Advisory Committee - Girls of Character

Nichole Venable

Nichole is the daughter of the founder of Girls of Character. Nichole has been involved with GOC since the establishment of the organization in 2009. Nichole is presently a Junior in High School with plans to attend an HBCU upon completion of high school. Nichole's experience with GOC has led her to want to see more girls experience Girls of Character as she believes that their lives will be changed.

Shalene Jackson

Shalene Jackson is a mother two children. Her daughter is a member of Girls of Character. Shalene completed high school in the Waukegan, IL. A area. She completed college courses majoring in Early Childhood Development at Northern Illinois University. She has worked in the Childcare Field since 2014. Her love for children as been with her all her life. Shalene brings a strong desire to build positive outcomes to the girls in our organization.

Debra Bobo

Debra Bobo is a wife blessed with a blended family of 6 children and 7 wonderful grandchildren. She works as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a local agency in the community. Debra brings a strong background of Social Services. Debra has a strong desire to support and participate of the lives of the Girls of Character assisting them social skills, interpersonal skills and building self-confidence.

Andrea Bercos

Andrea has been involved with GOC since 2009 supporting Norma with running the group and joining them in all of their activities. She is a school Social Worker working in special education and also maintains a private therapy practice in Grayslake, Il. Being a Godmother to 3 and an aunt to her niece and nephews is her greatest joy. She loves that her two God daughters now get to experience the gifts of GOC and enjoys continuing to watch the group grow and expand. She joined the advisory board in 2020 and loves continuing to get to serve GOC and is excited to see where God takes us!