HARNESS THE POWER DEDICATED TO BUILDING EFFECTIVE, SMART + RESILIENT NONPROFIT LEADERS Myrla Baldonado migrated from the Philippines to the United States looking for better job opportunities. Instead, Myrla experienced discrimination and abuse. Her first job was as a certified nurse’s assistant and caregiver to seniors. In that role, Myrla was physically and mentally abused by her patient’s son and denied overtime pay. When she reported the abuse and wage theft to her employer, they told her she was at fault for making the man upset. Myrla eventually left that job and was hired by Chicago Foundation for Women grantee, Latino Union of Chicago. Today, Myrla tirelessly advocates for domestic worker rights to ensure domestic workers have a better work environment than she had. She demands benefits like minimum wage and overtime pay. Her current focus is fighting to pass a law to mandate meal breaks, paid sick leave, payment for uninterrupted work, and paid days off for domestic workers. In early 2013, Myrla jumped at the chance to join CFW’s Advocacy Academy. Launched in 2012, the Academy trains 20 staff members of CFW’s grantee organizations each year. The Academy gives participants the essential skills required to effectively engage in the public policy debate. Workshops in the Academy include “State and Local Budgeting,” “Messaging,” “Social Media,” and “Coalition Building.” Chicago Foundation for Women is dedicated to building effective, smart and resilient nonprofit leaders. We provide not only grants to community organizations, but we also invest in the professional and personal development of their most promising leaders. And, these investments pay off. The White House recently awarded Myrla with the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) “Champion of Change” Award. She received the award with 14 other AAPI women who are working to create a more equal, safe, and prosperous future for their communities and their country. “I came to America with a dream of living a happy and purposeful life,” said Myrla. “CFW’s Advocacy Academy has given me the confidence I need to live out that dream and help other women live it, too.” MYRLA BALDONADO Myrla is an Advocacy Academy graduate who advocates for domestic work rights. 06