Maggie Giel-Bovaird serves as the Chief Advancement Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Her desire to pursue a career that serves others was sparked by the thriving community spirit she experienced growing up in Shaler Area. She reflects, “My interest in this field was sparked early on. Growing up, my dad was deeply involved in our community and served on several nonprofit boards, so I was exposed to the world of service and giving back from a young age. Then, in sixth grade, I met Ms. Kristi Coleman at Shaler Area Middle School—she was (and still is) the school counselor and left a lasting impression on me. Her kindness, presence, and ability to make students feel heard and valued inspired me to want to follow a similar path. I wanted to be that person for someone else—to help young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. The fact that I still remember how she made me feel over 25 years later speaks volumes about her impact. I initially explored the corporate world, but the idea of making a difference for someone else never really left me. It kept coming back, stronger each time, until I finally decided to follow that calling. After earning my master’s degree in school counseling, I found my way to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh—a role that allowed me to use both of my degrees and brought together all of my passions. It is the perfect combination.”

Having firmly established her roots, Giel continues to call Shaler home, ensuring her children can grow up in the same vibrant and supportive community that helped shape her own journey. She shares, “My experience as a student at Shaler Area was so meaningful that I chose to raise my own family here—I even live in the same neighborhood I grew up in. That decision says a lot about the kind of community Shaler is. Some of my closest friends today are people I first met back at Rogers, now Scott Primary School. The lasting friendships, strong sense of community, and supportive environment I experienced as a student helped shape both my personal and professional life. It’s a testament to the impact a great school district can have—one that stays with you for a lifetime.”