Our Story
Bridging Gaps, Building Hope
Sisters Working It Out (SWIO) is a women’s health and advocacy nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Since 2001, SWIO has been committed to improving health outcomes in medically underserved communities by expanding access to care, education, and supportive services that promote overall well-being.
Founded by Dr. Monica Peek, an internal medicine physician at the University of Chicago, SWIO began as a response to alarming disparities in breast cancer outcomes across Chicago. Since then, SWIO has worked to address key barriers to quality care—such as limited access to screenings, gaps in health information, and a lack of trust between patients and the healthcare system.
While the organization’s roots are in breast health advocacy, SWIO has expanded its scope to tackle a wide range of public health concerns, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health, and access to preventive services. Through trusted community partnerships, SWIO offers a range of programs including free health screenings, educational workshops, cancer survivor support groups, and transportation services for medical appointments.
Our Mission
To improve health outcomes in medically underserved communities by expanding pathways to care, education, and supportive services that promote overall well-being. We are committed to helping communities live healthier, longer lives through trusted guidance and locally driven solutions.
Our Vision
A world where all communities can flourish—living healthier lives and creating a ripple effect of wellness and strength for future generations.
Our Founder
Dr. Monica E. Peek
Dr. Monica Peek is the Ellen H. Block Professor of Health Justice at the University of Chicago, where she leads groundbreaking work at the intersection of medicine, ethics, and equity. As the Executive Medical Director of Community Health Innovation and Director of Research at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, Dr. Peek focuses her research on doctor-patient relationships, addressing structural determinants of health, and integrating social needs into medical care.
She is a nationally recognized advocate for health equity and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Crain’s Chicago Business "Top 40 under 40" and ranked among the city’s top female physicians. Her work has been featured by TIME, NPR, CNN, CBS, The Chicago Tribune, and more.
Beulah Brent,
CEO
Beulah Brent is undoubtedly one of the most passionate, hardworking, and results-driven professionals in the Chicagoland medical community today. As the thirteenth child in a family of sixteen, caring and nurturing come naturally and have fueled both her passion and her career of serving others. Beulah earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Chicago State University and is currently working towards her master’s degree in management.
Beulah began her professional career at John H. Stroger, Jr. (formerly Cook County Hospital) as a clerk in the Medical Records Department. During her tenure at Stroger Hospital, she received several promotions into various managerial positions. One of those positions was as a manager in Stroger’s radiology department. This soon led to her accepting a position as manager of the Access Community Healthcare Boulevard Center location. Beulah’s professional progression in healthcare management fueled her passion and desire to become more intricately involved in breast health and breast cancer awareness, as well as community health. This also prompted her to become more involved in building relationships with medical organizations that provided multiple healthcare benefits to the residents of underserved communities around Chicago.
Board Members
Maria J. Perez
A public health advocate with deep experience in cancer prevention and outreach, currently coordinating statewide access to screenings through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
Imani R. Lewis,
MHA, MPH, PCMH CCE
A healthcare strategist and educator with a passion for health equity, bringing decades of leadership across managed care, public health policy, and mentorship to SWIO’s board.
Marcus L. Howard, PhD
Dr. Howard is a visionary speaker, counselor, and founder of multiple faith-based leadership institutions, committed to empowering individuals and transforming communities through bold and relevant action.
Loretta Henderson, BCC
Loretta Henderson is a certified faith-based counselor and passionate intercessor, devoted to promoting healing, prayer, and holistic well-being across communities.
Nada Bowie
A healthcare operations leader with 20+ years of experience advancing access and quality in FQHCs and safety-net systems. She specializes in strategy, team growth, and innovation, and serves as President-Elect of NAHSE’s Chicago Midwest Chapter.
