Management Board 2026-2027

Nicole Downie – President-Elect

Nicole Downie transferred into the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore in 2020. Currently, Nicole is serving as Community Director. Previously, she chaired the Scholarships & Grants committee, Thrift House committee, served as an At-Large member on Policy Board, and sat on the Centennial Gala committee. Prior to the JLE-NS, Nicole was a member of the Junior League in New York City and Columbus. Over the years, Nicole has held a number of roles within the organization. She has been Executive VP for the NYJL’s largest fundraiser, raising over $600K in critical funds for community partners; and Co-Chair of Affiliation, where she focused on improving membership engagement and retention. She completed the Nonprofit Board Clearinghouse course in 2015 and subsequently sat on the Leadership Development task force from 2018-19 and Managing Board from 2019-2020. Nicole grew up in Wilmette, but now resides in Glencoe with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Outside of the League, she enjoys baking, gardening, coaching her daughter’s soccer team, volunteering with the PTO, and the occasional trash TV binge.

Helen Ulrich – Done In A Day Chair

Beth Mikel – Fundraising & Dues Treasurer

Natalie is honored to be part of the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore, where she finds inspiration among women who are equally passionate about making a meaningful impact in their communities. Natalie and her husband own Midwest Medicare Advisors, a family-run agency dedicated to helping seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare with compassion and clarity. As a long-time advocate for community involvement, Natalie’s commitment extends beyond her business. She believes in the power of connection, education, and giving back. Whether through leading educational workshops or providing personalized guidance to families, Natalie’s work reflects her desire to uplift and empower those around her.

Lisa Stadler – PR & Marketing Chair

Lyn Aleshire – Recruiting Co-Chair

Lyn started her membership in the Junior League of Fort Myers in 2010 and transferred to the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore in 2012. Lyn has sat on and/or chaired a variety of committees, some multiple times. She co-chaired Fitting Futures, sat on the Thrift House committee, has been Social Chair in the past, as well as Secretary twice, and chaired Scholarships and Grants and served as Community Director. Lyn strongly believes no one can volunteer too much and lives by it. Besides being an active member of Junior League, she is also a member of a handful of other organizations in the North Shore area. She also stays busy raising her young children and in her professional life as an immigration attorney.

Nicole Bogdanovich – Recruiting Co-Chair

Nicole Bogdanovich is a long-time member of The Junior league of Evanston-North Shore; joining in 1998 while still in college. Nicole has held many Management and Policy Board roles, including Cookbook Chair, Scholarships and Grants Chair, Nominating and Placement Chair, Recording Secretary, Membership Director and Community Director. She is also a Past President. For her work as Nominating and Placement Chair in 2014, Nicole was awarded The Founder’s Award. Outside of the League, Nicole is a family medicine physician. She resides in Wilmette. In her spare time, Nicole likes to travel, explore Chicago, cook from scratch, and has recently taken up embroidery.

Emily Coninx – Scholarships & Grants Chair

Emily is honored to serve as Scholarships and Grants Chair for the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore, where she is inspired by a community of women dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting impact. In this role, she helps support initiatives that expand opportunity and strengthen outcomes for women, children, and families across the North Shore through educational scholarships and community grant programs. Professionally, Emily brings experience leading client-facing teams, driving cross-functional initiatives, and building strong relationships within the software and real estate industries. She is passionate about connecting people, developing future leaders, and creating systems that help organizations and communities thrive. As a parent and long-time advocate for service and community involvement, Emily believes in the power of education, access, and collaboration to create meaningful change. She is grateful for the opportunity to help steward resources that empower individuals and strengthen the communities Junior League serves.

TBD – Social Chair

Regina Cartright – Thrift House Co-Chair

Elizabeth Osborne – Thrift House Co-Chair