Girls Scouts create the innovative, creative women leaders of Kentucky
While our world becomes undeniably more digital and more competitive than ever before, our community becomes smaller, faster and increasingly interconnected. And although you may think we are on a path of limitless growth, digital consumption threatens our already shrinking planet. To that end, many of Kentucky’s small, family-owned operations can no longer compete with each other in Kentucky or in the United States. To keep up with our ever-changing world, these independent businesses must compete for the U.S. marketplace with companies based abroad.
Although one of the Internet’s greatest strengths is its ability to reach consumers everywhere, the United States has always had a competitive advantage in what can’t be mass-produced—innovation. Our future female leaders are key to this innovation. Girls are designing and building their future with Girl Scouts, the one-of-a-kind, proven leadership development program that pairs girls with strong, caring female role models and mentors who prepare them to take the lead from age 5 to 18 and into adulthood. From confidence-building outdoor activities, to learning business skills through the historic Cookie Program, and volunteering for efforts that make a difference in their community, Kentucky Girl Scouts demonstrate that they can accomplish amazing tasks and evolve their skill sets to align with 21st century realities. With the right encouragement, guidance, training, and confidence, these girls grow into women who lead by example and achieve great change in Kentucky.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road, I have seen the impact Girl Scouts are making in our local community. Kentucky Girl Scouts are delivering meals to feed the hungry residents in our community, teaching women and children about self-defense and risk reduction, and are taking-action against Kentucky’s environmental issues. These future leaders are bringing an invaluable perspective to our entire community, one that will drive workforce development beyond the boundaries of the Internet.
Girl Scouts improves the lives of future generations. Compared to women who weren’t Girl Scouts in their youth, Girl Scout alumnae soar in life; they have more successful careers, enjoy higher household and personal income, are more active as mentors and community volunteers, vote more regularly and are better educated. In the U.S., 90% of Girl Scout alumnae are registered voters, 52% of female business leaders are Girl Scout alumnae, 70% of female members of the United States Congress were Girl Scouts, and 80% of Girl Scout alumnae attribute their personal and professional success to Girl Scouting. Kentucky Girl Scouts is a key driver of workforce development and these benefits last individuals a lifetime.
Investing in Kentucky’s female workforce will ensure the long-term strength of our community. Rather than spending hours scrolling on screens, Kentucky Girl Scouts spend their time becoming entrepreneurs, fighting injustice, and making positive change our reality. Creating more female leaders means starting young and supporting today’s girls as they acquire the skills, courage, confidence, and character they will need to take on Kentucky’s 21st century leadership roles of tomorrow.
For 110 years, Kentucky Girl Scouts have brought time-tested methods and research-backed programs to the forefront of leadership development for girls. By building strong female leaders, the Girl Scout organization stimulates business development for the next generation and many generations to come throughout Kentucky. By tapping into the Girl Scout organization as a resource for growth for Kentucky, we can both strengthen our community and revitalize the future for all U.S. businesses.
Susan Douglas is Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road, which serves over 8,000 girls and young women in 66 Kentucky counties and 1 Ohio county. With opportunities around the world, GSKWR advocates creativity and free choice, encouraging girls and young women to explore their passions and cultivate change through a focus on life skills, STEM, entrepreneurship and outdoor experiences. To learn more about how Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road is creating experiential and leadership opportunities for growth, please visit www.gskentucky.org.