Tag Archives: politics

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Represent GSUSA at the United Nations

by Jessica Miano

Four remarkable Girl Scouts from Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are taking their leadership to the global stage! This March, Raina C., Zoe M., Keira S., and Charlotte W. will join Girl Scouts from across the United States at the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York City.

The Commission on the Status of Women is the United Nations’ principal global body dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. Each year, representatives from governments, organizations, and youth groups gather to evaluate progress, discuss challenges, and develop policies that improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls worldwide.

Meet Our Delegates

Raina C., 15 – Raina has been a Girl Scout for nine years and previously served on the GSUSA Youth Advisory Board. She has earned her Bronze Award on sea turtle awareness and her Silver Award through environmental education projects. Raina hopes to gain delegation and debate experience while connecting with passionate women and girls worldwide.

Zoe M., 17 – A 13-year Girl Scout, Zoe has completed the GirlTopia and Mission Sisterhood Journeys and is currently working toward her Gold Award with an environmental and wildlife conservation project. Serving as the Girl Representative on the GSGCF Board of Directors, Zoe also leads her school’s Model UN Club and volunteers with Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. She looks forward to exploring global approaches to gender equality and amplifying youth voices.

Keira S., 15 – A 10th grader from Florida, Keira has been a Girl Scout for over 10 years. She has served as a Counselor in Training and is part of the GSGCF Media Marvels. Passionate about filmmaking and photography, Keira hopes to learn how to create positive change for girls and women globally.

Charlotte W., 16 – A junior at Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Charlotte leads her school’s Speech & Debate team and is president of the Chinese Honors Society. She is also an assistant statistician for a urologic clinical research team and an International Forensic Science Champion. At CSW, Charlotte is committed to advocating for girls’ rights and ensuring women’s voices are heard on a global stage.

The CSW Experience

During the conference, these delegates will attend panel discussions, engage with global leaders, and learn how international policies are developed and implemented. They will return home inspired to share their experiences through community presentations and projects, helping other girls understand global leadership opportunities available through Girl Scouting.

This year’s CSW70 focuses on:

  • Access to justice for all women and girls, promoting inclusive legal systems and eliminating structural barriers.
  • Women’s full participation in public life, ensuring safety, equality, and empowerment.

Through experiences like CSW, Girl Scouts gain the tools to advocate for meaningful change locally, nationally, and globally!

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Gratefully Receives Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is proud to announce it has been awarded a generous grant from the Women’s Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This funding will directly support underserved girls and fund vital mental health programming within our organization.

The grant will be used to expand access to Girl Scout programs for girls facing economic hardships, ensuring they can participate in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and benefit from activities promoting confidence, leadership, and essential life skills. In addition, the grant will enhance mental health initiatives designed to support emotional wellness and resilience among girls in Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

“We are incredibly grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their continued support of our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “This funding will make a significant difference in the lives of many girls, particularly those who face socioeconomic challenges. It will enable them to participate in transformative programs that empower them to succeed both now and in the future.”

In addition to supporting underserved girls, the grant will help implement mental health-focused activities, equipping Girl Scouts and their families with tools to manage stress, practice self-care, and promote emotional well-being. This initiative aligns with our commitment to holistic development, ensuring girls have the resources they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida looks forward to using these funds to expand opportunities for all girls to explore new fields of knowledge, foster leadership, and develop lifelong skills that prepare them for a bright future.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation for their investment in the next generation of leaders.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.: Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida council has a membership of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members. GSGCF is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. The council is governed by a volunteer board of directors who represent the geographic, ethnic, and social demographics of the council’s jurisdiction. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation 
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $570 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.    

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