Girl Scout volunteers are a huge part of Girl Scouts’ successes: that’s why we are taking time to spotlight a special volunteer from Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI), Shamin Ladhani, and her co-leaders, for the multi-level Girl Scout troops of Jamatkhana Ismaili Center in Glenview, IL! Also known as the Midwest Ismaili Scouts or Service Unit 407, Shamin and the other leaders are amazing volunteers making an impact on our council.
Shamin began her involvement in Girl Scouts six years ago as a leader for her first daughter’s troop. One year later, she was asked to be the Girl Scout Organizer (GSO) for all five faith-based Girl Scout troops in the area. Currently, Shamin works with a Co-Girl Scout Organizer Kiran Ali-Suteria, and over fifteen other leaders, troop volunteers, and five troops that represent seventy-seven Girl Scouts and their families.
Shamin shares the spotlight with all her leaders, and especially Kiran Ali-Suteria, a Girl Scout volunteer for over five years, and Noreen Merchant, a volunteer for the last eleven years. “Kiran is the foundation of our team, who keeps things moving for our Girl Scouts. We truly have skills that complement each other to lead all our troops. Noreen’s leadership style and the work she does every year has shown how reliable and respected she is within the faith-based group. She makes Girl Scouts fun and manageable for everyone.” Besides being a leader, Noreen is a Girl Scout council delegate.
The secret to Shamin’s success is that she models the type of leadership our girls need. “It helps to model the type of leadership you want your Girl Scouts to have by getting involved in the community.” As a psychologist, Shamin also advocates for the mental wellness of her community. She is active in her community and at the national level in other non-profit work to include Girl Scouts in the conversation.
The Jamatkhana Ismaili Center in Glenview, IL, has always sponsored Girl Scouts as a part of their faith-based community. This lead to Girl Scouts in the area becoming a part of what Shamin calls a “mentoring ladder to success,” with many of the girls returning to become leaders themselves and supporting each other, their families, and their leaders through their sustainable models of community service.
Shamin says her leaders “always surprise and impress” her on how well they engage with their Girl Scouts, “especially having to work all virtually this last season.” Shamin says she is “humbled by the work they all do” and is so happy to participate in Girl Scouts.
All of us at Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana say a big thank you, to Shamin, Kiran, Noreen, and all the Leaders, Girl Scouts, and families of multi-level Girl Scout Troops of Jamat Khana Ismaili Center in Glenview. IL! We appreciate you, your dedication, work, and wonderful contributions!
Lead Girls Through Our Becoming Me Program Series
Inspired by themes from Michelle Obama’s Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers, this new program series will guide girls of all ages to become their best selves.
Volunteer to guide girls as they explore the truth in their own stories and the power of their voices! You will work with girls during 6-8 fun-filled and inspirational virtual sessions.
Learn more about volunteering with GSGCNWI today!
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