Julie Oakley

2024 Metro Chicago Chapter Chair

Julie Oakley is an Electric Field Engineer at NIPSCO and is responsible for commercial and residential new business projects as well as public and system improvement projects. She has been with NIPSCO for over 8 years. Prior to working at NIPSCO, Julie was a registered nurse for 4 years where she worked in the intensive care unit. Julie holds nursing and industrial engineering degrees from Purdue University. She also earned her MBA from DeVry University and has her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

She joined WiNUP in 2015 with an interest in professional growth as well as the networking opportunities provided by the organization. Julie has served as co-chair for the chapter's STEM & Community Outreach and Professional Development & Programming committees. She also was part of the chapter's planning committee for WiNUP's annual conference in 2018.



Julie is married with two kids; Olivia age 9 and Ethan age 8. She enjoys reading, gardening, and playing volleyball and golf.

Marisa Valdez

2024 Metro Chicago Chapter Vice Chair

Marisa Valdez is a Senior Financial Analyst in the Regulatory Accounting Department at NiSource. She has been with the company since December 2020, and currently supports the Financial Planning team where her focus lies in data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

Marisa has been a WiNUP member since January 2021 and was part of the inaugural International Mentoring Program that year. Since 2022, she has served on the Mentoring Program, Budget & Finance, and International Website Committees. She enjoys not only networking, but also collaborating with women in order to promote personal and professional growth – particularly, in male-dominated industries.

Prior to joining the utilities industry, Marisa spent 8.5 years at U. S. Steel and 5.5 years at ArcelorMittal leading teams throughout various Accounting disciplines including Payroll, Accounts Receivable, and Accounts Payable. Her dynamic communication style is a proven asset in arenas like public speaking, systems training, recruiting, and interviewing.

Marisa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and an MBA, both from Valparaiso University. In her spare time, she enjoys music, photography, traveling, and fruity beverages that promote memorable conversations.

Julie Scardina

2024 Metro Chicago Chapter Treasurer

Julie Scardina is a Team Leader Project Cost Analyst in the Project Controls department at NIPSCO. She has been with the company since June 2020 supporting Gas Major Projects. Prior to being hired internally, Julie worked for 7 years as a contractor supporting various facets of NIPSCO including generation, capital invoicing and major projects.

Julie earned her BS in 2009 and MS in 2012 from Purdue University. With a strong science background, she excels in data acquisition, management, and analysis.

WiNUP’s philanthropic mission focused on women’s issues and STEM education led her to pursue membership in 2022 and serve as co-chair of the STEM committee for 2 years.

Julie loves knitting, watching movies, and going on adventures with her family, including her husband and two energetic boys.

Lisa Appiah

2024 Metro Chicago Chapter Secretary

Lisa Appiah is an Associate Cost Analyst in Project Controls at NIPSCO and previously supported Project Controls as a Cost Tech from 2016 - 2022. Prior to joining the utility industry, Lisa spent nearly 10 years overseeing services and providing program coordination for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of Minnesota. Lisa joined WiNUP in 2024 with an interest in professional growth and networking opportunities. Lisa is passionate about traveling, hiking and enjoying quality time with her friends and family.

Lisa is married with three children, Jeremiah, Jasmine and Jackson. Additionally, she has a Boxer mix named Penny and a cat named Mochi. 

Melissa McLindon

2024 Metro Chicago Chapter International Board Representative

Melissa is the Manager of Industrial Billing & Controls for NIPSCO. Her team is responsible for billing large commercial and industrial gas and electric accounts and managing and overseeing a variety of company billing controls. Prior to her role in Industrial Billing, Melissa supported NIPSCO Accounting as a Lead Analyst. She has worked in the utility industry for most of her career, starting in the healthcare accounting space. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Valparaiso University and a MBA from Purdue University.

She strongly believes in the mission of WiNUP, in providing leadership and learning opportunities for women, in supporting and encouraging one another, in continuous learning and personal and professional growth, and in positively impacting the world in which we live. Her involvement in WiNUP invigorates her, and allows her the opportunity to flex her leadership and strategic planning muscles.



Most of all, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Mike, their 7 year old daughter, Eastyn, and their 3 year old son, Lincoln.