Success Comes to those who put in the effort. **Success Comes to Those Who Put in the Effort** **Mentorship** A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our dinner gathering yesterday! It was truly delightful to reconnect and share an evening filled with engaging conversations and delectable dishes. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively, marking the spirit of collaboration and shared growth. Representative Friess expressed pride in the remarkable strides each of you has m

On February 18, our dedicated team gathered at Southwest Illinois College for an inspiring roundtable discussion that proved to be both enlightening and motivating. During the meeting, we took time to share the significant progress each Mentee-Mentor pair has made through their weekly communications and updates, which fostered a sense of community and accountability among us all. To kick off the evening, Cathy Dupertuis introduced the esteemed Jamie Papenberg, LMT—a talented

On January 21, 2025, WLI hosted its second Etiquette Workshop, uniting our teams for an engaging and educational experience. Mentees brought their current resumes for review and evaluation, embracing the opportunity to polish their professional image. Each mentee participated in a dynamic speed interview session, immersing themselves in diverse interview styles and perspectives. This powerful experience empowered them to develop their skills and build confidence for the futur

2024/2025 - Session 4 Calendar WLI helps to coordinate a Mural Painting Contest at The new location of the Randolph County Humane Society for Randolph County Students - Winners Announced! 1st Place Michelle McBride Red Bud HS 2nd Place Loreli Aubuchon Red Bud HS 3rd Place Jennifer Morocho Sparta HS Design concept

Press Release State Representative David Friess For Immediate Release Contact: Jace Knight January 15, 2026 friess@ilhousegop.org Rep. Friess Announces Former Mentee Selected for Women in Criminal Justice Conference RED BUD, IL – State Representative David Friess announced Thursday morning that Jaydian Montroy, a former mentee of his Women’s Leadership Initiative, has been selected to attend the 16th Annual Illinois Women in Criminal Justice Conference, a highly selective sta

Pictured from left to right, Front Row: Liberti Johnson, Kiersten Wegener, Talia Carter, Addison Chaduet, Rylie Myers. Back Row: Cathy Dupertuis, David Friess, Jennifer Gregson, Jill Landgraf, Jeanne Fithian, Sarah Landeck, Jeniffer Tepe, and Jace Knight. On December 17, 2025, the Women's Leadership Initiative convened for its Midway Dinner, uniting all participants to enjoy a meal and explore how the program is benefiting everyone. Explore the inspiring stories of mentors a