Three Chicagoland Women Receive Top Awards from Girl Scouts

The Twenty-fifth Annual Tribute to Achievement honored three women for their personal achievements as civic and corporate leaders as well as their ongoing impact on young women in their communities.

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For decades, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) has been helping young girls grow up strong and inspiring them to take on the world.

Last week, the group honored three Chicagoland leaders at its 25th Annual Tribute to Achievement event held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. All three women were chosen for their personal achievements as civic and corporate leaders as well as their ongoing impact on young women in their communities.

Wendy Davidson – president of U.S. Specialty Channels of Kellogg Company in Chicago – received the Luminary Award. Julie Howard – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Navigant – accepted the Corporate Appreciation Award on behalf of her company, and Carla Michelotti took home the Girl Scout’s Own Award. Michelotti currently works as a strategic marketing and regulatory consultant and previously worked for Leo Burnett Worldwide.

Davidson, Howard and Michelotti weren’t the only ones honored that night. Annie Rose, the Girl Scout whose letter to Hasbro went viral last January, also spoke at the event.

The 8-year-old of Evanston, Illinois, wrote a letter to Hasbro asking why its latest Star Wars Monopoly game did not include Rey, the heroine in the latest Star Wars film. Her mother tweeted a photo of the letter to Hasbro with the accompanying hashtag #WheresRey. The company responded, saying it would include Rey in the newest versions of the set due out this year.

Several other Girl Scouts spoke at the event and shared their personal experiences as Girl Scouts. They relayed heartfelt stories of how the organization opened so many doors for them and exposed them to careers in STEM fields and politics.   

"At Girl Scouts, we empower our girls through exceptional experiences in STEM, healthy living, financial literacy, and the outdoor experience," said Nancy Wright, CEO of GSGCNWI. "Our girls are the innovators and problem solvers – who will be valuable members of corporate leadership teams. These girls are the solution to our leadership crisis."

photo credit: Ana Miyares Photography