In a climate where the perception of women’s ability to achieve is wavering, I am genuinely committed to the mission of Girls Inc. of Chicago. I am most inspired by the opportunity to provide our girls with the foundation to courageously break down barriers, and to understand that their options to achieve, are limitless!

Carol J. Sharp joined Girls Inc. of Chicago as the inaugural Director of Programs, in 2017. In this role she is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of k-8th programs. Additionally, she serves as a thought leader for the organization’s partnership cultivation. As a Chicago native, and having worked with thousands of students & families, from across nearly every neighborhood in Chicago, Carol is deeply committed to providing access to opportunities that empowers our future leaders to achieve, beyond the scope of their community influences.

Carol comes to Girls Inc. with over 10 years of meaningful nonprofit experience, developing, implementing and evolving, leadership development and college & career programs. In her most recent role as the Perspectives Charter Schools network’s Director of College Completion, Carol led a program strategy to support over 2,000 high school students and alumni with post-secondary planning and transition activities. Prior to Perspectives, Carol served as the Senior Director of College Counseling & Community Partnerships, with the Chicago Scholars Foundation. Carol played an integral role in facilitating both the internal and external communications to scholars, and often served as a liaison to college, students, partners, and parents. She managed the collaborative initiatives of Chicago Scholars and community-based organizations that sought to evolve the outcome of successes for students who derive from under resourced communities.

Carol received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from American Intercontinental University; she received her certification in College Admissions Counseling from the University of California at Los Angeles and her Master of Public Administration & Nonprofit Mission-Driven Management from the Illinois Institute of Technology.