Board of Directors
President
Executive Committee
Programming Committee Chair
Interim Events Chair
Janika LeMaitre
Janika joined the WBG Connects board as President in 2022.
​
Janika (Jan) LeMaitre is a philanthropist and the author of The Polished Persona. She serves as a board director at RIA Inc., and is a board advisor for the Boston Lyric Opera. In addition, Jan is a member of the Protocol & Diplomacy International - Protocol Officers Association. She's received certifications from the Yale School of Management, and the Institute of Leadership Management. In 2024, Jan was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow for her contributions to Rotary International.
Vice President
Executive Committee
Membership Committee Chair
Nominating Committee Chair
Claudia O'Regan H.H.C.C.
Claudia joined the WBG Connects board as Vice President in 2022.
Claudia O'Regan is a Regional Vice President at Arbonne International and contributes expertise in management and recruiting. Claudia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Boston University and an M.Ed. in School Counseling. She is recognized as a Professional Coach for the United States Figure Skating Association.
Board Director
Technology Committee Chair
Jeanne Richardson
Jeanne joined the WBG Connects board in 2021.
​
Jeanne Richardson is the CEO and Travel Consultant at Blue Dynasty Entertainment and Travel. She is a Board Member of the Greater Boston Association of Black Social Workers and the Board of Governors of the Shirley-Eustis House. In addition, Jeanne volunteers as the Co-Chair of the Public Image Committee for the Rotary Club of Weston & Wayland. Jeanne holds a C.A.G.S. from the Harvard University, Graduate School of Education, and an M.Ed. from the Cambridge College.
Board Director
Executive Committee
Treasurer
Budget Committee
Katya Portnaya
Katya joined the WBG Connects board in 2021.
Katya Portnaya is the President at Boston Carriage Limousines. She recently began her term as an Assistant District Governor for Rotary. She received two official citations in 2024, one from the Commonwealth House of Representatives and one from the Massachusetts State Senate, in recognition of her service and leadership. Katya is a certified Master Gardener at the Massachusetts Master Gardeners' Association.
Board Director
Partnerships Committee Chair
Chantha Carter
Chantha joined the WBG Connects board in 2023.
​
Chantha Carter is the Development & Strategy Director at RIA Inc., a nonprofit public charity organization, and volunteers at Tomorrow's Women Today, where she was recognized in 2024 as their Member of the Year. She received her B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies at the University of New Hampshire.
Board Director
Executive Committee
Secretary
Barbara Wales
Barbara joined the WBG Connects board in 2023.
Barbara Wales is a Realtor representing Engel & Völkers and worked early in her career as a Principal Member of the Technical Staff in the telecommunications industry. Barbara serves on the executive board of the Crystal Lake Conservancy and the Newtonville Local Historic District. Barbara studied computer science and mechanical engineering at Michigan State University.
Board Director
President Elect 2026-28
Marketing Committee Chair
Ariel Ferrante
Ariel joined the WBG Connects board in 2025
​
Ariel Ferrante is a Vice President at the Belfort Group, an integrated marketing, creative, and PR agency. She's received her B.S. in advertising from Boston University.
Board Director
Partnerships Committee
Liliana A. Zygouris, CFP®
Liliana joined the WBG Connects board in 2025.
​
Liliana Zygouris is a Senior Investment Associate at J.P. Morgan. She recently completed an Adjunct Professorship at Suffolk University's Finance Department and has previously served on the board of directors at FintechWomen and ALPFA Boston. ​Liliana received her M.S. in Finance from Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School, her B.S. in Economics from Universidad del Norte in Colombia, and is currently pursuing an Estate Planning certification from Boston University's School of Law.
Advisory Board
Board Advisor
Katina Fontes, Ph.D.
WBG welcomed Katina as a Board Advisor in 2023.
Dr. Katina Fontes is the Founder and President of Athina Education, Inc., and serves as a Member and Chair at Goodnow Library's Board of Trustees. She received her B.A. at the University of Iowa, her A.M. at the University of Chicago, and her Ph.D. at the Lesley University.
Board Advisor
Past President
Betsy Millane
WBG welcomed Betsy as a Board Advisor in 2025.
Betsy Millane is a Novelist, a Realtor, and an entrepreneur. Betsy was educated at Boston College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English literature.​
Board Advisor
Marilyn Hirsch
WBG welcomed Marilyn as a Board Advisor in 2025.
Committee Members
Charitable Fundraising Committee Chair
Cassandra Priante
WBG welcomes Cassandra to the Charitable Fundraising Committee in 2025.
​
Cassandra Priante is a Career Development Advisor at Hult International Business School in Boston. Cassandra holds an M.A. from Lesley University and a B.B.A. from Bryant University, with a double major in management and psychology.
Events Committee Chair
Elizabeth M. Facey, Esq.
WBG welcomes Liz as the Chair of the Events Committee in 2025.
​
Elizabeth (Liz) Facey is a licensed attorney specializing in Estate and Trust law. Liz earned her Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School and previously earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Boston College. She’s actively involved in the legal community, holding memberships in the Boston Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.
Events Committee
Kathie Chrisicos
WBG welcomes Kathie to the Events Committee in 2025.
​
Kathie Chrisicos, president of Chrisicos Interiors, is one of New England’s most respected designers. She is a past president of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) and an active member of numerous professional associations in both the design and construction industries. She is a sought-after speaker on design and has appeared at conferences throughout New England.
Membership Committee
Nicole Varadian
WBG welcomed Nicole to the Membership Committee in 2024.
​
Nicole Varadian is a Partner at AMVCreative and TownSurfer. She previously held the role of Associate Director of Admissions at Simmons University and received her M.A. at Simmons University and B.A. at Assumption University.
Programming Committee
Megan Marini
WBG welcomes Megan to the Programming Committee in 2025.
​
Megan Marini is a Learning and Development Specialist, High Performance Coach, and Public Speaker. Megan Founded the Boston Men's Group and Co-founded Boston Business Women. She received her B.F.A. from Naropa University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Cambridge College.
Programming Committee
Dr. Laura Noel
WBG welcomes Laura to the Programming Committee in 2025.
​
Laura is an Organizational Psychologist and Leadership Coach. Laura earned her Psy.D. from William James College and an M.S. from Boston University, and serves as a Board Member at Service Women's Action Network.​
Technology Committee
Judith Artley
WBG welcomed Judy to the Technology Committee in 2023.
Judith (Judy) Artley retired as a Senior Information Technologist at Raytheon. She's held positions with CSC Global and Lockheed in Engineering and Architectural roles. Judy is a board director on the Massachusetts Master Gardner's Association. She received her B.S. from the Purdue University, her M.S. from Cornell University.