Regional Leadership
Dining for Women is divided into eight regions, plus international regions.
Volunteer Regional Leadership
Northeast Region
CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT - email: northeast@diningforwomen.org
Jeannette Artini, Regional Leader
Jeannette had no idea where it would lead when a friend invited her to go to her first DFW dinner in 2010. Quickly she became a DFW advocate and almost as quickly she became the new Co-Regional Leader for the Northeast at the start of 2011. She brings a 20-year corporate background in management for large multinational technology companies and has owned her own technology project management consulting firm for the last decade.
DC, DE, MD, NC, NJ, PA, VA, WV - email: midatlantic@diningforwomen.org
Deborah Britt, Co-Regional Leader
Debbie has been a co-leader of the Abington, PA chapter since 2008. She has worked as an Executive Assistant/Office Manager for a benefit firm for 20 years and has many years of volunteer experience. "My life has been enriched since finding the Dining for Women mission. I am so excited to be a part of the growth of this wonderful organization."
Cindy Ariel, Co-Regional Leader
After first learning about Dining for Women in the fall of 2010, Cindy started a chapter that spring and has been increasingly active since then. Cindy practices psychology in Philadelphia, specializing in women’s issues and helping families with children who have special needs. “This organization is so inspiring! I’m hoping that working at the regional level I can do even more to educate myself and others, help DFW grow, and empower women and girls worldwide."
AL, AR, GA, FL, LA, MS, SC - email: southeast@diningforwomen.org
Alison Lively, Co-Regional Leader
Alison's introduction to DFW started when she volunteered to perform at a Craft Fair in Greenville, SC several years ago. Since then she has been enthusiastic about the organization as a member and chapter co-leader. Alison is a Natural Health Educator dedicated to bringing the most accurate, up-to-date, and helpful information to each individual and group she works with, speaking throughout her community to educate and inspire people to take control of their health. Teaching is her passion. She has also received ESL training in hopes of carrying her education to other parts of the world in the future.
Kira Walker, Co-Regional Leader
Kira has years of DFW experience as a Chapter Leader in Atlanta and the 2010 Atlanta National Summit Chair, and serving on the Tenth Anniversary Summit Committee. She's traveled to Peru, Guatemala and Kenya where she visited and personally worked with DFW sponsored programs. Kira worked in interior design and advertising for many years, but after years of involvement with DFW and other non profits she is now pursuing a career working with a nonprofit which helps people be self sufficient. "Thru DFW I've learned so much about the issues that women face globally and how we can be a part of a collective effort to improve and positively impact the lives of women and children around the world! I have had the opportunity to meet the women and children we serve abroad - their stories inspire me to do more. Also I have built life-long friendships with compassionate women here at home and believe these relationships can foster change in all of our lives."
IA, IL, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI - email: heartland@diningforwomen.org
Barbara Harris, Regional Leader
Barbara Harris started her LaGrange Park, IL chapter in February 2006 and it is still going strong. She has been the Regional Leader for the Heartland since Oct. 2011.
IN, KY, MI, OH, TN - email: central@diningforwomen.org
Jill Peirce, Regional Leader
Jill Peirce has co-led her chapter in Grand Rapids, MI since 2007. Jill is a retired school counselor and spent 30 years in education. She's spent years as a volunteer. Along with her chapter, Jill "loves the idea of giving back and knowing our contributions can be combined with others to make such a difference."
Mary Toneff, Regional Publicity Leader
Mary has been a Chapter Leader since April 2006. She brings her experience as an educator and educational consultant, as well as other non-profit experience to DFW's Regional Leadership Team. She served on the DFW Recognition Committee for the 2009 Leadership Summit in Chicago, motivating her to be more involved in DFW. She "loves her chapter meetings and is
still in awe that such a fun and educational gathering is changing the world, one dinner at a time!"
Elizabeth Wagoner, Regional Fundraising Leader
Elizabeth was an educator for 37 years, holding a variety of positions including director of curriculum for 20 years. She brings a broad background of volunteer experience to her role, including mission trips with Habitat for Humanity for 10 years. In retirement, Elizabeth is dedicating her time to DFW's Regional Leadership. Her mission in life is to "provide education and service to the women and children of the world."
AZ, KS, NM, OK, TX - email: southwest@diningforwomen.org
Eileen Brill Wagner, Co-Regional Leader
"When I attended the Summit this October, I knew this was a group I wanted to get more involved with. Dining for Women combines passion and purpose in a wonderful way; I'm extremely excited to be a part of this great organization. "
Eileen Brill Wagner currently owns her own company, Brilliant Concepts L.L.C., based in Phoenix. Previously, she served as a non-profit executive director and worked with both adults and youth on programs that honed leadership skills and inspired civic engagement. A former reporter for both local and international publications, she earned a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University. Eileen and her husband, Mike, have three daughters - all of whom are doing their part to make their corner of the world a better place.
Carol Blonder, Co-Regional Leader
Carol grew up in a home where the emphasis for dinner table conversation centered on Tzedakah, social justice, and world events. Her parents walked their talk - contributing time, expertise and energy to community organizations throughout their active lives.
That atmosphere influenced her choices for her first career as an educator and social worker and her own commitment to volunteer activities. She changed career direction mid-life, and currently works as a food writer and culinary consultant.
"I heard about Dining for Women through a friend, and was immediately attracted to the idea of bringing together a group of women, in a salon atmosphere, to learn about the challenges of women and children in the developing world, engage in discussion, and make a contribution toward change. Having worked as a volunteer with a variety of fund raising organizations, I appreciate the learning, sociability of the gatherings, and the ease of access to contribute and donate through DFW."
AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY - email: northwest@diningforwomen.org
Angie Maddox, Co-Regional Leader
Angie began as a Chapter Leader in 2008 when she and a friend started the first Dining for Women chapter in the Seattle area. She has served on DFW’s Fundraising Committee, traveled to Peru, and is looking forward to traveling to Kenya later in 2012. She works in the field of professional learning and development and is in her third year of studies for her Doctorate in Education.
"My involvement with Dining for Women has been life changing. I’ve learned so much, met so many incredible women, built life-long friendships, and most importantly been part of this collective effort to improve and positively impact the lives of women and children around the world!"
Alissa Johnson, Co-Regional Leader
Alissa has been a Seattle chapter leader since 2011, attended the Summit later that year and quickly increased her involvement, helping develop DFW social media guidelines in 2012 before accepting a regional leadership role. She lived in Africa and worked in global health before getting an MBA, and today works in the technology sector. “Dining for Women brings together so many of my passions – building community, educating each other about global development issues, and empowering our sisters around the world to reach their full potential. And of course, sharing great food!”
CA, CO, HI, NV, UT - email: west@diningforwomen.org
Patty Karabatsos, Regional Leader
Patty Karabatsos joined Dining for Women in 2008. She served as a mentor before volunteering to be Regional Leader, and enjoys working with new Chapter Leaders as they launch their chapters. “I love when the new chapter is close enough for me to attend the first meeting. Sharing my experience with DFW and meeting all the new members is very exciting!” Patty's background is in teaching and banking. A resident of San Jose, she is married and has three adult children. In addition to her involvement with DFW, Patty volunteers with the Stroke Awareness Foundation, an organization that helps to educate people about Stroke and provides resources and support to stroke patients, caretakers and families.
For all non-USA inquiries, email: international@diningforwomen.org
Position OPEN for Regional Leader
