Janine Jay
Co-President
Originally from Greenwich, CT, Janine is a Senior Software Engineer at Liberty Mutual. She joined BHWF in 2018 and loves skiing, baking, and hosting dinner parties. A fan of both the Boston Athenaeum and exploring a new part of the city, you might catch her picnicking on the Esplanade.
Suzanne Norman
Co-President
A certified coach, speaker, and financial educator, Suzanne blends decades of investment experience with a passion for helping women step into their power—what she calls a “rewirement.” She leads workshops on confidence, communication, and financial well-being through her initiative, The Whealthy Woman. When she’s not coaching or teaching, she’s likely planning her next travel adventure (48 countries and counting!), out with her camera, or enjoying the outdoors on Cape Cod.
Perla Fernandez
Vice President & Graphic Designer
Born and raised in Santo Domingo, Perla has always been a city girl—and feels lucky to have landed in Beacon Hill when she moved to Boston in 2020. A graphic designer at LinkSquares, she draws daily inspiration from the neighborhood’s charm, often seen with her camera or walking with her husband and their Labradoodle, Luka. She’s passionate about storytelling, design, and meaningful conversations, and joined BHWF to keep connecting with the incredible women of this community.
Rachel Von Nieda
Vice President & Special Events Co-Director
Rachel moved to Beacon Hill in 2021 and has been smitten with the neighborhood ever since—so much so that she eagerly joined local groups like the BHWF to dive deeper into the community. A mechanical engineer by day, she fills her free time with volleyball, dinners with friends, and planning her next travel adventure. She’s also developed a serious love of local history—living in Beacon Hill will do that to you!
Courtney Jones
Secretary
A St. Louis native and Drury University alum, Courtney works in software sales and joined BHWF in 2023. She enjoys running on the Esplanade, grabbing a Stella at Sevens, and shopping at Charles Street Supply. Be sure to ask her about the Neighborhood Narratives event—it’s her favorite.
Madi Jolly
Finance Director
Madi manages finances in the Ob/Gyn department at Beth Israel and moved to Beacon Hill in 2021. A fan of the Delucas wine tasting and the Charles St Couture events, she also enjoys sailing, gallery visits, and running. You might spot her on the Charles or at the MFA soaking in art.
Nancy Chabot
Program Co-Director
Nancy is a Boston native and event planner who joined BHWF in 2025. She’s a fan of Blank Street Coffee, Yankees games, and walking around Brewster. Whether she’s doing Pilates or exploring Beacon Hill, Nancy brings energy and enthusiasm to every program.
Grace Lee
Program Co-Director
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Grace works in product marketing at a tech startup and moved to Boston in 2013. A fan of golf, tennis, and long runs by the Charles, she’s always up for discovering new corners of the city—especially with a coffee from the Beacon Hill Book Café in hand. She joined BHWF in 2023 and loves connecting over good conversation, local businesses, and all things community.
Tiana Celesia
Neighborhood Narrative Director
A registered dietitian from Port Washington, NY, Tiana has lived in Beacon Hill since 1990 and joined BHWF early in its journey. She’s passionate about cooking, gardening, and time on or near the water. With a deep love for local shops like Charles Street Supply and Blackstones, she’s always up for a foodie conversation or beach walk story.
Deb Schwartz
Connections Co-Director
Originally from Scituate, Deb moved to Beacon Hill in 2016 and has been part of BHWF since 2017. She’s passionate about community, and when she’s not managing housing for seniors, you can find her running the Esplanade-to-Garden loop, sketchbook in tow. A big fan of Joanne Chang and local spots like Paramount, she loves the walkable rhythm of Beacon Hill—even on 20,000-step days.
Kati Livingston
Connections Co-Director
Kati is an executive coach and organizational consultant who recently returned to Beacon Hill after first moving here in 2013. A watercolor artist and fan of aimless city wanders, she finds joy in simple discoveries. Charles Street Supply is her go-to neighborhood gem.
Jackie McBride
Book Group Co-Director
A seasoned storyteller with a background in journalism and media, Jacqueline has lived in Boston’s Back Bay for over 20 years. She’s an avid runner and Book Group regular since BHWF’s founding, known for her morning Esplanade runs, and love of pizza with champagne. Don’t miss her at 75 Chestnut—The “real” Cheers, one might say.
Maryellen Callanan
Book Group Co-Director
Maryellen is a recruiter for Huntington Bank who recently moved from Fort Myers, FL. She joined the BHWF Book Group in 2024 and is excited to dive deeper this year. When she’s not reading, she’s walking the Esplanade, enjoying concerts, or sipping cocktails at the Long Bar.
Betty Murray
Membership Co-Director
Retired from the insurance world, Betty now spends her time gardening in the Southwest Corridor, going to the gym, and enjoying Boston with friends. A Holy Cross alum who arrived in the early ’80s, she joined BHWF in the 2023–2024 year. She loves Lydia Shire’s talks and unwinding in the Public Garden.
