The Success of a WESOS Leader: Celebrating the Achievements of Victoria Maldonado, Beloved Aurora Chapter Leader

By Jean LaVallie , Founder and President Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success (WESOS)

Victoria Maldonado ’s time as the leader of the WESOS Aurora Chapter has been nothing short of remarkable. Under her leadership, the Aurora, IL Chapter has thrived, guided by her warmth, wisdom, and deep sense of sisterhood. She has exemplified the spirit of support and collaboration that defines the Women Entrepreneurs’ Secrets of Success (WESOS) Network, fostering growth, connection, and a strong community among women entrepreneurs. As she transitions during the rest of this year from her leadership role back to being a participating member, it’s important to celebrate the success she achieved—not just as a leader, but as a key figure who has left a lasting impact on WESOS Aurora. This is not a goodbye, but rather a celebration of her enduring legacy and her continued presence within the WESOS community, as well as the bright future she has helped pave for the chapter.

Victoria has worn many hats in her professional life, including the role of editor for the print version of the WESOS WOW Magazine (WOW stands for Women of WESOS). As an editor, she has showcased the amazing stories of women within the WESOS community, helping to amplify their voices and provide a platform for their entrepreneurial journeys. Her keen eye for storytelling and her passion for empowering others have made her a cornerstone of WESOS media, contributing to the dynamic growth and visibility of the network.

Beyond her role as an editor, Victoria is a talented author of novels, drawing readers into the intricate worlds she creates with her words. (Visit Victoria’s website here to learn more about her books and creative projects: https://www.victoriajhyla.com .) Her passion for writing is evident not only in her novels but also in the thoughtful, inspiring content she has contributed to WESOS. Whether she's crafting a compelling narrative for the magazine or organizing a memorable chapter event, Victoria has always brought her creativity and heart into everything she does.

Victoria’s journey as the Aurora Chapter leader began in 2023 when she took over from the extraordinary Jen Mendoza . Stepping into the leadership role was no small task, but Victoria approached it with grace, dedication, and a clear vision of what she wanted the Aurora Chapter to represent: a space where women entrepreneurs could not only network but also build deep, meaningful connections. Under her leadership, the chapter continued to flourish, with each meeting fostering a sense of belonging, growth, and mutual support.

One of the hallmarks of Victoria’s leadership was her ability to create vibrant and engaging experiences for the members of the Aurora Chapter. From festive Halloween parties filled with fun and laughter to thoughtfully curated meetings with compelling speakers, Victoria ensured that every gathering was not just an event but an opportunity for members to learn, connect, and grow. Her meetings were infused with the spirit of sisterhood, a hallmark of WESOS, and her ability to bring together women from all walks of life created a powerful sense of community.

While we could say we are sad to see Victoria step down from her leadership role, the truth is we are filled with joy and excitement for her as she embarks on a new chapter in her life. Her decision to step down isn’t an end, but rather a beginning of new adventures, and we couldn't be happier for her. WESOS, as an organization rooted in the empowerment of women, celebrates the transitions and milestones of its members, and Victoria’s next steps are no exception. We look forward to cheering her on as she continues to shine in her personal and professional life.

Victoria leaves behind not only a thriving Aurora Chapter but also an exciting new opportunity for the community. As part of her succession plan, she has introduced us to the wonderful Jennifer Richardson , a newcomer to the area and an enthusiastic advocate for continuing the legacy of WESOS Aurora. Jennifer, the founder and owner of Contained Madness, brings her own unique flair as a professional organizer. Her passion for helping people create order and structure in their lives aligns beautifully with the mission of WESOS: to support women in achieving their fullest potential.

Though Jennifer is new to the area, her excitement for building meaningful connections and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial community is already palpable. She is eager to continue the work that Victoria started, and her leadership is sure to bring fresh energy and vision to the Aurora Chapter. Under Victoria’s guidance, Jennifer has had the chance to understand the heart of WESOS Aurora—its focus on collaboration, relationship-building, and unwavering support for one another. The baton has been passed with great care, and we are confident that Jennifer will lead with the same heart and passion that Victoria brought to the role.

As we welcome Jennifer Richardson, we remain deeply grateful to Victoria Maldonado for all she has done for the WESOS Aurora Chapter. Her leadership has been marked by warmth, creativity, and a genuine love for the WESOS sisterhood. The connections she nurtured, the events she led, and the community she helped shape will be her lasting legacy. WESOS Aurora would not be what it is today without her, and we are forever thankful for her time, effort, and dedication.

Victoria’s time as leader of the Aurora Chapter may be coming to an end, but her impact will be felt for years to come. As we celebrate the passing of the torch to Jennifer Richardson, we do so knowing that WESOS Aurora remains in capable and caring hands. It’s a time of transition, but it’s also a time of celebration—celebrating Victoria’s remarkable leadership and welcoming the bright future that lies ahead under Jennifer’s guidance.

So, while we bid farewell to Victoria as our beloved chapter leader, we do so with full hearts and immense gratitude. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the WESOS sisterhood have left an indelible mark on our community. We wish her nothing but the best as she steps into this new chapter of her life, and we know that wherever she goes, she will continue to inspire, create, and lead with the same grace and heart that made her time with WESOS Aurora so memorable.

Thank you, Victoria, for everything. WESOS Aurora will always be better because of you.