Carol Stream business owner named 2026 Georgene Geils Woman of the Year
The Bloomingdale Area Women in Business and the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce recently named Afito Chiu, founder of The Balanced Professional Works LLC of Carol Stream, as the recipient of the 2026 Georgene Geils Woman of the Year Award.
The award, presented annually, honors the legacy of Georgene Geils (1928-2011), a prominent local businesswoman and forerunner in the movement of professional women, remembered for mentoring others through her involvement in the community and within her own business.
Each year, BAWIB and the chamber recognize a woman who strives to empower, embrace, and equip women with the knowledge and resources to achieve their personal goals and professional potential; demonstrates excellence, imagination, and initiative in her business or profession; and contributes time and energy to improve quality of life for others in the community.
This year’s honoree was selected by a panel of past award winners and the BAWIB advisory committee.
Chiu is the founder of The Balanced Professional Works LLC, a refugee-founded, woman-led business serving Bloomingdale, DuPage County, and the greater Chicago area. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in higher education and professional settings, Afito now works as a work and life transition facilitator and accountability coach, helping women professionals and service-based business owners navigate career changes, business shifts, motherhood, caregiving responsibilities, and other work and life transitions. Through the business, she provides practical education, personalized planning, resources, and accountability to help women clarify what matters, identify realistic next steps, and continue working toward their personal and professional goals.
Chiu’s approach is shaped by her own journey. After leaving Togo as a child and rebuilding her life in Benin and later in the United States, she went on to navigate motherhood, career changes, a layoff, and entrepreneurship — experiences that strengthened her commitment to creating practical, supportive spaces for women figuring out what comes next.
Her community involvement extends well beyond her business. Chiu has volunteered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America as an activity leader, served as a check-in agent for a community jazz festival, collaborated with a nonprofit as a vocational career coach, and served as a mentor to others. She remains an active and visible presence in the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce and Bloomingdale Area Women in Business, regularly supporting and collaborating with fellow local business owners.
Chiu was nominated for the award by Shannon Potenzo of GoFar VIP Travel, who described Chiu as someone who “inspires” through her willingness to put herself out there, her consistent presence at chamber and BAWIB events, and her genuine investment in lifting up other women in business. Potenzo noted Chiu’s infectious positivity and her goal of giving people a foundation to succeed, calling her a source of inspiration to everyone around her.
“Afito truly embodies the essence of this award,” said Cindy Allston, president/CEO of the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce. “She genuinely helps women find balance and move forward in their lives and careers with practical, hands-on support — and she brings that same impact to the male clients she works with too. She’s also incredibly enlightening, and her posts on Facebook always leave people feeling inspired and uplifted.”
The Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce and Bloomingdale Area Women in Business congratulate Afito Chiu on this well-deserved honor. Chiu will be presented with the award at the Best of Bloomingdale Community Choice Awards Dinner on Sept. 24.
About Bloomingdale Area Women in Business
Bloomingdale Area Women in Business (BAWIB) is a program of the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce dedicated to connecting, supporting, and empowering women in business throughout the Bloomingdale area.
About the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce
The Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce supports and promotes the local business community through networking, advocacy, and community engagement. Learn more at bloomingdalechamber.com.