YPA Member Booklet

MEMBER BOOKLET

Jazmyn Ferguson President of Engagement J.D. Candidate ‘24 University of Notre Dame Law School St. Louis, Missouri Why you joined the YPA:

GSEM has been a huge part of my life for many many years. I’m so excited that we were finally able to start YPA in an effort to connect the young professional generation to see the amazing impact GSEM has on the Eastern Missouri region and to inspire those professionals to continue strengthening the organization to empower our girl scouts to become girls of courage, confidence, and character!

Victoria Birchem President of Operations Senior Staff Auditor UHY LLP O’Fallon, Illinois Why you joined the YPA:

I joined YPA to give back to the organization that has given me so much throughout my 19 (and counting) years in Girl Scouts. While I grew up in Southern Illinois, I now live in St. Louis and wanted to get involved in the community I live in. I am so excited for the opportunity to inspire confidence, courage, and creativity in young girls, as well as connecting and growing community with other young professionals in the area.

Ashley Koziol Vice President Audit Manager Armanino, LLP Chicago, Illinois Why you joined the YPA: I joined YPA to collaborate with my peers on how we can support the current objectives and future visions of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. I was a Brownie growing up and will always remember the lessons Girls Scouts taught me and the friend groups it brought together. GSEM pushes young girls to dream big, explore new interests, and spark imaginations – I joined to be a supporting part in the future of these young girls in any way the YPA can help be a part of that foundation.

Brittany Sewell Director of Marketing and Communications Strategic Marketing Developer TD SYNNEX

Greenville, South Carolina Why you joined the YPA:

It is a tremendous honor to be a part of an organization that inspires and unites young professionals to make a positive impact on the younger generation. I am thrilled to join YPA for countless reasons. I am eager to serve my community with passionate dedication to bring about positive change. Additionally, I am excited to connect and support other young professionals, building lifelong relationships with them. Being a part of such an influential environment is a great opportunity that I am grateful for, as it will help me learn and grow as a young professional.

Galicia Guerrero-Dunn Director of Events Director of the Annika Rodriguez Scholars Program Washington University St. Louis St. Louis, Missouri Why you joined the YPA: I joined YPA because I believe in the importance of empowering young girls to be confident and become their best selves. While I was not a Girl Scout as a young girl, I know I am who I am today because I had great role models to look up to and I’m excited to help support an organization that is dedicated to the development and mentorship of young girls.

Colleen Turner Secretary Project Manager Mesa Logistics Group Eureka, Missouri Why you joined the YPA:

I joined YPA because I loved Girl Scouts as a kid, and now get the pleasure of leading my girls in their troops. I wanted a way to get more involved in a way that could make positive change to the organization to make it an even better place for girls.

Sarah Ayers Juris Doctorate Candidate | Law Clerk St. Louis University Law School | Danna McKitrick P.C Ballwin, Missouri Why you joined the YPA: I joined the YPA to connect with other Young Girl Scout Alumni in the area and to give back to an organization that has given me so many opportunities.

Kelsey Belt Concierge CIC St. Louis, Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: I remember being younger and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of choosing a career path before even knowing what kind of careers exist in this world. I am excited about being part of connecting young women to the world outside of school to open up just how exploratory and creative they are able to be in this life (while still making a livable wage).

Ashley Boiles Accounts Receivable Lead Graybar Electric Company, INC. St. Ann, Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: I was a Girl Scout throughout my youth and wanted to find a way to get involved again as an adult. The YPA offered that opportunity to do so, as well as allowing me to connect with other professionals who share my interests and values.

Kuriston Dunlap Senior Program Coordinator, Office of Precollegiate Student Services

Maryville University Columbia , Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: I joined the YPA to connect with people that are thriving in their journey, exploring their purposes, and growing. Giving back to the community and making a positive impact is an added benefit.

Beatrice Connaghan Juris Doctorate Candidate St. Louis University Law School St. Louis, Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: I joined the YPA to connect with other young professionals who believe that Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is an incredible, empowering program for young people in our communities. I am so thankful for all the wonderful gifts Girl Scouting gave me and want to continue supporting the Girl Scout mission.

Courtney Hadra Paralegal The Law Office of Steve Slough Ste. Marie, Illinois

Why you joined the YPA: I joined YPA because I wanted to be involved with an organization that empowers girls to be confident and community minded individuals; while being able to network with other young professionals

Katie Fuhs Residency/Fellowship Program Coordinator Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, Missouri Why you joined the YPA: Participating in Girl Scouts growing up built a foundation for my confidence, leadership abilities, and creative skills that helped shape me as an adult. I am proud of how GSEM teaches girls and young women new ways to learn and leave an impact on their community. I have seen those from my own troop become doctors, lawyers, scientists, and business leaders, and want to support the next generation of girls to do the same.

Renelle Spinks Director of Diversity and Inclusion Maryville University St. Louis, Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: As an adult, Girl Scouts mission and purpose still continue to be my reason why. My personal experience as a Girl Scout at a young age has motivated me to continue my involvement in a different way. I remember being a Junior Girl Scout and the experiences, lessons and life long friendships I made during my time. I am motivated to serve as a role model for Girl Scouts that will be interested in becoming the next generation of leaders.

Mary Morin Digital Marketing Specialist VIVIDSITES St. Louis, Missouri

Why you joined the YPA: Service has been a big part of my life, but finding a network of individuals as passionate about it can be challenging. The YPA was a perfect opportunity to meet other young professionals that want to make an impact in our community and support our Girl Scouts, while having fun doing it.

Young Professionals Association YPA

Through our Young Professionals Association, you will gain valuable networking experiences and

mentoring opportunities. You will also have exclusive access and invitations to behind-the-scenes

tours, previews of new programs and initiatives and recognition on GSEM website and materials.

Endless opportunities for Friend-rasing ensure you will make a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts

while also having fun! YPA will be comprised of a maximum of 40 members, all will be interviewed,

and our selection process will ensure diversity of background and professions.

Application Process Applications are currently closed and will reopen Jan. 15, 2024. In the meantime, fill out the interest form online at girlscoutsem.org/ypa to be added to our communications list!