Panelist gave their views on how to create
the next generation of female leaders
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — The Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council (GSBDC) gathered an assembly of female leaders in education, politics, business and the community to share their knowledge and provide their input on the potential opportunities and open doors that are available to the girls in the Black Diamond region.
The event kicked off the “ToGetHerThere” campaign, Girl Scouts of the USA’s most aggressive campaign for girls to date. The campaign aims to provide every opportunity to empower girls to reach their fullest potential and build a better world.
“We were thrilled to put together such a great panel of female leaders to discuss how to shape the next generation of female leaders,” said Beth Casey, CEO of GSBDC. “Our young girls need role models, like our panelists, who prove that building courage, confidence and character at a young age, can in fact make the world a better place.”
The assembly was moderated by Beth Vorhees, Director of News and Public Affairs at West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Guest Panelists included West Virginia First Lady Joanne Tomblin, West Virginia University College of Law Dean Joyce McConnell, West Virginia State Fair CEO Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe and Maddison Bowen, a distinguished Girl Scout Ambassador.
One of the topics the panel addressed was support for young women.
“I never thought of myself as the Dean of a law school, but I had all of these people around me who believed in me and that made a huge difference in my life,” said Dean Joyce McConnell.
Maddison Bowen discussed how one particular mentor shaped her life.
“For me, I have had an amazing mentor since the 8th grade and she has taught me confidence and leadership. She helped turned me into the person I am today,” said Bowen.
A comprehensive research study, “ToGetHerThere: Girls’ Insights on Leadership,” commissioned by Girl Scouts of the USA reveals that while girls are generally optimistic about their futures, they still see obstacles in today’s society that will get in the way of achieving their leadership potential. More than one-third of girls say they would not feel comfortable trying to be a leader, while almost 40 percent are not sure if they are cut out to be a leader.
“For women, the two more important leadership traits are passion and compassion. Those are the things that make a dynamic leader,” stated First Lady Tomblin.
“Everything I learned about being a leader, I learned in the Girl Scouts,” shared Dean McConnell.
The ToGetHerThere cause formally begins the work of breaking down the barriers that are keeping girls from reaching their potential as leaders. The cause will seek to motivate all adult members of society — individuals, corporations, governments, and like-minded organizations — to do their part to support girls. Further, the cause will place this issue front and center on the national agenda.
About Girl Scouts of Black Diamond
Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council serves nearly 15,000 girls in 61 counties within WV, OH, MD and VA. For more information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, call 1.800.756.7616 or visit the council’s Web site at www.bdgsc.org. Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.7 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
