Community Reads/Special Events

Jodi Norgaard

HYBRID EVENT - Dream Big: My Entrepreneurial Journey to Break New Ground

Noon CST 7 p.m. CST

When

Wed, Feb 11, 2026 @ Noon and 7pm CST

Where

Hybrid Event - On Zoom and in person in the Silverleaf Room at the Culinary and Hospitality Center at College of DuPage (COD) in Glen Ellyn, IL at noon, and on Zoom; and at Glenbard West High School at 7 p.m. and on Zoom.

Program Takeaways:

Gender stereotypes start early—and seep in everywhere. Toys, ads, clothing, and everyday phrases quietly teach kids what they’re “allowed” to be, long before middle school.

It’s not “girls vs. boys”—it’s the messages both receive. Girls get pressure around appearance; boys get pressure to be tough. Either way, kids learn to dim parts of themselves.

Sports can be a powerful confidence builder for girls. Jodi highlights how sports and physical activity connect to goal-setting, leadership, academic benefits, and healthier body image—and those skills can carry into adulthood.

Redefine strength and leadership. Strength isn’t being loud, tough, or intimidating—Jodi reframes it as empathy, compassion, kindness, and using your voice.

Change happens in “small moments” + consumer choices. Call out “like a girl” language and other microaggressions, talk about it with kids, and remember: money talks—don’t buy what you don’t want normalized.

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Norgaard returns to GPS to share her entrepreneurial journey – from her “a-ha moment,” to overcoming unexpected roadblocks while launching her socially responsible product, she fought to bring her dream to fruition. Norgaard will inspire attendees to take their best idea, step through fear with courage, and tap into their passion. She believes you don’t need to be a genius, have unlimited resources, or have a giant support team to create something special and promote positive change in the world.

Norgaard is the founder of Dream Big Toy Company and the creator of the award-winning “Go! Go! Sports Girls” line of dolls and books. She is the author of “More Than a Doll,” and is a regular contributor to Ms. Magazine. She has been featured on numerous national media outlets including The Today Show, Parents Magazine, and the New York Times.

Please share information about this event with friends and relatives. All are welcome to our free weekly GPS events, and no registration is required.