Women United Spotlight: Karen Stoneman
Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Karen Stoneman 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?
2015
What is your professional background?
I am currently the Vice President of Human Resources for Sysmex America Inc. based in Lincolnshire. We are the US headquarters for Sysmex Corporation, a global clinical diagnostics company based in Kobe, Japan.
What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?
I joined to be able to give back personally, and through my company as a Sponsor, to a local organization of like-minded women that are united in supporting children across Lake County.
What does early childhood education mean to you?
A number of my family members and extended family members are involved in education — from working with the very young, to college-aged students. I’ve seen first-hand the impact that educators can have in the lives of children and youth and how important it is to support programs that help educators do just that. Through Women United, we are able to support children that are most vulnerable in Lake County and help give them a strong early start.
What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?
Every year, the women that are involved in Women United come together and continue to raise significantly more money that immediately goes in to proven, local programs, such as United Way’s Success By 6 program and Kindergarten Countdown Camps across Lake County.
What does Women United mean to you?
It means women being united in making an impact in their local communities.
What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?
Join! It is a great organization that has fun while making a difference to the children of Lake County. Whatever level of commitment you can bring to the organization is supported and appreciated.
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.
