When Erin Stevenson of Palos Park set out to complete a Half Ironman while living with Multiple Sclerosis, she didn’t just cross a finish line, she discovered the spark for a movement.
Stevenson, founder of The Do Good Movement and the She CAN! Movement, turned her personal journey of perseverance into a platform designed to inspire women to chase their dreams, set meaningful goals, and prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“She CAN! is about helping women believe in themselves, take intentional action, and build a supportive community,” Stevenson said. “Because when She CAN!, we CAN!”
The movement grew out of Stevenson’s personal experiences and professional work with children. Completing her Half Ironman last year became an “aha moment,” she said, showing her how transformative a community of supportive women can be. Professionally, her decade-long experience as a wellness educator, speaker, and community builder, including co-writing a book with her daughter called She CAN!, underscored the importance of supporting women to strengthen families and communities.
“When women and young girls feel supported, seen, and empowered, they are more confident, resilient, and willing to dream big,” Stevenson said. “Community involvement fosters mentorship, connection, and safe spaces where women can prioritize their own well-being.”
The She CAN! Movement hosts a variety of events to connect women with wellness resources and one another. The kickoff event on Jan. 7 at Lake Katherine drew a packed room Wednesday night, with more than 50 women gathering for workshops, community-building activities, and wellness-focused sessions.
Other upcoming events include a Girls Night Out cycle and nutrition workshop Jan. 30, a Galentine’s Day fitness and training session Feb. 13, a nature hike and yoga session Feb. 14, the MVCC Indoor Triathlon March 8, and Mother’s Day and Kayak-a-thon events in May.
Women at all stages are welcome, whether they are beginning to dream again or actively pursuing their biggest goals.
Stevenson said the movement is deeply personal. It represents hope, purpose, and a chance to model perseverance for her children. “Any goal is possible. Any dream can become reality. When women support one another instead of tearing each other down, the possibilities are endless,” she said. “She CAN! becomes WE CAN!, and that is my biggest hope as we step into this new year.”
The initiative is also made possible through partnerships with local sponsors, including Louts 1 Ride Lab, FRESH Laundromat, Lake Katherine Nature Center, 1891 Financial Life, Dominion Designs & Media, LLC, Tone It Studio, Heights Cycle, Rebecca Levy – Skin Clique, Law Office of Ronette McCarthy, and Devine Nutrition.
Stevenson’s message is simple: progress, connection, and support matter more than perfection. “When one woman believes she can, she gives permission for others to believe it too,” she said.
Women and girls interested in joining the movement can visit the She CAN! Movement’s Facebook page.
