Congratulations to Gold Award Girl Scout Mariam Dukhan on being selected as GSSEM’s 2026 Young Woman of Distinction
Two Girls, One World: Bridging Cultures Through Literacy
Mariam Dukhan loves to read. One thing she noticed though, in all the pages she turned, was a distinct lack of inclusivity.
Inclusivity allows all readers, regardless of their race or religion, to see themselves in books, and be educated about diverse cultures while enjoying the story.
Mariam’s Gold Award solution was to write, illustrate and self-publish a story that she would like to read.
“The Adventures of Dalia and Kaitlyn”
Mariam’s story features two middle school best friends enjoying summer adventures that take them around the world. She hopes her 10-chapter book highlights other cultures, demonstrates what it is like to be a global citizen and encourages literacy.
“The more students see themselves in books, they are more likely to keep reading,” she said.
She read her story to classes in Dearborn schools and designed a 4th grade curriculum complete with videos for teachers to easily incorporate her inclusivity project into classrooms.
Mariam is a student at Farmington High School and a Juliette Girl Scout.
You can hear Mariam talk about her Gold Award project on our YouTube channel.
Find out more
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan awarded an astounding 24 Gold Awards to a diverse group of dedicated Girl Scouts this year at the annual honors ceremony.
“Every one of our Gold Award Girl Scouts is dedicated to the values of courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place,” says Monica Woodson, CEO, GSSEM.
Visit www.gssem.org/highestawards to learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Awards.
