For 112 years, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) has been building girls of courage, confidence and character from all corners of our state. Now, the non-profit organization is publicly recognizing three remarkable women who have deep-rooted connections to GSOFCT and embrace these traits in their respective career tracks at its Annual Legacy of Leadership fundraising event on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at the Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport, CT. This year’s honorees, who were nominated and selected by a committee, specifically exemplify Girl Scout values as leaders in their community and who pave the way for all girls to thrive.
This year’s honorees are:
Caroline Unger of Wilton - is Senior Staff Program Manager of Engineering and Operations at LinkedIn where she is responsible for managing employees and software stability and direction for one of the country's largest social media and professional networking programs. As a working mother, Caroline is continually committed to improving opportunities for this growing population and co-created the first "A Moment for Mom" event to help women have opportunities to network with each other across the Fairfield County region. She is also an active participant and supporter of the Working Moms of Wilton group, offering support and guidance for other mothers in need. Caroline simultaneously serves on the executive committee of the board of the Wilton Youth Council, which promotes the well-being of Wilton students by empowering youth, parents, and the community. The non-profit organization provides parent education, youth programs, and programs that cater to the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of Wilton’s kids. Caroline is Co-leader of Troop 50373 in Wilton and volunteers in many GSOFCT activities such as the Memorial Day parade, bridging ceremonies, and council-level activities.
Wendy Carroll of Fairfield - As Senior Vice President of Product Development at Citi Investment Management (Citibank), Wendy has spent most of her career in the investment management industry, with a primary focus on Mutual Funds and Board Governance. In fact, she launched Citi's first non-US Mutual Fund in December '23 in which Citi clients in Asia, Latin America and the UAE have already invested over $160 million to date. As a Girl Scout from 2nd to 9th grade, including a trip to Savannah, GA, the official birthplace of Girl Scouts USA, Wendy remains an integral part of the organization, serving as a Troop Leader for 15 years and the Fairfield County Service Unit Manager for the past 5 where she’s grown the group to nearly 1,000 Girl members. She is also the primary point person for the Girl Scouts in Government Day program, an annual event in which older Girl Scouts shadow Fairfield town officials and public workers. Wendy is also a longtime advocate and leader in the advancement of workplace diversity and empowerment of female leaders, serving as the head of her company’s local Women’s Professional networks, as well as on the DEIRJ Committee for GSOFCT. She resides in Fairfield with her husband and three children.
The Legacy of Leadership event includes dinner, a silent auction and program. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet local Gold Award Girl Scouts and learn about their community-enhancing projects. Tickets are $75.
All proceeds from the Legacy of Leadership fundraiser go directly towards Girl Scouts of Connecticut’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. There is still a variety of sponsorship opportunities available for this high-profile event. Supporters can also donate auction items and purchase tribute journal ads. For tickets, sponsorships, and event details visit Legacy of Leadership 2024 (trellis.org).
“We know that the entire Connecticut community will agree with our outstanding Legacy of Leadership selections this year and invite everyone to attend this uplifting and inspiring event,” concludes Spearman.