About
Lakes Area Professional Women
Our Vision: To be an advocate for women.
Lakes Area Professional Women gather to uplift and support each other and our community. Members benefit from the networking, support, and professional opportunities that the organization provides.
The mission of Lakes Area Professional Women is to promote equity for all in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. We strive to elevate the standards for everyone in business and in their professions, to advocate for business and professional growth, and to bring about a spirit of cooperation among business and professional women.
We are here to extend opportunities to our members, and to connect business and professional women to develop personally, professionally, and philanthropically.
Lakes Area Professional Women began in June 2009. Prior to this time, our organization was known as Alexandria Area Business and Professional Women (AABPW). AABPW starting in 1944 and has a long history of being an advocate for women.
Our Mission:
Connecting Women
Personally, professionally, and philanthropically.
Leadership
President
Darla Hacker
President Elect
Leah Chalmers
Past President
Emily Geris
Treasurer
Hanna Kettelhut
Secretary
Katie Stokesbary
Member at Large
Becky Hafner
Member at Large
Stacy James
Member at Large
Lynn Barton
Member at Large
Emajean Hanson-Ford
Past Presidents: 2025-2026 Darla Hacker | 2024-2025 Emily Geris | 2023-2024 Katelyn Spangrud | 2022-2023 Cassandra Johnson | 2021-2022 Danielle Peterson | 2020-2021 Marie Shores | 2019-2020 Jill Swanstrom | 2018-2019 Tina Rice | 2017-2018 Michelle Huemoeller| 2016-2017 Jennifer Wegner | 2015-16 Nicole Fernholz | 2014-15 Sara Stadtherr | 2013-2014 Joyce Moe | 2012-2013 Jenniffer Rugani | 2011-2012 Shari Maloney | 2010-2011 LaTresse Snead | 2009-2010 Sara Gronholz | 2008-2009 Nancy Klepetka | 2007-2008 Lynn Grueneich | 2006-2007 Del Mari Runck | 2005-2006 Irene Vagle | 2004-2005 Tara Bitzan | 2003-2004 Patty Wicken | 2002-2003 Cindi Kortie | 2001-2002 Erin Petermeier | 2000-2001 Julie Blank | 1999-2000 Marlene Bettin | 1998-1999 Glenda Stokes | 1997-1998 Terri Mogenson | 1996-1997 Pat Converse | 1995-1996 Lori Anderson | 1994-1995 Jill Strahan | 1993-1994 Sue Doege | 1992-1993 Janet Thorkelson | 1991-1992 Stella Bowland | 1990-1991 Cindy Plaster | 1989-1990 LouAnn Wewetzer | 1988-1989 Joan Gilbertson | 1987-1988 Stella Bowland | 1986-1987 Peggy Goemer | 1985-1986 Jan Esala | 1984-1985 Edith Kelly | 1984-1984 Nancy Fisher | 1983-1984 Vicki Shoening | 1982-1983 Virginia Hevern | 1981-1982 Carol Anderson | 1980-1981 Joanne Holl | 1978-1980 Gladys Steinhorst | 1976-1978 Shirley Norbeck | 1974-1976 Lillian Clark | 1972-1974 Marlene Lorsung
I've been involved in LAPW since 2015 and have been fortunate to make great connections with many amazing women.
– Jill Swanstrom
JIVE Hair Studio
Stylist & Owner
I have so many individuals who were are my mentors through Lakes Area Professional Women – I can't even begin to name them all!
– Shari Maloney
Alexandria Technical & Community College
Chief Human Resources Officer
The connections that I've made are so meaningful. The love and support I've felt from these friendships mean the world to me.
– Michelle Huemoeller
LGC Biosearch
Software Systems Analyst
ready to take the next step?