CFW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Communications Committee Chair
Alicia C.L. Bailey (Communications) joins the Board after being engaged with CFW's Anti-Racism Transformation Team and as an inaugural member of The South Side Giving Circle (SSGC). She brings over 20 years of content, brand marketing, and communications experience through her professional roles. Beginning her career at "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (TOWS), Alicia often refers to that experience as "bootcamp for life," with each show serving as a lesson rooted in seeing the humanity in others, the joy in giving back, and the importance of striving to live your best life. Her 11-year journey producing content for TOWS laid the foundation for the kind of leader she strives to be, advocating for others and empowering women. Since then, Alicia has gone on to become the Creative Director for two Emmy-winning shows and now serves as Head of Production at the National Association of REALTORS®, the world's largest trade association. There she oversees both video content development and LIVE event production while using her influence to lead change in the real estate industry, advance Fair Housing, and ensure equity for Black homeowners so that they, too, can grow generational wealth. (Elected 2021/22)
Job Titles:
- Program Chair
- Programs Committee Chair
Angela L. Putnam (Program Chair) is currently the Chief Accounting Officer and is responsible for overseeing nearly 40 professionals in the accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, and investor relations area at First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., a $21 billion SEC registrant that serves communities throughout the metropolitan Chicago area, southeast Wisconsin, northwest Indiana, central and western Illinois, and eastern Iowa. Previously, Angela was a Director in the Financial Institutions Group of RSM's Great Lakes practice. Angela was responsible for providing and managing various audit and risk management services, including internal audit, FDICIA examinations, Sarbanes- Oxley implementation and attestation, SEC financial reporting, and financial statement audit services. (Elected 2021/22)
Anita Mital has been working with Northwestern Mutual since December 2009 and representing them since 2010. Her expertise is focused in life insurance planning, business succession planning, financial planning, retirement planning, special needs planning, estate planning, investment strategies, long term care planning, disability income planning, education Funding employee and executive benefits planning. Anita graduated from Baroda University with a Master of Science degree. As a member of the Indian American Medical Association, she currently chairs the Auxiliary committee, which fundraises for the Charitable Clinic on Peterson Avenue. Anita recently joined the Willowbrook and Burr Ridge Chamber of Commerce where she enjoys meeting the proud professionals who reside in that community. She looks forward to serving there in the future years. She finds interacting with children very rewarding as she teaches Ramayana at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago for the Sunday School. (Elected 2019/20)
Ann Marie Wright (Immediate Past Chair) is currently the U.S. Chief Auditor for BMO Financial Group. In this role, she is responsible for leading a team of audit professionals, identifying insights into the current, emerging, and potential issues, trends, and opportunities that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of control processes. She provides audit advice and counsel to the CEO of BMO Financial Corp and the Board of Directors, driving positive change across the U.S. organization. In this role, she liaises extensively with external regulators, ensuring the audit organization meets increasing regulatory expectations. Most recently, Ann Marie was Chief Operating Officer for the North American Commercial Bank. She began her career at BMO Financial Group over 15 years ago and has held numerousin Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master's in Management degree specializing in Finance and Management Strategy from Northwestern University. She also holds the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) designation. Ann Marie has also received the following awards: Chicago United Business Leader of Color (November 2017), Most Influential Women in Commercial Banking (Crain's Chicago Business, November 2017), and Top 100 Executives under 50 Award (Diversity Magazine, July 2016). Ann Marie is a Board Member of Children Home & Aid Society of Illinois and Chicago Foundation for Women. (Elected 2017/18)
Job Titles:
- Manager of Database and Development
Job Titles:
- Program Officer, Women 's Leadership Development
Job Titles:
- Partner at Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP
Deborah B. Cole is a Partner at Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP. She serves individuals, families, business owners and entrepreneurs with thoughtful counsel and attention to their evolving needs. From initial estate planning discussions, to adjusting plans to reflect life changes, to handling probate cases, Deborah is engaged for a range of matters often including real estate, business formation, and succession planning issues. Most recently, Deborah has broadened her practice to provide mediation services. She now helps resolve complex situations that arise in guardianship situations and in estate and trust administration matters and other situations, in a manner that empowers all parties to participate. Deborah is the author of "The Estate Planner's Checklist," first published by the Illinois State Bar Association Trust and Estates newsletter and then reprinted in other publications. She is also a contributing author of Your Life, Your Legacy: The Fundamentals of Effective Estate Planning. Active in both professional circles and community organizations, Deborah is involved with the Black Women Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago, the Chicago Estate Planning Council, the Board of Directors of the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, the Center for Conflict Resolution, the Cook County Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the professional advisory board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Chicago Magazine has recognized Deborah as one of Chicago's top estate planning attorneys and wealth advisors for over five years. (Elected 2019/20)
