2023 CWW Lunch March 2: Women's History Month Panel

Join us for a special panel discussion in honor of Women's History Month featuring leading thinkers, dreamers and doers.

Speakers: Teresa Andrea, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Dr. Yolanda Farmer, and Ines Kutlesa

• Teresa Andrea has served as the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois since June, 2020.  Teresa is a graduate of Bradley University where she received her BS in Nursing.  She also received her MS in Health Administration from University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Having a strong technology and clinical background with diverse hospital operations knowledge, Teresa offers a futuristic and adaptive perspective as people, process and technology are connected.  Her experience in multiple roles has allowed her the ability to problem solve through various perspectives and successfully work across departments in an organization. Known for her transformational and innovative approach, she has successfully implemented numerous organizational projects to support business strategy while incorporating data and analytics to identify opportunity as we transform to value based care. Whether it is digital innovation, workflow optimization or technical infrastructure; Teresa successfully fosters conversation in the context of business transformation to secure commitment and engagement which ultimately brings success in deliverables.

• As a lifelong resident, Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is honored to serve as Will County’s fourth Chief Executive Officer. Jennifer is a champion for hard-working families and businesses in Will County and brings an extensive background in education advocacy, innovation, and public service. 

  Prior to her role as County Executive, Jennifer served two terms in the Illinois General Assembly. As a State Senator, Jennifer was a leading advocate for public education and supporting students and teachers. She was an architect in reforming Illinois’ broken education funding system, investing hundreds of millions of new dollars to schools annually and was instrumental in passing legislation aimed at addressing our teacher shortage. 

  Throughout her legislative career, Jennifer focused on fostering a vibrant Illinois and helping others through infrastructure investment, workforce development and training, protection of seniors and expanding services for veterans.

  Jennifer began her career teaching high school students before becoming a school principal. Jennifer first entered public service in 2006 when she was elected as Will County Regional Superintendent of Schools. As Regional Superintendent, Jennifer opened Lincoln School, a program for at-risk students and advocated for quality professional development opportunities for teachers. She has also served as Adjunct Professor at the University of St. Francis, Joliet Junior College, and Olivet Nazarene.

  Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant has been recognized by various organizations for her dedication and commitment to the community throughout the years. She received the Athena Award from the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, the Outstanding Career Achievement Award from Joliet Catholic Academy, the Key Community Leader from Delta Kappa Gamma/Beta Rho Chapter, the Certificate of Appreciation for Legislators from Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, the Friend of Agriculture Award from the Illinois Farm Bureau, the 2016 Government Award from the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, and the SSPRPA Excellence in Leadership Award by the South Suburban Park and Recreation Professional Association.

  Jennifer graduated from St. Francis Academy in Joliet before earning a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Francis. In 2007, Bertino-Tarrant completed her doctorate at Loyola University in Curriculum Instruction, with concentrations in supervision and finance.
   

• With 27 years of higher education experience, Dr. Yolanda Farmer can be described as a student advocate due to her passion for developing and executing initiatives to support student success. Dr. Farmer is the Executive Vice President (EVP) at Joliet Junior College (JJC); the first appointed EVP for the college. She serves as the strategic institutional partner for the college president and provides leadership for Academic Affairs, Administrative Services, Information Technology, and Student Development divisions. Before the EVP promotion, Dr. Farmer served as the Vice President for Student Development for nine years, championing many initiatives to advance accessible and diverse student services and resources. Dr. Farmer held many respected positions in the State of Illinois, such as the dean of Student Services at Moraine Valley Community College, director of Minority Student Affairs at JJC, and assistant dean of students at DePaul University. Dr. Farmer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Dr. Farmer actively contributes to many associations and organizations to advance community college excellence at the national, state, and local levels. Dr. Farmer serves on the Advisory Board for the Doctoral Program for Community College Leadership at New Jersey City University. At the state level, Dr. Farmer served as the past president of the Illinois Community College Chief Student Services Officers. In the district, she is the president of the Romeoville Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Romeoville Rotary. Dr. Farmer has been a proud Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. member for 31 years, actively involved with the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter. She and her husband, Danny B. Farmer, JJC alumnus and chef, reside in Lemont with their two dogs, Destiny and Joy.

• Ines Kutlesa has been with Guardian Angel Community Services for 23 years, and as Chief Executive Officer since 2012. Ines earned a BA degree in Psychology and a MA degree in Clinical Psychology and has been a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts since 2001. She is also licensed through the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services as a Child Welfare Specialist/Foster Care Licensing Supervisor and  is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Ines was appointed to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois Council on Women and Girls in March of 2019. The Council advises the Governor and General Assembly on policy issues and legislation impacting women and girls across the State of Illinois. Ines was also elected Chairperson of the State Council’s Gender Based Violence Committee and she is in her 3rd term in these positions. Ines is a proud Rotarian, Kiwanian and member of the Council for Working Women and serves on various other committees in the community. She was honored as our Athena Award recipient in 2019. Ines also received the She Rocks It Award: Celebrating Services that Empower Women, and the Chicago-land Speedway NASCAR Everyday Hero Award.