2014 Girl Scout Famous Formers

On Thursday, October 30, Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast recognized six local Girl Scout alumna as Girl Scout Famous Formers during a luncheon held in their honor at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. This event is held annually to honor local women who continue to exemplify the values of Girl Scouting through their leadership roles in the community.

Girl Scout Cadettes Lily and Sianna with Laura Contreras-Rowe

During the luncheon, guests heard an inspiring message from keynote speaker Laura Contreras-Rowe, a third generation Girl Scout, author, motivational speaker, philanthropist and real estate agent. Rowe attributes her time in Girl Scouts to who she is today and fondly looks back at her time as a Girl Scout, even recognizing that she started her sales career selling Thin Mints. During her remarks, Rowe shared the story behind her nonprofit organization, The Got Sole Project, which collects and distributes new and gently used shoes.

“When I started The Got Sole Project, I never knew how big it would get and how great of an impact it would have,” Rowe said. “It is in all of us to give back, and I want you to make a difference.”

Guests also heard from Girl Scout Ambassador Lauren Prox, who shared what she learned about leadership and success on her recent trip to the national Girl Scout Leadership Institute in Salt Lake City.

Each Famous Former honorees was presented a plaque by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast CEO Tracy Keller and Board Chair Melissa Burroughs. This year’s honorees were: Dr. Wanda Barnard-Bailey, deputy city manager for City of Chesapeake; Dr. Lucy Gibney, founder and chairman of Lucy’s, an allergy-friendly food manufacturing company; Susan Mayo, president of Susan T. Mayo Consulting; Regina Mobley, news anchor for WVEC-TV 13; Janis King Robinson, vice president of operations for Sentara Albemarle Medical Center; and Jeanne Zeidler, president and CEO of Williamsburg Community Health Foundation and former mayor of the City of Williamsburg.

Nationwide, there are 59 million Girl Scout alumnae. The Girl Scout Research Institute conducted a study among these alumnae and proved that Girl Scouting has tangible benefits. According to the report published by the Girl Scout Research Institute, Girl Scout alumnae display positive life outcomes to a greater degree than women who were never Girl Scouts. Girl Scout alumnae attain higher levels of education, report a higher household income, are more civically engaged and are more like to volunteer than non-alumnae. Girl Scout alumnae know firsthand how Girl Scouts can have a lasting positive impact on the life of a girl, and serve as role models for girls today—the future leaders of tomorrow.

This event was generously sponsored by Inside Business, Tidewater Hispanic News, Ticatch Financial Management and A. Reddix and Associates.

The next Girl Scout event for alumnae and adults in the community is the Samoa Soiree, a signature tasting event that will be held on Saturday, March 7 at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk.