Lisa Macalaster
Founder
Lisa a natural “connector” in both work and play. She loves bringing people together! In 1991, as a young mother, she created the Wellesley Mothers Forum which is still going strong over 30 years later. When she and her husband Spencer moved into Boston in 2010, she used the same model to create the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum. She is back as co-President this year to help with the 10th Anniversary of the BHWF. During the day Lisa is a real estate agent with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty Beacon Hill and at night she is a semi-professional vocalist with Beacon Hill Jazz and The Remedies, a classic rock band. She finds great joy in guiding each new BHWF board as they add their own style year after year and continue to keep the BHWF a warm and welcoming place where friendships thrive!
Amy Tsurumi
Forum Advisor/Past President
Amy is an Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, with research interests in developing new biomarkers using machine learning approaches. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, she moved to Beacon Hill in 2013, and is eternally grateful to the BHWF for all the wonderful friends she met and a strong sense of belonging in her new hometown.
At the BHWF, she has previously served roles as Co-President, Beacon Hill Times contributor, Membership Director and Forum Speaker. In the neighborhood, she also enjoys organizing science seminars at Beacon Hill Seminars. An avid opera enthusiast, she loves attending all the exceptional performances at the Boston Lyric Opera.
Senaida Bautista
Forum Advisor/Past President
Senaida has been an active member of the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum (BHWF) since its founding. She was the former President of the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum 2018-2020 and has served on the Board of Directors, as Treasurer, and is now a Board Advisor.
Senaida lives with her sweet daughter Adeline and her fierce Pomeranian Savannah. Together they are always in search of beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy.
Sandra Gilpatrick
Forum Advisor/Past President
Sandra Gilpatrick has been a resident on Beacon Hill for over 15 years. She lives at 15 Ridgeway Lane with her husband, George and a son at boarding school.
She is an adventurous recipe explorer and enthusiastic urban gardener. She is a business owner devoted to the unique financial needs of women helping Gen X and Millennial women understand and manage their finances (www.sandragilpatrick.com). Financial literacy for women is an important mission in her practice. Sandra makes a concerted effort to find time to enjoy her friendships and volunteer in her community.
Sandra was the former President of the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum 2016- 2018. She is a board member of the Beacon Hill Garden Club, and former Beacon Hill Civic Association annual gala chair.
Wendy Oleksiak
Forum Advisor/Past President
Wendy’s favorite thing about city life is the fact that you can step out your door and meet a new friend every day. You can often find her walking her dog on the Esplanade, or enjoying a great cup of coffee at Tatte. She finds life in Boston ever exciting, with easy access to fine dining, theatre, museums and world class sports, all within walking distance.
As a Forum Advisor, Wendy wants to share her love for Beacon Hill, help new members of the BHWF settle in, and meet new friends and share their story. She is always just a phone call away!
Richelle Gewertz
Past President
Richelle, an architect drawn to the old-world charm of Beacon Hill, has lived in some of the North Slope’s tiniest, most historic apartments, deepening her appreciation for preservation—a passion she channels through her work on the Civic Association’s Architecture and Zoning & Licensing Committees. Originally from the western suburbs of Philadelphia, she moved to Boston after a Syracuse University internship turned into a full-time offer. Through the Women’s Forum, she’s built meaningful friendships and enjoys the community’s monthly Connections events. And yes—she’s found the most authentic Philly cheesesteak right on the Hill!
Tricia Stone
Advisor
The city of Boston grabbed Tricia’s heart when she moved here in 2011 with her young daughter and a dream. For nine years, she owned an optometry practice in the financial district and was continually humbled by the kindness and loyalty of the Boston community. Now she is actively engaged in various local non-profits and is working on new creative projects. She moved into Beacon Hill last summer and quickly and gratefully discovered the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum. She’s very excited to be involved with this dynamic, engaging, and warm-hearted organization.