Wilma Stevens (1948-)

Wilma Theodoro Stevens was born in Maryland and came to Chicago in 1972 to work as a book designer for World Book Publishing, where she continued to be employed until 2003. Shortly after arriving in the city she joined Chicago NOW, focusing on employment issues and participating in its task force on employment agency abuses. She was vice president of Chicago NOW from 1973 – 75, and president from 1975 – 1976. In 1977 she became president of Illinois NOW. She was a founding member of Women Employed, serving as spokesperson for several of its first public actions. In the late 1970s, she joined the board of the Loop Center YWCA, becoming its first chair in 1978. In 1984, Stevens returned to Chicago NOW as chapter secretary. A graphic designer, she used her skills to create buttons, posters and demo props for the women’s movement, including a seven-foot model of the Sears Tower used for a shareholder action. In 2004, she was elected board president of Woman made Gallery in Chicago, a nonprofit dedicated to exhibiting and encouraging women’s art. Since 2005 she has been active in the Veteran Feminists of America organization.