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Biographies

executive committee
Julie Gondar, President

Julie is a lifelong resident of Kendall County, currently residing in Yorkville with her family. As a child, her passion for the environment was ignited by stories of "The Fox," a local activist who raised awareness of toxic chemicals being dumped into our river, and whose fight helped return the Fox River to the healthy state we find it in today. She was pushed to political action by seeing anti-war protests and civil rights marches on the evening news, as well as by watching Gloria Steinem fight for equal rights. From Anti-Apartheid protests on campus in the 80’s to the recent fight for marriage equality in the state of Illinois, Julie has always fought for fair and equal treatment for all. These experiences helped her understand that by working together, people could challenge the status quo and create positive change. As President of the DWKC, her goal is to let fellow Democrats know that they are not alone and provide them with actions, opportunities, and events that move our party forward. She looks forward to working with fellow Dems to turn Kendall County Blue! 

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Email: jgondar@dwkcil.org

Phone: 630.888.4183

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Robyn Vickers, Vice President & Director of Voter OUtreach

Robyn first identified as a Democrat in 1976 when she voted for Billy Carter in the second grade mock presidential election. (She was one of two votes he received.) She's been hooked ever since. Professionally, Robyn's career was in corporate business development and marketing, where she led a team of writers and marketing specialists. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom who is never home, Robyn has served on the boards of multiple non-profit groups and now considers herself a professional volunteer. Robyn, her husband, and their three kids have lived in Oswego since 2004. She's very excited to be a part of DWKC and connecting the blue dots in the sea of red that is Kendall County. 

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Email: rvickers@dwkcil.org

Phone: 630.995.0366

Rachel engelhardt, Secretary 

Rachel and her husband grew up in Yorkville and are now raising their family there. Before having children, Rachel taught at Naperville North High School. Now she is a life-learning advocate, facilitator and practitioner. She looks forward to connecting with other civic-minded community members and working together for social, economic and environmental justice. 

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Email: rengelhardt@dwkcil.org

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Beth Kremer, treasurer

Beth is a lifelong democrat and Illinois resident. She and her husband moved into Kendall County in 2006 where they currently reside with their two sons. As a speech pathologist who works in a medical setting, Beth is particularly passionate about the need for quality, affordable healthcare for everyone and believes that healthcare should be considered a right and not a privilege She is excited about the opportunity to become more involved in local politics and work with fellow democrats to move the party forward as Treasurer of the DWKC.

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Email: bkremer@dwkcil.org

Phone: 630.251.2798

committee chairs

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Valerie Burd, Public Relations Director

Valerie grew up on the south side of Chicago. Her parents were staunch Republicans, but she became a Democrat while getting her journalism degree with a minor in political science at NIU. She has more than 25 years experience working as a newspaper reporter, feature writer and managing editor at suburban newspapers and for the Tribune and Beacon News. She switched to marketing, working for a community college and an architectural firm, and now owns a business that does community guides, maps, photography and advertising for area chambers of commerce and community groups. She was a Yorkville alderman for nine years and served as the mayor for four years. She is looking forward to seeing a younger generation of progressives move into elected office.

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Email: vburd@dwkcil.org

Mary Cresto, Director of Fundraising and Events

Mary was born in Illinois and has lived here her entire life. She resides in Yorkville with her husband of 39 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Mary currently serves as a volunteer child advocate for CASA Kendall County. She is also a precinct committeewoman for the KendalI County Democratic Party. Mary is proud and excited to be a member of the new Kendall County Democratic Women's group and to be chair of the Fundraising and Events Committee. She welcomes any ideas for possible fundraising or events. 

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Email: mcresto@dwkcil.org

Phone: 312.859.5075

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Director of education and membership

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