Executive Board
President
Janet M. Milkovich
jmilkovich@rfbd.org
Janet M. Milkovich is President of ABWA Ð Chicagoland Express Network. Additionally, she is the Regional Executive Director of the newly formed Midwest Region of Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, a non profit organization that serves students with print disabilities. Prior to moving to Chicago, Janet worked for Saint Joseph Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri, serving in the Well Life Department as Event Planner and Community Outreach. She is a graduate of Calvary Bible College, Belton, MO.
On ABWA: ABWA is important to me because from the very first meeting, I felt like this group of women was warm and caring and open to developing professional relationships and friendships. I love the way ABWA members celebrates one another's accomplishments, encourage one another during the difficult times, and learn from our speakers how to be a well-rounded professional woman.
President Elect
Ellen Gallagher
egallagher@rfbd.org
Ellen Gallagher currently serves as President Elect on the ABWA-CEN Executive Board. Ellen is the Regional Service Director of the Midwest Region of RFB&D. Ellen employs education theories and techniques to work with teachers, principals and superintendents to help their schools and districts serve students with print disabilities. Ellen is currently working to expand the Midwest region from one state to nine states to broaden the reach of RFB&D's services. Ellen was previously a Chicago Public Schools Middle School Science Teacher. Ellen graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University.
On ABWA: I feel very fortunate to be a part of ABWA. ABWA has allowed me to meet a number of outstanding businesswomen from various backgrounds that have influenced me in my career. Serving on ABWA's board has given me the opportunity to work closely with accomplished speakers and to further develop the professional and personal interests of our members.
Vice President of Marketing
Kathryn Burkhardt
kathrynburkhardt@earthlink.net
Kathryn Burkhardt is Vice President of Marketing for ABWA-CEN. She has 15 years of business experience with over eleven years of management and leadership experience in operations, customer service, sales, and marketing in a variety of industries. Currently, Kathryn is a Marketing and Communications Specialist for Zebra Technologies. In addition, she is active in the non-profit community serving on advisory boards or committees for a theater group and several social services organizations.
On ABWA: This organization has been a wonderful way to connect with other women on both a personal and professional level. I've very much enjoyed participating in and leading the wide variety of events presented every month. I look forward to every meeting knowing that I will see familiar faces with which to reconnect and meet new faces with which to learn and grow.
Vice President of Communications
Shauntae M. Blue
shauntae.blue@fedex.com
Shauntae M. Blue is Vice President of Communications for American Business Women’s Association, Chicagoland Express Network (ABWA-CEN). Shauntae’s primary role is a Global Account Manager with FedEx Services; additionally she is an adjunct professor at Wilbur Wright Community College in the business department. Shauntae received her undergraduate education at the University of Kansas and her Masters in Business Administration from Saint Xavier University.
On ABWA: “For the last 8 years ABWA has provided me a fresh perspective and a positive outlook on how to view situations and circumstances personally and professionally. I always leave our monthly events with excitement and enthusiasm, thinking to myself, this world has many endless possibilities. I am grateful and appreciative of my relationships I have developed and those that will come in the near future.
Vice President of Finance
Jennifer L. Lake
jlake@rfbd.org
Jennifer L. Lake currently serves as Vice President of Finance on the ABWA-CEN Executive Board. Jen is a Senior Financial Planner with Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC and is a member of BDF's Women Service Team. Jen designs comprehensive financial plans that empower clients to achieve their life goals. Prior to her financial career, she was captain of the National Championship Track and Field Program at the University of South Carolina where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Mathematics. Jen's leadership and attention to detail have helped Chicago's ABWA chapter thrive even in a tumultuous economic year.
On ABWA: The exceptional meeting content and deep-seeded relationships are what have kept me coming back year after year. The material and experiences presented at our monthly meetings allow me to take new ideas back to my firm, bring added value to my team, and purposefully develop my own career. Most importantly, the women I have met through ABWA have been valuable resources and advisors for me both professionally and personally. The connections are made with more than business cards and small talk; these dynamic women are engaging, energetic, and extremely talented!
Board Advisor
Judy M. Schiefelbein
schiefelbeinj@yahoo.com
Judy M. Schiefelbein currently serves as Advisor to the ABWA-CEN Executive Board. Judy brings over 25 years of leadership and management experience to ABWA. She has held administrative officer positions in the insurance, technology and real estate industries with a commitment to mentoring women. A proven consensus builder, team player and problem-solver, she creates a dynamic environment.
On ABWA: ABWA has given me the opportunity to meet amazing women business leaders I would not have had a chance to know. I continue to appreciate the diversity in careers within our group, from financial managers to healthcare and nonprofit professionals to business entrepreneurs, and the power this diversity brings to us all. Most importantly, our group is welcoming and supportive of each other. I am very pleased to be part of this group and serve on the Executive Board.