Women in Planning and Development

Women in Planning and Development WP&D is an organization for women working in all areas of planning and development in Chicago.

WP+D is an organization for women working in all areas of planning and development in the Chicagoland area to network, learn job skills and strengthen professional relationships. Our members work in several fields including architecture, consulting, economic development, government, non-profit, education, environmental planning, finance, housing, law, marketing, planning, real estate, construction

, and transportation. WP+D’s programs and events aim to appeal to senior professionals and those just entering the field.

🌧️ We’re still on for the Membership Picnic today! 🌳Rain or shine, we’ll see you at Ping Tom Memorial Park! We’ll have t...
08/15/2026

🌧️ We’re still on for the Membership Picnic today! 🌳

Rain or shine, we’ll see you at Ping Tom Memorial Park! We’ll have the covered Pagoda shelter to keep us comfortable, and the forecast is looking like the rain should hold off for us.

📅 Saturday, August 15 | 12–3 PM
📍 Ping Tom Memorial Park
🎟️ RSVP through link in bio

We can’t wait to see everyone this afternoon! 🥳

✨ Recap: A WP&D Doubleheader with Jessica Nepomiachi’s Small Talks & WP&Drinks ✨Thank you to everyone who joined us for ...
08/05/2026

✨ Recap: A WP&D Doubleheader with Jessica Nepomiachi’s Small Talks & WP&Drinks ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a full day of connection, learning, and community at our July Small Talks and WP&Drinks events!

We kicked off the day with an engaging Small Talks conversation featuring Jessica Nepomiachi, `Managing Director of Real Estate at IFF. Jessica shared her career journey from New York City to Chicago, reflecting on her experiences in public service, affordable housing, and community development, as well as the role WP&D played in expanding her professional network. From serving as a policy aide and Chief of Staff to leadership roles at the New York City Housing Authority and IFF, Jessica offered valuable insights on leadership, government oversight, and building a meaningful career. She left us with two memorable pieces of advice: embrace who you are and never be afraid to take risks.

We closed out the day with WP&Drinks at The Game Room Chicago, where members gathered to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new colleagues, and enjoy great conversations in a relaxed setting. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this doubleheader such a success. It was wonderful to see our community come together to learn, network, and celebrate the connections that make WP&D so special.

Jessica, thank you again for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us. We encourage everyone to connect with her on LinkedIn and explore the resources she shared:
IFF Resources & Webinars: https://iff.org/news-blogs/?_category=resources
Chicago Rehab Network – Community Empowerment Series: https://www.chicagorehab.org/training/community-empowerment-workshop-series-2020
Community Vision (CA) Resources: https://communityvisionca.org/advising/resources/
We hope to see you at our upcoming annual membership appreciation picnic!

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible guests who joined us throughout our 2025-2026 Small Talk series! Your expertise,...
07/31/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible guests who joined us throughout our 2025-2026 Small Talk series! Your expertise, experiences, and candid conversations enriched the WP&D community and sparked meaningful dialogue around leadership, planning, development, and the future of our profession.

At WP&D, we're proud to bring together women leaders who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, supporting one another, and empowering the next generation of professionals. Thank you to each of our guests for making this year's series such a success.

A special thank you to our Professional Development Co-Chairs, Diana Beltran and Francie S. Lawrence, for their dedication in securing our outstanding speakers and coordinating each session behind the scenes.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable professionals who made the ’25-‘26 Small Talk series such a success. We appreciate your time, your insights, and your commitment to strengthening the WP&D community.

Learn more about WP&D:
www.wpdchicago.com

Two great opportunities to connect with the WP&D Chicago community are happening next Wednesday, July 29! ✨☕ Start your ...
07/23/2026

Two great opportunities to connect with the WP&D Chicago community are happening next Wednesday, July 29! ✨

☕ Start your morning at Small Talks (8:00–9:00 AM) at Ground Up Coffee in The Loop with Jessica Nepomiachi, Managing Director for Real Estate Solutions at IFF. Hear about her career in affordable housing, community development, and nonprofit real estate while connecting with fellow members over coffee.

🍹 Then join us after work for WP&Drinks (5:30–7:30 PM) at Game Room Chicago! Enjoy an evening of networking, conversation, and summer fun. WP&D Chicago will provide appetizers, and drinks are available for purchase.

Whether you join us for one event or both, we'd love to see you there!

Register today through link in our bio.

🍹 Join us for WP&Drinks this July!Looking to unwind after work while connecting with fellow women in planning and develo...
07/14/2026

🍹 Join us for WP&Drinks this July!

