About Us

In March 1981, four Rockford women—Mildred Berry, Barbara Chapman, Marcella Harris, and Jeanine Wortmann—came together to explore how professional women in the Rock River Region could support one another.

From that meeting, the Rockford Network of Professional Women (RNPW) was born. Attendance grew quickly at weekly meetings, standing rules were established, and RNPW was officially founded in June 1981.

Our Vision

RNPW is a dynamic organization connecting, empowering, and inspiring women throughout the greater Rockford region.

Our Mission

We encourage professional and personal growth for women through education, mentorship, and networking, helping members serve one another and their communities.

Our Purpose

  • Support women in attaining leadership roles and provide the tools and mentorship to succeed.
  • Offer a forum for professional women to give and receive career guidance.
  • Provide job-related resources and support.

  • Build a knowledge base for civic, professional, and personal pursuits.

Core Values

  • Hospitality
  • Inclusivity
  • Relational
  • Respectful
  • Inspirational
  • Positivity
  • Empowering

  • Growth

RNPW Board of Directors

Meet the women guiding RNPW’s vision and programs. Our Board of Directors brings experience, dedication, and leadership to support every member’s growth. Learn more about each board member.

Scholarships & Opportunities

RNPW was created to help women reach their professional goals, including offering scholarships to deserving local women. Learn more about our scholarships and their history.

Monthly Meetings & Events

Our members and guests gather each month to connect, learn, and support one another. These meetings leave everyone energized and inspired to advance in their careers and community projects. Check out our Upcoming Meetings & Events.

Why Join RNPW?

We’re not a business referral organization. Instead, our focus is on education, mentorship, and inspiration. That said, membership naturally creates lasting relationships with women of influence across the Rock River Valley: friends, mentors, and collaborators who make a difference in both career and community. Learn more about Member Benefits.

JOIN NOW!

Rockford Professional Network of Women meets on the third Tuesday of each month (July and August off) at a local venue.

Luncheons include networking and engaging guest speakers, with occasional evening gatherings. Join RNPW Today!

RNPW Bylaws     RNPW Policies 

Past RNPW Presidents

  • 2024-2025 Sandy Dingus
  • 2023-2024 Sue Snyder
  • 2022-2023 Yvonne Peterson
  • 2021-2022 Tami Scarpetta
  • 2020-2021 Theresa Kegley
  • 2019-2020  Jocelyn Hare
  • 2018-2019 Michelle Bowman
  • 2017-2018 Tiffany Staman
  • 2016-2017  Karen Keller
  • 2015-2016  Kim Millhorn
  • 2014-2015  Jan Bowman
  • 2013-2014  Lindsey Gregg
  • 2012-2013  Stacy Wallace
  • 2011-2012  Tonya Thayer
  • 2010-2011 Karen Anderson
  • 2008-2010  Jean Beranek
  • 2007-2008  Holly Hanson
  • 2006-2007  Shirley DeBendetto
  • 2005-2006  Andrea Azar
  • 2004-2005  Kathy Velasco
  • 2003-2004  Monica Glenny
  • 2001-2003  Pamela Hedges
  • 2000-2001  Mary McCarthy
  • 1999-2000 Scheila Snider
  • 1998-1999 Patti Thayer
  • 1997-1998 Tawn Jacobs
  • 1996-1997 Cheryl Marshall
  • 1995-1996 Mary Ann Gosdick
  • 1993-1995 Carol Jambor-Smith
  • 1991-1993 Victoria Benson
  • 1990-1991 Fran Morrissey
  • 1989-1990 Nancy Flanagan
  • 1988-1989 Pat Branch
  • 1986-1988 Susan Puls
  • 1985-1986 Jan Albert
  • 1984-1985 Nancy J Smith
  • July-Dec 1983 Sandra Lichner
  • Jan-June 1983 Shirley Henley
  • Jul-Dec 1982 Sandra Lichner
  • Jan-June 1982 Estelle Black
  • May 1981 Rotating Chairs for six months:  Barbara Chapman, Estelle Black, Mildred Berry, Marcella Harris, Alice Heath, Eileen Hogshead, Joyce Holmberg, Olive Fenton

  • April 1981 Chairpersons ProTem Margaret Wyeth and Estelle Black

Charter Members

  • Alice Adair
  • Nora Alter
  • Joyce Anderson
  • Judy Barnard
  • Mildred Berry*
  • Susan Blewett
  • Barbara Chapman*
  • Georgia Cooper
  • Sue Coppernoll
  • Susan Duval
  • Lindy Ellingwood
  • Dorothy Espenscheid
  • Ruth Fletsch
  • Dolores Ford
  • Dawn Hallsten
  • June Halvorson
  • Judy Hanson
  • Marcella Harris*
  • Alice Heath
  • Shirley Henley
  • Vivian Hickey
  • Eileen Hogshead
  • Joyce Holmberg
  • Betty Johnson
  • Cynthia Johnson
  • Barian Karp
  • Constance Lane
  • Sandra Lichner
  • Debra Lockhart
  • Jane McAfee
  • Susan Molyneaux
  • Patricia Nelson
  • Virginia Nyquest
  • Sherry B Paulson
  • Sandra Pearson
  • Jayne Pheiffer
  • Judy Picus
  • Georgia Poythress
  • Dolores Premo
  • Barbara Sadtler
  • Olive Samuels
  • Jackie A Shair
  • Mary Siebold
  • Sally Smith
  • Aline Stomfay-Stitz
  • Justine Walhout
  • Jeaine Wortmann*
  • Fleur Wright
  • Margaret Wyeth

  • Millie Zimmerman 

*Founders

Upcoming Meetings