Women United Spotlight: Erin Cartwright Weinstein
Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Erin Cartwright Weinstein and her connection to Women United. If you would like to learn more about Women United and the work they do, click here.
What year did you join Women United?
2018
What is your professional background?
I was an Assistant State’s Attorney in Lake County from 2000-2004. I opened The Law Office of Erin E. Cartwright from 2004 through 2005, practicing criminal defense, and began practicing family law. I worked for Chausow Shafer, PC in Highland Park, IL, from 2005 to 2008 as an Associate. I practiced in the areas of family law, orders of protection, traffic and ordinance violations, minor guardianships in probate. In 2009, I returned to my sole practice, the Law Office of Erin E. Cartwright until December 1, 2016. On December 1, 2016, I was sworn in as the new elected Circuit Court Clerk in Lake County, IL.
What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?
I was inspired by the connection with the local schools, and the desire to assist young children become better educated. My parents are both teachers, and I grew up in a family that considered the educational community a priority, always volunteering.
What does early childhood education mean to you?
My brother grew up learning disabled. He had a rare condition in which his eye muscle strength was weak, making it impossible for him to learn to read. He was continually diagnosed with dyslexia until a physician from the University of Michigan was able to properly diagnose his issue and he was able to receive the proper treatment. He worked hard, caught up, and now he is an Administrative Law Judge in the State of Michigan.
I watched him struggle, worked with him, and saw him change his own life through hard work and dedication. Not all families have the resources to assist a child in need, and this organization helps fill in this role.
What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?
The strength of the organization. Everyone works as a team, and works hard to meet their goals. It is impressive.
What does Women United mean to you?
Being able to step into a role that helps children, like my brother, who do not have the same access to educational assistance. An education changes the world for a child.
What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?
This is an organization that allows you to share your education and experiences with children. It makes a huge difference in this child’s life, and gives you and opportunity to share your gifts.
Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on December 5, 2018 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Diana Nielander at diana.nielander@uwlakeco.org.
Learn more about Women United here.
