Schaumburg Business Association president steps down
Kaili Harding-Kaminski has left her position as president of the Schaumburg Business Association, a post she held for about six years.
The association said it will continue to execute all projects and operations that she initiated. Lisa Gilbert, who serves as vice president of membership, will lead the execution of these elements as interim president.
"I have an intense love and respect for the Schaumburg Business Association. I would like to thank everyone for their support over the past six years as I served as president," said Harding-Kaminski, who was crowned 2018 Mrs. Illinois International in November.
"Following a brief hiatus and personal reflection, I have determined that the time has come to pursue my personal passions through starting a business of my own. I will forever be a member of the Schaumburg Business Association and am thrilled to continue to support all of the businesses and members of the SBA," Harding-Kaminski said in a statement.
She said she plans to spend the next two months preparing for her next step in her pageant path. She is competing July 21 in West Virginia for the Mrs. International title.
Harding-Kaminski, 38, said she is passionate about pageants because they give her the opportunity to create an awareness of things that are important to her. One of her main platforms is diabetes education.
The Elmhurst resident advocates for those with diabetes, including her 10-year-old daughter. Harding-Kaminski discovered her daughter, Eisleigh, has Type 1 diabetes about seven years ago.
Meanwhile, the association will host an event to honor her at the association offices Thursday.
SBA leaders said they are proud of the progress the whole team has made under her leadership. "We are happy she is staying on as a member. We are committed to ensuring our continued success at the SBA," said SBA Chairman Mark Kolar.
Harding-Kaminski said after summer is over, she plans to launch a business, which she is not ready to talk about yet.
"It seems like the right time to take that leap," she said. "I don't see this as an ending. It's a transition."