Council for IWU Women Leadership

Jessica Lothman ‘06

CFW Position: Council Chair

Milwaukee, WI
Commercial and Public Finance Attorney at Foley & Lardner 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

Decatur, GA
International Education and Libraries Consultant
IWU Major: International Studies, Political Science

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.

Heather Miller '07

CFW Position: Membership Committee Chair

Bloomington, IL
Johnson & Johnson - Neuroscience Sales Representative
IWU Major: Psychology Pre-Medicine Program
IWU Activities: Track and Field, Alpha Phi Omega, Psychology Club
What advice would you give to fellow alumni? I would tell a fellow alumni that it is absolutely “okay” to go off course or to not follow the typical track that seems expected of you post-college. I am a living, thriving example of the successful joyful alum who discovered her path through trials, experiences and failures. And I am more certain and convicted in my career path and worldly identity because of it. I would encourage any alum to always follow the path that aligns with your purpose, your mission in life, and what ultimately will provide you the utmost joy. Trust that and who you are and you cannot go wrong.
Why are you an active alum? I feel a sense of peace, gratitude and purpose to have the opportunity to come back to Bloomington after living in Minnesota and Florida for awhile and now raising our family here. I am more than eager to connect with other alums, current students and our community at large as a mentor, connector and friend in our IWU family community.

Halley Shanley ‘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.

Scholarship Committee Chair

This role is currently open and we are looking for someone to take on this leadership position. Reach out to councilforwomen@iwu.edu if you are interested in becoming Chair of the Scholarship Committee.