“She Says” with Evelyn Rodriguez Estrada
When it comes to corporate responsibility, few people walk the talk quite like Evelyn Rodriguez Estrada. As the Director of Corporate Community Impact at ComEd, she manages programs and builds partnerships with purpose, connecting the company’s resources to the communities and causes that need them most. Her work spans everything from charitable giving and competitive grants to employee volunteerism and executive civic engagement, all rooted in the belief that institutions have a role to play in creating a more equitable world.
For Evelyn, supporting Women Employed (WE) isn’t just a line item in a corporate giving portfolio. It’s personal. Especially now as a working mom who wants to ensure that her daughter has a bright future.
In this month’s “She Says,” we sat down with ComEd’s Director, Corporate Community Impact, Evelyn Rodriguez Estrada, to talk about ComEd’s history with Women Employed, why this partnership matters now more than ever, and how she thinks about harnessing her own power to lift working women up.
Tell me about yourself and the work you do at ComEd.
As the director of Corporate Community Impact at ComEd, I oversee ComEd’s corporate-responsibility programs, including charitable contributions, competitive grants, educational initiatives, signature events, employee engagement and volunteerism, and executives’ civic involvement.
What is your connection to Women Employed’s mission?
ComEd is proud to be a longstanding partner of Women Employed and I have the privilege of working alongside the organization to collaborate and support WE’s programs and initiatives.
On a personal level, Women Employed’s mission to advance equity in the workplace deeply resonates with me. Now as a working mom, I’m even more keen on inclusive work practices and want to do everything I can to ensure policies support a bright future for my daughter.
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How long has ComEd been a supporter of Women Employed and how did that relationship come to be?
ComEd shares Women Employed’s mission and our partnership goes back many years. We were proud to be recognized as a Champion sponsor at The Working Lunch in 2022, and as a Leader in 2023. In addition to having Exelon’s Vice President of National Accounts, Diana Sharpe, serve on the board since 2019.
Why is it important for ComEd to support organizations like Women Employed?
Supporting Women Employed is important to ComEd because their work directly advances workforce equity, economic mobility, and the diverse talent pipeline needed to power our grid and prepare our workforce for a clean energy future.
What are some moments in Women Employed’s over 50-year history that you are the most proud of?
A notable landmark win I’m proud that Women Employed helped pass is the Illinois Equal Pay Act in 2003 (when I was in high school!) and continues to strengthen it over time. Whether directly or indirectly, I know Women Employed’s advocacy in the state has contributed to advancements for women in all industries, including my own.
How can other’s support Women Employed’s mission?
A major area of opportunity is investing in the mission. Personal philanthropy goes a long way to support nonprofit organizations that are doing critical work to support our communities. Also, learning about Women Employed’s policy agenda and advocating for key priorities such as pay equity, paid leave, and workforce access is critical to ensuring we don’t turn the clock back on advancements for women in the workforce. Other ways you can support is by amplifying Women Employed’s work through your social networks and, if you’re an employer, commit to equitable compensation practices and support best practices for inclusive workplace strategies.
How are you harnessing your power to support working women?
I harness my power by showing up with intention and accountability. I am clear about my values, I build and sustain strong partnerships, and I leverage my role to collaborate across sectors in an effort to assist programs and initiatives that uplift individuals in the communities we’re proud to serve.
