Scarlette Gaudin
Scarlette Gaudin is a mission-driven nonprofit executive, environmental specialist, and community leader based in Roselle Park, New Jersey, with more than 18 years of experience spanning youth development, public health, and environmental program management. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Girls on a Mission with Ambition, a nonprofit she established in 2018 to empower girls and young women of color ages 12–18 through mentorship, financial literacy, leadership development, mental health support, and STEAM-based programming. Under her leadership, the organization has served over 600 participants, mobilized dozens of volunteers and mentors, and expanded access to transformative learning opportunities that promote long-term success.
In her public-sector career, Scarlette serves as an Environmental Specialist providing project management oversight for environmental health and safety initiatives across more than 60 school facilities in a large urban district. She has led major infrastructure and compliance efforts, including managing a $7M EPA grant focused on lead remediation and overseeing the replacement of hazardous lead service lines in multiple schools. Her work ensures regulatory compliance with EPA and OSHA standards while improving the safety and well-being of students and staff in learning environments. She also brings extensive experience in quality assurance, large-scale project coordination, and cross-agency collaboration with engineers, consultants, and government partners.
In addition to her nonprofit and environmental leadership, Scarlette has held roles in operations management and residential care services, supporting vulnerable populations and leading community-based programs. She has served as Director of Operations for All About Motivation and Education, where she helped drive fundraising, donor engagement, and program development. A graduate of Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Psychology, she is widely recognized for her commitment to equity, youth empowerment, and public service. Her leadership has earned honors including recognition from the New Jersey State General Assembly and local civic organizations for her impact on community development and youth advancement.
• Chase for Business, Coaching for Impact
• Certified Educational Facilities Manager
• Scrum Master Accredited Certification
• Professional Scrum Master I
• Certified SAFe® Scrum Master
• Commonwealth University-Lock Haven - BS
• Roselle Park Mayor's Proclamation for Outstanding Service
• New Jersey State General Assembly Recognition for Outstanding Community Service
• National Council of Negro Women Recognition
• Board Member and Director of Operations for All About Motivation and Education
• Environmental Commission of Roselle Park
• Committeewoman for Fifth Ward in Roselle Park
• Mentoring incoming freshmen at Lock Haven University since 2008
• Partnerships with Citizens Bank Partnership and Foundation to bring workshops to the community
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to service, a passion for helping others, and the belief that opportunity should not be limited by circumstance. My early experience mentoring students as a biology student shaped my perspective on equity and access, and that foundation has guided my work ever since. With over 18 years in environmental health and safety, I remain focused on protecting student well-being in schools while also empowering young women through the nonprofit I founded in 2018, Girls on a Mission with Ambition. Mentorship, intentionality, and a strong sense of purpose continue to guide both my professional path and personal growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be intentional about everything you do—how you show up, the opportunities you pursue, and the impact you aim to make. Purpose requires focus, discipline, and consistency, even when it is closely tied to passion, because that is what leads to meaningful results and lasting outcomes. I also strongly encourage seeking mentorship and being open to learning from it; there are many incredible women leaders who can provide guidance, create opportunities, and, most importantly, share their knowledge and expertise to support your growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge and opportunity in my field is addressing disparities in access to mentorship, financial literacy, and leadership development for young women of color. There is a critical need to expand programs that provide meaningful exposure, resources, and funding across entrepreneurship, higher education, and the skilled trades. By strengthening these pathways, we can help ensure that more young women are equipped with the tools, confidence, and support systems needed to reach their full potential.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are service, equity of opportunity, mentorship, access to resources, purpose, and focused diligence.