Troop Capitol Hill

Local Girl Scout Ambassador Lauren from Newport News was invited to be part of a special reception held at the U.S. Capitol and hosted by GSUSA on May 19. The special occasion was held to formally welcome the 114th Congress and to inaugurate all of the new female members of Congress into Troop Capitol Hill. Troop Capitol Hill is an Honorary Congressional Girl Scout Troop comprised of all women Members of Congress. This was also an opportunity for Kathy Hannan, the newly elected National Board President of GSUSA, to be introduced to members of Troop Capitol Hill. Members of Troop Capitol Hill are leadership role models for girls across America and are strong advocates for issues important to girls and Girl Scouting on a national level.

Lauren and Girl Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chávez

Lauren and Representative Bobby Scott

“I firmly believe that you can’t be what you can’t see,” said Girl Scouts CEO Anna Maria Chávez as she addressed guests that included Representative Bobby Scott and Senator Kaine from Virginia. “Bringing girls together with mentors, role models, and guides is an important part of Girl Scouts. It gives girls an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the women who are blazing a trail for them, and shows them beyond any doubt that they can achieve anything they set their minds to accomplishing. Troop Capitol Hill plays a vital role in connecting today’s women leaders with the future of female leadership in America.”

Welcoming remarks were also made by two members of the eight bipartisan co-chairs of Troop Capitol Hill Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-FL) and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Lauren spoke about her Girl Scout experience and how it has helped her build leadership skills, including encouraging her further build upon her love for aviation and the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) through the completion of her Gold Award project.

Later that day, Lauren and GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller had meetings with Rep. Rigell and Rep. Wittman to share with them what Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast is doing to support STEM education for girls through the Girl Scout program delivery model.