1. February 12, 2016
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to submit this letter of recommendation for the Project Coordinator, Domestic Violence position at
Joliet Junior College on behalf of Abigail Kemph. Abigail worked with me for two years in two different
capacities—first, as a volunteer member of Student Advocates for Success (SAS), and second, as an intern with
our Summer Leadership Program.
What really stands out about Abigail is her passion and compassion. She was so committed to both school and
activism that she once studied the entire trip to and from Springfield rather than choose one activity over the
other. She stood in front of 1,000 business leaders, policymakers, and other advocates to tell her story and urge
them to make a difference. She is absolutely dedicated to making a difference and standing for what is right.
Abigail first connected with Women Employed through SAS, an organizing project that seeks to mobilize
students to advocate on their own behalf for financial aid and education funding. Abigail was a student at Joliet
Junior College who was passionate about access to education, for herself and others, having been forced to drop
out of college for financial reasons. Through SAS, she wrote letters to policymakers, shared her own story about
returning to school as an adult, mobilized others on campus to campaign for additional and equitable financial
aid, and volunteered to attend an advocacy day to Springfield even though it was during finals and she had to
study during the entire trip. With advocacy from Abigail and the students she helped mobilize, Illinois raised the
funding for the Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant by $33.5 million.
After getting to know Abigail through SAS, it was an easy decision to accept her to into our Summer Leadership
Program. Abigail worked alongside six other interns, charged with carrying out projects as a team, ranging from
research to working at a statewide conference to a final presentation to staff. She juggled multiple projects, a
transition to a four-year college, and a pregnancy while interning at Women Employed. Her work was exemplary
and helped us better serve students and women in Illinois. And, the following year, Abigail was the first person
we thought of when it came time to ask someone to speak at The Working Lunch, our annual fundraiser, about
the difference that education has made in her life. She delivered a passionate speech for students and others like
her, sharing her personal story with those in attendance.
I am proud to have known and worked with Abigail and strongly recommend her for this position.
Please contact me at (312) 782-3902 ext. 231 or slabadie@womenemployed.org with questions or for more
information.
Sincerely,
Sarah K. Labadie
Senior Policy Associate