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.

🌟 Board Member Spotlight | Tamara Fou, Secretary – WP&D ChicagoWe're proud to shine a light on one of the dedicated lead...
06/03/2026

🌟 Board Member Spotlight | Tamara Fou, Secretary – WP&D Chicago

We're proud to shine a light on one of the dedicated leaders behind Women in Planning & Development Chicago, our Secretary, Tamara Fou.

In her role with WP&D, Tamara ensures our Board operations run seamlessly, keeping our mission moving forward. Professionally, she serves as a Planner with the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development (DPD), where she concentrates on planning initiatives across Chicago's Far South Side.

Tamara's path to planning is as rich as the communities she serves. Originally from Tokyo and having called several cities home throughout her life, she has witnessed firsthand how different urban environments reflect different values and priorities. These experiences have cultivated a planning philosophy rooted in flexibility, open-mindedness, and empathetic listening, hallmarks of an effective and people-centered planner.

Tamara holds a Master of Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Urban Environments, both from New York University.

Thank you, Tamara, for your leadership within WP&D and your commitment to shaping a more equitable Chicago. 💙

Looking to make a meaningful impact while building lasting connections in the planning and development profession? Join ...
06/01/2026

Looking to make a meaningful impact while building lasting connections in the planning and development profession? Join the WP&D Board.

Our all-volunteer board is powered by passionate women committed to advancing community, professional growth, and mutual support across the industry. We’re currently seeking board members for five 2026–2027 leadership roles, including:
• Programs Co-Chair (2 positions)
• Membership Co-Chair
• Marketing Co-Chair (2 positions)

Hear directly from current board members about their experiences serving on WP&D. A common theme shines through in every story: authentic connection, strong community, and women supporting women throughout their careers.

Interested in joining our working board? Apply today: https://www.wpdchicago.com/2026-2027-board-recruitment

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨Meet our Membership Co-Chair, Consuelo Arguilles, AICP!As a longtime WP&D member and now a boa...
05/29/2026

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨

Meet our Membership Co-Chair, Consuelo Arguilles, AICP!
As a longtime WP&D member and now a board leader, Consuelo is passionate about creating welcoming and supportive spaces for women across planning, development, and local government. A proud first-generation Mexican-American raised on the South Side of Chicago, she values the diverse and intentional community that WP&D fosters and is committed to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of women professionals.

With extensive experience in local government and community development, Consuelo brings thoughtful leadership, authenticity, and a deep commitment to connection in everything she does. She especially loves WP&D’s Small Talks for the honest conversations, meaningful mentorship, and support of local businesses they create.

Thank you, Consuelo, for your leadership and dedication to the WP&D Chicago community! 💫

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday, May 21, at the Chicago Architecture Center to celebrate the WP&D Board ...
05/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Thursday, May 21, at the Chicago Architecture Center to celebrate the WP&D Board Alumnae network.

It was a truly memorable evening that brought together alumnae from across generations, with representation from nearly every year of the board in attendance, to reconnect and reflect on the shared impact of the organization. One of the most meaningful moments of the night was hearing everyone share their favorite board memories, stories that highlighted the work accomplished over the past 30+ years and underscored the lasting relationships that continue to define the WP&D community.

We were especially honored to hear from our founding board representatives, Cassandra Francis and Julie Burros from the 1993–1994 board, whose reflections reminded us of why WP&D began and the enduring mission that continues to guide and inspire the organization today.

A sincere thank you to our volunteers from the WP&D Events and Outreach Committee, Addie Wasikonis, Caitin Hartnett, and Prithvi Hegde, whose time and support helped make the evening run so seamlessly.

We look forward to continuing to strengthen and grow this incredible network in the years ahead. Stay tuned for our board applications opening in June and the opportunity to join us in advancing our mission and carrying this work forward.