Emily Lonigro, President & Founder / LimeRed. Activist, small business owner, entrepreneur, teacher, mother, partner, writer, speaker, and gardener. Emily has founded many organizations and companies over the last two decades. Currently, she runs two companies: LimeRed, a social impact- branding agency and Even Made, teaching home construction skills "for everyone else." Founded in 2004, LimeRed is an award-winning social impact branding agency with international-scope clients. At Even Made, she develops workshops and training programs to teach home improvement skills to people traditionally left out of that learning. Even Made encourages people to try out the trades and to build confidence and generational wealth through home improvement. She is the Business Leadership Chair for We The Change, a group of international women CEOs of corporations. She is also the fundraising chair of her school's PTA.
She previously served on the board of Free Street Theater, We Will, and previously taught in the media department at Columbia College. (Elected 2023/24)
Job Titles:
- Regional Banking Director of Private Banking for PNC 's West
Erica Duncan serves as Regional Banking Director of Private Banking for PNC's West region. Erica is responsible for driving private banking across 17 markets for PNC Wealth Management. In this role, Erica and her teams are focused on delivering an exceptional client experience and providing clients liquidity management solutions through the private bank. Erica joined PNC
Job Titles:
- Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Fraya Lynn Hirschberg, Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). With more than 25 years in consulting, Fraya Lynn Hirschberg boasts a seasoned background accentuated by her pivotal roles at renowned firms. She has garnered extensive expertise in operational enhancement, strategic planning, procurement optimization, business process re-engineering, and adept project management. Having served as Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) since 2011, she has been the driving force behind augmenting efficiency and financial performance. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Fraya's commitment extends to her roles on the Governance and Board Development Committee at Girls on the Run Chicago and as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation. (Elected 2023/24)
Georgina Heard (Advocacy Committee Chair) as a strategic planning manager for the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT), Office of Intermodal Project implementation, works closely with top rail industry executives; civic leaders; and elected government and public transportation officials to advocate for large scale transportation improvement projects that safely move people and product through and around Illinois. Born and raised on Chicago's south side, and a product of the Chicago Public Schools, Georgina is a former school psychologist and clinical therapist, earning a master's degree in clinical psychology from DePaul University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Bradley University. Georgina also completed post-graduate studies at the Institute of Family Therapy in Chevy Chase, MD, under the tutelage of the renowned Jay Haley. Georgina remains quite active in Illinois' civic community. She has served on numerous boards, including the Chicago Workforce Board, where she was appointed by Mayor Daley, Literacy Chicago, and Heartland Alliance. Presently, she is vice chair, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Committee of the board of trustees of Bradley University. She also serves on the board of The DIVA Foundation, and Youth Guidance, whose school-based "B.A.M." counseling programs helped spearhead President Obama's "My Brother's Keeper" national initiative. In 2014, she was appointed by Secretary Anthony Foxx to the US Department of Transportation's Transit Rail Advisory Committee on Safety (TRACS). She is a proud member of the Links, Incorporated, an international service organization. (Elected 2016/17)
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
- Audit Chair
- Partner, Litigation at Skadden
Gretchen Wolf (Audit Chair) is a Partner, Litigation at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. She represents a wide variety of clients in complex regulatory investigations, enforcement matters and civil litigation. She has extensive experience managing multijurisdictional and cross-border matters with investigation and litigation components and regularly assists clients in navigating related discovery issues. Ms. Wolf has represented corporations and individuals in many regulatory and government enforcement investigation matters, including enforcement matters before the SEC, CFTC the DOJ and state Attorneys General. She has assisted boards and audit committees in conducting internal investigations of potential accounting irregularities, improper business practices and corporate governance issues. Ms. Wolf has represented companies and their officers and directors in a variety of litigation, including case-involving issues of complex accounting, securities, consumer fraud, corporate transactions, product liability and other commercial matters. Ms. Wolf currently serves on the firm's Electronic Discovery Committee and has assisted in developing manuals and training presentations regarding electronic discovery best practices. She also participates in the firm's annual training program for new associates. Ms. Wolf has represented pro bono clients in a variety of immigration matters. She also serves on the board of directors for the National Immigrant Justice Center. (Elected 2017/18)
Job Titles:
- Manager of Special Events
Job Titles:
- Special Events and Marketing Associate
