Schaumburg Business Association president honored by Illinois Jaycees
The Illinois Jaycees selected Kaili Benefield Harding, an Elmhurst resident, as an honoree of its Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois award's program. The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) program annually recognizes young people throughout Illinois who excel in their chosen fields, endeavors and show a great commitment to their respective communities. Harding, 36, is being recognized in the category of Personal improvement and/or accomplishment.
Harding is president of the Schaumburg Business Association, a professional speaker, philanthropist and pageant titlist.
"It is an honor to be recognized by the Illinois Jaycees, and honor to hold this award along side this year's recipients, who I feel have all contributed a great deal to the vibrancy of our state," said Harding. "I will use this award as a platform to encourage young women to set goals for excellence in their career paths, and inspire volunteerism in their communities."
During her tenure as president of the Schaumburg Business Association, membership and event attendance has increased. Several noteworthy events were created such as the Manufacturers Forum and Commercial Real Estate Summit.
Harding is proud to wear the crown as Ms. Illinois Galaxy 2015. She also earned the crown of Mrs. Illinois America in 2005 and went to compete at the Mrs. America Pageant. In 2014, she embarked on a professional speaking career, giving presentations to local and national organizations. Harding also serves as an executive committee member for the American Diabetes Association and assists many other charitable organizations.
The Illinois Jaycees will honor Harding at an awards banquet on May 14, at the Wyndham Springfield-City Centre. The event is supported by friends and employers of the honorees, local Jaycee organizations, Illinois businesses such as Coyote Logistics and the Illinois Jaycees Charitable Foundation. Friends, local businesses and organizations can offer congratulations to the honoree and support the program by purchasing space in the banquet program. Banquet tickets and program ads can be purchased at www.iljaycees.org/toyp.
Leadership development through community involvement has been the basis of the Jaycees since its inception in 1920. The goal of the not-for-profit organization is to provide members a means to reach their full potential through networking and personal growth opportunities and is ideal for proactive young people, ages 18 to 40. Members enhance a variety of skills as they work together to plan and run civic and individual development activities in their home communities and chapters. Illinois is the largest Jaycee states in the United States. To locate a chapter nearest to you, visit www.iljaycees.org.