Hello from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) Associate Board (AB)! We want to introduce you to some of our members and share some of what we’ve been up to this year.
We are always welcoming new members! If you, or someone you know, are passionate about the Girl Scout Mission, looking to build professional networks and enhance your leadership skills, and interested in supporting our council, check out our application!
Comprised of more than 20 early- to mid-career professionals, the Associate Board supports the council through volunteerism, fundraising efforts, and social amplification of council events and the Girl Scout Movement. Formed in 2017, our council’s Associate Board is one of the only ones in the country. We are proud to have maintained a strong, consistent, and engaged group that functions as an additional support for our council.
Read on for short stories from a few of our members about this year’s past events and what motivates them to serve on the Associate Board.
Supporting young individuals in their personal and professional development
“Associate Board members served as mentors at this year’s Camp CEO, a weekend retreat held at Camp Butternut Springs focusing on leadership and career preparation for middle- and high school-aged Girl Scouts. New and returning AB members served as 1:1 mentors to their assigned Girl Scout and also interacted with all 30 Girl Scouts and other mentors in attendance, celebrating women empowerment and helping prepare our Girl Scouts for success!” -Yaqoota Aziz
Volunteering and service
“I was able to volunteer recently to support the Girl Scout Chicago Marathon team. I joined the Associate Board because I believe an investment in the girls of today is an investment in the female leaders of tomorrow. I am excited to support programming that empowers and equips young women to challenge the status quo and achieve beyond society’s expectations.”
-Samantha Affram
Connecting with girls and your inner child
“At our volunteer weekend at Camp Juniper Knoll earlier this year, we worked alongside a Brownie troop that was camping, to help clean up large sticks, making the campgrounds safer and more enjoyable. Afterward, we helped camp staff install smoke detectors in several of the tents to ensure a safer environment for future campers. And you can’t go to camp without a little fun as well! We were able to paddle on the lake and connect with the outdoors just as the girls do. I love being on the Associate Board. GSGCNWI is my home council and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact Girl Scouting can have on a girl’s life.” -Amy Scholz
Building a network and gaining leadership skills
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending Development Day, led by Board of Directors member Shannon Fuller, where I gained critical skills to enhance my leadership abilities. The insights on emotional intelligence and conversations with successful women leaders were particularly impactful for my career development. I appreciate Shannon’s passion for fostering young professionals, and I’m grateful to be on the Associate Board, participating in events that support my ongoing growth both personally and professionally!” -Kennedy Burrell
Raising funds so every girl can have the resources they need to thrive
“Smart Cookies is the Associate Board’s annual event with interactive girl-led booths, a silent auction, and of course, Girl Scout cookies! This year, through Smart Cookies and other fundraising efforts, the Associate Board raised more than $60,000 for the council, including nearly $20,000 in personal donations. I volunteer on the Associate Board because I want to support the next generation of female leaders and give back to the Chicago community with a desire to see a direct impact.” -Mary Kate Barron
Making new friends (and eating lots of cookies!)
“I enjoy being on the Associate Board because it gives me the opportunity to meet new people. Expanding my professional and social circles allows me to learn from others’ unique experiences and make new friends! It’s inspiring to collaborate with others who share a passion for empowering young girls, and I value the lifelong connections we are building through our shared commitment to the Girl Scout Movement.” -Juliann Krupa
Join us! If you, or someone you know, are passionate about the Girl Scout Mission, looking to build professional networks and enhance your leadership skills, and interested in supporting our council, check out our application.
Thank you to all the volunteers, council staff, caregivers, and members who provide critical support to girls every day. We are grateful for all your work towards our shared commitment of building girls of courage, confidence and character.