Jessica Sohl (Chair) is a partner and president of HC Tech and oversees the firm's global operations. Previously, Sohl worked as regulatory counsel for Jump Trading and as assistant general counsel for the Illinois Comptroller. She holds a juris doctor from Loyola University School of Law, and a bachelor's in politics, philosophy, and economics from Gordon College. She is involved with the Chicago Foundation for Women and Brave Initiatives. (Elected 2019/20)
Job Titles:
- Director of Chicago African Americans
Jessyca Dudley serves as the Director of Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy and is also an Associate Director at Arabella Advisors. In these roles she supports foundations and nonprofits committed to dismantling racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression develop strategies that enhance the impact of their efforts. Prior to joining Arabella, Jessyca worked at the Joyce Foundation, where she developed grant-making and advocacy strategies to reduce gun deaths and injury in the United States. In this role, she directed the program's effort to address and reduce racial disparities by developing staff and grantee capacity to advance racial equity. Jessyca also held positions with the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the University of Chicago. With these organizations, she has developed and implemented community-based prevention and outreach programs and conducted clinical and social science research to improve the health of communities in Chicago. Jessyca holds an MPH in maternal and child health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a BA in women's studies from Skidmore College.
Job Titles:
- Communications Committee Co - Chair
Jill Lyons (Communications, Vice Chair) currently leads as EVP, Delivery at Hawkeye Agency, where she leads project management, operations, and the activation practices of media, production, enterprise technology, change communications, and experiential. Prior to joining Hawkeye, Jill was head of creative agency operations for Allstate, where she brought order, structure, and strategy to the creative process across production, creative and user experience (UX) teams. Before Allstate, Jill led as VP of business operations and production at the Epsilon Agency, where she merged data-driven insights with compelling creative for all clients across all mediums; managed a global team of producers, editors, animators, and designers; and led new business operations. For a decade, Jill was part of the legendary team at Harpo Studios, where she wrote and produced dynamic on and off- air promos and integrated marketing and branded entertainment content for OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Dr. Oz Show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Jill's a futurist and a thought leader, who routinely speaks on DEI, organizational design & change management, creativity, productivity, and work-life integration. In 2017 she was named to AdWeek's "Young Influentials" list. Jill also writes and produces comedy for the stage and screen and has been featured on secondcitynetwork.com, Second City's e.t.c. Stage, Donny's Skybox, and Stage 773. She's a mom, a yogi and a lover of a growth mindset. (Elected 2022/23)
Joan Bacon has been a CFW supporter for more than a decade. She serves on the Program Committee and previously served on the former Grantmaking subcommittee. Joan is also a member of the North Shore Giving Circle and leads its Grantmaking subcommittee. In her former career, Joan spent 15 years in marketing communications and advertising for book and magazine publishers and a media information company. Raised in Evanston, Joan holds a B.A. in English from Lawrence University. Joan has served in volunteer/board positions for a number of non-profit organizations and has a longstanding interest in social justice issues. Currently, she volunteers for A Just Harvest and Family Promise, organizations that address food and housing insecurity. Joan and her husband Rob live in Northfield and have four children. (Elected 2018/19)
Keenya Lambert is a Chicago native with 20 years of successful nonprofit experience in fundraising, advocacy, direct service, and executive leadership. She has dedicated her career to funding movements that drive access to justice and opportunity. Most recently, she served as the Chief Development Officer for Nourishing Hope since 2022. During her tenure, the development team raised $7.7 million, earned the inaugural Northern Trust Anchor Award of $1 million, and managed over 6,700 volunteers to provide over four million meals a year to any person experiencing hunger in the city of Chicago. The Northern Trust Anchor Award supercharges Nourishing Hope's plans to grow partnerships with trusted organizations on the South and West Sides of Chicago in communities that have long endured racial inequities. Prior to serving at Nourishing Hope, Keenya led the development operations for the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. She successfully completed a multi-million-dollar campaign spearheaded by the Shriver family to build a new pipeline of funding supporting both new and ongoing efforts to fight poverty. For nearly a decade at the organization, she built a robust individual giving program, funded state and federal advocacy campaigns, and engaged national public leaders and celebrities as ambassadors of economic and racial justice. At Shriver, her leadership accelerated the work of attorneys advancing laws and policies that promoted economic mobility, racial justice, equitable housing, and access to quality healthcare. Lambert has long been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion in fundraising and philanthropy, mentoring and supporting professionals of color in their growth and success in these fields. Earlier in her career, she held various positions with The Chicago Urban League, KIPP Chicago, Arts Alliance Illinois, and Street-level Youth Media. Keenya earned a master's in arts management from Columbia College Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College. Currently, she volunteers as a member of CFW's South Side Giving Circle and enjoys spending time with her family.
