About Us

Meet The Board

Natalie Manley, IDWOW President

Natalie A. Manley is a member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 98th district since 2013. She is a member of the Democratic party. The 98th district includes all or parts of Bolingbrook, Crest Hill, Crystal Lawns, Romeoville and Joliet.

Michelle Stiff, IDWOW Vice President

Michelle Stiff serves as the Director of the Workforce Center of Will County, where she leads the development, implementation, and oversight of systems and processes supporting Career and Business Services. She cultivates and manages strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, oversees grant administration, and guides career services and key division initiatives. In addition, Michelle directs marketing and outreach strategies to assess workforce and economic needs and to design responsive programs that drive community impact.

Khadija Sufi, IDWOW Secretary

Khadija Sufi is a dedicated community leader with deep roots in Naperville, where she has lived for over 20 years. With a strong background in business development and social impact, she has successfully led initiatives that bridge economic opportunity and community service, making her a trusted advocate for both enterprise and civic well-being. She is the founder of a women-owned business and serves as Chief of Staff for State Representative, District 98 . Through her professional roles, Khadija is committed to fostering inclusive leadership and creating meaningful community impact.

Elnalyn Costa, IDWOW Treasurer

Elnalyn “El” Costa has served as IDWOW Treasurer since 2016 to support IDWOW’s mission, its members and Democratic candidates across Will County. El is an elected official on th e Will County Board and Forest Preserve District of Will County, and serves on the following boards: President of the Will County Community Mental Health Board, Director of The Nature Foundation of Will County, Treasurer of the Will & DuPage Counties Democratic AAPI Caucus, and Asst. Treasurer of the Filipino Friendship Society in Bolingbrook.

El graduated from National-Louis University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Leadership. El is the Fund Administrator at SEIU Healthcare Illinois Benefit Funds since 2008, and has served 20,000 unionized essential healthcare and child care workers across the state of Illinois with the administration of healthcare and retirement benefits in various capacities. Individual and collective wellbeing is a core passion of hers, and has spent her career fighting for access to affordable, quality healthcare for the most vulnerable.

With the many hats she wears, her first and favorite priority is to her three children, husband, mother, and two dogs - all who instill and teach her every day about love, compassion, hard work, community, integrity, inclusion, and the importance of rest and play to fully show up and serve others.

Senator Meg L. Cappel, IDWOW Sargent at Arms

Meg Loughran Cappel is a former special education teacher, member of the Joliet District 204 school board, and lifelong resident of Will County. Senator Cappel has lived the challenges many working families face – living paycheck and paycheck, juggling childcare and student loan debt, and running a small business.

As State Senator, Meg Cappel is committed to delivering relief for working families and small businesses, bringing capital to local municipalities, and keeping our communities safe.

She is committed to putting in the work for families across the district. Drawing on her lived experiences as a caregiver, special education teacher, union member, school board member, and small business owner, she brings a unique and informed perspective to the General Assembly. Senator Cappel believes that, while government is not a business, it must operate in a fiscally responsible manner that puts people and communities first. Since 2020, Senator Cappel has played a key role in passing fiscally responsible budgets, contributing to Illinois receiving 9 credit upgrades in just a few years. She remains dedicated to keeping Illinois on a path toward further credit improvements and balanced budgets, without compromising residents' quality of life.

Her work has been recognized with awards for her ability to rise above party politics and advocate on behalf of Illinois residents. In just four years, she has delivered tangible results for Will County and communities across the state—securing funding for local municipalities, advancing bipartisan legislation, and championing policies that support working families.

Jaime Olson, IDWOW Fundraiser Director

Janet Blue, IDWOW Operations Director

Janet, originally from northern England, immigrated to the United States with her family in 1995 and proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2009. She currently serves as CEO of Elevate Hope, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing hope, nourishment, and opportunities for growth to those in need. With a strong background in human resources and talent acquisition, Janet brings invaluable expertise and passion to her leadership role.

She also serves as a Board Member of the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority, appointed by Governor Pritzker, and the Will County Continuum of Care. Her past public service includes her tenure as a Trustee for the Village of Monee, as well as Founding President of the Monee Women’s Club and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 1200.

In addition to her community work, Janet is a published author of the children’s book Forgetful Santa and other short stories.

Who Is IDWOW?