girl scouts of the colonial coast
Dr. Gloria Randle Scott was born April 14th, 1938 and is a native of Houston, Texas. She was a Girl Scout in Troop 155 at Jack Yates Secondary School in her youth. In 1975, she became the first African-American to be elected president of Girl Scouts of America. She served as president for three years.
In 1978, Dr. Gloria’s last year in office as president, the trefoil was updated and redesigned to an image with the silhouette of three girls. The trefoil symbol with three girls- one black, one brown, and one white was used to honor diversity and to celebrate sisterhood and unity with every girl. Today, the symbol still has a message of strength behind it.
After her service for Girl Scouts she went on to work in research and ultimately became the president of Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina before her retirement. Over the years she has received many awards, including six honorary degrees, League of Women Voters prizes in 2008 and 2010, the Star of Texas Award in 2009 and the Urban League Star Award.
In 2009, Gloria spoke at our annual council meeting held at Norfolk State University. From a young go-getter to president of Girl Scouts of America and beyond, this Girl Scout has led a remarkable life.
Gloria Randle Scott is one of many remarkable female figures in history. To learn more about history-making women in Virginia you can check out our Explore Virginia Women’s History Patch.
