Management Board 2025-2026

Stephanie Spindler – President-Elect

Stephanie is a dedicated sales and strategy executive and community leader with over 25 years of experience. She is a long-time member of the Junior League and first joined the Junior League of Chicago where she served in numerous roles including Vice President of Education and Training. As her career took her to new cities, Stephanie was an active member of the Junior League of Phoenix, the Junior League of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties (Kansas), and the Junior League of Kansas City (Missouri). She joined the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore in 2022 and served as the Social Chair and most recently as the Community Impact Director. Outside of the League, Stephanie is the Director of Incident & Emergency Management at Grainger where her work focuses on building customer sales strategies and solutions to help communities prepare, respond, and recover from all hazards.

Lyn Aleshire – Done in a Day 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.

Valerie Rowlands – Recruiting Chair

Valerie originally joined the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore in 1999. She served on several committees until her work transfer to London, United Kingdom in the Spring of 2003. During her UK residency, she volunteered for Cancer Research UK, UNICEF and The Prince’s Trust. (King Charles, patron). In 2018, Valerie and her family relocated to Wilmette, IL and she rejoined the JLE-NS. She served as Trivia Night Co-Chair, Community Director, Thrift House Board Member, and organized the League’s inaugural Safety Super Heroes event in collaboration with the Winnetka Park District to educate and promote child safety within the community. Most recently, Valerie served as President in 2024-25. Ms. Rowlands received her B.A. from the University of Missouri and her graduate, M.S. degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. In 2021, Valerie was awarded the Richard C. Christiansen Award for notable contributions to advancing the learning experience for Northwestern students and peers. Ms. Rowlands is a Marketing Director, Strategic Accounts for GE HealthCare, Chicago. Valerie resides in Wilmette with her husband and their Patterdale terrier, Rosie.

Natalie Rubenstein – New Member Chair

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.

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.

Kim Pressling – Social Chair

Regina Cartright – Thrift House Co-Chair

Elizabeth Osborne – Thrift House Co-Chair

Nicole Bogdanovich – Trivia Night 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.

Dina Mead – Trivia Night Co-Chair

Dina is a long time member of the Junior League. She first joined the Junior League of Westchester-on-Hudson, NY in 1985. There, she was Membership Development Chair and Provisional Trainer followed by Nominating/Placement Chair. In 1991, Dina moved to Southern California and transferred into the Junior League of Orange County. There, she was the Provisional Trainer for a class of 150 New Members, followed by the American Girl Fashion Show Chair. In 2005, Dina moved to Wilmette and transferred into the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore. At the JLE-NS, Dina has Co-Chaired the Admissions Committee, Chaired the Nominating Committee, served as Dues Treasurer, Member-at-Large and Thrift House Chair. Her crowning achievement was to serve as President for the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore in 2013-14. These days, Dina remains an active member of JLE-NS from out of state. She currently lives in Corona del Mar, California and is the Nominating & Placement Chair.

Beth Mikel – Fundraising & Dues Treasurer