Lauren Densham is responsible for leading Energize Ventures' ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and impact initiatives, supporting the firm and its portfolio companies with ESG strategy development, execution and reporting. She is responsible for Energize's diversity & inclusion strategy and maintaining relationships with community partners in the Chicago venture capital and philanthropic ecosystems. Her prior work experiences include:
Having 13+ years in Strategy and ESG consulting at KPMG, working across the private, public and non-profit sectors-Supported public sector agencies and non-profits with strategy development and organizational effectiveness. In addition, she worked in the Global Strategy office of KMPGInternational, supporting the Global Chairman in setting strategy for its network of professional services
firms with a focus on corporate citizenship, and she developed thought leadership with the UN Global Compact and World Business Council. Her accomplishments include being on the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, being an emerging Leader class of 2021; and World Business Chicago Fellow -2018. Her volunteer activities are being Partner at Social Venture Partners: SVP supports capacity building at innovative non-profits in Chicago through donation of partner time, expertise and funds-Currently serving as the Lead Partner for the Westside Justice Center; Food delivery volunteer at Lakeview pantry; past pro bono strategy work with LIFT Chicago and Taproot. Lauren received a BBA focused on Accounting and International Business from the University of Wisconsin Madison, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 2008, and a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) in ESG Investing since 2022. (Elected 2022/23)
Job Titles:
- Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers ( PwC ) Naila Alexander
Naila Alexander, Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Naila Alexander is a trailblazing female leader and a vital voice within the BIPOC community, driven by a profound commitment to effecting change in underserved areas. Having conquered traditionally male-dominated industries while often being the sole woman and person of color in the room, Naila attributes her success to her supportive network. Now, as a board member of Chicago Foundation for Women, she channels her gratitude into action, providing essential support for women and women of color to thrive and fostering a legacy of achievement. (Elected 2023/24)
Job Titles:
- HR Chair, Governance Vice Chair
- HR Committee Chair, Governance Committee Co - Chair
Norman Jones (HR Chair, Governance Vice Chair) is an experienced Human Resources professional whose expertise centers on Diversity & Inclusion, Employment Brand, and Talent Acquisition. Since 2007 he has been focused on ensuring that members of all diverse communities know that there is a place for them in Corporate America, and he works to equip them with the tools needed to be successful. Norman currently works at Danaher and serves as the Director of Global University Recruiting. He started his career at Accenture in Talent Acquisition and was employed there for almost ten years. While at Accenture, Norman oversaw the recruiting in the U.S. for the Cloud Practice and was part of the U.S. Diversity Recruiting team, which partnered with North America Talent Acquisition Leadership to help deliver diverse talent at all levels into the annual recruiting plan. After Accenture, he worked at The Hartford as the Diversity Talent Acquisition Manager, crafting and implementing a diversity strategy that would assist the organization with meeting its long-term diversity hiring goals. After leaving The Hartford, he worked at Discover for four years as a Senior Manager, Diversity Engagement & Employment Brand. In this role, he oversaw all national strategic diversity partnerships to build up the organization's brand with diverse communities. Norman nested worked at Apple as a member of the Global I&D team overseeing diversity partnerships in the Americas, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Prior to joining Danaher, Norman worked at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as a Director on the Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. In this role he oversaw the nine business resource groups in the Americas which has over 20,000 members. Norman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.. (Elected 2022/23)
Job Titles:
- Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at KPMG Corporate Finance
