Tag: Staff

Women United Spotlight: Frances Simons

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Frances Simons 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?

2016

What is your professional background?

I spent the first 11 years of my career in community banking; last as SVP of Retail Banking Administration for a bank in Lincolnshire, where I spent 10 years. In 1997, I left community banking to utilize my skill set in a different role, serving the banking industry as a Strategic Relationship Manager in the data processing/financial solution outsourcing business. Almost six years ago, after returning to work following four years at home with my daughter when she was a toddler, I totally changed careers and became a Realtor with Baird & Warner at our Libertyville office. Most recently, over the past year, I was offered and accepted an exciting position as Managing Broker for our new Lake Zurich office.

What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?

I was introduced to Judy Kotsiopoulous, a fellow Women United member, through a friend at church and, through knowing Judy, was introduced to Women United. After attending Power of the Purse, Women United’s annual signature fundraising event, and a Wine & Learn I was really impressed by the hearts of and synergy among the women I met.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

It’s interesting…prior to understanding the mission of Women United, I honestly don’t know that I thought about it very much. I guess growing up in a middle class suburban family with college educated parents and through my own educational journey and that of my daughter, I just took early childhood education for granted…access to it, preparedness for it, etc. Through Women United, my eyes were opened to the challenges within our broader community and my heart expanded. Children are brought into this world and they are so helpless. They don’t get to choose the economic, familial or geographic circumstances that they are born into. All children deserve to have champions advocating for them…giving them a voice and access. We at Women United can do that for them…we must do that for them.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

I’ve previously mentioned the synergy of the women, but the diversity is also refreshing. There are career women, retired women, stay-at-home moms, women of all races, etc. And when all of these women come together, what we are able to do is powerful. Every woman can play a role that is comfortable for them during any given season of their lives, whether that season is providing for them to make solely a monetary contribution, or a contribution of volunteering time or participation on one of our committees; there’s something for everyone and everyone’s role, whatever they choose it to be, is relevant and impactful.

What does Women United mean to you?

It means community, it means purpose, it means friendships. It means helping to create an opportunity for a meaningful future for the littlest in our communities.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

I would say, jump in! Our members truly have servant’s hearts and all members feel valued. This organization has no pretenses and best of all our “no guilt” culture provides for all women to contribute when and how they are best able at any given season of their lives. I invite you to give me a call. I’d be glad to have you be my guest at an upcoming Wine & Learn (Note: see below for more info.)

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on May 9, 2019 from 6-7:30 PM in Lake Forest at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Janice Scarbalis at janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org. View this event on Facebook here.

Learn more about Women United here.

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Women United Spotlight: Deb Waszak

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Deb Waszak 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?

2016

What is your professional background?

I’ve spent my professional life working in government or consulting for government. Currently, I work in municipal management for the City of North Chicago.

What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?

Women United is an impressive and purposeful group of dedicated women making a positive difference in the community. The commitment to early childhood education in our distressed communities and their results in those communities, including the City of North Chicago, is what inspired me to be a part of the group.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

Research has shown that children taught at an early age benefit in many ways because substantial brain development happens during the early years. This can have a profound positive impact on the child and community. Attention and investment in early childhood education, especially in disadvantaged communities, can put children on a path of lifelong learning and success.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

The flexibility of Women United is wonderful. Women can participate according to their schedules, preferences and interests. That’s why it’s easy to be a part of this group year after year.

What does Women United mean to you?

It’s a group of game-changing women from diverse backgrounds united for a common cause.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

Join!
(Note: see below to learn more about Women United’s next informational meeting.)

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on May 9, 2019 from 6-7:30 PM in Lake Forest at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Janice Scarbalis at janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about Women United here.

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Women United Spotlight: Tami Pilot-Matias

Welcome to Women United’s Member Spotlight series. This week, join us in learning more about Tami Pilot-Matias 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 retired in September 2018 after a 35 year career at Abbott/AbbVie as a research scientist and director of a research group.

What originally inspired you to be a part of Women United?

I have been a long-time contributor to United Way of Lake County, as I believe it is important to support my local community. I am particularly interested in Women United’s focus on early childhood education, and now that I have retired and have more free time it seemed like the time was right.

What does early childhood education mean to you?

My mother spent her career in early childhood education, first as a kindergarten teacher and later as a teacher and administrator at the community college level, training future teachers and child care providers. I learned from her how important it is to reach vulnerable children as early as possible.

What has surprised you most about being involved in Women United?

The unselfish passion and commitment that these women bring to the table.

What does Women United mean to you?

 I have only recently joined, but I look forward to the opportunity to make connections with like-minded women who want to make a meaningful difference in our community.

What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming a member of Women United?

Come to a meeting and meet some of the members – you will find them to be friendly, welcoming, and committed to doing good things.

(Note: see below to learn more about Women United’s next informational meeting.)

Women United has periodic informational meetings, called Wine & Learns. The next Wine & Learn is on January 31, 2019 from 6-7:30 PM in Libertyville at a member’s home. Interested? Contact Janice Scarbalis at janice.scarbalis@uwlakeco.org.

Learn more about Women United here.

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