Deb Guy, MS.Ed, Executive Director, after a dynamic career in Education holding both a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling and Curriculum and Supervision, Deb came to Women’s Exchange knowing her best work has been accomplished by listening and remembering people’s questions and ideas to then create connection for lasting impact. Deb has been involved at WE since 1998 as a past board member, facilitator, and on-going class participant. She began as Executive Director May 2011.
Board of Directors 2025
ASHLEY SWIDNICKI, Board President, originally from East Tennessee, relocated to the Chicago area after marrying a Park Ridge native in 2006.
Currently, Ashley serves as the CFO for a National law firm in downtown Chicago, specializing in high-performing team development, mentorship, financial strategy, and operational development with prior experience in academia, healthcare, construction, and consumer goods.
Ashley is an engaged community advocate, currently supporting the Springboard Foundation Fund of the Chicago Community Foundation, which champions after school programming in under-resourced Chicago neighborhoods.
She has also served on various boards, bringing her financial acumen to philanthropic missions and is excited to serve as an advocate for Women’s education and connection through the Women’s Exchange.
LISA RUSS, Board Vice President, moved back to the Chicago area 20+ years ago and instantly fell in love with her native city. Her work with a national business services firm for 20 years taught her most of what she knows about communications and teamwork. She connected with Women’s Exchange in 2021 and was impressed with the emphasis on personal connections and life-long learning. Lisa is also involved with the Rotary Club of Chicago, an historic Chicago cemetery preservation fund, and two singing ensembles. She substitute teaches for District 65 in Evanston, where she lives with her husband, Ken, and bonus daughter, Barbara.
SUSAN MEYERS, Board Secretary, is the co-leader of The Meyers Group Real Estate at Compass and has 19 years of experience as a real estate broker. She has been attending programs at The Women’s Exchange since moving to Winnetka in 1989 and currently lives in Glencoe. Susan has been involved in various organizations, including The Winnetka Community Nursery School Board, the Northwestern Settlement House Board, The Winnetka Garden Guild, and The Volunteer Center. She is married and has three daughters and three granddaughters. Susan is enthusiastic about the wide range of learning opportunities offered by WE.
SUE OPEKA, Board Treasurer is a business coach to entrepreneurs and small businesses, and is also a part-time CFO for a number of start-up organizations. She created The Present Moment, a retail store providing inspirational and uplifting merchandise and books, back in 2006 after a long corporate career. Her prior experience is in finance, strategy, and operations. Sue resides in Libertyville with her husband and is the proud grandma to one grandson, two dogs and a cat.
LELE BARKHAUSEN, born and raised in the Chicago area Lele appreciates the range of programming Women’s Exchange offers to the community. She taught ESL to students in kindergarten through eighth grade in Oak Park for over twenty years. Now retired, she volunteers with several non profit organizations. She’s a member of the twice weekly WE walking group and attends other WE programs whenever she can.
DALE DAVISON, Dale’s husband jokes that she changes careers approximately every decade. Dale sees a trend: Remedial reading teacher, divorce mediator, president of a national advertising agency (helping businesses grow) and most recently a Board Certified, ADHD life coach. I am pleased and looking forward to collaborating with the wonderful women of WE.
JENNIFER HERRINGTON, has dedicated her career to education with a focus on innovation, outcomes, and student success for all. She has led product development, implementation, and business development teams for large education companies and edtech startups and recently created leadership development programs for high school girls. She also has classroom teaching experience in middle and high schools, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and an MBA from the University of Michigan. In addition to serving on the Board for Women’s Exchange, Jennifer volunteers as a mentor with the Youth Philanthropy Board and is a troop leader for Girl Scouts.
PAT O’DONNELL, her connection to Women’s Exchange goes back to the beginning, when she first heard WE’s founder, Joanne Augspurger, describe her vision for connecting women through conversation and educational programs. Since then, Pat has participated in many WE programs, including the walking group. Pat was born and raised in Canada and has lived in Winnetka for many years. She is an English major who has worked in marketing communications and has volunteered for a variety of community groups.
CATHY SHAW, grew up in Kenilworth, attended Joseph Sears School then on to New Trier East. Raised my son, Jack, in Wilmette. Have been on Women’s Exchange mailing list for years but got more involved since the pandemic. Love the monthly book club meetings along with the authors’ talk; participate in their outdoor, twice weekly walking group and attend as many of their events as possible. Have also been a member of St. Joseph’s Church Women’s Club for over 20 years. Serve as the treasurer for my family’s foundation which keeps me involved with many wonderful charities in the Chicagoland area.
DAWN TURCO, former Senior Vice President-Educational Operations at Hadley School for the Blind, retired in 2017. Dawn’s entire professional career was as both teacher and administrator in special education. She immediately became involved in a variety of WE activities and is a dedicated participant in the WE walking group, which she characterizes as “intrepid“ since they are out on the walking trail year-round. After 24 years living in Winnetka, Dawn recently relocated to Wilmette.