Passion Led Us Here
The CAWC leadership team and boards work to ensure that the programs and services provided to domestic violence survivors are of the highest quality and enable survivors to start to lead lives that are free from violence and abuse.
The team and the boards are integral to CAWC’s stellar reputation in Chicago, Illinois and nationally.
Media Inquiries
CAWC is proud to shine a light on the reality of domestic abuse and how we can fight it.
Call: 773-489-9081
Executive Staff
Arshele Stevens
Executive Director
Arshele Stevens joins CAWC with a tireless spirit and a breadth of executive leadership experience well-tailored to the many arching principles that define the organization’s mission and work. As a seasoned executive, Stevens will lead CAWC into the future by disrupting domestic violence through institutional advancement, program development, operational efficiency and advocacy. A seasoned executive, Stevens’s dedication to social impact is represented by her impressive experience serving as the President of Kennedy-King College, Founding CEO of Girls, Inc. of Chicago, and Senior VP of Children, Youth, and Families at Catholic Charities of Chicago where she developed programs to assist domestic violence and other issues that align with CAWC’s work.
Judi Golemba
Development Director
A seasoned nonprofit professional with a passion for driving positive change, Judi joined the CAWC leadership team in 2023. With a background in fundraising, strategic planning, and leadership, Judi has a track record of success in advancing organizations’ missions across various sectors. Her expertise in development operations and CRM systems, coupled with her strong communication and relationship-building skills, makes her an asset to the team. Judi’s commitment to excellence and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders make her a standout leader in the nonprofit sector.
Courtney Herrera
Program Director
Courtney Herrera joined CAWC in April 2013. A Certified Domestic Violence Professional with over 10 years of experience in advocating for those impacted by domestic violence, Courtney oversees all direct service programs, ensuring high-quality care for individuals seeking support. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hampton University and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Grace College. Courtney’s expertise and passion for empowering survivors make her an invaluable asset to the CAWC team, leading CAWC’s mission of providing trauma-sensitive, trauma-informed services and resources to those affected by domestic violence.
Chana Harden
Finance Director
Chana joined CAWC in January 2024. With over 14 years of financial leadership experience, she brings expertise in nonprofit finance, grant management, business operations, and strategic planning. Her background includes managing financial activities for diverse portfolios, implementing internal controls, and using innovative practices to drive efficiency. Chana holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Master of Urban Planning with a focus on Community and Economic Development from the University of Michigan at Ann-Arbor.
Board of Directors
President
David Levine
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Vizient
Vice President
Catherine Carraway
Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Equity Residential
Treasurer
Gianne James
Senior Vice President Governance and Assurance, FIRST Insurance Funding
Secretary
Dr. Gil Reid
Physician, Planned Parenthood of Illinois
Directors
- April Hughes, President, Nurture Architects
- Betsy Covell, Chief Architect – Technology Development, Nokia
- Linda Haynes, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
- Charlotte Toerber, Advocate
- Carl Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Nordstrom Rack
- Margaret Jones, Advocate
- Cordelia Pottinger-Walters, Executive Assistant, Deloitte Services LLP
Associate Board
President
Shannon Casserly
Vice President
Maggie Alessi
Membership Chair
Cassie Bradley
Events Chair