Council for IWU Women Leadership

Jessica Lothman ‘06

CFW Position: Council Chair

Milwaukee, WI
Associate at Hawkins, Delafield, & Wood LLP
IWU Major: Sociology (Minor in Psychology)
IWU Activities: Student Senate Executive Committee, Varsity Softball, Habitat for Humanity, Student Alumni Council
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Weave together your passions and plot your own course.
Why are you an active alum? A female alum I met as a student at a meeting helped me to find an internship states away, which was very, VERY influential in my career path. I wanted more students to be able to connect with alumni to help network and find their way. I helped found the IWU Women's Council with that alum (and others) and am proud to be able to now help IWU students and to network with fellow Titan women. You can connect with me here: Foley or LinkedIn

Taylor Williams ‘18

CFW Position: Past Council Chair

Bloomington, IL
Assistant State's Attorney at the McLean County State's Attorney's Office
IWU Major: Political Science (Minor in Greek & Roman Studies)
IWU Activities: Circle K International President, Alpha Phi Omega Vice President of Community Service, Pi Sigma Alpha Co-President, NAMI Public Relations Coordinator, Titan Orientation Leader
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Remember what opportunities you have been given because of the help of someone else and determine if you can now be the person that provides opportunities for others.
Why are you an active alum? It is great to connect with students and learn what great things they are doing at Illinois Wesleyan!

Shannon O'Rourke Kasali '07

CFW Position: Engagement Committee Chair

Atlanta, GA
International Education and Library Consultant
IWU Major: International Studies

Marsha Guenzler-Stevens ‘78

CFW Position: Nominating Committee Chair

Stevenson, MD
Director of the Adele H. Stamp Student Union and Center for Campus Life at University of Maryland
IWU Major: Biology
IWU Activities: Student Orientation Head, EGAS, AOII, Student Senate, Choir, Model UN, Summer Conference Student Head, Admissions Committee
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Live your way to the answers. When you are intent on crafting a single pathway or plan you may miss the chance to find what you were meant to do. Life is more than work. Find ways to contribute to your community and take time for those you love. I was 40 when I figured out that while my work was a calling (and it still is) -- that life was more than work. Use what you learned of the liberal arts, life, and leadership to be curious about things and people. Kindness and empathy is always good to bring into a room.

Molly Rollings '99

CFW Position: Membership Committee Chair

Champaign, IL
Sales Executive and Partner at Dimond Bros. Insurance, LLC
IWU Major: Risk Management Major and Psychology Minor
IWU Activities: Basketball, Track, RIMS society, Straight up Shenanigans way too much
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? If you are in sales, or want to go into sales, never talk about religion and politics, unless your job involves religion or politics.
Why are you an active alum? That is an interesting question and probably harder to answer than you think. I had good and a fair share of bad experiences at IWU, but the people are amazing and my father LOVED IWU. He passed that love down to me and I am truly honored to carry on his legacy. IWU is not perfect, no place is, but the people of IWU are amazing and the Alums that are involved are wonderful, which makes me want to be a part of this inspiring community.

Halley Huntley '18

CFW Position: Governance Committee Chair

Minneapolis, MN
Corporate Associate Attorney at Stoel Rives LLP
IWU Major: Business Administration
IWU Activities: Senior Class Vice President, Titan Orientation Leader, Student Senate, Campus Activities Board, Dance Team, Panhellenic Council, Kappa Delta Sorority
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Surround yourself with people who help you be, or encourage you in pursuit of becoming, your truest self.
Why are you an active alum? Being an active alumna allows me to stay connected to a community I value and want to see thrive for years to come. I have chosen to remain engaged with IWU post-grad because the relationships I developed and experiences I was fortunate to have during my time on campus shaped and continue to show up in both my personal and professional life.

Kristina Dehlin '16

CFW Position: Marketing Committee Chair

Chicago, IL
Associate Director of Content Development at Agate Publishing
IWU Major: English-Writing & Philosophy
IWU Activities: Kappa Delta, Happy Club, Tributaries
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? My biggest piece of advice is to try to come around to the idea that it's okay to not have it all figured out. It's easier said than done, but continuous exploring and learning is an accomplishment in itself, and I think there's a lot of value in being open to changes in plan.
Why are you an active alum? In my time at IWU, I learned and experienced so much and felt incredibly empowered to follow my interests and passions. I want every student to have as amazing an experience as I was lucky to have. I'm very grateful for the support I received from alumni at the time and am honored to participate in a way that hopefully helps make an impact on current students.

Erin Milligan '04

CFW Position: Scholarship Committee Co-Chair

St. Louis, MO
Staff Attorney with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
IWU Major: Behavioral Psychology
IWU Activities: Alpha Phi Omega, Psi Chi, Habitat for Humanity
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Take Minor's instructions to heart. Go into the world and do good. And encourage others to do the same.
Why are you an active alum? My time at IWU was invaluable. I wanted to connect and reconnect with fellow graduates, faculty, staff, and students, and I wanted to engage in activities that promote my Alma Mater.

Eva Nautiyal '20

CFW Position: Scholarship Committee Co-Chair

Pocatello, ID
Senior Web Developer/Accessibility Specialist at Georgetown Law
IWU Major: Computer Science
IWU Activities: Circle K, Women's Weekend, TEDxIWU, Freeman Asia Program, SASA
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? IWU prepared us all so well - don't be afraid to try new things!
Why are you an active alum? College has been a crucial part of my life and was my first home in this country. It all started with IWU - so naturally when I think of giving back, becoming an active alum is the first thing that comes to mind.

Michelle Huls Rice '01

CFW Position: Development Committee Chair

St. Joseph, IL
Partner, The Rice Team Preferred Rate Mortgage and Founder, MPower Media
IWU Major: Political Science
IWU Activities: Alpha Gamma Delta, Dance Team, Study Abroad, Career Center
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? Stay engaged with campus contacts and alumni. The IWU network is broad and resourceful.
Why are you an active alum? Illinois Wesleyan provided me with so many opportunities and an excellent education. I'm happy to give back, even just a little. The network is so positive and helpful: I enjoy being a part of it all!