Young Women's Leadership Summit

Bonnie Barczykowski joined Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in 2023 as chief executive officer. She is committed to ensuring that every girl has an opportunity to join Girl Scouts, make their voices heard, and develop the skills they need to lead-----today and into the future.

Bonnie is honored to lead an organization to which she is so deeply devoted, having previously spent more than ten years as chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. During that time, she built a compelling strategic vision that successfully expanded access for girls across the region, transformed program experiences, engaged communities, and led a $50 million comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Bonnie has been a champion for girls and women throughout her career in both the private and nonprofit sectors, including a decade leading one of the largest chains of fitness centers for women in the world. She received both her BA and MBA from Lindenwood University.

Nicole Pulliam, Ph.D. is the Founder & CEO of Real & Worthy, LLC, a boutique firm dedicated to empowering first-generation women trailblazers and Women of Color to disrupt the impostor syndrome and confidently advocate for themselves. She has been a tenured professor in the School of Education at Monmouth University for over 10 years, where she mentors students and faculty while championing equity and inclusion initiatives. Most notably, Dr. Pulliam led the largest externally grant-funded initiative in the School of Education’s history, managing a $2-million project to support equity and anti-racist practices in K-16 schools.

With over 20 years of experience as an academic leader in higher education, Dr. Pulliam is a sought-after speaker, coach, and strategist specializing in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She currently serves on the NASPA Center for Women national board, working to uplift the contributions of women across higher education. She is the immediate past Chair of the NJACE Women’s Network, where she advanced opportunities for women in the field. Additionally, she currently serves on the board of the Grunin Foundation, supporting community-centered initiatives.

As an Ocean County resident and proud Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore mom to a courageous and confident Girl Scout Junior, Dr. Pulliam is passionate about cultivating the next generation of leaders. Drawing from her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate and Woman of Color, Dr. Pulliam inspires others to boldly pursue their goals, speak up for their needs, and create opportunities that align with their values. At the heart of her work is the belief that all women and girls are worthy of joy, love, and success. Whether coaching clients, mentoring young leaders or championing equity, Dr. Pulliam is committed to helping others find their voice and thrive on their own terms.

Kerry O'Brien is the powerhouse co-founder and broker of O'Brien Realty, a homegrown luxury real estate firm founded in 2013. With nearly 200 agents and a total of eight strategic locations across Monmouth County, including the newest addition in Asbury Park, NJ, along with virtual offices in New York, Florida, and Tennessee, Kerry has established a brand built on trust, loyalty, and excellence.

A top producer in NJ and Monmouth County, Kerry brings her Platinum-certified expertise to every transaction. Over theyears, she has successfully launched several businesses, including O'Brien Realty in 2013, O'Brien Referral in 2018, O'BrienTitle in 2023, O'Brien Moving in 2024, and O'Brien Concierge and O'Brien Co'work in 2025. Through these ventures, Kerryhas built a brand that truly represents "everything real estate," offering a seamless, full-service experience from start to finish for her clients.

Kerry’s strong community ties and ability to leverage cutting-edge technology are key elements of her success, all whilemaintaining a culture of love, trust, and service. Her vision and expertise make her a force to be reckoned with in the realestate industry. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or an agent, when you work with Kerry, you're not just a client—you're family.

Ms. Victoria Marie Fernandez, MPA (she/hers) is a nonprofit generalist with 20 years of experience and a particular passion for work in the arts. Since 2022, she has been the Director of Thriving Communities for the Grunin Foundation where she leads the foundation’s capacity building and EDIB (equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging) efforts. In June 2019, Vicki Co-Founded the Nonprofit Professionals of Color Collective with Tyneisha Gibbs (144th and Vine), a national group that seeks to support holistic development of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other Persons of Color) leaders in our sector.

Vicki earned her BA at Ramapo College of NJ in Communications and Visual Arts, and MPA focused on non-profit administration at Rutgers – Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA). She serves as a board member for the Institute of Music for Children in her hometown of Elizabeth, NJ; on the Steering for the Council of NJ Grantmakers’ (CNJG) Doing Good Better initiative; as a Curran Every Voice Fellow in Impact 100 Essex; and is a decorated Lifetime Girl Scout and adult volunteer.

She enjoys trying different artistic media and experimenting in the kitchen for fun. Her core values include creativity, ideation, justice, collaboration, service, and humor/joy. A campfire, fresh figs, walking bass line, and fireworks bring her instant happiness.

Dr. Shawanda W. Beale is an Assistant Director at the New Jersey Department of Education. Prior to this position Dr. Beale served as a Supervisor of Guidance, school counselor, and Language Arts teacher. Dr. Beale holds a Doctor of Education degree in Education, Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University, a Master of Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

Dr. Beale is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Chartering Chapter President of Jersey Shore (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and Past President of the Jersey Shore Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Volunteering allows Dr. Beale opportunities to create strong bonds with community members and to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Dr. Beale is committed to serving her community and takes pride in her leadership roles. She serves as the chair of the Ocean Township Zoning Board of Adjustment and served as a member of the Ocean Township Board of Education. Dr. Beale is the first African American woman to serve on boards in her community.

Dr. Beale is a woman of integrity who stands up for what she believes in. She supports learning for all students, and personally and professionally advocates for what is in the best interest of youth. Dr. Beale considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys collaborating with others. She believes it is important to empower others so they may strive for better opportunities.

