Leadership
FVJWC is run by women just like you, that have a passion for giving back to our community through service. Each year, a new board of directors is elected to ensure we are living out the FVJWC mission.
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Meet our 2021/2023 Executive Committee
Cristen Austgen
Club President 2017 - Present
My family and I have lived in the Fox Valley region for 17 years. I have a passion for service and have held various board positions with PTA, Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations, including Plainfield Junior Woman's Club. I enjoy giving back to my community and engaging others, including my children to do the same. My goal is to inspire the women in our local communities to get involved with FVJWC and make a difference together!
Kimberly Karas
Vice President 2019- Present
I started my volunteer career with my neighborhood association when I moved to the Fox Valley region over 30 years ago. From there, I spent the next 15 years volunteering as a teacher's helper, assistant catechist and scout leader. I met the founder of the Fox Valley Junior Woman's Club through scouting and I was hooked! I have been with the club since 2018 and I enjoy giving back to my community, knowing in some small way that I can help make a difference. Doing this with other like-minded women makes it all the better!
Diane Madden
Treasurer 2021- Present
I was born and raised in West Chicago. I have worked in accounting, academic advising and sales, mostly in the not-for-profit arena. I enjoy volunteering and giving back to my community. Some of the organizations I have served include Conservation Foundation, Northern Illinois Food Bank, VFW (Plainfield), and various Park District events.
Carolyn Leard
Secretary 2017- Present
I moved from Kansas City to the Fox Valley area of Illinois in1983. I raised my two children in Batavia and have always volunteered in many small ways through my church, with Girl Scouts, grade school organizations, and various community groups throughout my nearly 40 years in the area. My career has been with small startup businesses, large corporations, and I have worked in Real Estate for the last 17 years. The women of Fox Valley Juniors share the same values and desire to serve that I do. Contributing and volunteering locally for the better of my community is so gratifying. Collaborating, sharing, serving and bonding with this diverse group of women is fulfilling and exhilarating.