Join WPD Chicago for our June WP&Drinks at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. ✨Spend the evening connecting with ...
05/27/2026

Join WPD Chicago for our June WP&Drinks at Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. ✨

Spend the evening connecting with women in planning and development while enjoying the Grant Park Music Festival on the Great Lawn. This special performance will feature music from Leonard Bernstein’s iconic West Side Story, creating the perfect backdrop for conversation, networking, and community. 🎶🌆
WPD will provide appetizers, and attendees are encouraged to bring drinks, a blanket, or a chair to relax and enjoy the concert together.

📅 Wednesday, June 10
🕕 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
📍 Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E Randolph St
We look forward to seeing you there. Register now- https://www.wpdchicago.com/events

Join our partners at South East Chicago Commission for the Southside Connection: Women in Business Power Hour Lunch on W...
05/26/2026

Join our partners at South East Chicago Commission for the Southside Connection: Women in Business Power Hour Lunch on Wednesday, June 3 from 11 AM–1 PM at The Study at University of Chicago.

This dynamic lunch and panel discussion connects women to Chicago’s economic engines, public capital, innovation, and market access, to help scale sustainable businesses and move women beyond access and into ownership. Hear insights from leaders at the University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Choose Chicago, and the City of Chicago.

Tickets are $25/person or $40 for two attendees. Lunch included. Limited space available!

Learn more and register today: https://secc-chicago.org/small-business-connection-series/

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨This month, we’re celebrating our Marketing Co-Chair, Janhavi Manjrekar!Janhavi is a landscape...
05/26/2026

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨
This month, we’re celebrating our Marketing Co-Chair, Janhavi Manjrekar!

Janhavi is a landscape and urban designer passionate about shaping equitable, sustainable, and community-centered public spaces. With a background in architecture, landscape architecture, and city design, she brings a thoughtful and creative perspective to the WP&D Chicago community. Through her role on the board, she works to grow a strong network of women across planning and AEC professions while helping amplify the stories, events, and connections that make WP&D so impactful.

We’re grateful for Janhavi’s creativity, leadership, and dedication to building spaces and communities that foster connection and growth. 💫

Meet Erica, one of the incredible leaders helping shape the WP&D Chicago community. Her passion for creating authentic c...
05/21/2026

Meet Erica, one of the incredible leaders helping shape the WP&D Chicago community. Her passion for creating authentic connections and uplifting women across planning and development reflects what WP&D is all about. From building meaningful relationships at WP&Drinks to supporting diverse local businesses throughout Chicago, Erica brings energy, thoughtfulness, and community-centered leadership to everything she does.

We’re grateful to celebrate Erica and the impact she continues to make through WP&D Chicago. 💛

WP&D Board Alumnae Event The WP&D Board Alumnae Event is this week — and there’s still time to register! We would love t...
05/19/2026

WP&D Board Alumnae Event

The WP&D Board Alumnae Event is this week — and there’s still time to register! We would love to see you there.

Join us as we bring the WP&D Board Alumnae network back together at the Chicago Architecture Center for an evening dedicated to reconnecting and celebrating the incredible community and leadership that continue to shape WP&D. Whether it’s catching up with familiar faces, meeting alumni from different eras, or sharing stories from your time on the board, we hope you’ll be part of the evening.

When: Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Where: Chicago Architecture Center (111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago)

Enjoy great food and drinks, lively conversation, and a chance to reflect on the lasting impact of the WP&D Board Alumnae network, past, present, and future.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Register today:
https://wpdchicago.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/wpdchicago/event.jsp?event=1373&

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨This month, we’re celebrating our Professional Development Co-Chair, Diana Beltran, whose pass...
05/15/2026

✨ Board Member Spotlight ✨

This month, we’re celebrating our Professional Development Co-Chair, Diana Beltran, whose passion for creating thoughtful, inspiring spaces continues to shape the WP&D Chicago community.

From organizing meaningful conversations through Small Talks and events to fostering connections across professions and backgrounds, Diana brings both intention and heart to everything she does. With nearly a decade of experience in planning and local government, she continues to champion professional growth, mentorship, and community building within WP&D.

Thank you, Diana, for your leadership, energy, and commitment to uplifting women in planning and development. We’re so grateful to have you helping shape the future of WP&D Chicago! 💫

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P. O. Box 1848
Chicago, IL
60690

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