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  • Girl Scout Representatives to the Board

Officers | Directors | Girl Scout Representatives 

Board of Directors

Girls thrive in Girl Scouts. It is a safe space where girls can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Adults within the Movement are their champions and advocates, especially as members of our Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Board of Directors.

Directors use their professional expertise and personal perspectives to collectively advance Girls Scouts to anticipate by providing governance oversight, assisting in the development of the strategic vision, and actively supporting fundraising efforts. As for governance volunteers, directors represent our membership and reflect its diversity, including geographic, racial/ethnic, gender, age, and socio-economic. Board members are elected by the full Delegate Assembly.


Officers

Jackie Barlow - Board President -  President, US Commercial Real Estate
CIBC, US
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Jackie Barlow has spent over 30 years as a commercial banker, focusing on financing commercial real estate. In addition to the last six years at CIBC, she has worked with a variety of commercial, community, and large national banks located in Chicago. She is an active volunteer and has served on several non-profit boards, including Hephzibah Children's Association, Oak Park Regional Housting Center, and Oak Park Economic Development Corporation. She is also a former Girl Scout troop leader!

"I am passionate about helping women into leadership roles throughout our society. GCNWI's track record of  empowering young women makes me proud to be a member."

April Morgan - Board Vice President
Chicago Transit Authority
 
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April Morgan is the Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Board, the

governing arm of the second largest transit agency in the United States. As Chief of Staff, she advises the Chairman and the Board on policies that impact agency operations.

April is an attorney with extensive legal and policy experience in the areas of technology, governance, diversity and intergovernmental relations. She’s previously served as counsel for the CTA, Illinois General Assembly and the Chicago Board of Education.

A founding member and past president of the GCNWI Associate Board, April believes strongly in giving back. In addition to her board service, she is a Girl Scout troop leader, and serves in a number of leadership and volunteer roles for community organizations promoting educational, professional and economic development.

"As a former Girl Scout and a current troop leader, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact of Girl Scouts, and I believe in the organization’s far-reaching potential to equip girls from all communities and backgrounds to be leaders."

Victoria Tate - Board Treasurer, 
Avison Young
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Victoria Tate is the Chief Accounting Officer at Avison Young, a commercial real estate services firm, where she leads the global controllership and financial reporting functions, ensuring the accuracy of financial information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Prior to Avison Young, she was Director of External Reporting and Accounting Projects at Donnelley Financial Solutions/RR Donnelley, leading the SEC reporting process, and managing the implementation of new accounting standards and complex pre- and post-spin accounting and reporting. Victoria began her career with Ernst & Young where she spent nearly a decade in their Chicago and London offices providing audit and advisory services to clients. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Accountancy from University of Illinois at Chicago.

"I serve on the GCNWI Board to contribute to an organization that provides opportunities for girls to maximize their potential and explore avenues that are not always readily available for them. Girl Scouts provides invaluable resources, opportunities, and a safe space that allows girls to thrive."

Shannon Fuller - Board Secretary
Health Care Service Corporation
 
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I am 20+ year HR executive and strategic business partner. I am known for directing complex people and talent strategies ultimately driving key strategic outcomes at all levels for very large organizations.

"I serve because I have a deep passion for helping our youth reach their full potential.  I want to use my talent, experiences and background in helping our young people flourish."


Directors

Jill Ahern  - Founder and CEO
Arc Strategy Partners 
 
 
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Jill Ahern is a visionary leader with a proven track record in strategy development, growth initiatives, and change management. Over the course of her career, Jill has orchestrated and executed more than 30 regional, national, and international trade events. Her client portfolio spans a wide spectrum, encompassing over a hundred Fortune 100 and 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, publishing firms, and visionary entrepreneurs. Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Business Administration from the U of MN Carlson School of Management. Beyond her professional endeavors, she channels her energy into her personal passions, which revolve around family, community service, and a deep appreciation for the arts.

"I am privileged to be a part of the GCNWI Board, where we invest in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. It's an honor to support and champion resilient, empowered young girls who are poised to guide their communities and also our global society."

