Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida would like to share a successful career exploration event recently hosted by Girl Scouts from Collier County. The event, held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at 14700 Immokalee Road in Naples, brought together girls of all ages to interact with accomplished women across various professions, inspiring them to dream big and explore diverse career paths.

Troop 392 Ambassador Girl Scouts Kaitlyn and Marissa successfully organized the event, creating a platform for information-sharing, networking, and showcasing the endless possibilities available to young girls as they navigate their future career paths. Several Collier troops enthusiastically participated in the “You Can Be Anything” Event, where an inspiring array of accomplished professionals shared their experiences with the eager attendees.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, also attended the event as a guest speaker. She spoke enthusiastically about the impact of the event: “At Girl Scouts, we believe in providing girls with opportunities to discover their potential and pursue their passions. The career exploring event was aligned perfectly with our mission to empower girls to become leaders in their chosen fields. The fact that it was led by girls, for girls, is also inspiring. It was truly amazing to see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the girls as they engaged with successful women from different careers.”

The event featured over a dozen guest speakers, including law enforcement officers, physicians, animal shelter workers, a judge, and Mary Anne Servian herself. These accomplished women shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and determination in achieving their goals. Attendees had the unique opportunity to meet and interact with women from various career fields, including a judge, a CEO, a CAO, a doctor, an author, an engineer, an animal rescuer, an animal biologist, a social media specialist, a public relations director, a retired Army helicopter pilot/current Medflight Chief Pilot, and Collier County Sheriff’s Officers. The girls not only gained valuable insights into different professions but also had the chance to connect with these role models, fostering a sense of empowerment and expanding their horizons.

Girls of all ages were treated to hands-on activities suitable for diverse interests. High school girls, in particular, gained access to valuable information about potential career paths and job opportunities. The event also fostered a sense of inclusivity by encouraging girls to bring friends along.

The event was open to Girl Scouts as well as the general public, with a nominal registration fee of $2. Attendees also received an exclusive event patch.