunteers facilitate an interactive presentation where participants will learn about credit score: what it is, its impacts and factors that affect it.
Bet On Us Casino Night Gala
The purpose of this fundraiser is to continue to provide free counseling and support groups to the female sexual and domestic abuse survivors we serve. We are a small but mighty women led organization that is making big strides in the work that we do.
Child Support and Custody
Join &Rise to learn about your rights regarding custody and child support with experienced attorney Olivia Basu specializing in family law.
Sí Se Puede: BIPOC Women Hispanic Heritage Networking Brunch
Let's kick off Hispanic Heritage Month early this year with a vibrant and empowering event!
Martinis that Matter at Marty's!
Join &Rise for a fun afternoon at Marty’s Martini Bar on Sunday, August 18, 2024 from 2pm - 5pm at 1511 W. Balmoral Ave. Chicago, IL 60640.
Girl Power Field Day for Chicago Teens
Calling All Teen Queens!
Ready for a day of fun, friendship, and fierce competition (the friendly kind, of course!)?
Join &Rise for an epic Teen Field Day! This FREE event is open to all girls ages 13-17 and is all about making memories, building connections, and unleashing your inner champion!
Check back often to see our upcoming Empowerment Workshops, Fundraisers, and other Special Events.
Ongoing Support Groups
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Virtual Support Group for Emotional Abuse, Depression, & Anxiety on Mondays via Zoom
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In-person support group for Women Trauma Survivors on Mondays in Chicago
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An empowering virtual community group for teen girls and nonbinary youth ages 13-19 to find community, empowerment, healing, and support
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Virtual Support Group for Chronic Pain/Illness and Medical Trauma on Tuesdays via Zoom
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Virtual support group for Women Domestic Abuse Survivors on Wednesdays via Zoom
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Virtual support group for Women Trauma Survivors on Thursdays via Zoom
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Virtual Support Group for Creating Healthy Boundaries for Women on Thursdays via Zoom
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In-Person Support Group for Women Narcissistic Abuse Survivors on Thursdays
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Virtual Support Group for Women Sexual Abuse Survivors on Fridays via Zoom