Duke Alden - Vice President, Client & Customer Security
Alight Solutions

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Duke, an information security executive and attorney, draws on his passion for equity, opportunity, and education to advocate for stronger and more resilient communities. In 2015, Duke was appointed Illinois Human Rights Commissioner, where he served until his term ended in 2019. Duke co-chaired the Governor's LGBTQ Working Group to inform state leaders of issues impacting LGBTQ Illinoisans from 2015-2019. Duke is deeply involved in various civic organizations and initiatives that connect communities, create equity, and fundamentally improve the human condition.

"No organization is better positioned than Girl Scouts to prepare girls to lead, learn, and thrive. I serve on the board because I know our future will be made brighter by these girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character! "

Jillian Burstein - Partner
Reed Smith LLP
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I am a creative and strategic problem solver, spending my days as an Intellectual Property Partner at Reed Smith in Chicago, and my free time with family and friends, baking exotic cakes, and traveling to the far corners of the world.

"I am passionate about advancing girls through mentorship and skills-based training with the goal of instilling inner confidence and the knowledge that any girl can do anything and everything she sets her mind to."

Tess Boland - Partner
KPMG
 
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Tess performs attestation work over public and privately held technology and professional services companies and has worked extensively with senior client management and audit committees to achieve efficient and effective worldwide audits.

Tess has provided professional audit services to several large multinational companies as well as midsize, privately owned technology, manufacturing and distribution companies. She has served a range of companies from entrepreneurial to international businesses with sales in excess of $40 billion. Her audit experience ranges from SEC filings, initial public securities offerings and debt offerings to mergers and acquisitions.

Tess serves as the Partner in Charge of KPMG's on-shore and off-shore centers of excellence.

"Building courage, confidence and character is such an incredible mission. I have such amazing memories of being a girl scout and participating in my daughter's troop. My goal is to bring the girl scouting experience to as many girls as possible."

Valarie Bomar - Vice President, Deputy General Counsel
NiSource
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As Vice President, Deputy General Counsel at NiSource, Valarie leads a team of attorneys, legal professionals, and staff to support NiSource and subsidiaries in litigation (both civil and criminal matters), labor & employment, environmental, ethics and compliance, and records and information management. Prior to joining NiSource, Ms. Bomar was Senior Counsel at the law firm Thompson Coburn where she assisted clients with a wide variety of business litigation and compliance matters. She leveraged first-hand knowledge of in-house pressures facing legal teams and tailored advice to provide proactive, pragmatic counsel on complex legal and compliance matters. Prior to that she spent nearly 15 years heading up litigation and managing teams in a variety of roles for three publicly traded companies. Please provide a short bio. About 4-5 sentences. Previous to that, she was a Partner at the Chicago office of Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal (now known as the Dentons) and an Associate at the Detroit office of Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone. Upon graduating law school, Ms. Bomar served as law clerk to the Honorable Eric L. Clay of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Ms. Bomar received her law degree from the University of Michigan, where she was a member of the Michigan Journal of Race and Law. She is admitted to the bar in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. She obtained her B.S. in Mathematics from Spelman College. Ms. Bomar has been a member of several non-for-profit boards.

"I am a passionate about empowering, coaching, and developing others, especially children and women."

Paul Gariepy - Partner Principle
Ernst & Young
 
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Coming Soon

Robin Goolsbee - Managing Director
Diversified Search Group
 
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Robin Goolsbee is a Managing Director at Diversified Search where she advises corporate, government and non-profit clients on executive hires and board placements. Prior to joining Diversified Search, Robin spent her career in professional services placing interim executives and consulting teams for clients while at Business Talent Group and serving as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company and Boston Consulting Group. She is also on the board of University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital. Earlier, she worked at MTV Networks in New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

"The Girl Scouts have been an important and beloved institution for over 100 years, and I am honored to help support our region and the GCNWI's important work in enriching girls."

Janet Hulet - President
Navigating Brilliance

 
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As an internationally-certified coach and experienced business leader, Janet provides one-on-one executive coaching, team building and creative facilitation. She supports leaders and teams to deliver results in this unprecedented complex and uncertain climate, by tapping into each person's natural creativity, resourcefulness, intellect and instinct. Janet is a lifelong Girl Scout, as a scout for 12 years and as a troop leader for another 12 years.

"The Girl Scout movement has opened doors and created pathways for girls for over 100 years . I want us to support ALL girls as they embrace their brilliance, tap into their inherent leadership and truly make the world a better place."

