Sterling Haukom Anderson is an original co-founder of Women Unite! She also serves on our Board of Directors and as our Director of Training and Development, leading trainings on topics like implicit bias, diversity and inclusion, and how to be an ally.

Sterling has an expansive career that includes managing the office for a film production company and providing direct support to individuals experiencing serious mental illness. In her current role as a Senior Training Specialist for a Chicago-based mental health organization, Sterling facilitates and develops trainings for more than 1,500 staff and external audiences. She has more than four years of experience developing and providing customized trainings and curricula with expertise in Diversity and Inclusion and Professional Development, specifically for women and people of color.

How long have you been involved with Women Unite!?
I’ve been involved since the beginning. I am one of the co-founders of WU! and was on the original text thread that started this organization.

What inspired you to join? 
It was watching how terrified people were after the election and wanting to do something to help. I was lucky enough to have four amazing friends who wanted to do the same thing, and, thankfully, we were all on the same page about how to do so.

What keeps you engaged with the organization? 
I love helping people, it’s what I do. WU! is another way for me to help others across Chicago and provide support to those who need it. 

What’s one thing you hope WU! accomplishes in the upcoming year?
I am still in awe of everything we’ve accomplished already. I would love to see us expand our client list this year. I want to continue to reach out to as many people as possible, because the more people we connect with, the more people we help overall, and that’s what's most important.

What’s an issue you care deeply about?
I am very passionate about mental health care, especially for people with severe mental illness, which is why I went to school for counseling. I am also very passionate about LGBTQIAP+ issues. Being an ally, using my privilege to help boost their cause, listening to their stories, stepping back when I need to listen and learn, stepping up when they need me or ask me to, and educating others as much as I can. Also, walking into spaces where they might not feel safe and fighting for them, in whatever way that means. 

What’s a hobby you have? 
I am a BIG fan of watching TV. 

Favorite part of Chicago summer?
Taking long walks through different neighborhoods. Stopping in a restaurant to try something new and just being outside! Also, hanging out with friends on someone’s porch for a few hours. I don't know why, but it feels so good. 

Fun/random fact you want to share?  
I was in a performance art group called Parker for a couple of years. There were a few of us from college who had done a lot of theater work and we put it together and performed all over the city. It was a lot of fun!