Young Women's Leadership Summit

Heather Coburn is the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. In this role, Heather leads a dedicated and passionate team of more than 40 full time staff, 20+ board members and countless volunteers and supporters, as they work to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Ms. Coburn has had several roles at GSJS since joining the council in 2016. Ms. Coburn served as the Chief Operations Officer from January 2020 through November 2021. As COO she led GSJS staff through new initiatives in response to the pandemic, cultivated the Box of Love Challenge during the ‘cookie crisis of 2020’ and supported her team through two COVID-free day camp summers. Starting her career at Girl Scouts as Director of the Office of the CEO in 2016, she was fortunate to serve under two past Chief Executive Officers while managing the GSJS Property Department, increasing staff satisfaction, and supporting Board of Directors functions.

Ms. Coburn is a champion for the Girl Scout movement and the Jersey Shore council which serves more than 12,500 girl and adult members (girls in K-12) from Monmouth and Ocean counties with the resources to become tomorrow’s leaders.  As CEO, Heather has championed a compelling strategic vision that expands access for girls across council’s footprint, transforms program experiences, and engages our community partners. As part of this strategic vision, Heather is thrilled to take on the next stage of growth for GSJS with the expansion of Camp Sacajawea to include an Outdoor Garden and STEM Lab, the continued beautification of Camp Amity Acres, and the launch of “Innovation Station”, a mobile STEAM unit providing transformative programming directly to economically disadvantaged girls.

Heather’s community involvement includes Board Member and Board Secretary, Inspire Life, Asbury Park; Board Member, Bright Harbor Healthcare Foundation; and Brookdale Community College President’s Advisory Council.

Ms. Coburn is a graduate of University of Delaware. She lives in Brick Township with her very own Brownie Girl Scout, Casey.

Hi, I’m Sunni DiElmo. I am a former Division I athlete and played soccer at La Salle University in Philadelphia. I double majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice, graduating in May 2025 with a 3.8 overall GPA. I’m now preparing to begin ultrasound school this July, where I’m excited to apply my academic background, discipline from athletics, and interest in healthcare.

Dr. Sikaya Jey Alston is a passionate educator, counselor, and higher education professional with nearly a decade of experience helping students achieve academic, career, and personal success. Guided by values of equity, service, and lifelong learning, she has held impactful roles across K–12 schools, community colleges, and universities.

She currently serves as the School to Career Coordinator at Academy Charter High School, where she supports students in grades 9–12 through academic advising, college and career readiness programming, and social-emotional development. Her work includes leading the Senior Project course, organizing college tours, and facilitating FAFSA and college application workshops to ensure students are prepared for life beyond high school.

Dr. Alston is also an adjunct professor at Monmouth University, her alma mater, where she earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD). There, she teaches graduate-level counseling courses, mentors future school counselors, and contributes to curriculum development. In addition, she teaches at Simmons College of Kentucky, preparing future K–5 educators in technology integration and culturally responsive instruction.

Previously, Dr. Alston held student success and advising roles at Brookdale Community College, where she supported first-generation and underrepresented students through personalized academic coaching and career preparation.

A proud New Jersey native, Dr. Alston is deeply committed to her community. She serves in leadership at St. Stephen AME Zion Church in Asbury Park and is an active member of the Monmouth County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In recognition of her leadership, service, and impact, she was honored as a 2025 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40.

Her life and career reflect the transformative power of education, and she lovingly dedicates her work to the memory of her grandmother, Alice Alston, who raised her and instilled the values that continue to guide her journey.

Holly is the Director of Operations for EZ Docks Mid Atlantic, EZ Docks Florida, and Playworld Park Solutions working with a locally owned small business that has grown exponentially over the past 25 years. Previously, she spent 25 years in banking as the Branch Manager and Business Development Officer of BCB Bank Bayshore, where she had the opportunity to work with many Monmouth County businesses and nonprofit organizations.

A previous Bergen County resident, Holly spent the early years of her career volunteering in the North Jersey market with numerous nonprofits, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Greater Hackensack YMCA and as Assistant Governor with Rotary International. Holly moved to Monmouth County in 2012 and brought her passion for volunteering with her as she has spent time with SCAN, Bayshore Senior Center, RAINE Foundation, Hazlet’s Hope Network, Monmouth Park Charity Fund, and many others. Holly remains a strong small business advocate as she served as the President of the Monmouth County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Treasurer of the Hazlet Business Owner’s Association.

Erin is an accomplished design strategist, educator, artist, and entrepreneurial leader with over 20 years of experience creating innovative curricula and programs for educational institutions. Founder of the HUMM Institute, which empowers young innovators to connect mission with curriculum, develop entrepreneurial mindsets, and apply creative processes to enhance STEAM learning and problem-solving, she encourages young women to work collectively to design empathetic solutions with a human centered design thinking approach. Erin is an exceptional communicator and presenter who engages international audiences at every level. She leverages design thinking and innovative strategies to drive organizational impact, elevate outcomes, and inspire student growth. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Erin is currently pursuing a PhD. in Global Organizational Leadership, reflecting her commitment to the transformative power of diverse perspectives. Erin believes young women play a vital role in driving meaningful change in our world today. She believes art and design are connected and are instrumental in the development of a balanced college preparatory curriculum. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family, walking her dogs, and driving in her red BMW convertible.

Christine Zicchinolfi is a healthcare education leader with extensive experience in career training, program development, and student support within medical and dental education. Throughout her 14-year career with ACI Medical & Dental School, she has worked closely with students, instructors, and clinical partners to ensure high-quality educational outcomes and strong pathways to employment. Christine is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate challenges, develop professional skills, and achieve their goals of building meaningful careers in healthcare.

Founded in 2016, Lead U delivers high-energy, interactive leadership experiences for schools, organizations, and communities. Through authentic connection and the power of play, Lead U activates the leader within every individual, empowering people of all ages to lead with confidence, kindness, and purpose.