Sponsored & Legacy Institutions - Stories

By Eleanor Schmerler-Rich
Vice President of Growth, Regina Dominican High School

March 24, 2025, Wilmette, Illinois – Alexandra “Alex” Kelly, a sophomore in Regina Dominican High School’s Leadership Scholars program, was selected for the prestigious Illinois Council on Women and Girls Shadow Program. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Girls Lead is a unique job shadow and mentoring opportunity. 

In its second year, the program provides selected students with an opportunity to shadow a woman leader in state government to see the direct impact women make on Illinois. Participating mentors come from different areas of state government and serve in various leadership roles, including elected General Assembly-women, policy directors, general counsels, chiefs of staff, and agency directors. 

The high school cohort will spend at least three days shadowing a female leader in state government and be assigned an ongoing policy topic. Drawing on the new network and experiences, students will write a research paper with personal recommendations for policy solutions. 

With 400 applicants vying for a spot through the competitive application process, Alex was among fewer than 80 students selected to be in the 2025 cohort. She brings a passion for restorative juvenile justice, mental health, and leadership to the program and looks forward to deepening her knowledge and gaining insights into how to make a positive impact through government policy during the experience. 

Rooted in the Dominican tradition, Regina Dominican High School challenges young women to be independent thinkers; relentless truth-seekers; and confident, compassionate leaders. 

Caption for above feature photo: Regina Dominican High School sophomore Alexandra “Alex” Kelly, left, with Kristin Rzeczkowski, Workforce Director for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Photo Courtesy of Regina Dominican High School