Eunice Hawkins - Group Human Resources Director
ITW
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Eunice Hawkins is a Human Resources Executive at Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW), a Fortune 200 global manufacturer of highly engineered components, industrial systems, and consumables. In her current role, she leads the design and execution of global talent strategies that drive business growth and organizational effectiveness. Since joining ITW, Eunice has held HR leadership positions across multiple business segments and within the corporate office, consistently delivering strategic HR solutions that support business objectives. Prior to ITW, she served in various HR leadership roles at Honeywell International Inc., in both the Aerospace and Automation businesses across the US and China. Eunice holds a master’s degree in Labor and Employment Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

"I have a lifelong passion for mentoring young girls, equipping them with the tools, guidance, and exposure they need to understand and reach their full potential. As a Girl Scouts mom, I’ve seen how the organization provides unique opportunities that empower girls and prepare them for a successful future, and I’m proud to support the mission and contribute to this impactful work."

Sara Kagay - Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
Brunswick Corporation
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As VP and Deputy General Counsel at Brunswick Corporation, a publicly-traded global manufacturer and distributor of recreational marine products, Sara leads a team providing comprehensive legal support including securities, corporate governance, M&A, litigation, employment, ethics, compliance, and other enterprise functions. Sara is action-oriented and focused on innovation, business partnerships, and superior results. 

Sara began working at Brunswick in 2010 and has served in roles of increasing responsibility.  Sara began her career practicing employment law, first at Lathrop and Gage (now Lathrop GPM) in Kansas City, Missouri and then at Vedder Price P.C. in Chicago before going in-house with Brunswick. Sara earned her J.D. from the University of Iowa and her B.A. from Drake University in Des Moines.

"I’m passionate about empowering girls and young women to grow into confident and capable leaders, and I believe in the Girl Scouts’ mission to build courage, confidence, and character. Co-leading my own daughter’s troop was a joyful and meaningful experience, and I’m eager to help girls achieve their highest potential."

Lara Liss - Group Vice President, Chief Privacy and Data Trust Officer
GE Healthcare
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Lara served as the Global Chief Privacy Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, a Fortune 20 company.  She foundered and co-lead of the AI Ethics Council for Walgreens Boots Alliance that creates governance around the design and outcomes for artificial technology used at the company.  Lara is an advocate for diversity, equity & inclusion and for health equity. She has an undergraduate degree from Northwestern, a JD and Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan and is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA program at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Outside of work, she enjoys serving as a troop leader for her daughter's Girl Scout troop. 

"I serve on the GCNWI Board because I believe that Girl Scouts is uniquely positioned to prepare girls for their best futures by exposing them to science, technology and arts, encouraging them to be active outdoors and in their communities, as well as developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills."

Rachel Mantz - SVP, Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
TransUnion
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Rachel Mantz is Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at TransUnion. As Corporate Secretary, Rachel is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on and overseeing all of TransUnion’s governance, securities and corporate matters, as well as advising on executive compensation. Rachel leads the legal aspects of TransUnion's M&A transactions and public securities matters. Before TransUnion, Rachel was a Corporate & Securities Partner at McGuireWoods LLP. Rachel earned her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School and her B.A. in Psychology from Washington University.

"As a mother of two daughters, I see the importance, on a daily basis, of instilling confidence, courage and resilience in girls and young women.  I am honored to serve on the GCNWI Board and to support and mentor girls as they develop into our future leaders."

Carla Michelotti - President
Carla Michelotti, LLC
 
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After many years as EVP Chief Legal, Corporate and Government Affairs Officer for Leo Burnett, Carla is now working within the marketing industry on policy issues including digital privacy, freedom of speech, and children's advertising regulation. She is currently on the boards of advertising self-regulation for BBB National Programs, the American Advertising Federation, the International Advertising Federation, and the International Council of Advertising Self Regulators. She is a trustee of DePaul University, from which she has a BA, JD, and honorary doctorate. 

"There is no greater purpose than helping.our youth grow into strong, kind, and moral men and women, The Girl Scouts has at its core helping young women grow into good, ethical, strong and smart leaders. I can’t imagine a better reason to support the Girl Scouts-and for THAT reason, I’ve been on the board, and a proud supporter of Girl Scouts, for more than a decade!"

