By Melinda Phelps
Executive Assistant to the President and CEO
On Thursday, April 30th, I had the pleasure of attending “Celebrating Brownie Points – A Tribute to Leadership,” the 34th Annual Tribute Dinner of the Girl Scout Council of Greater New York. Our Chairman and Founding President, Mrs. Frances Hesselbein was duly honored with a Lifetime Award for her exceptional work as a former CEO of the Girl Scouts and her continued commitment to developing leaders of all ages as demonstrated in her work withthe Leader to Leader Institute.
The evening provided an opportunity to mingle with New Yorkers dedicated to “building girls of courage, confidence, and character.” Girl Scouts of all ages were in attendance, gracefully welcoming guests and describing the accomplishments that led to the badges on their sashes. I have to say that the uniforms have improved! From the brown knee socks with orange tassels of my day, the girls now sport khakis, vests, sashes, and even adorable hats.
During dinner, we were treated to short videos highlighting the impact of the Girl Scouts on the lives and dreams of young women. One told the story of a young woman whose Gold Award project was writing a curriculum to educate young women about domestic violence. She spoke of the pride that she felt when her high school integrated her ideas into thecurriculum, and her hope for the future, which now included plans for college. Deborah Norville, from InsideEdition, was a lovely emcee and introduced all of the honored guests: Jessica Bibliowicz of National Financial Partners; Jane Randel of Liz Claiborne, Inc., Michelle R. Clayman of New Amsterdam Partners, LLC; Deirdre Stanley of Thomson Reuters; Jill Granoff of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.; and Commissioner Marjorie B. Tiven of the NYC Commission for the United Nations Consular Corps and Protocol. Many of the women spoke directly to the Girl Scouts in attendance, recognizing their commitment and courage, and inspiring them with stories of how hard work and leadership skills can lead to success.
Of course, a highlight ofthe evening was listening to Mrs. Frances Hesselbein share her years of wisdom with us. In an especially touching moment, she recited the Girl Scout Promise. The young girls held up their three fingers and joined her, “On my honor I will try…” After anauction to support the Council, the audience “earned” their own badge for their generosity. These badges were passed out by the Girl Scouts during a dessert of Thin Mints. Mayor Bloomberg commended the work of the Girl Scouts and the young girls confidently shook his hand on stage. The spirit of hope and optimism that filled the room was lifted to the rafters when Roberta Flack led us in singing “God Bless America” to end the evening.
The event was even highlighted in the New York Times Sunday Style section – Photograph 7.