Most importantly, Dr. Beale is a loving wife and mother. She is passionate about setting an example for her children and instilling in them, you will only possess what you are willing to pursue. She is a pioneer and will leave a proud legacy for her children. Dr. Beale’s motto is, “Keep your heels, head, and standards high.” ~Coco Chanel

Lauren Holman is the lead Partner in the Not-for-Profit and Commercial Audit and Attestation Division of Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. (HFA), a regional public accounting firm of over 60 professionals serving the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania markets.  Lauren obtained a B.A degree from Franklin and Marshall College and a Maters of Accountancy from the University of Virginia.  She began her career as an Associate Accountant at the global accounting form Ernst & Young.  In 2006, after a number of years in public and private accounting, Lauren joined HFA.  Fast forward to 2018, when Lauren became not only the firm’s youngest partner but also the firm’s first female partner. 

Over the past twenty years, Lauren has discovered her true passion is helping share her knowledge of accounting and auditing with the not-for-profit community.  Lauren is always looking for ways to help her clients spread their mission while ensuring their financial future is secure.  Lauren’s focus doesn’t end at simply the financial services she provides, she also believes strongly in giving back in other ways.

At HFA, Lauren leads the volunteer and community service program called “HFA Cares.”  Throughout the year, the firm sponsors several events where their employees are empowered to give back to the community. She plans a variety of events ranging from on-site volunteer service, to collection and donation drives.  Be it with clients, staff or community, Lauren feels strongly that service at its greatest moment is when the reward is beyond financial measure.

Lauren is the Board Chair of Fulfill (formally the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties).  For the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, she is a board member and the chair of the audit committee.  Lauren also is a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern and Coastal New Jersey.

Lauren and her husband, and fellow partner, Matt, are proud parents to three children, Lila, 12, Cole, 9 and Luke, 7.  Lauren is very active in her kids’ activities, is class mom, Treasurer of Memorial Middle School PTO and Vice-Chair of Ocean Road School PTO.

Driven by a desire to help others at their most vulnerable, Victoria is a Nurse Leader focused on showing compassion, putting others first and driving impactful outcomes. Her passion for nursing was not evident at a young age, having no immediate family ties to the healthcare community.

After graduating from Toms River High School North, Victoria studied Psychology and graduated with her Bachelors degree from Rutgers University. She soon after spent time with her grandmother who was hospitalized which exposed her to the wonderful profession of nursing. With support from her family, a nudge from her grandmother, she applied and successfully completed Seton Hall’s accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program with honors in just 13 short weeks.

Victoria has twelve years of nursing experience at Ocean University Medical Center (OUMC) and has been a Nurse Leader for the past seven of those years. Her time in leadership has been highlighted with piloting the first successful Virtual Nurse program for Hackensack Meridian Health, being the leader of a fast-paced, complex telemetry unit and being an honoree at the 2020 Girls Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Women Under 40 ceremony. Victoria completed Chamberlain’s Masters of Nursing program with a focus in Executive Nurse Leadership. Her education and experience has had a profound impact on patients, her team members and the community she serves.

Victoria is an active committee member to various programs, all tied to her healthcare community at OUMC. She works on the Team Member Engagement committee which aims to provide events that foster a healthy worklife harmony and connect with a wide variety of employees with different occupations and backgrounds. Victoria also sits on the Multicultural Committee which is an active and robust Team Member Resource Group that brings team members together to share ideas and promote inclusivity.

Outside of work, Victoria is a devoted and loving wife and mother of two children; Aria who is six and Troy who is four. On weekends they enjoy spending hours at the beach but most recently, have been enjoying movie nights at home with their handsome pup Jameson and of course, extra buttery popcorn! 

As a young Girl Scout in Toms River, Nicole Arden learned the “Girl Scout Law” and abided by it wholeheartedly. She knew then that she would make it her mission in life to spread kindness and make the world a better place. Nicole is passionate about making people smile and feels that always helping others is the way to make the world better.

After graduating from Ocean County College, Nicole joined Glendenning Mortgage Corporation in 2011. In 2013, she became a licensed Loan Originator and has since been providing tools and guidance for men and women of all ages to find a place to call home.

Outside of work, Nicole has become involved in a variety of service projects. In 2016, she joined both Extended Arms and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River. Serving as President of Extended Arms, Nicole provides leadership and collaborates with members to meet the needs of the organizations it supports, specifically Harbor House of Ocean County and Contact of Ocean and Monmouth County. As secretary and former President of Kiwanis, Nicole assists in managing club records and coordinates fundraising events that benefit the Toms River community. Kiwanis is a global organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. From co-organizing a stand-up paddle board event on the Toms River to bell ringing for the Salvation Army, she certainly keeps herself busy. Furthermore, she serves on the board for Jenni’s Toys, a 501c3 organization that focuses on giving toys, food, and more to those less fortunate during the holiday season. For her efforts in serving the community, Nicole received the Award for Community Servant of the Year in 2021 from the Driven Women Networking Community.

When Nicole is not working or serving her community, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their cockapoo terrier mix, Lucky Michelle.

Ilene Cohen is a proud graduate of Trenton State College where she earned a Bachelor in Science Degree and Masters in Education Degree. She has over 30 years of athletic administrative experience and been recognized as one of the top athletic administrators in the nation by a number of organizations.

Coach Cohen believes we are here to assist student-athletes in the path to the future following the "student first/athlete second" principles. She also believes in the importance of guiding the athlete to earn academic achievements while having fun earning athletic accomplishments both individually and as a team.