Jennifer Mikulina - Partner 
McDermott Will & Emery LLP

 
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Jennifer M. Mikulina focuses her practice on trademark and copyright counseling, prosecution, licensing and enforcement. Jennifer works with domestic and international companies to register, maintain, protect and license trademarks, service marks, domain names and other key brands. Jennifer is the former head of the Firm’s global Trademark Prosecution Practice. She is currently the chair of McDermott’s Gender Diversity Committee and is a member, and past chair, of the Firm’s Chicago Pro Bono and Community Service Committee. 

"Jennifer is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts and leads her daughter's Girl Scout troop. She wants to do all that she can to support the mission of creating girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place!"

Sarah Mills - Vice President, Human Resources
Griffith Foods
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Sarah Mills is a senior Human Resources executive with deep experience leading enterprise people strategy, talent development, and organizational transformation. She has served on the Girl Scouts Board of Directors for over five years and is committed to strengthening the organization’s long-term impact. A former Girl Scout whose mother served as her troop leader, Sarah is passionate about advancing female leadership and helping ensure a strong future for Girl Scouts, so that the next generation of girls, including her daughter, can grow into confident, capable leaders.

"I grew up a Girl Scout and my mother was my troop leader for several years. She was an inspiration to me and a role model of female leadership. I want to do the same for many other girls."

Michelle Minon - Managing Director and Trust Market Executive 
Bank of America
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Michelle is the Market Trust Executive of the Chicago Regional Trust Center of Bank of America. In this role, she leads and manages a team in the delivery of trust services throughout a 12 state region in the Midwest. The team works with wealth advisors to manage client trust relationships serving high net worth individuals, families and foundations.

"The Girl Scouts Mission teaches girls to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable. I support the Girls Scouts because it is important to help girls unlock their leadership potential and give them opportunities to lead when they are young."

Karen Pepping - Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer 
UL Solutions
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Karen K. Pepping has served as a Senior Vice President and UL Solutions' Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) since June 2022. She manages our global accounting team, including the office of the controller, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting, technical and revenue accounting and the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) internal controls program. 

Prior to joining UL Solutions, Karen served as CAO at Convergint Technologies LLC; Corporate VP, Global Corporate Controller and Chief Financial Operations Officer at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.; and SVP, CAO and Controller at Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. She previously served in other financial leadership positions at public companies, along with beginning her career at BDO as an external auditor. 

She has extensive experience in Audit Committee ownership, SEC and SOX reporting, external audit management, and IT projects, including design, gap analysis, transition and change management.

Karen earned a Master of Business Administration in finance from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Bradley University. She is a certified public accountant (CPA).

"I serve on the GCNWI Board to support this organization that provides girls confident learning and leadership experiences that will last a lifetime."

Patricia Pelaez - Principal
Charles River Associates (CRA)
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I am a Principal in CRAs Forensic Services practice and based in Chicago. I lead forensic accounting investigations, health care related fraud waste and abuse cases, as well as regulatory matters involving the financial services industry and anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance and investigation matters. My experience focuses on applying forensic analysis, governance, risk and compliance, as well as general business and financial expertise across various functions, activities, and industries with a particular focus in conducting complex investigations and enhancing corporate compliance programs. I have extensive experience leading investigations and compliance assessments in the US and in various foreign locations for a diverse group of public and private clients.

"Because the Girl Scouts is an organization that has always been inspirational to hear about, specifically its commitment to empowering and inspiring young girls to become confident, Why do you serve on the GCNWI Board? About 1 to 2 sentences. independent, and strong leaders."

Kathy Scherer - Chicago Office Managing Partner
Deloitte Tax LLP
 
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Kathy Scherer has more than 36 years of experience in delivering exceptional client service, complemented by the ability to develop, lead, and motivate large engagement teams to excel. Kathy currently serves as the Managing Partner for the Chicago office, which includes leading marketplace and community efforts for the Chicago-based 5,800 professionals, and Kathy is Deloitte’s Retired PPMD Relations Leader. Previously, Kathy was the Central Region Marketplace Leader, she led the Global Business Tax (BT) service line, the US BT practice, and the Central Region for Deloitte Tax. Additionally, Kathy serves as the Lead Client Service Partner and Advisory Partner on several large Chicago-based clients. In this role, she is responsible for directing the teams serving these accounts and coordinating resources, bringing the breadth of Deloitte to help clients lead with confidence in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Kathy’s in-depth understanding, innovative perspective, and collaborative approach to solving clients’ complex business issues distinguish her in her leadership role, as well as in her lead client service roles. Kathy began her career at Arthur Andersen and was admitted as partner in 1998. She is passionate about creating representative and inclusive workplaces and champions these efforts both in Deloitte Chicago and as a leader in the Chicago business community. Kathy was recognized as one of Crain’s Chicago 2019 Notable Women Executives Over 50 and one of Crain’s Chicago 2022 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders. She was also the recipient of the 2017 Illinois CPA Society’s Women to Watch Award in the Experienced Leader category. Kathy is married with two children and resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Hille Sheppard - Partner
Sidley Austin LLP

