Global Leadership Conference promotes Girl Scout leadership
Be the Change was theme of Girl Scout conference
March 27, 2024
NEWPORT, RI – More than 250 high schoolers, volunteers and consultants from 21 Girl Scout councils and six countries came together to learn, share, inspire and make the world a better place at the Global Leadership Conference, hosted by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains. Participants gathered at Salve Regina University the weekend of March 8-10 to engage with women who are changing the world and to interact with amazing peers.
“Be the Change” was the theme for the 37th year of the annual gathering of Girl Scouts in grades 9-12. They chose among 50 leadership workshops that included topics like STEM, global issues, social justice, personal growth, college prep, financial literacy, human trafficking, and sensitive issues like depression/suicide and LGBTQI issues.
Speakers at the conference were:
- Corinne Kelly, a new Gold Award Girl Scout who earned the prestigious award for her work in honoring U.S. veterans.
- Diliana De Jesus of Casa Esperanza, a social services professional who spoke on aligning skills and passions in careers in social justice.
- Sylvia Dee , of Rice University in Texas, who addressed climate change.
- Erica Thomas , a high school administrator and advisor in Seekonk, Massachusetts, who explored leadership styles essential to college and the work world.
“Endless discussions, several questions, fabulous entertainment, great presentations, thought-provoking subjects, delicious food, few hours of sleep, many steps, interesting people, dancing in a mansion, and a gorgeous campus!” was one participant’s take on the event.
The Girl Scout Global Leadership Conference has always provided a safe space for teens to discuss challenging topics with accomplished female leaders. Leadership development, advocacy and activism are central to engaging teens in complex global and local issues which engage their curiosity and passion. In order to maximize the possibilities for positive outcomes, it is important to continue to increase the diversity of participants and consultants. Girl Scouts have always provided financial assistance to participants, and the conference has also welcomed American Field Service Scholarship Exchange Students from all over the world.
The Global Leadership Conference would not be possible without the support of Salve Regina University. NASA, and the NASA Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium. Funding from the Rhode Island Space Grant Consortium enabled participants from Rhode Island for Social Justice to attend the conference free of charge.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