Rebecca Brokmeier is the Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at KPMG Corporate Finance responsible for leading cross-border transactions for the firm, developing strategic relationships with PrivateEquity firmsand focusing onKPMGCorporate Finance LLC's organizational strategies, business development, marketing and recruiting efforts. Prior to KPMG, Rebecca worked at Wells Capital Management, General Mills and Strong Capital Management. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Elected 2021/22)
Regina Cross leads a team within Goldman Sach's Investment Management Division. This team constructs and manages customized portfolios for ultra-high net worth families, corporate executives, foundations and endowments. Regina has also served at Eli Lilly as a member of the Finance - Neuroscience Business Unit. She holds an MBA in Finance and a Master's in Education, Higher Education Administration from Stanford University. Regina is currently serves on Chicago Foundation for Women's Professional Advisory Council (PAC), and the Boards of Victory Gardens Theater and KIPP Indianapolis College. She is also a YP Ambassador for The Chicago Council for Global Affairs and a member of the Investment Committee for Cathedral High School. (Elected 2018/19)
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governance Committee
- Governance Chair
is an experienced audit partner, having provided accounting and auditing services to multi- national clients for over twenty-three years, with a concentration in the consumer service and life science industries. She effectively addresses topics inherent to multi-national corporations, such as global coordination, tax planning and compliance risks. Susie has assisted her clients with numerous transactions, including significant mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, and reorganizations. She also possesses extensive experience advising clients with respect to the financial reporting and accounting elements of SEC registration and reporting. Susie is passionate about mentoring and developing women. She has held numerous leadership roles within Deloitte, including those sponsoring the growth and development of women. Additionally, Susie is a past member of the Women's Executive Committee of the Illinois CPA Society, and she co- founded a women's mentoring program. Susie started her career with Arthur Andersen in September 1993. She served both public and private audit clients until she joined Deloitte in June 2002. Susie actively supports the University of Notre Dame where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1993. She serves as Deloitte's Diversity and Inclusion leader. (Elected 2017/18)
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Finance Committee
- Finance Chair
Tanya G. Davis (Finance Chair) is the wife of Stephen Davis and the mother of 7. Grandmother of 7. Her greatest blessing has been to be home for her family. She was raised in Asheville, N.C. Tanya and Stephen have resided in Wheaton, Illinois for over 30 years. She has her BA in Counseling from DePaul University. Her Masters in writing from Lenoir Rhyne University. She has written three books- "May I Please Speak with My Father?" and "I Don't Want to Shame my Daddy's Name" and "Urban Monks & Mystics. She is also co-owner of Trendsetters Lab. An online clothing boutique. Her family started a philanthropic foundation-The William & Mary Davis Foundation. The foundation provides numerous outreach and exploration opportunities encouraging participants to find purpose and live well. The foundation gives to organizations who seek to do the same. They have given to organizations such as Daystar University in Nairobi Kenya, FVCA, Young Life Teen Moms, Women at Risk International, CFW, Magnolia Moonshots 2030, Urban League, Haymarket Center and Metropolitan Family Services. Tanya served on the board of FVCA for 6 years and served as Board Chair. She serves on the board of Metropolitan Family Services.She is afounding memberof MagnoliaMoonshots 2030 and serves on the Walter Kronkite Committee. Tanya serves on the board of Haymarket as Development Chair. Tanya founded an organization over ten years ago called Purpose by Design (purposebydesign.org). Purpose by Design holds mentoring retreats for teens and adults helping others to discover their purpose and gifts. She believes God created everyone with a purpose and it brings her joy to help others find their God gifted purpose. (Elected 2021/22)
Job Titles:
- Manager of Corporate and Foundation Relations
Job Titles:
- Program Officer, Collective Giving
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Program Officer, Women 's Economic Security