 
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Coming Soon

Sepideh Smith - Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel
CDW Corporation
 
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Sepideh Smith currently serves as Senior Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at CDW Corporation, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare customers across the globe.  She has nearly 20 years of experience providing legal advice and counseling to organizations of all sizes, as they navigate complex employment and compliance matters.  Currently, she leads CDW’s global Ethics & Compliance, Privacy and Employment law functions.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Sepideh currently resides in Arlington Heights, Illinois with her two children, husband, and two pups.  Her daughter is an active member of their local Girl Scouts troop, giving Sepideh firsthand knowledge of the important role Girl Scouts plays in the lives of young girls and women.

"I am deeply committed to empowering young girls and women to realize their full potential. By supporting the Girl Scouts' mission, I strive to nurture an environment where every girl has the opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a passion for lifelong learning."

Tatia Torrey - Leadership Advisor
Spencer Stuart
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Tatia Torrey is a leadership advisor in the global Consumer Practice at Spencer Stuart. Based in the Chicago office, Tatia advises consumer focused companies, ranging from Fortune 50 to small/mid-sized private or private equity backed clients, on how leaders, teams and culture can drive sustained impact. She has worked extensively as a trusted advisor to senior executives and boards in top talent recruitment, organizational transformation and promoting diversity in leadership. 

Before Spencer Stuart, Tatia was the President and Chief Client Officer for Havas, a global networked advertising and marketing agency. In addition to serving on the board of GSGCNWI, she is a founding member of the Women's Purpose Community.

"The Girl Scouts organization taught me early lessons in leadership, teamwork, and community service that have served me throughout my life. I am looking forward  to completing the circle by contributing to the organization that gave me so much."

Kyle Stokien - Managing Director
Goldman Sachs

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Kyle is a managing director in Asset & Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs & Co., leading an Executive Financial Management team in Chicago. He advises both ultra high net worth families and high net worth executive clients on benefits and compensation maximization, tax planning, estate planning, wealth transfer, investment strategy and risk management. Kyle also manages and oversees several of the Executive Financial Management team's corporate relationships. He joined the firm in 2004 as a financial analyst and was named managing director in conjunction with Ayco's full integration with Goldman Sachs in 2021. Kyle serves on the Board of Directors of the Adoption Center of Illinois and the Girl Scouts of America of Greater Chicago/Northwest Indiana. Kyle earned a BA in Political Science in 2001 and a JD in 2004, both from Southern Illinois University. He lives with his wife, Erin, and two daughters, Lucy and Kadence in Evanston, IL. 

"Providing bonding and development opportunities for young women and girls from all backgrounds is critical to a growing and vibrant culture and people. Girl Scouts is a fundamental part of that development in the Chicagoland/NE Indiana region and the nation as a whole."

Monica M. Weed - President
Monica M. Weed Consulting, LLC
 
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Monica is a lifelong Girl Scout, starting as a Brownie with Troop #60 in Springfield, IL and continuing all the way through high school. Monica is a corporate lawyer, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Navigant Consulting, Inc. until its sale in October 2019.

Currently, Monica is working with for-profit and non-profit organizations that need assistance with critical legal, governance, compliance and/or strategy matters. In addition to serving on the Board of GSGCNWI, Monica serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Chicago History Museum and as Chair of the Board of PEER Services, Inc., a community-based substance use prevention and treatment center serving Northern Cook County, Illinois. Monica and her husband live on the north side of Chicago and in Taos Ski Valley, NM in the winter months, indulging in their love of skiing and hiking. Monica earned her BA in Classics, her JD and her MBA from Northwestern University - she bleeds Northwestern purple when she is not bleeding Girl Scout green!

