Chicago Chapter

Sisters Unite!

We stand on the shoulders of our national ABWHE founders and those who established the Chicago Chapter of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE). Our aim is to continue their trailblazing work and to build upon it. We celebrate and thank our sisters who serve in various roles, who wear many hats, and who work tirelessly in colleges and universities across the country to promote higher education. Please know that our organization values each member of the higher education community and is committed to helping our youth gain access to postsecondary education.

In Chicago, our aim is to provide our members with support, encouragement and professional development opportunities. We meet quarterly to discuss issues in higher education that affect us as sisters in the academy and issues that affect African/African American students. We also host bi-annual activities including our Spring Writer’s Workshop and an end of the academic year event, “A Gathering and Celebration of You.”

We look forward to you joining the Chicago Chapter of ABWHE as we seek to “Lift As We Climb.”

Chapter Leadership

Patricia A. Johnson, MA

Chicago Chapter President

I have been involved with ABWHE as a member, secretary and now president for thirteen years. I currently use the knowledge and inspiration that I have gained from my ABWHE experiences to inspire our youth and adult learners.

Maureen T. Amos, M.A.

Chicago Chapter Treasurer

Ms. Amos is the steward of financial affairs for the chapter. She is the Executive Director for the Office of Financial Aid, Scholarships and Student Employment at Northeastern Illinois University. She holds leadership roles in various organizations and boards, such as the Illinois Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and she serves as a Commissioner for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Marcia L. Boyd, M.A.

Chicago Chapter Advisor

Mrs. Boyd previously served in the roles of vice president and president of the chapter. Other leadership roles include serving as Registration Chair for the 2019 National Conference. She is the Program Manager for the Department of JROTC for the Chicago Public Schools. She is passionate about educating and mentoring young people and exposing them to new opportunities.

Michelle D. Morrow, Ed.D.

Chapter Advisor

Michelle is the immediate past national board president. Past roles in ABWHE include serving as president and vice-president for the Chicago Chapter, national board secretary, chair of the ABWHE Scholarship Committee, and co-chair of the 2019 ABWHE National Conference Committee.