Joining the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s Associate Board is an exciting opportunity for early- to mid-career professionals who want to contribute their time, talent, and treasure to the Girl Scout mission, while building professional networks and enhancing leadership skills.
Amy Scholz is a manager in the Enterprise Transformation Vendor and Asset Management organization at Grant Thornton LLP. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and MBA in Accounting, and was her university’s cheer captain through grad school. She is no stranger to Girl Scouts, spending almost 10 years of her childhood as a Girl Scout and working at Camp Pokanoka during the summers of her undergrad years. She now spends her “free time” updating her foodie blog, hanging out with her husband and two rescue dogs, traveling, and running.
"Girl Scouts was a huge driver of who I turned out to be. I feel blessed to be able to “invest in girls” through this organization I could never fully repay."
As an attorney in Chicago, Kara's practice is centered on litigation. She helps individuals and small businesses navigate conflict, mitigate future risks, and achieve positive outcomes. In addition to the Associate Board, she also serves as the Co-Chair of the Chicago Bar Association's Alliance for Women. She's been lucky to live in many locations across the country and is very happy to have landed in Chicago.
"We all have a duty to support our community and ensure we're doing our part to improve it. Empowering girls is empowering our future."
Yaqoota works as a healthcare strategist at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois where she focuses on revenue diversification and growth strategies. She is passionate about developing & empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged populations, so she volunteers with and serves on the Associate Boards of both Girl Scouts and Tutoring Chicago.
"Girl Scouts has a broad reach allowing us the opportunity to lift up young women, enabling their leadership development and professional growth in new and exciting ways."
More info coming soon!
Mary Kate is a Tax Consultant at Deloitte and recently passed the CPA Exam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and French & Francophone Studies from John Carroll University. Mary Kate become involved with the Girl Scouts as a Daisy when she was younger and volunteered throughout college with local troops from northeast Ohio. She’s most excited to volunteer with local troops and she will be running the Chicago marathon with the Girl Scouts charity team!
"I’m thankful for the women that have shaped who I am today and passionate paying it forward to empower the next generation of young women. I’m excited to learn and grow with the Associate Board"
Kennedy currently serves as a Privacy Investigator at Walgreens. In addition to my professional role, I am deeply passionate about public health and advancing health equity. Through my work and advocacy, I strive to contribute positively to both corporate privacy practices and community health initiatives.
"I am dedicated to fostering confidence and a sense of belonging among younger women and girls, particularly women of color, in all professional and social spheres. Additionally, I prioritize the empowerment of girls, recognizing the critical role it plays in shaping future generations."
Ellie grew up in the Arizona Cactus Pine Council and was a girl member from kindergarten until graduating high school when she became a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts. During that time, she traveled on a destination, earned her Gold Award, helped lead annual meetings, and served as a Girl Advisory Member on the Board of Directors. She graduated from the Pratt Institute with a B.S. in Construction Management and is currently a Senior Associate in KPMG’s Capital Projects Advisory group.
"Girl Scouts formed me into the woman that I am today, and I am proud to serve and pay it forward to an organization that continues to build girls of courage confidence and character."
Caroline was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, where she spent many years as a Brownie and a Girl Guide in her youth. After finishing her MBA from the University of Toronto in 2019, she moved to Chicago with her husband where she began a career in Consulting, focusing on bringing strategic technology solutions and implementing technology based transformations for her clients. Outside of work and family, Caroline has always been passionate about mentoring young women in business, which is what drove her to join the Associate Board in late 2022.
"I love the girl scouts mission statement. I love seeing how far the girl scouts have come since my youth and I'm excited to be part of the future."
Devon works as a Senior Tax Consultant in Deloitte's Business Tax Services group in Chicago. She holds a Bachelor's Degree and MBA in Accounting from Miami University. Devon grew up in Girl Scouts as a Daisy and Brownie, and she joined the Associate Board upon moving to Chicago in 2022 after being inspired after attending the Smart Cookies event.
"I feel so fortunate to be able to serve the Girl Scouts mission as an Associate Board Member. I am proud and excited to help such an amazing mission that works to empower young girls to grow their confidence and inspire strong character."
Shannon is a graduate from the University of Chicago with a BA in Biology, and from Georgetown University with a MS in Physiology and Biophysics. After working as a college prep physics teacher and in oncological clinical research as a clinical coordinator, Shannon has recently begun to pursue her MD at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Shannon is a lifelong Illinois resident and Girl Scout, earning her Gold Award in 2013 and volunteering at WAGGGS's Pax Lodge in 2018.
"I am passionate about encouraging girls and young women to pursue career's in STEM. I was lucky enough to have dedicated leaders (especially my own Mom) who inspired us with many science and math focused badges and trips. It was through girl scouting that I learned many of the values that lead me to pursue medicine as a career. The Associate Board is a great way for me to give back during these early stages of my career."
Jess Leusch has called Chicago home since 2018 when she moved from Cleveland, Ohio to attend law school at DePaul University. She currently serves as Corporate Counsel for a world-renowned food safety, nutrition, and quality testing company. Previously, Jess practiced insurance defense law in both Illinois and Indiana. Jess first experienced the Girl Scout Associate Board during the 2023 Law Track event, where young girls learned the fundamentals of being a lawyer and participated in a mock trial. She was inspired by their creativity, passion, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. As a first-generation lawyer, Jess understands the importance of female representation in leadership positions and joined the Associate Board to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams.
"I serve on the associate board to be part of something bigger than myself and my career. I aim to pave the way for young girls to achieve their dreams and aspirations."
Maya Meade currently serves as a program manager at Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI), the flagship international program of World Business Chicago's Global Strategic Initiatives team. She recently moved to Chicago after graduating from Ohio University with a B.S. in journalism and a minor in political science. She also received certificates in political communication and women's, gender and sexuality studies.
Prior to joining the WBC team, she served as the community engagement coordinator at Esperanza Community Services in West Town, Chicago that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Maya is a passionate and driven advocate from small town Oxford, Ohio who is excited to be involved with the nonprofit sector in Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys long walks in new neighborhoods and along the lake, making collages out of magazines, doing 1,000 piece puzzles and reading books.
"As a new young professional in Chicago, I wanted to find a way to connect with others and get involved with the community while supporting something I am passionate about. As a former Girl Scout, I value the mission and goals of the organization and am very excited for the opportunity to serve as a leader and mentor for young women in the area. I am so excited to make these connections and grow personally and professionally from being on the board."
Paige, an alumna of North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Computer Engineering, currently excels as a Customer Success Account Manager at Microsoft. Her role involves guiding clients to meet their business objectives using Microsoft's suite of products and services. Committed to professional growth and community service, she participates in the Aspire leadership program, contributes as Vice Chair to Blacks at Microsoft Chicago, and volunteers with local educational and youth organizations. Paige's dedication extends to her involvement with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Emerging Leaders Council, and nonprofit groups like Tutoring Chicago and the Girl Scouts.
"My commitment to making a meaningful impact in the community and the opportunity to develop professional skills while working alongside passionate individuals is what drives me to serve on the Associate Board."
Amanda has called Chicago home for the past fourteen years after receiving a Bachelor degree from Saint Xavier University. She has ten years of experience in the planning and execution of digital marketing campaigns within the consumer goods and technology industries. In her current role, Amanda focuses on demand generation strategies and tactics for a SaaS startup. She recently graduated with a Master degree from Northwestern University. Amanda is an active member of the Associate Board and Global Action Volunteer Team.
"I enjoy serving on the Associate Board with other like-minded volunteers focused on the girl driven aspect of the organization. I often credit Girl Scouts in shaping the woman I am today."
Victoria is originally from Dayton, Ohio and moved to Chicago for her undergraduate studies and ultimately graduated from DePaul University where she majored in both Psychology and Communication and Media Studies and minored in Women and Gender Studies. From there, Victoria received her Masters of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech. Victoria spent much of her career in Higher Education before looking to the Foundation space within the Non-Profit sector.
"I love having opportunities to empower and build confidence in young women, and connect with likeminded women."
Kailey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Director at Thresholds, a large community based mental health organization in the greater Chicagoland area. She has over 8 years of experience working with adults with serious mental illnesses. Kailey is a graduate from the University of Chicago, earning a master's degree in Social Service Administration, and from Northwestern University, earning a master's in Public Policy and Administration. Kailey is thrilled to join the GSGCNWI Associate Board after a wonderful experience as a scout from elementary school through high school. She is passionate about the positive impact scouting can have on young women and girls.
"An overwhelmingly positive experience as a Girl Scout. I was a scout through my senior year of high school and my closest friends were also members. Friendships I maintain to this day."
Laura is a Managing Director in EY Private Tax, providing tax and financial planning to entrepreneurs, private business owners, multi-generational families and senior corporate executives to help create, preserve and transition wealth across generations. She is a recipient of the AICPA's 2017 Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Standing Ovation Award, which honors young CPAs for contributions to personal financial planning.
"Helping to raise awareness of the Girl Scout mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place."
Maggie Hartney works as an Asset Manager at Invenergy and is responsible for a portfolio of operating renewable energy assets including wind, solar, and battery storage projects. Previously, Maggie worked for the Bureau of Land Management in Tucson, AZ. She has an MBA from the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business and a B.S. from Tulane University. Maggie was a Girl Scout for 12 years and earned her Gold Award. She started and led her own troop in Tucson for 2.5 years. Maggie joined the Associate Board in 2021 upon moving to Chicago.
"Girl Scouting had a significant positive influence on the woman I am today. I am compelled to do a good turn and give back so that girls of today and of the future can reap the multitude of benefits this organization has to offer."
Vanessa grew up as a Girl Scout in San Antonio, Texas. After
obtaining an Engineering degree at the University of Southern
California, Vanessa began a career in consulting focusing on global
business transformations. When she moved to Chicago, she began
volunteering with a Girl Scout troop and joined the Associate
Board.
"As a former Girl Scout, the words 'courageous' and 'strong' really hit home for me. I enjoy supporting the organization that gave me the foundation of who I am today."
Contact Holly Johnson, Senior Director of Special Events, with any questions at 312-912-6329.