"My passion for Girl Scouts is all around helping to bring new opportunities to girls who might not otherwise have access to them. When there are so many outlets for girls today, why do I advocate for Girl Scouts? Because Girl Scouts welcomes all girls, recognizes and celebrates each girl's uniqueness, and provides an incredible diversity of opportunities for girls from all different backgrounds and interests to work together for a common purpose. There is truly something for everyone under the Girl Scout umbrella."

Missy Wyat - Senior Vice President, Sales
Talking Rain Beverage Co.
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Missy is a creative professional with a passion for liberating greatness in the beverage industry. As the Senior Vice President of Sales, she has extensive experience leading corporate and channel-specific sales and marketing strategies for Talking Rain Beverage Company®, a leading producer of sparkling water and other refreshing drinks. She is a successful business partner who is resourceful and fosters creativity through implementing high-profile, consumer-based sales and marketing programs across all channels of retail beverage landscape. She is an energetic leader who creates integrated strategies to develop new and existing customer sales, brand awareness and media merchandising. She is based in the Greater Chicago Area and uses she/her pronouns.

"Girl Scouts is more than just an organization. It is a movement, a community, and a family. It is at my core. It has changed my life for the better and continues to do so. I am proud to be a life-long Girl Scout. I am grateful for the opportunities and the values that Girl Scouts has given me. I am passionate about liberating the greatness of every girl and unleashing her potential. I am committed to living by the Girl Scout Promise and Law and to making the world a better place. I hope you will join me in celebrating the power and the promise of Girl Scouting."

Sheryl L. Yasger 
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Sheryl Yasger served as Vice President of Diners Club International Brand Marketing for Discover Global Network at Discover Financial Services. As a brand steward passionate about doing what is right for the customer and a marketing strategist focused on partnering with Senior leaders from DCI Franchises around the globe, she has helped to build purpose-driven brands that stand out and deliver business results.

She holds a Master’s of Science degree in Organizational and Interpersonal Communication from Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Sociology from Carroll University-Waukesha, Wisconsin.

She loves hanging out with her amazing daughter and husband, traveling, working out, reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

"I believe everyone has the power to make a difference. Now more than ever, Girl Scouts has the opportunity – and responsibility – to empower girls and young women to not only courageously and confidently stand tall, but to standout as aspirational leaders with character who can and will make a difference in our world today and tomorrow…Count me in!"


Girl Scout Representative to the Board of Directors

Lend your energy, passion and Girl Scout experience to influence our council's governance process as a Girl Scout representative to our board of directors!

Applications for the 2026-2027 class of GS Reps will be open March 1-July 15, 2026

Here's what your Girl Scout Representative to the Board experience will look like toggle arrow
  • As a Girl Representative to the GCNWI Board of Directors you will:
  • Start your term by attending Camp CEO our premier leadership camp. (A gift from our Board of Directors)
  • Meet, talk with and brainstorm ideas with the C-Suite Executives that make up our Board of Directors.
  • Have a seat at the table and share your opinions and views when you attend and participate in our Board of Directors’ meetings, Board retreat and our Annual Meeting.  (Meetings are typically held in September, December, February, April and May and are held on a weekday morning in downtown Chicago.)
  • Participate in a pre-meeting to prepare for board meetings, discussing materials shared prior to meetings and understanding your role at these meetings.
  • Represent the Girl Scout Movement, networking with our Board of Directors, and Girl Scout supporters at Girl Scout events including Smart Cookies and Tribute to Achievement.
  • Along with the other Girl Representatives to the Board, determine a need in our council and create a plan to address it. Projects will be presented to our Board at the May Board meeting.
  • Must be in High School as of the fall of 2026.
  • Serve a one-year term. (August - July)
  • Attend girl representative orientation, training in August and (Late August)
  • Girls are expected to provide their own transportation to meetings, which are typically held on a weekday morning in downtown Chicago. Financial assistance is available upon request

 

What is the board of directors? toggle arrow

The board of directors is an elected group of volunteers, both men and women, who believe in the value of Girl Scouting and its ability to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

What does the board of directors do? toggle arrow

Board members use their professional expertise and personal views to inform decisions that affect the entire council. They establish policies to determine the organization's direction, and they influence the budget, executive hiring and strategy.

Meet our Girl Scout Reps
Meet our Girl Scout Reps

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