Executive Board | swchicago

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

"...and to have her welfare ever at heart that she may be a symphony of high purpose and helpfulness in which there is no discordant note."

PRESIDENT

Sandy Borkovich

It is such an honor to be serving as your Chapter President for the coming program year. I was very excited to become a member of Xi Chapter of Chi Omega while attending Northwestern University. I never considered that, so many years later, Chi Omega would still be such a significant part of my life. The women of this Chapter have made it such and I thank you. I’m thrilled to call each of you my sister-on-purpose.

While at Northwestern I majored in Economics, then worked over 30 years in the banking industry rising to the role of Executive VP/Chief Operations Officers for a billion-dollar bank. I am now retired, and am primary babysitter for my very active 4-year-old grandson. My husband, Garry Schouten, and I have two adult children, one grandson, one grand-dog, and we live in Downers Grove.

TREASURER

Katie Foss

VP - MEMBERSHIP

Kate Shafer

Serving on the board has allowed me to meet more of our members and build female connections and friendships locally. I initiated Chi Delta at Millsaps College in 2001 then transferred to Alpha Beta Auburn University for the College of Engineering. I followed a job to this area and appreciate the connections and community that our Chi Omega Chicago SW Suburb has given me as I’ve settled in. My weekdays are spent as an Engineer at an Energy company, my evenings and weekends are with my husband and 2 children – girl in 7th grade, boy in 4th grade. I love leading her Girl Scout Troop, coordinating other STEM Activities, spending time in the woods, reading book club books, swimming laps, and textile crafts. Chi Omega at this stage of my life has provided diverse friendships, connections and the opportunity to share with women at many stages of our lives.

RECORDING SECRETARY

Kristine Strouse

I was initiated in to the Xi Gamma chapter of Chi Omega up at Michigan State University back in 2007. Within Xi Gamma, I gained lifelong sisters and friendships that I am seeing truly do last a lifetime. Joining the Alumnae group here in the SW Suburbs has been such a fantastic way to keep the spirit of Chi Omega going and I have been extremely fortunate to come to know many more sisters.

PHILANTHROPY CHAIR - FUNDRAISING

Nancy Bigelow

Like so many of the phenomenal women serving on this Alumnae Executive Board, Chi Omega Membership is a staple in my life.

Joining a sorority in college allowed unconditional love for my Sisters and greater-Sisterhood to take root, however, remaining an active alumna in Chi Omega is what has allowed my life to flourish.

Growing-up, my family relocated regularly. I moved to Chicago for the first time, one month before starting college. Then, when I headed to Columbia, Missouri to attend the University of Missouri, I arrived on a campus of 20,000 undergrads, without knowing a soul. To say that Chi Omega filled an empty gap is an understatement.

Approximately 18-months after my graduation, I returned to Chicago. I immediately searched for alums and an alumnae chapter to connect with. I found the Chicago SW Suburban Chi O’s, and as they say, “the rest is history”.

I have served in almost all of the Board positions, while also representing Chi Omega as a National Volunteer. Furthermore, I volunteer my time as an officer with two, area Alumnae Panhellenic Chapters.

To me, my Chi Omega Sisters are irreplaceable. They have watched me get married, have my children, and have stood by me through some extremely difficult personal losses. These women have offered unwavering support, almost more than anyone else in my life.

PROGRAMMING

Lisa Yelmini-Metz
I am an alumna from the University of Illinois. I have four children. My son, Anthony, 27, just got married and lives in Dallas and 3 daughters. Marissa, 23, lives in KC, MO and is a NICU nurse. Franchesca, 21, will be moving to Rolla, MO in Aug, to play basketball at Missouri S & T. And Gabriella, 18, will be heading to University of Arizona in August. I am an 8th Grade Science Teacher at Monroe Middle School in Wheaton. I love animals, gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.

PRESS SECRETARY/ WEB COORDINATOR

Casey Braun

Chi Omega is for a lifetime and this alumnae chapter certainly illustrates that. I absolutely loved my time as a collegiate member at Xi Chapter, Northwestern University, but my alumnae experience has far surpassed that. A lot of that has to do with this group. It's funny because I was nervous about joining but was so warmly welcomed by everyone at my first meeting that I quickly forgot why I was nervous in the first place. The group has wonderful diversity in age, interests and backgrounds, and I am so honored and fortunate to be a member. I haven't been as involved lately but am excited to be back on the executive board. I look forward to meeting new sisters and catching up with those I have know since I first joined.

RITUALS CHAIR

Nancy Bigelow

DIRECTOR OF SISTER OUTREACH

Lexie Johanneson

I first heard about the sisterhood of Chi Omega from my mom, who is a member of the Kappa Delta chapter at Bowling Green State University. When it was my turn to go to college, I knew I wanted to be in a sorority. I was so happy to get my first choice and become a member of the Lambda Alpha chapter at the University of Kentucky. After college, my mom introduced me to the lovely sisters of this alumnae chapter. It has been so much fun getting to know these women since I've joined the SW Suburban Chi Omega Alumnae Chapter. I'm excited to become more involved this year as your Director of Sister Outreach! I live in Arlington Heights with my husband and our black lab, Wendy. I teach First Grade and I also bake cakes and cookies in my free time.

RECRUITMENT SUPPORT

Cyndi Broadt Myers

As a Rho Alpha, Cyndi has been volunteer serving Chi Omega for almost 30 years. She is the State Recruitment Information Chair (SRIC) and serves as the president of the local Hinsdale Alumnae Panhellenic. A national winner of the Jobelle Holcombe Outstanding Panhellenic Alumna award, she is our resident recruitment expert.