About Metro Chicago

Our History

The success of the Metro Chicago chapter represents a grass roots effort led by a group of energetic, determined women. The chapter was chartered in 2014 by WiNUP with 18 members, mostly representing the natural gas industry. The chapter’s first officers were Liz Dousias, Chair, Margaret Haggerty, Vice Chair, Karen Swift, Secretary, and Diane Cota, Treasurer.

The chapter was and is still based in Merrillville, Indiana. Its current leadership team consists of Julie Oakley (Chair), Marisa Valdez (Vice Chair), Julie Scardina (Treasurer), and Melissa McLindon (Past Chair, Chapter Advisor and International Board Member).

Since its charter, the Metro Chicago Chapter has grown exponentially. By committing to hosting the chapter’s first International Conference in Chicago in 2018, the chapter’s membership and leadership team inspired many additional members to join. Between 2017 and 2019, chapter membership grew to over 100 members, largely representing the natural gas and electric industries and allied fields.

In 2018 the Metro Chicago Chapter hosted a record breaking international conference, themed PowerUp with WiNUP. The conference was hosted in iconic downtown Chicago with several hundred attendees, and it truly was an event to remember!

The chapter offers a variety of professional development, social and networking, and philanthropic efforts each year. Some of our more notable offerings have included a focus on continuous improvement, virtual happy hours, and donation drives for local veteran’s organizations and at risk youth.