Who we are
Leadership: Our Board
Diane Schmidt is the president and co-founder of the Women’s Chef Exchange. She began her career in public health before earning an MBA in Marketing and going on to hold senior marketing leadership roles at several firms, including running her own marketing consulting practice for more than a dozen years. In 2011, Diane partnered with Chef Sarah Stegner to co-found Healthy Fare for Kids, an initiative she led for over a decade to promote healthier children’s meals on restaurant menus throughout Chicago, including in international airports, museums, and other public venues.
Chef Sarah Stegner is the vice-president and co-founder of the Women’s Chef Exchange as well as the co-owner & chef of Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook Illinois. She is the former restaurant chef of The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Chicago, owned and operated by Four Seasons. She is a two-time James Beard Award Winner and was recently named Restaurateur of the Year by the Illinois Restaurant Association. Stegner is a founding member- past president of Green City Market (501c3) and continues to drive education surrounding the organic sustainable food movement into the mainstream.
Michelle Durpetti, secretary of the board, is the founder and creative director of Michelle Durpetti Events, a distinguished event planning company. Since 2008, she has orchestrated over 400 weddings and events globally, Also, Michelle is the Managing Partner of Gene and Georgetti, a legendary Tuscan steakhouse in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1941. Separately, honors were awarded by the Italian government to the restaurant - the Ospitalità Italiana - and to Michelle - the title of Cavaliere - in recognition of their significant contributions to Italian culture.
Sylvia Perez is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and one of Chicago's most respected journalists, having spent more than three decades telling the stories that shaped the city. Today, she continues that work through Sylvia Perez Productions, where she hosts the Supper with Sylvia podcast, creates digital content, and provides media coaching, video production, and storytelling services.
A passionate advocate for food, culture, and community, Sylvia believes storytelling preserves traditions, celebrates diverse voices, and inspires the next generation of leaders. She is proud to serve on the Board of the Women's Chef Exchange.
Arshiya Farheen is the Executive Chef and Owner of Verzênay Chicago, a patisserie celebrated for its refined French pastries, technical precision, and commitment to quality and sustainability. Originally from India, she trained at the prestigious Ferrandi Paris and sharpened her skills at hotel Le Meurice and patisserie Arnaud Delmontel, specializing in laminated doughs and other french pastries. Beyond the kitchen, Arshiya is committed to food accessibility, community engagement, and advancing opportunities for women in the culinary industry. Every pastry at Verzênay reflects her belief that food should be meaningful—made with intention, shared with love, and rooted in connection.
Treasured Friends
A special thank you to our terrific and generous team at Katten for all there brilliant support and guidance.