Almost 200 business leaders join Chuhak & Tecson’s Women Helping Women Mix-and-Mingle in support of The Period Collective

On September 24, 2025, almost 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs and strategic partners gathered together at Rivers in Chicago to connect with friends and colleagues old and new and support a wonderful and impactful cause. The occasion was the 22^nd Mix-and-Mingle event for Chuhak & Tecson’s award-winning Women Helping Women program. This groundbreaking initiative has fostered professional empowerment and strengthened bonds among professionals while partnering with nonprofit organizations to provide resources and expand opportunities for women in need throughout Chicagoland.

At this year’s event, Women Helping Women welcomed its latest nonprofit partner, The Period Collective. Grounded in the belief that menstrual equity is a fundamental human right, this Chicago-based 501(c)(3) organization strives to create a world where everyone has access to menstrual products, regardless of their income or living situation. To that end, The Period Collective collects and provides menstrual products to local shelters, transitional housing facilities, schools and food banks. Since its inception, the organization has distributed more than 3.3 million menstrual products to a range of social service organizations. Having access to these essential products allows women and girls to manage monthly stresses with more comfort, ease and security.

The guests who gathered at this year’s Mix-and-Mingle contributed over 500 boxes, bags and individual menstrual products and almost $2,600 in cash donations — all to support deserving women.

Ida Melbye, executive director of The Period Collective, was both thrilled by the success of the event and grateful for the overwhelming support shown by Chuhak & Tecson and those in attendance.

“We are honored that The Period Collective was chosen as this year’s beneficiary,” Melbye says. “Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors and attendees, we will be able to provide essential menstrual products to individuals in need throughout our community. This support ensures that more people can attend school, go to work and participate fully in daily life without interruption or shame. We are grateful to this incredible group of professionals for recognizing the vital role menstrual equity plays in ensuring educational and economic opportunities for all. The Women Helping Women event is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we all come together with purpose.”

Over the past 17 years, Women Helping Women has brought together thousands of local attorneys, business leaders, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and strategic partners at its annual Mix-and-Mingle gathering. Over delicious food and drink (including the bespoke “Don’t Cramp My Style” cocktail created for the event), these accomplished professionals forge bonds, exchange ideas, generate new business and share laughter and conversation, all while bringing hope, assistance and opportunities for women facing an array of personal and economic challenges.

Chuhak & Tecson principal Mallory Moreno, leader of the firm’s Elder Law practice and an active participant in the Women Helping Women program, says it was a privilege to help bring more resources and awareness to The Period Collective and its important work.

“Being part of an event where women come together not only to elevate each other but also to uplift those in need is nothing short of inspiring,” Moreno says. “Our partnership with The Period Collective underscores the immense power we hold when strong and driven individuals join forces to address challenges that affect women across the globe. Menstrual poverty is an issue that many face in silence, but by empowering ourselves to help women, we are breaking that silence and making a tangible difference.”

Attendees echoed Moreno’s ecstatic feelings about the Mix-and-Mingle event and took similar joy in the opportunity to connect and give back to the community:

• “I just wanted to tell you what a fun, wonderful evening I had tonight at the Women Helping Women event!! The turnout was wonderful, the cause was special and important and so many people, me included, stayed past the end of the event to continue talking and connecting.”
• “I’m so grateful you extended an invitation to join the Women Helping Women event last night! It was energizing to say the least. My type of night!”
• “The charity supported last night – The Period Collective – is quite apropos for Women Helping Women.”
• “It was particularly great to connect with new friends. I very much appreciate your intentional introductions.”
• “It looks like your partnership with The Period Collective was a success, and I can’t wait to see the impact you make in 2026!”
• “Such a great event. Thanks also for making all those connections!”

• “Thank you so much for inviting us and for hosting tonight. It was a great evening! We had such a wonderful time, and The Period Collective is a fantastic cause.”
• “What a beautiful evening of connection and giving back. I truly enjoyed every part of the event and the wonderful conversations I had. Thank you so much for inviting me!”

For its creative, integrated approach to professional growth and community service, Women Helping Women was previously honored with an IDEA award from the Association of Legal Administrators, which recognizes new practices that deliver great value and transformational impact through innovative achievement.

To learn more about Women Helping Women, or to suggest a nonprofit partner for upcoming events, contact Sydney Iglitzen, Manager of Marketing & Communications, at 312.201.3437 or siglitzen@chuhak.com.