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The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Associate Board is dedicated to supporting the council’s mission by engaging early and mid-careerists in volunteerism, fundraising, and networking to expand opportunities for Girl Scouts. Upholding the Girl Scout Promise to “help people at all times” and “make the world a better place,” we strengthen the council’s impact by fostering leadership, collaboration, and community engagement. Through our collective skills and resources, we empower girls to build courage, confidence, and character, inspiring positive change in the communities we serve and beyond.
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.
Benefits of an Associate Board Membership
- Expand your network by connecting with a dynamic group of early- and mid-career professionals across industries as well as members of the GCNWI Board of Directors
- Participate in exclusive professional development events and opportunities tailored for emerging leaders
- Enjoy perks like cookie access and invitations to signature Girl Scout experiences
- Grow as a leader and board member with frequent opportunities to shape associate board strategy and initiatives
- Champion girls' voices in your community by advocating for youth leadership and supporting equitable access to programming
Associate Board Membership Requirements
- Retain annual membership with GSGCNWI or be a lifetime member with GSUSA
- Attend at least two-thirds of Associate Board meetings each year including general meetings, committee meetings, Smart Cookies, and annual retreat
- Sit on one committee and participate in additional committee meetings/activities
- Meet a fundraising give/get goal of $1,000 each fiscal year
- Volunteer for a girl-focused initiative at least twice a year
- Commit to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place and be passionate about developing future leaders
Officers 
Juliann Krupa - Vice President of the Associate Board - The School for Field Studies
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 Aziz - Lead Business Consultant, HCSC/Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL
Yaqoota is a Lead IT Business Consultant, focused on government business delivery and strategy. She is passionate about developing and empowering young people, especially those from disadvantaged communities.
"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."
Members
Mary Kate Barron - Consultant, Strategic Relationship Management, Deloitte
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 Burrell - Privacy Office Administrator, HCSC/Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL
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 Carr - Public Policy & Government Engagement Director, EmblemHealth
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.
Lauren Gardier - Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
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."
Jasmine Gibbs, Investment Banking Analyst, Loop Capital Markets
Jasmine Gibbs serves as an investment banking analyst at Loop Capital Markets and has been with the firm since Summer 2024. Prior to joining Loop Capital, Jasmine received her Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi. Aside from academics, Jasmine serves in executive positions in her sorority, Phi Mu, as well as other volunteer groups on campus. Her favorite hobbies are spending time with loved ones, cooking, mahjong, and watching Bravo.
"I love working with other professional women and inspiring young women and girls to follow their career passions. My goal is to be a resource for young women interested in finance or business!."
Devon Hannon - Tax Manager, Deloitte
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 Watson Haynes - Associate, Sidley Austin LLP
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."
Mary Kircher, Senior Consultant, Bellwether
Mary is a Senior Consultant at Bellwether, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping education organizations deepen and accelerate their impact. Prior to Bellwether, she began her career teaching high school science in California and has supported schools across the country implementing new curricula and instructional practices. She holds a BA in Economics from Columbia University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
"I'm excited to join the Associate Board this year! Girl Scouts was a critical part of my own development, particularly in my middle school years. I'm excited to pay it forward and help the next generation of young women find the courage and confidence to be leaders in their own communities."
Zoe Levine, Litigation Associate, DLA Piper
Zoe Levine is a litigation associate focusing her practice on data privacy and consumer class actions. She has experience defending clients on biometric privacy, advertising privacy, and insurance matters. Zoe is invested in her pro bono practice which includes obtaining immigration protections for children, and recovering for fair housing claims.
"I am committed to helping the next generation of girls and young women achieve their goals."
Maya Meade -Program Manager, World Business Chicago
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 Michals - Customer Success Account Manager; Microsoft
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 Modelski - Head of Digital Demand Gen, iManage
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."
Kailey Mullins - Program Director, Thresholds
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 - Workforce Strategy & Operations, Capital One
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."
Alyssa Ferrando - AVP Data Insights & Analytics, CNA Financial
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 Seitz - Learning and Talent Consultant - HCSC
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."
Laurel Taylor, Litigation Associate, McDermott Will & Schulte
Amy Vrtis - President of Associate Director, - Grant Thornton
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."
Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Contact Holly Johnson, Senior Director of Special Events with any questions at Hjohnson@girlscoutsgcnwi.org or 312-912-6329.
