About WXW

OUR MISSION

To host unique events where women business leaders can talk through their issues, share experiences and ideas, and form lasting connections.

WXW-logo

How it all began...

In 2007, the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW) was developed for women in business in Southeastern Michigan and the region. WXW fills a unique and shared need as a women’s business group. It’s a collaborative, supportive environment where we can share our struggles and our triumphs.

We seek to end the isolation many women business leaders feel by providing a relaxed and confidential environment where we can help each other and improve our organizations. Additionally, we wish to provide an alternative to standard networking meetings where attendees have no input on the presentation, learn very little, and make few decent connections.

How is WXW different?

INTERACTIVE – We’ve all attended too many events where a speaker or panel talks at the audience. WXW promises that event attendees will actually talk through specific issues, share stories and struggles, and work together to find solutions.

OPEN – At WXW events, attendees choose the direction and content of the conversation. Questions, issues, ideas – all are encouraged in an open and confidential environment.

FUN – As working women with hectic lives, we may often feel overwhelmed or isolated. WXW is a place where we can have FUN, connect, laugh, talk through issues, and be ourselves.

women-business-WXW-annual-forum-2018

Board of Directors

2024 Board Members

Megan Mazurek, President
Realtor, Reinhart Realtors
Megan Mazurek is a residential Realtor with Reinhart Realtors, specializing in the greater Ann Arbor region for over a decade. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in digital and traditional marketing and previously worked for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a lifelong resident of the Ann Arbor area, Megan is passionate about engaging with and giving back to her community. In addition to her role with WXW, Megan has served in various leadership and volunteer positions United Way of Washtenaw County, Ele's Place, Neutral Zone, and AAACF. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors and Girls Group. In her spare time, you can find Megan and her husband Kyle cheering on the Michigan Football, Basketball and Hockey teams, enjoying a beer flight or eating pizza with ranch dressing.

 

Aleia MacDonald, Vice-President
Certified Financial Planner, Advanced Wealth Strategies
There is no greater honor than being someone’s partner and advocate towards their goals. Aleia has the incredible opportunity to work with hundreds of individuals and families who are looking to turn their dreams into reality. She truly believes that with the proper plan in place, you can and will make your dreams come true. She started her career in finance around 20 years ago and never looked back, there is nothing she would rather do in her life – until she personally retires of course! She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™* and has dedicated her life towards helping as many people as possible with financial goals such as retirement planning, business planning, educational planning, and wealth management. She loves her community too! She is active in both the Livingston and Washtenaw County communities professionally and philanthropically. Rotary is a big passion of hers and she is a member of the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor and is the Lead Assistant Governor for Rotary’s District 6380. Her passions are primarily geared towards youth and ending hunger. She enjoys volunteering with Reaching Higher, Community Food Banks, and other programs that align with her hope to make a difference in the future leaders of our world. Her husband and son Makai live in Ann Arbor. They love boating, traveling, golfing, and spending as much time as they can together as a family.

Michelle Galbraith, Secretary
People & Business Development, Vice President Amy Cell Talent
Michelle Galbraith is a seasoned HR professional passionate about driving positive change through recruitment, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, and community partnerships. As the People & Business Development, VP at Amy Cell Talent, Michelle enhances staff engagement, guides career transitions, and boosts HR expertise and brand recognition.
Her HR journey includes recruitment experience at Unilever and serving as an admissions officer at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Michelle is a champion for empowering young adults from diverse backgrounds and connecting them to employers through her commitment to SummerWorks in Washtenaw County. She's a driving force behind positive HR transformation, emphasizing leadership and personal growth. In her free time, she enjoys visiting Lake Michigan and cherishes moments with her daughters and family. Michelle's work shapes individuals and organizations, all in pursuit of a brighter and more inclusive future!

 

Erica Powers, Sponsorship Co-Chair
Mortgage Banker, First Merchants Bank
Erica has been assisting clients locally in Michigan and across the country with their mortgage needs for over 15 years. As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, (CDLP®) and Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, (CMPS®), Erica has been trained to help divorcing homeowners make a more informed decision regarding their home equity solutions and the divorce team identify any potential conflicts between the divorce settlement, the mortgage, and the real property. Erica is passionate about providing her clients with amazing service and all the information needed to achieve their goals and select the best option for their family.Erica believes communication is very important to creating a seamless and easy process so she is always available for her clients and will work with you every step of the way from initial application to closing. Erica can offer a variety of loan programs to her clients: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Construction and Portfolio products. Whether you are purchasing a new home or refinancing your current home she is excited to help you along your journey. Erica lives in Northville, MI with her husband Dan and son Connor. You can find them at the farmers market most weekends.

Jill Vilemure, Sponsorship Co-Chair
Account Executive, Kemner Iott Benz
As an insurance agent, Jill enjoys helping clients protect their assets by providing accurate coverage with a competitive rate for their insurance needs. She works hand and hand with several A+ rated companies to ensure that her clients are placed with the company for their unique situations. With over 10 years of experience, Jill specializes in auto, homeowners, renters, vacant property, personal umbrella and Life Insurance. When Jill isn’t busy working, she spends her time with her husband and their little girls. As soon as it's nice out you can often find them camping, biking, or taking walks in their neighborhood.

