This month we introduce a feature called Young RockfordWoman to celebrate the promise of the area’s next generation.

Involvements and accomplishments:

Marissa Giannangeli

I have had many opportunities to volunteer with organizations. Some of these include:

Auburn High School Key Club: Vice president (2007-08 and 2008-09 school years); I have contributed 250 service hours to Key Club.

Christ United Methodist Church: I've participated in youth mission trips that help repair homes (2006-08), vacation Bible school leader 2002-08, and in senior youth fellowship group.

In Youth We Trust: Grant officer 2008-09 in the program of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois that involves young people in every aspect of grant making, and participates in volunteer work and planning community events for youth that raise money for scholarships.

Other: In May, I received the United Way of Rock River Valley Youth Volunteer of the Year award. I was inducted into the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society at my school. I was selected to receive a Frost and also Friends Scholarship to attend NIU's Visual Art camp. I also work at Wonderland Books and Toys, and this summer, interned at Lisa Frost's art studio.

Year in school/name of school:

Senior at Auburn High School

City of residence:

Rockford

Family members:

Father, Robert; mother, Peggy; sister, Nina

My biggest achievement/proudest moment so far:

In 2005, I worked with other youths from my church to roof a house in Broadlands, Ill. I never thought I would be able to do a project like that, since I didn't feel I had the skill or knowledge to do that sort of work. Now I have assisted in roofing two other houses and a garage.

What I like to do for fun:

I spend a lot of my time volunteering, which is a blast. I also love to read books, draw, shop and eat lots of ice cream.

I define success as ...

Achieving a step that leads to an ultimate goal.

Best advice I have received:

Somethings you cannot change, but until you try, you will never know.

Being a woman is ...

Having the ability to balance their own well-being along with their family and career.

A woman I admire (who's not my mom) is ...

Rebecca Kirtman, the founder of the original Becca's Closet in Florida. She saw a need in the community. Even as a youth like me, she was able to make a difference in many lives by helping teenage girls attend prom.

No. 1 issue facing women today is ...

The increasing number of women with low self-esteem. This can prevent women from feeling good about themselves and reaching goals like higher education and higher paying jobs.

If you know of a promising young woman between ages 16 and 24 who lives in the Rock River Valley, send her name, contact information and a brief description of her accomplishments and activities to Shelley Hendricks at shendricks@rrstar.com.