What do Katie Couric, Frances Hessesbein, Soledad O’Brien, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, Marlee Matlin, Sara Bareilles, Maya Angelou, Robin Roberts and First Lady Michelle Obama all have in common? They all made comments at the Girl Scout 52nd Convention in Houston reminding us that our Girl Scout Mission is making the impact of changing the world that we all hope and work for every day.

To state, “Houston we have a party” was an understatement! The last five days provided just the right mix of celebration and Girl Scout immersion that truly does highlight the difference our organization makes in the lives of girls and our communities all over the world.

From our own Young Women of Distinction sharing their stories of courage to conversations of consequence that provide direction for each of us listening, the days were filled with inspiration and guidance. I leave Houston knowing that the legacy left us, most recently by Kathy Cloninger, our retiring CEO, will continue to soar with Anna Maria Chavez, our newly installed CEO at the helm.

I encourage you to seek out one of our delegates to get the full story on the three proposals considered – 1 passing, 1 being continued to task force work and one being voted down.

Girl Scouts – let’s get started on the next 100 years – I look forward to the outcome with great pride and reassurance and who better than us to – in the words of Frances Hesselbein – continue the “tradition with a future” in 2012 – “The Year of the Girl”! Go get ‘em ladies!

Pam Kovacevich
CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois