Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, which includes Saratoga County and has an office in Halfmoon, hosted a panel discussion and Girl Scout exhibition at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Albany on March 9.
The annual event addresses women’s issues and is hailed by organizers as something that can help young women build a strong foundation for their futures.
The ToGetHerThere luncheon is inspired by the drive to mobilize leadership development for girls by providing them with the opportunities she needs to be the leader for which she strives, organization officials said.
The public forum encourages Girl Scouts, former Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts alike to attend and share their ideas and recommendations to help transform a “vicious cycle of discouragement stopping girls from moving toward their career aspirations,” officials said. “Women face a number of challenges today on the path to success. This forum is designed to bring together women from all backgrounds to help get to the root of these issues and openly discuss ways in which we can work together to overcome these obstacles and ensure a bright and successful future for young women,” said Lisa Austin, interim CEO, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York.
The discussion was facilitated by Megan Baker, founder of Baker Public Relations and former TV news anchor. Panel members include state Sen. Betty Little, Radio 810 WGY personality Kelly Lynch, Times Union staff writer Kristi Gustafson Barlette, and Assistant Vice President for NanoHealth Initiatives at the University at Albany College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Dr. Sara Brenner.
“Mentorship and a strong support system are key components in every woman’s journey to success. They’re part of the foundation to help mold the young women of today into our bright leaders of tomorrow,” said Baker.
“Growing up, we’re often told that girls can achieve anything and women can do it all. The reality is that many of us have faced challenges along the way that we weren’t prepared for. Things like motherhood and earning advanced degrees can sidetrack even the most talented and driven women and struggling to balance it all can be very discouraging,” said Lynch.
“Finding support from those who have been there and done that is one of the keys to success,” she added.
Topics included how each panelist overcame societal hurtles to reach success, and how women and girls can help influence change to impact the environment for girls today and in the future.
Officials said ToGetHerThere, launched by Girl Scouts in 2012, is the largest, multi-year advocacy effort that issues a unifying call to action to address the critical role today’s girls will play as tomorrow’s leaders. It sets forth a resolution to foster supportive environments and relationships that will help girls achieve their full leadership potential.
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York serves 11,000 girls and 5,000 volunteers throughout 15 counties.
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York serves 11,000 girls and 5,000 volunteers throughout 15 counties.
They include Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren & Washington. Offices are located in Albany, Halfmoon, Queensbury and Plattsburgh.