March 12 is always special for Girl Scouts, as it was the day Juliette Gordon Low founded our organization in 1912. In the years since then, more than 59 million girls have explored new fields of knowledge, learned to overcome challenges, and developed strong core values through Girl Scouting.
March 2018
Celebrating Girl Scout Week: March 11-17
March 12 is always special for Girl Scouts, as it was the day Juliette Gordon Low founded our organization in 1912. In the years since then, more than 59 million girls have explored new fields of knowledge, learned to overcome challenges, and developed strong core values through Girl Scouting.
Members of the seven troops at Francis Parker Lower School recently observed their own important milestone: a century of Girl Scouting at the school! I was honored to participate in a ceremony that included presentations by the individual troops and the dedication of a commemorative Girl Scout plaque in the performing arts building. Longtime Girl Scout trainer Fran Styles (center, next to me) was a guest of honor, returning to the school where she taught and served as athletic director for many years.
Congratulations to Francis Parker’s current troops and Girl Scout alumnae … and happy 106th birthday to Girl Scouts everywhere!
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Carol M. Dedrich, MBA, CFRE Chief Executive Officer
Emerging Leader Girl Scout Amira Walia with Cool Woman of 2017 Wendy Urushima-Conn, who will emcee this year's event.
Introducing the Cool Women Class of 2018! On Friday, April 13, at Coasterra on Harbor Island, Girl Scouts San Diego will honor exemplary women whose personal and professional lives make them consummate role models for girls. The Cool Women of 2018 are Paola Avila (Vice President, International Business Affairs; San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce), Jeannie Hilger (Vice President, Communications Business Unit; Northrop Grumman Corp.), Dea Hurston (Arts Advocate, Philanthropist and Playwright), Laura Shawver, Ph.D. (President/CEO/Director, Synthorx, Inc.), and Caroline Winn (Chief Operating Officer, San Diego Gas & Electric). Cool Woman of 2013 Arlene Harris is co-chairing the luncheon with Sue Major, a member of the Girl Scouts of the USA Board of
Directors.
In addition, a group of Emerging Leader Girl Scouts — young women whose outstanding achievements and potential are making the world a better place — will explore education and career opportunities with accomplished executive women.
We invite you to meet these outstanding women and girls, and support Girl Scouting, by purchasing a table or individual ticket. All proceeds raised at the Cool Women luncheon fund Girl Scout leadership development programming for girls throughout San Diego and Imperial Valley.
Urban Campout co-chairs take helm
We are delighted to announce that Rita Datko (left) and Tange Gavin (right), longtime friends of Girl Scouts San Diego, are co-chairing Urban Campout 2018. Rita is vice president and chief financial officer of Sharp Health Plan. For two decades she has volunteered for Girl Scouts in multiple roles, including national delegate, board member, development committee member and Urban Campout supporter. Rita’s four daughters have all been involved in Girl Scouts, and she has served in leadership roles on the troop and service unit levels. Girl Scout alumna Tange and her husband, Tom, have been key members of the Urban Campout Committee for 11 years, creating imaginative décor and donating auction items. Tange has also shared her professional skills with our audit and 100th
anniversary committees. We recently honored Tange and Tom as our 2017 Promise Circle Award recipients. Mark your calendar for the fun fundraiser for grown-ups on Friday, Sept. 14.
Sophia took a few moments before City Councilmembers, including Chris Cate, to recount her acts of heroism.
Girl Scout hailed as life-saving hero
When a fire broke out Rancho Peñasquitos condominium on an early Saturday morning, 14-year-old Sophia instinctively acted on her Girl Scout Promise to “help people at all times.” As a Girl Scout Cadette, Young Marine, and daughter of law enforcement parents, Sophia was prepared to respond. Spotting black smoke pouring from the building, she asked her parents to stop the car and call 911 as she quickly, but calmly, knocked on doors to awaken and evacuate residents. “I knew what I had to do,” she recalls. “I just had to get them out of the building. And then I moved them to a safe location, a parking lot away from the fire.” To honor the brave teen, the San Diego City Council recently declared a “Sophia Righthouse Day."
Volunteer spotlight: Jim Rohr
Dr. Jim Rohr worked for 30 years as Navy researcher before retiring from the Department of Defense. He now volunteers with Girl Scouts San Diego and the National Marine Mammal Foundation to put girls on a path to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Jim and his team, which includes women STEM professionals, host monthly workshops on topics such as career opportunities, animal care and conservation, and addressing the problem of plastic pollution in our oceans. More than 2,000 Girls Scouts have participated in Jim’s sessions, gaining real-world STEM experience and insights through activities like science experiments led by female professionals. To learn about upcoming events, contact STEM Program Specialist
Michaela Butler, (619) 610-0813.
Girl Scouts is the only organization that provides comprehensive, year-round science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programing specifically for girls. Girl Scout STEM programs:
Adopt a collaborative approach to scientific problem solving and experimentation
Allow girls to see themselves in STEM careers by getting them excited about the subjects at an early age
Demonstrate how STEM fields make a difference in the world
Build girls' self-confidence and expose them to role models and careers in STEM
