Service Before Self
To Whoever Reads This,
Empowered by my Navy experience and grateful to my community, I'm driven to create lasting, positive change.
The Navy provided stability, discipline, and shelter when I needed it most, teaching me 'service before self.' Even after transitioning, this mindset remains.
My community welcomed me with open arms, and I'm committed to paying it forward for the next generation.
Through various local organizations, I strive to:
Raise awareness for vital resources
Take charge of responsibilities benefiting the greater good
Foster harmony for all
My Call to Serve is more than a phrase – it's my passion. I invite you to join me in making a difference. Read more about my personal Call to Serve and journey below.
Very Respectfully,
Zoe
My Call to Serve
As an Educator:
My passion as an educator started in the Navy, training recruits at Recruit Training Command. A young man or woman, who has raised their right hand to serve our country, made a conscious decision to sacrifice their liberties of the freedom of ours. When they stepped off the bus, it was my responsibility to protect them, mold them, train them to be our replacement - whenever that time came. I used my past life experiences, military knowledge, and leadership advice to instill in them discipline, teamwork and respect.
When I transitioned out of the Navy, I wanted to continue that trend to help others. Coupled with my extensive background in electronics, I am able to serve higher learning, classroom based educator in software applications for working adults to successfully perform their responsibilities in an ever-changing technological environment. I have received constant praise in my ability to explain concepts in a manner that is easy to understand and absorb. When I see that light bulb light up - or that “A-HA” moment, that is what makes it all worthwhile in my eyes.
As a Veteran Advocate:
After I got out of the Navy, I lost my connection to other women veterans. I found myself scared, confused, and sometimes regretting the decision of getting out. I had to push myself to constantly find different ways to market myself and rise above the fear of something so new and different (the “civilian” world). If it wasn’t for my family, my community, and the resources I had available to me, who knows what path I would have ventured down.
That frightfulness, those hurdles; I never wish for others to experience. Realizing that veterans have road blocks - no family, no real support to guide them and lend a hand - I wanted to make a difference. When I found the Ms. Veteran America Organization and the invisible demographic of homeless women veterans, that was my calling to advocacy for other women veterans.
It pains me to know that there are veterans across our country experiencing hardship every single day. Whether it be homelessness, education, employment, VA disability, or even buying a home ~ there are many resources out there that 80% of veterans don’t even know exist. I passionately advocate for veterans by helping with resume building, LinkedIn profile creation, campaigning for needed business attire, mentoring on POST 9/11 GI Bill benefits, and even demonstrating how to properly fill out a VA Disability Claim ~ all things that can seem daunting and intimidating to veterans making the new journey after service.
In October of 2019, I was able to help assist in securing a grant for $500,000 for Midwest Veterans Closet (located in North Chicago) to rebuild a dedicated shelter to homeless veterans in the Lake County region with a transition employment center to get them the resources and tools needed to succeed. I serve as the committee Chair, to rehabilitate the land acquired to provide homeless women veterans with safe and suitable housing. This paired with close access to the VA for adequate health care is monumental in our Veteran Community. Most recently, I was featured in the March 2021 Issue of VFW Magazine recognizing my service to other women veterans in need with my own personal testimony of “my why” I have dedicated my life to helping others. You may read the article by clicking here.
As a Member of my Community:
My personal story coming to my home, Grayslake, will never be forgotten. I remember driving into town, ready to serve three years at RTC Great Lakes as a Drill Instructor. The hours were scheduled to be long and the days were set to be longer, but I was ready to train at the Quarterdeck of the Navy. I came to Grayslake in my Mustang Convertible on a beautiful Saturday day in May. Little did I know I was already going to be involved in the community on just Day Two of moving to this beautiful Village.
Day One, I unpacked my belongings.
Day Two, I walked with the ensign in the Grayslake Memorial Day Parade.
Upon arrival of Grayslake, observing the respect all the residents gave to me along with my other brothers and sisters - was PROFOUND. It was a day of love I will never forget. I knew this town was special from the very start.
My Highlights in Grayslake:
Featured key note speaker at Grayslake Central High School Veteran’s Day Assembly (2011)
Worked with Grayslake Central High School helping our students create a Memorial Day Tribute Video to our local veterans in our community (2017)
Inaugural Hometown Hero Award from the Grayslake Exchange Club (2019)
Volunteer service recognition by numerous local organizations in the Village (2009 - 2020)
Appointed to serve as a Trustee on the Grayslake Village Board (2020)
Elected to serve as a Trustee on the Grayslake Village Board (2021)
I also sit on a board of directors for a 501(c)3 non-profit organization called Keeping Families Covered. This organization provides help and hope to families in crisis by distributing diapers and other basic needs at no cost through agency partnerships, while raising awareness about diaper need and working to build a sustainable diaper program in Lake County. As a board member, I assist in steering the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission. Please reach out to me if you want to learn more.
As a Trustee of the Village of Grayslake:
I am honored and humbled to serve on the Grayslake Village Board. I strongly believe with my devotion to public service paired with my extensive post-graduate education in business, I can make a difference in long term decision-making for our Village as a whole.
I have always envisioned dedication to a community just like how I live in Grayslake:
An active member, helping where and when I can
Thoughtful communication on how we collectively can make a difference
Transparency with critical conversations that include everyone involved
Not being afraid to the tough questions or ask for help
Collaboration on being a good steward to the community while making long lasting smart economic decisions, and
Demanding of a safe environment where we all feel valued and secure.
Being a Trustee gives me the ability to be constantly learning new concerns by our residents of Grayslake. Hearing and engaging with our community is essential to being effective in our roles on the Village Board. I am strong believer in that no one person knows everything and we constantly learn, grow and evolve in order to make positive and measurable change. My life-long learning approach suits this position because there is nothing I don’t want to learn about on how to govern a Village. Especially Ours. I want to connect with all residents of Grayslake to truly make this ALL our community.
Roadways, snow plowing, and water/sewer doesn’t sound glamorous, but it’s the mechanics underneath that fascinate me. Some of the basic fundamentals of Village operations that residents don’t think of - the Village works tirelessly to provide. I am ready to work for the residents of Grayslake by communicating with them in an open-door and ethical approach on how we get things done.
If I can ever be assistance to you, a member of your family or someone in need, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.