For the month of March, we celebrated National Women's History Month by launching a social media campaign. We highlighted women of all walks of life who are connected by being part of the Berwyn community. Here we have collected a recap of all the empowering messages they had to offer. 

For the first person we'd like to start off with a woman who made history in the year 2022 herself. Diane Salemi, Branch Sales Manager of Republic Bank, is the 2nd ever to serve as a Board President of the Berwyn Development Corporation! 
 

 
Name: Diane Salemi,
Hometown: Berkley, IL.
Current Residence: Berkley, IL.
Business: Republic Bank of Chicago 
Occupation: Branch Sales Manager 
Website: Republicebank.com 
Socials: Instagram / Facebook

Diane describes herself as empowering, passionate, and hard-working. She sees herself as a team player who is there for "the guts, not the glory".
Diane has been working for Republic Bank for just over 5 years to which she describes them as "truly a community bank." She states that, "We treat our clients like family. We even greet them by their names whenever they stop inside!"
Find out more of what Diane has done for the community in her recent press release here
 

 


Name: Claudia Osorio
Hometown: Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia
Current Residence: Western Springs, IL. 
Business: AllDental
Occupation: Dentist and President 
Website: Alldentalberwyn.com 
Socials: Instagram / Facebook

A little bit about you: Claudia received her doctorate in Dental Surgery in Colombia. She then moved to the United States to attend UIC where she was awarded her international certification for Dentistry. Claudia is a lifelong learner and has received numerous certifications in areas of cosmetic, orthodontia, implants, and more. By continuing her education, she stays in the forefront of the industry to provide the best care to her patients. When she isn't working, Claudia loves to travel, play tennis, and enjoy time with her family.


 


Name: Diane Garrison
Hometown: Danville, Illinois (in Central Illinois)
Current Residence: Western Springs
Business: Diane Garrison DDS LTD
Occupation: Dentist
Website: DianeGarrisonDDS.com
Socials: Instagram / Facebook 

1. Describe yourself using 3 words: Grateful, Determined, Optimistic
2. What is one question you get asked about your profession?
"Do you like looking in people's mouths all day?"
3. Why Berwyn?
The people! Berwyn has a great mix of families and individuals with such interesting histories and stories. There's a real feel of community and friendship here in general.
4. What woman do you look up to and why?
I look up to women who inspire me with a "never give up" attitude. I have met so many female business owners, artists, mothers, cancer survivors and others who just make it work, keep going, and don't give up on themselves and what they can accomplish. They remind me that we are stronger than we think!


 


Name: Jamie Revell
Hometown: Lemont, IL
Current Residence: Chicago, IL.
Business: W3Body, A Women's Gym
Occupation: Owner/Operator
Website: W3body.com
Socials: Instagram / Facebook

1. Describe yourself using three words: energetic, hardworking and determined.
2. What is one question you get asked repeatedly about your profession?
Why a women-only gym and how did you get started?
3. Why Berwyn?
I love the community in Berwyn and the culture! I really appreciate everything the BDC does for the business community and how involved the city is with its businesses and its citizens. The events bring people together and really highlight the eclectic nature of Berwyn. It's a very fun place to be a part of!
4. What woman do you look up to and why?
From a business and life perspective, I look up to my mom. She owned and grew a chain of women's health clubs, had 3 kids and still seemed to make time for everyone and everything. She did it all! For a celebrity, I've always admired and have loved learning about Jackie-O (Jackie Kennedy). She always maintained a high level of grace and composure despite suffering such tragedy. Both of these women exude strength and were able to overcome many obstacles, whether in business or personal life, with levels of courage, resilience and optimism that not many can claim.


 

 
Name: Magaly Alonzo
Hometown: Berwyn, IL
Current Residence: Berwyn, IL
Business: The Federal Savings Bank
Occupation: Mortgage Loan Officer
Website: Thefederalsavingsbank.com
Socials: Instagram / Facebook

1. Describe yourself using three words: Passionate, Authentic, Loyal
2. What is one question you get asked repeatedly about your profession?
The one questions I repeatedly get asked; I heard you make miracles happen; can you help me? And I answer you must have heard the rumor- I’m the mortgage fairy!! 
3. Why Berwyn?
Berwyn is a diverse community and known for its beautiful historical bungalows. I get to see and be part of Berwyn on a day-to-day basis! Because of my profession I get to contribute to our growing Berwyn.
4. What woman do you look up to and why?
The woman I look up to is my sister- Jennyfer! She is smart, outspoken and has this amazing confidence. I’m so lucky to have her in my life.
 




From her experiences in the non-profit business world, to her passions in aiding the Berwyn community, Josephine DiCesare of Youth Crossroads has her story to tell! Get to know Josephine here.





Jamie Kucera of PAV YMCA has overcome every bump in the road that came with the pandemic and says that it’s her daughter’s strong mindset that inspires her work every day!
Get to know Jamie here.


 


Marlene Comella is co-owner of the The Berwyn’s Violet Flower Shop, which was selected for the George W. Ashby Award for Business Excellence recipient of 2022!
Get to know Marlene here.





Peggy Rose Kwiatek of Peggy Rose Academy of Dance won the Charles E. Piper Award for 2022. This award is for those who have made many strides in the community.
Get to know Peggy here.


We hope you enjoyed learning about all the mighty women that help move forward the community of Berwyn.

For April, we will be celebrating National Financial Literacy Month- thus, look forward to reading a blog post on that in the coming weeks!