Celia  Chretien

Celia Chretien

Volunteer at West Suburban Community Pantry, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, Make-A-Wish, DuPage County Area Project, Bolingbrook Garden Club, Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce Rotary Club

Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States
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About Celia

I am a…

Change Agent, Concerned citizen, Idea generator, Parent, Promoter

Bio

After retiring in 2015 from a well-established professional career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, my passion has shifted toward volunteering and service through nonprofit organizations. During my professional career, I was known as a highly motivated, outcome-oriented, self-directed, and independent professional with a strong analytical mind and critical thinking skills. I fostered communication and collaboration with all levels of staff to achieve and sustain desired goals, both economically and clinically. As an assertive team player, I thrived on challenging opportunities, particularly with startup programs, and continually sought professional growth, personal development, and positive outcomes. My clinical expertise spans nephrology, general surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, bariatric surgery, hepatobiliary surgery, hematology and bone marrow transplant, and endocrinology. In addition, I contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field through publications in medical and nursing journals. I currently serve in various nonprofit organizations and have held leadership and board positions, including responsibilities in fundraising. I am guided by core principles that shape both my personal and professional life: waking up at dawn, communicating clearly, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, working with quiet focus, reading consistently, upholding convictions, following through, practicing punctuality and optimism, showing compassion, going above and beyond expectations, welcoming constructive feedback, embodying a strong work ethic, and bringing enthusiasm to every endeavor. As a mother of two adult daughters, and grandmother, I remain deeply connected to family and community. My most recent achievements include receiving the Female Citizen of the Year Award (2024), mentoring youth through TEDx Youth, and serving actively as a Rotarian. I hold a master’s degree, and as an immigrant from India, I bring a global perspective enriched by cultural diversity and resilience. My faith in both the universe and God continues to inspire my service and guide my journey of lifelong learning and contribution.

I'm passionate about

My greatest passion lies in working with children, youth, and senior citizens, ensuring they are supported, empowered, and valued.

An idea worth spreading

* Every person has an inherent talent. * Change starts with individual transformation. * Become a spokesperson for the underprivileged and silenced.

The TED story

Provinding support & mentorship for TEDx Bolingbrook Youth, June 2025.

Things you might not know

Despite having spent more than three-quarters of my life in the USA, I am good and loyal in cherishing and upholding my cultural roots and identity. I am also skilled at promoting and practicing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) in my daily responsibilities.