 

 

Bridget Robinson, Treasurer
Life, Health and Medicare Insurance Sales Agent, Kemner Iott Benz | Cobb-Hall | Mahar | Spaulding Insurance
Bridget Robinson is an Insurance agent providing an array of coverage to families and businesses for over 20 years, protecting them from financial loss. Bridget got her start in the Industry as a personal lines insurance agent helping individuals and families with their auto, home, and recreational vehicle insurance needs. After well over a decade as a personal lines agent, she then went on to get her Life and Health Insurance License as well as her Medicare Certification. Bridget now specializes in helping Michigan Businesses with their employee benefits and helping Medicare Recipients understand the coverage available to them and placing them into a plan best suited to their needs. Bridget enjoys giving back to her community. She has been a member of Zonta of Lenawee since 2008 currently serving her local club as well and Serving as Area 4 Director on the Zonta International District 15 Board. Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. When Bridget is not working or volunteering you can find her with her family spending time on the ski slopes, the rivers, or the beaches in northern Michigan.

 

Kacie Eberenz, Events Co-Chair
Branch Manager and Residential Mortgage Lender, Bank Michigan
Kacie Eberenz is a Branch Manager and Residential Mortgage Lender at Bank Michigan, a community bank that has been serving the Jackson and Lenawee markets since 1907 and more recently the Washtenaw market. She has been with the Bank for 15 years and is passionate about her work there and all of the people she’s able to help. Kacie thrives in watching her customers visions come to fruition whether it’s personal or business banking business or helping them to purchase their dream home. Along with her involvement in WXW, she has served as an Ambassador for the Irish Hills Regional Chamber since 2017, and has been on several other various boards and committees through the years.

 

 

Jenn Hayman, Events Co-Chair
Senior Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Events, Ann Arbor SPARK
Jenn Hayman is the senior vice president of marketing, communications, and events for Ann Arbor SPARK. As an experienced marketing and communications professional, Jenn has a demonstrated history of building brands in higher ed, tech, and hospitality industries. She most recently served as the director of marketing at Human Element, a local web development agency. Previously, Jenn was the director of marketing for Zingerman’s Service Network, a shared service organization supporting the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (ZCoB). Before that, the Director of Marketing and Communications for Merit Network. Jenn holds a BBA from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from Napier Edinburgh University.

 

Haley Billey, Marketing Co-Chair
Associate Director for Student & Community Engagement, Business+Impact at University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Haley leads the advancement of Business+Impact’s engagement with students, faculty, staff, and partners across multiple schools and colleges through the development and implementation of programming and events related to community impact & service, including the Board Fellowship Program, Summer Internships and Programming, Social Entrepreneurship competitions, and the Social Innovation Speaker Series. She is the primary lead for the schools' engagement with nonprofit organizations and small business in Southeast Michigan. Haley earned her B.A. in International Relations and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and her M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan. Haley lives in Pinckney, MI with her husband Graham. She enjoys the outdoors, animals, world travel, and spending time with family and friends over a meal.

 

Liz Garza, Marketing Co-Chair
Account Executive, Adams Outdoor Advertising
I enjoy providing results for business through billboards. We can make you a celebrity overnight. I enjoy using my skills to contribute to the community on a professional and volunteer level. I graduated from Concordia University where I played basketball. I am a member of the marketing team at the Ann Arbor Ypsilanti Chamber where I also serve as an ambassador. I am a member of the United Way of Washtenaw Emerging Philanthropists group. In addition, I am an ambassador at the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. I am inspired daily by my husband and daughter. In my free time I like to bike, bake and spend time with my family and friends.

 

 

Regan Hizer, Forum24 Co-Chair
Account Representative, State Farm
Regan provides expert level care in her role as a Personal and Business Lines Representative with State Farm. She offers much more than just access to auto, home, liability, and life insurance . . . she also values herself as an educator, breaking down the complex world of insurance so anyone can understand it. As part of her role, she serves her community as a strong leader who embodies her core values daily and contributes widely as a problem solver. She brings her unique strengths as a resource organizer and community connector, to build a more vibrant world that fosters love, joy, and growth.

 

 

Joni Woods, Forum24 Co-Chair
Relationship and Communication Coach, Journey Coaching
As a coach, Joni believes that successful relationships are built on a foundation of open communication, empathy, and self-awareness. Her coaching philosophy is centered around empowering individuals to cultivate meaningful connections by understanding themselves and others on a deeper level. Joni is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those she coaches. Whether through individual sessions, group workshops, or speaking engagements, Joni remains committed to fostering healthier, happier, and more connected communities!

 

 

Margaret Loy, Past President
Vice President at Print-Tech, Inc.
bio coming soon

 

 

 

WXW Founders: