Associate Board
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Board Members
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Amy Vrtis is the Associate Director of Vendor Management in the Information Technology organization at Grant Thornton LLP. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and MBA in Accounting. A former GSGCNWI Girl Scout, Amy spent nearly 10 years in the organization as a child and worked at Camp Pokanoka during her undergraduate summers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new wines, CrossFit, and spending time with her two rescue dogs.

"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."

Juliann is an environmental scientists and educator who has worked at Shedd Aquarium, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the Chicago Children’s Museum, and now at the global environmental nonprofit The School for Field Studies. She is an active member in Chicago's nonprofit community, working as a pro bono nonprofit consultant and previously chairing the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) of Chicago. When she’s not out and about in Chicago, she loves reading cookbooks, playing board games, and fussing with her vegetable garden.

“I’m particularly passionate about retaining and connecting with older scouts. The opportunities that Girl Scouts provides for middle and high school scouts offer a multitude of benefits and open the whole world for exploration.”

Yaqoota is a business consultant, focused on business strategy and process improvement. She is passionate about developing & empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged populations.

"Girl Scouts has a broad reach allowing us the opportunity to uplift young women, enabling their leadership development and professional growth in new and exciting ways."

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."

Lauren is a former Girl Scout who recently began volunteering with local troops in her neighborhood. She is focused on improving public health both professionally and through volunteerism, and is a strong supporter of programs that empower girls and youth. Lauren holds a BS in Psychology and a BA in International Studies from Loyola University Chicago, as well as a MPH from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. In her spare time, she can usually be found on the tennis courts or with a book in her hand.

"I wholeheartedly support the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, while fostering care for one another, our communities, and the environment. I'm proud to champion an organization that is creating meaningful opportunities for girls throughout the region.

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."

Lauren became a Financial Advisor with the mission to empower women through financial education and guidance. She is passionate about spreading financial literacy and hosts events throughout the city to ensure every person who needs help can receive it. Prior to becoming an advisor, Lauren was a nonprofit fundraiser for a decade, working with major donors and planned giving to support mission-driven organizations.

"I participated in Girl Scouts growing up, and had the pleasure of working for Girl Scouts in my early career. I have always believed in the mission and appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with the organization and likeminded women in a new way."

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."

Caira is an associate at Sidley Austin LLP in their corporate practice. She holds a B.A. in Educational Studies from WashU and a J.D. from Duke Law School. Caira is from Chicago and was a girl member from kindergarten until graduating high school. During that time, she traveled on three destinations, earned her Bronze and Silver Award, and served as a Girl Representative on the GCNWI Board of Directors. 

"As a former Girl Scout, I know firsthand how powerful this organization can be in shaping young women. I want to give back to an organization that helped me become who I am today and support the next generation of girls finding their strength and voice."

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."

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."

Christina Albert is a dynamic leader with a passion for helping others achieve their full potential. In her experience at IBM Consulting, she has developed expertise in leading large-scale initiatives for clients in a range of industries. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Christina is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She has championed initiatives to create more equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups and has been recognized for her contributions to the diversity and inclusion community. Christina is also dedicated to mentoring and supporting women in technology, and has helped many early professionals grow their careers.

"As an alum of Girl Scouts, I know firsthand the impact that this organization can have on a young woman's life. My passion for empowering others, promoting diversity, and mentoring women, coupled with my professional experience, drives me to serve on the GSCNWI Associate Board, where I can positively impact young girls and women."

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."

A lifelong Girl Scout, Alyssa earned her Gold Award in high school, and worked as a volunteer at Camp Greene Wood throughout college and beyond. Alyssa joined the Associate Board in order to continue her involvement in and support of Girl Scouts. Alyssa holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Economics from Ohio Wesleyan University and is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, and playing board games.

Maggie is a Learning and Talent Consultant in Human Resources at HCSC.  She creates events to develop and grow leadership skills within company executives.  She attended the University of Iowa where she majored in Human Resources Management and minored in Psychology. Maggie was a Girl Scout in Kindergarten through 5th grade and is looking forward to being involved with the Associate Board.

"I’ve had several people in my life who supported and motivated me personally and professionally, and I hope to do the same for the Girl Scouts. I enjoyed my time as a Girl Scout, and I look forward to giving back to this organization."

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."

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."

I am a digital marketing professional, having spent most of my career serving major clients at a marketing agency, I now work in account management at an ad tech company supporting clients in their programmatic media buying and strategy. I come from a multi-generational scouting family that has instilled in me the value of working with girls and young women to instill the confidence and leadership qualities that will help them thrive. I grew up in Northern Illinois and then spent a decade in Oklahoma City before moving to Chicago which I've called home since 2021.

"I was a Girl Scout myself through all of my younger years and know first-hand the impact of working with girls and young women to gain skills and confidence. I sought out the AB to contribute the skills and background I've gained to the next generation of young leaders."