Q: What council are you with, and what do you do in Scouting?
A: I am in Orange County Council (California). I am the Advisor for Venturing Crew 774. I am also the National Venturing Officers’ Association (NVOA) Associate Advisor of Territory Support.
Q: You are not an Eagle Scout; why did you become a NESA Legacy Society Fellow?
A: As the mother of two Eagle Scouts, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of Scouting on their lives, offering them opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise. I am deeply grateful for the experiences and growth they gained through the program, and I am always looking for ways to give back. Supporting youth and young adults beyond their Trail to Eagle journey felt like a natural and meaningful way to contribute to the future of Scouting’s leaders.
Q: What specific programs that NESA supports are important to you?
A: My sons have always enjoyed reading Boys’ Life (now Scout Life) and Eagles’ Call magazines, and I hope my contribution will help bring back the print edition of Eagles’ Call. Additionally, I believe the networking opportunities NESA provides are incredibly valuable, particularly for newer Eagle Scouts who are just starting their careers.
Q: What would you like to see NESA do in the future?
A: As mentioned earlier, I would love to see Eagles’ Call return to print. Additionally, I hope to see greater involvement from female Eagle Scouts in NESA. With more young women earning the rank, their participation will only strengthen the organization.
Q: As a final thought, do you have a favorite Scouting memory you would like to share to motivate others to become NESA Legacy Society Fellows?
A: Beyond the cherished time spent with my sons on their Scouting journey, one of my most meaningful memories is summiting Baldy Mountain at Philmont. At the peak, Zane Pert was waiting for me, holding a heart-shaped rock he had carried up to give to me. I had begun mentoring Zane when he was just 12 years old, guiding him on his path to becoming an Eagle Scout.
Once we reached the summit, we held an Eagle Board of Review for Liam Hallinan, another Scout I had worked with since he was 11. At that moment, Zane stood beside me—not just as the Scout I had once supported, but now as a young leader supporting Liam’s Board. It was a full-circle moment: witnessing the growth of these Scouts and realizing how mentorship and leadership in Scouting come back in ways we never expected.
About the NESA Legacy Society
Established in 2013, the NESA Legacy Society provides a meaningful way to support the National Eagle Scout Association’s endowment fund directly. Contributions to this fund help sustain Eagle Scout scholarships, NESA committee service grants, career networking opportunities, and programs that inspire the next generation of Eagles.
Membership is open to anyone first recognized as a James E. West Fellow, regardless of Eagle Scout or NESA membership status. Contributions to the NESA Legacy Society are intended to complement, not replace, an individual’s regular support of their local council’s fundraising efforts. A minimum gift of $1,000 secures membership as a NESA Legacy Society Fellow and grants the honor of wearing the silver NESA Legacy Society Eagle device on the James E. West knot.
For more information on becoming a NESA Legacy Society Fellow, visit: nesa.org/awards-and-recognition/nesa-legacy-society/