Member Monday – Morgan Squatriglia

Tell me about yourself 

I was born in Conway, South Carolina right near Myrtle Beach. When I was 3 ½ years old, my parents and I moved to Charlotte where they established their insurance agency, and my little brother was born the same year. I lived in Mecklenburg County through all of elementary school and then we moved to the Cabarrus County side of Huntersville. In middle school and high school, I was very involved in sports and extracurricular activities – varsity volleyball team, swim team, AWSUM (Athletes Who Share Unselfish Moments) club secretary, Habitat for Humanity member, Yearbook Editor, Young Life Campaigner and more! This is also where I was first introduced to the Junior League. There was a program called Juniorettes, and it allowed young women to serve the community. I became President of the Juniorettes at my high school and even Vice President of the North Carolina Juniorettes. In addition to school, sports, and extracurricular activities, I worked as a lifeguard, swim coach, swim instructor, hostess, and waitress. My parents were adamant that I learn the value of money, hard work, and reward while learning how to juggle my schedule. 

I attended East Carolina University (ECU) where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I was very involved on campus and loved staying busy. I joined my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA), where I met my best friends and held leadership positions. I was also a member of various clubs, including Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society. I graduated in December 2014 and moved back to Charlotte where I began my consulting career in the financial services industry with NTT DATA Services. 

I’m blessed and extremely grateful to have found my niche in consulting and absolutely love my job. It’s easy to be successful when you genuinely enjoy what you do, and I’ve been promoted four times in the five years that I’ve been there – which is incredibly rare. I am the youngest manager the firm has seen and they made me the face of a national marketing campaign as a “Game Changer”. I not only lead teams to solve client problems with innovative solutions, but I also serve as a career coach and mentor. 

I joined the JLC in 2016, which had been a personal goal of mine since my involvement in the Juniorettes  Since joining, I’ve served on the Communications Council as The CRIER Advertising & Sales Coordinator, The CRIER Assistant Editor, and The CRIER Editor. Currently, I’m the Vice Chair of Healthy Beginnings for the 2020-2021 League year. 

Outside of work and the JLC, I serve on the Board as Marketing & Communications Coordinator of Wright State of Mind, a 501c3 that benefits dementia patients and caregivers. During quarantine I learned to paint and after I received multiple requests to purchase my art, I started a non-profit that benefits COVID-19 relief efforts: Morgan’s Art for Humanity. I enjoy exercising, alcohol ink painting, visiting new places, learning, and spending time with family and friends. 

What have you gotten from the Junior League?

I’ve gained experiences where I directly impacted Charlotte, leadership and training opportunities, and relationships with incredible and inspirational women. The JLC has given me opportunities to apply my passion for service and help me feel more connected to the community through various initiatives. 

What have you given to the Junior League?

I’ve given my time, attention, and creativity to the League, through leveraging my strengths and leading women for the greater good of Charlotte.  

How has the Junior League helped to develop your potential?

I’ve been presented with opportunities that I would not otherwise have without being a member of the JLC. For example, leading a team of reporters to design, create, and release The CRIER is an experience that helped me grow as a leader and volunteer. The various trainings that the JLC and AJLI provide are relevant, thought-provoking, and incredibly informative. My weekend at the Organizational Development Institute (ODI) in Charlotte left me especially motivated and energized to apply the competencies that I gained during the sessions to all aspects of my life. The continued JLC focus on building female leaders in the community makes me confident that my potential has nowhere to go but up in taking advantage of these opportunities. 

What motivates you to work hard?

I was raised that everything we do and say should be done for the Lord and not for man (Colossians 3:23-24). So no matter what activity in question – work, exercise, friendships – it’s ingrained in me that I perform my absolute best and to the highest potential. And once I’ve done my best, I elevate and identify ways to build upon that and do even better.  

Who is your hero and why?

White House Press Secretary, Kayleigh McEnany. She is a shining example of a faithful, strong, and successful woman. Kayleigh faces adversity everyday against a world that wants to see her fail, yet she handles herself with grace, poise, and dignity. She’s a true inspiration and outstanding role model for women everywhere. 

One thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I was crippled as a young child until the age of 8.

If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be?

Nothing! Everything happens for a reason and I trust His plan, no matter how painful certain times in my past have been.

How do you think your friends would describe you?

Funny, loyal, reliable, and strong