Meet the WU! Crew

Cassie Tompkins

Design Director
she/her/hers

Where do you work?
I’m a freelance graphic designer and artist. I’ve designed for non-profits—including the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois Humanities, and now WU!—for over 10 years.

In my art practice I am currently working with fibers, found objects, and clay. I create abstract landscapes that explore color relationships, humor, and haptic urges.

I also have a line of textiles, called the Over All. Current offerings are hand dyed apparel and ceramics.

How long have you been involved with Women Unite!?
I began collaborating with WU! in 2021 after meeting Lifetime Member, Darcie Young Tashey, through a client. As a graphic designer, I’ve created print and digital assets for almost all of our clients and am currently working on updating this very website.

What do you like most about Women Unite!?
A women-operated nonprofit that partners with other nonprofits and offers services to them for free—what’s not to love? Aside from feeling great about the work I’m doing, I love the flexible schedule and camaraderie of working with like-minded people.

What’s an issue you care deeply about?
Environmental Justice. This movement addresses a statistical fact: people who live, work and play in America’s most polluted environments are commonly people of color and the poor. I grew up down the street from one of the country’s largest steel mills and witnessed first-hand the devastating effects industrial pollution can have on marginalized communities.

What’s a hobby you have?
I have too many hobbies, lol. I love cooking, reading, and my current favorite—ceramics. I’ve been exploring slip casting for the past few years, making both functional and non-functional art objects.

What gives you hope?
Women who empower other women.

Fun/random fact you want to share?
I’m addicted to learning, so much so that I hold two BFA’s and am currently pursuing my MFA in Visual Arts and the Pacific Northwest College of Art.

What’s one of your favorite local Chicago businesses?
The Eco Flamingo, Chicago’s first zero waste general store. There are so many things to like about this Lincoln Square shop—it’s women-owned, prioritizes plastic and package-free goods, and implements fair labor practices. Some of my favorite products are the No Tox Life deodorant bars, soaps by Soap Distillery, and Lena Rose Body Butters.