Hometown: Rockford

Family: Parents Rajesh and Ann Patel; sisters Shiralee, 22, and Ashay, 16.

In 10 years, I see myself: Practicing either medicine or orthodontics and starting a family.

Being a woman means: Being a compassionate and perceptive person. It means being strong, mentally and emotionally, and using this strength to help others.

A few years after leaving beauty school, Kristin DeHaan and Chrissy Tripodi became teachers themselves — to girls on the other side of the world.

Age: 18

School: Graduated from Guilford High School in 2009; attending Rock Valley College

Hometown: Rockford

Family: Mother, Maria; stepfather, David; sister, Osmara; brothers, David and Diego

In 10 years, I see myself ... as a pediatrician and having a human services degree.

Being a woman means … being strong, independent and responsible.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

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