Looking to unwind after work while connecting with fellow women in planning and development? Join us for WP&Drinks on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at The Game Room Chicago!

Whether you're a longtime member or attending your first WP&D event, this is a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, make new professional connections, and enjoy a fun summer evening in the city.

📅 Wednesday, July 29, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍Game Room Chicago
🍴 Appetizers are on WP&D Chicago
🍸 Drinks are on attendees
🎟️ RSVP: https://www.wpdchicago.com/events

Bring a colleague, invite a friend, and join us for an evening of great conversations and community. We hope to see you there!

☕ Join us for July Small Talks!WP&D Chicago is excited to welcome Jessica Nepomiachi, Managing Director for Real Estate ...
07/13/2026

☕ Join us for July Small Talks!

WP&D Chicago is excited to welcome Jessica Nepomiachi, Managing Director for Real Estate Solutions at IFF, for an engaging morning coffee conversation on Wednesday, July 29, from 8:00–9:00 AM at Ground Up Coffee in the Loop.

Jessica brings decades of experience in affordable housing, community development, and nonprofit real estate. She currently leads IFF's Real Estate Solutions team, supporting nonprofits and community organizations across the Midwest, and has previously held leadership roles with the Chicago Housing Authority, New York Housing Authority, and New York City Council.

Join us for an intimate conversation as Jessica shares insights from her career, lessons in leadership, and her perspective on creating lasting community impact through real estate and planning.

📅 Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
🕗 Time: 8:00–9:00 AM
📍 Location: Ground Up Coffee, The Loop
☕ Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot!
🎟️ RSVP: https://www.wpdchicago.com/events

We look forward to seeing you there!

✨ June Small Talks Recap ✨Our June WP&D Small Talks featured an inspiring conversation with Tania Kadakia, Founder of Wr...
07/10/2026

✨ June Small Talks Recap ✨

Our June WP&D Small Talks featured an inspiring conversation with Tania Kadakia, Founder of Wrought Iron Partners.

Over morning coffee, Tania shared her journey through affordable housing and real estate development, offering an honest look at building a personal brand, launching her own consultancy, and navigating major career transitions. From discussing what it means to take a leap of faith to serving on Chicago's Plan Commission, her insights sparked thoughtful conversations and left our members with valuable lessons to carry forward.

Thank you, Tania, for your generosity, authenticity, and willingness to share your story with the WP&D community. We are so grateful to have had you as our Small Talks speaker and appreciate everyone who joined us for another meaningful morning of learning and connection.

🌿 Come along to the Annual WP&D Membership Picnic! ☀️Join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Ping Tom Memorial Park for...
07/08/2026

🌿 Come along to the Annual WP&D Membership Picnic! ☀️

Join us on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Ping Tom Memorial Park for one of our favorite WP&D traditions!

Whether you're a longtime member, attending your first WP&D event, or looking to expand your professional network, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and enjoy a relaxing summer afternoon with the incredible women of planning and development.
Know someone who would love the WP&D community? Bring a colleague and introduce them to our network!

📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026 (12pm- 3pm)
📍 Location: Ping Tom Memorial Park
🎟️ RSVP here: https://www.wpdchicago.com/events

We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Save the Date! 🌿🧺Get your picnic hats on and join us for the annual WP&D Membership Picnic on Saturday, August 15, 202...
06/24/2026

📅 Save the Date! 🌿🧺
Get your picnic hats on and join us for the annual WP&D Membership Picnic on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Ping Tom Memorial Park!

One of our favorite summer traditions, the Membership Picnic is an opportunity to connect with fellow women in planning and development, enjoy great food, build new relationships, and celebrate the incredible community that makes WP&D so special.
Whether you're a longtime member or new to the organization, we hope you'll join us for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and fun in the park.

🎉 Registration details will be announced soon, with sign-ups opening in July.

We can't wait to see you there!

📅 Save the Date! 🌿🧺Get your picnic hats on and join us for the annual WP&D Membership Picnic on Saturday, August 15, 202...
06/24/2026

📅 Save the Date! 🌿🧺

Get your picnic hats on and join us for the annual WP&D Membership Picnic on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Ping Tom Memorial Park!

One of our favorite summer traditions, the Membership Picnic is an opportunity to connect with fellow women in planning and development, enjoy great food, build new relationships, and celebrate the incredible community that makes WP&D so special.
Whether you're a longtime member or new to the organization, we hope you'll join us for an afternoon of conversation, connection, and fun in the park.

🎉 Registration details will be announced soon, with sign-ups opening in July.

We can't wait to see you there!

Address

P. O. Box 1848
Chicago, IL
60690

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Women in Planning and Development posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category