Wendy Oleksiak
Membership Co-Director
Wendy loves the magic of city life—where stepping out your door might lead to a new friend or spontaneous adventure. You’ll often spot her walking her dog along the Esplanade or savoring a coffee at Tatte. With a passion for Beacon Hill and all that Boston offers, she enjoys fine dining, theater, museums, and cheering on the local teams.
Claudine Ellyin
Marketing Co-Director
Claudine is Commercial Waste Reduction Branch Chief at MassDEP. She moved to Boston from NYC about 10 years ago. She enjoys playing piano, strolling the Public Garden, and frequenting Vico. A Columbia and UNR grad, she’s passionate about sustainability and good design.
Hannah Schur
Marketing Co-Director
Coming soon.
Meghan Smith
Social Media Co-Director
Originally from coastal Maine, Meghan moved to Boston after graduating from Boston College and has called her cozy Beacon Hill studio home for the past six years. She’s a journalist at GBH, reporting and producing stories across radio, TV, and digital platforms—with a special focus on voices that don’t always get heard. When she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring new restaurants or befriending every dog on the Hill.
Alex Coxall
Social Media Co-Director
Alex is a real estate agent and soon-to-be certified Pilates instructor from Southborough. A 2023 Boston College grad, she joined BHWF in 2024 and lives for morning café work sessions and dinner at Zuma. She’s passionate about social media—and proud dog mom to two fluffy best friends!
Marianne Salza
Correspondent & Photographer
A photojournalist from East Boston, Marianne has covered BHWF events since the 2022–2023 season. She enjoys gardening with her family and finds peace at the Boston Public Garden, especially watching ducklings at the water’s edge. You’ll often find her shopping at Covet or captivated by the speaker series.
Nick Santaniello
Webmaster & Videographer
Nick is a Technology Program Manager at IBM and a freelance webmaster for a variety of local businesses, including the BHWF. Originally from Revere, MA, he holds a degree in Computer Science from Boston College and an MBA from Northeastern University. Passionate about community impact, Nick helps charitable organizations attract new sponsorships and corporate donors and fundraise for both local and national events. A blood cancer survivor, he now serves as a patient advocate and community speaker for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Tricia Stone
Advisor
Boston stole Tricia’s heart when she moved here in 2011 with her young daughter and a dream. For nearly a decade, she ran her own optometry practice in the Financial District, where she was inspired by the loyalty and kindness of the community. Now living between Boston and London, Tricia is immersed in creative projects and nonprofit work.
Lisa Mcalaster
Advisor
A natural connector, Lisa has a passion for building community—both professionally and personally. She founded the Wellesley Mothers Forum in 1991, and later brought that same spirit to Boston by creating the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum in 2013. Now returning as Co-President for the 10th anniversary, Lisa balances her work as a real estate agent with her love of music as a vocalist with Beacon Hill Jazz and The Remedies. She finds deep joy in mentoring each new BHWF board and watching the organization grow with heart and friendship.
Patricia Tully
Advisor
Patricia is the Executive Director of the Beacon Hill Civic Association and has called Beacon Hill home since 2013. A Boston College alum from Melrose, she’s a lover of sketching, painting, and aimless walks that lead to unexpected discoveries. Ask her about her favorite stop—Beacon Hill Books and Café!
Beverly Bansil
Advisor
Originally from Ipswich, UK, Beverley works part-time in quality assurance for a pharmaceutical company. She joined BHWF in 2023 and loves to travel, sew, paint, and read. You’ll likely find her browsing at Blackstones or dining at Toscanas—ask her about Patricia Tully’s inspiring talk!
Richelle Gewertz
Co-President & Connections Co-Director – Feast with Friends, Backyard Adventures, Sunday Funday and Laughs & Libations
Smitten by the old-world charm of Beacon Hill, Richelle has had her share of experiences living in a few of the North Slope’s tiniest and antiquated apartments, from former tenements to converted townhomes, from apron sinks to clawfoot tubs. Her appreciation as an architect has led her to fight for the preservation of the neighborhood by participating on the Civic Association’s Architecture and Zoning & Licensing Committees.
Richelle joined the Women’s Forum to forge lasting friendships with those in the community, and loves to attend the many monthly Connections events that bring our members together over drinks, feasts, and fun adventures.
Western Philadelphia suburbs born and raised, Richelle moved to Boston after graduating from Syracuse University when a summer internship the year before led to a full time offer. Do ask her where she has discovered the most authentic cheesesteak outside Philly—hint: it’s on the Hill!
Norah Lawrence
Programs Co-Director
Norah moved to Beacon Hill in 2015, where she attended law school. While beginning work in the legal field, she has been involved in the community through non-profits, neighborhood organizations, and volunteering. Additionally, she loves traveling to learn about other cultures, try new foods, and see the world.
The Beacon Hill Women’s Forum has been nothing but a supportive group of women to not only interact with, but also share new experiences in the city with!
This year’s forum will be an extraordinary representation of women in Boston who have done incredible work and really earned their rolls in the community through commitment and dedication.