Equal Hope

Intern Spotlight: Emily Kidd 💫

We're excited to introduce another summer intern! As a Master of Public Health student at UIC School of Public Health, Emily is passionate about advancing health equity and expanding access to care. Read more about her in her own words!

What are you studying and where?
I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Administration at UIC School of Public Health.

What year are you in your program?
I am going into my second year of the MPH program!

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mill Creek, Washington, which is just north of Seattle.

What drew you to Equal Hope?
I was drawn to Equal Hope because of its strong commitment to health equity and the opportunity to gain experience within a community-based organization. I was especially interested in learning more about how Equal Hope advances equal access to health care and how it incorporates research and advocacy efforts.

What are you excited to learn or strengthen during your internship?
During my internship, I am helping to develop a new reproductive health education program. I'm excited to strengthen my program planning skills and learn more about creating and implementing evaluation plans. It has also been incredibly valuable to connect with team members and learn how Equal Hope is making a positive impact in the community!

What’s your current obsession (e.g., show, food, hobby)?
Lately, I have been obsessed with listening to The Sundays!

Fun fact about yourself.
A fun fact about me is that I have a black cat named Bruce.

Kick off the week with pizza that supports a mission! Use code EQUALHOPE when you order from Papa Johns Greater Chicagoland and enjoy knowing your meal is doing good across Chicago. 🍕🙌

Swipe for participating locations.

Honoring the many ways fatherhood shapes lives and families: in big moments, small moments, and everything in between.

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, and a reminder that freedom includes the right to safe, fair, and accessible healthcare. Health equity is still unfinished work, and Equal Hope is committed to closing the gaps that continue to impact Black communities today.

Everyone deserves care that honors their history, their dignity, and their future. ✨

Pride is about more than celebration: It’s about creating spaces where everyone feels safe getting the care they deserve. When healthcare is inclusive, people show up earlier, get screened on time, and feel seen in the process. That’s health equity in action.

At Equal Hope, we believe care should feel welcoming, affirming, and accessible for every body. When people feel safe, they seek care, and that saves lives.

Learn more at equalhope.org. 🌈

Men’s Health Month is a good reminder that breast cancer isn’t only a women’s issue. Men aren’t routinely screened for it, so paying attention to changes in your chest is really important. Most men don’t expect symptoms, but the first sign is often a lump that feels like a hard knot, and other changes can show up also.

If you notice any of these, it’s worth getting checked by a doctor:
✔️ Breast lump
✔️ Ni**le discharge (even a little, even bloody)
✔️ Ni**le turning inward
✔️ Open sores on the breast

Equal Hope also assists men with getting screened! Call us today to learn more. ☎️(312) 942-3368

Every day, our partners are pushing boundaries, reimagining what’s possible, and building healthier, stronger, more equitable communities. From expanding access to care, to driving sustainability, to reducing health disparities, to transforming global health.

Swipe through to learn how they’re making an impact today and shaping a better tomorrow for all of us!

Exact Sciences
Genentech
GGP
Eli Lilly and Company
Rush University Medical Center

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth with Teamwork Englewood! ✨

Enjoy a day of community, culture, and connection at their Juneteenth Community Celebration & Resource Fair.

📍 63rd & Halsted
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Enjoy FREE food, games, raffles, fitness activities, wellness resources, job opportunities, giveaways, and family-friendly fun. Plus, share your voice and help shape Englewood’s future through our community planning efforts.

Come celebrate freedom, connect with neighbors, and be part of building what's next for Englewood. ❤️🖤💚

Intern Spotlight: Sophie Mbongo 💫

Advocacy‑minded, proud two‑time rainforest traveler 🌳, and currently strengthening her skills at Equal Hope to support Chicago communities. We’re lucky to have her.

Read more about her in her own words!

What are you studying and where?
I am an MPH candidate at UIC, within the division of Maternal Child Health (Community Health) and earning a certificate in Global Health.

What year are you in your program?
This fall semester, I will begin my second and final year of the MPH program.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in West Lafayette, Indiana, right by Purdue University.

What drew you to Equal Hope?
I was drawn to Equal Hope because I wanted an internship that combined direct advocacy with research in a way that truly benefited local Chicago communities.

What are you excited to learn or strengthen during your internship?
I am excited to learn the skill of patient navigation because I did not know of it prior.
Through this I will strengthen my logistical and interpersonal skills.

What’s your current obsession (e.g., show, food, hobby)?
My friend showed me "Summer House" and now it's all I watch. I started with Season 5 and am now on Season 7.

Fun fact about yourself.
I have been to two different rainforest regions (Central Africa and Brazil).