The energy was unmistakable.
From the first welcome remarks to the final closing ceremony, the 58th Girl Scouts of the USA National Council Session and Girls Unite event was buzzing with excitement, inspiration, and Girl Scout spirit. Across the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and throughout the streets, museums, and monuments of our nation’s capital, thousands of Girl Scouts and volunteers gathered to celebrate leadership, shape the future, and make unforgettable memories.
Shaping the Future of Girl Scouts
Inside the convention center, more than 900 delegates representing every Girl Scout council across the country came together to help chart the course of the Movement for the next three years and beyond.
Delegates arrived prepared, taking time to learn about proposed measures and confidently cast their votes, using electronic voting clickers. Each delegate also had the opportunity to weigh in on key proposals, making their voices heard in real time. It was democracy in action and an impressive display of the power of informed participation.
GSSEM was especially proud to see Jasmine H., a recent Gold Award Girl Scout recipient and GSSEM delegate, take center stage as a member of the True North Leadership Panel. Jasmine shared her perspective on empowering young people to create meaningful change in their communities and around the world. Her insights showcased exactly what Girl Scout leadership looks like in action.
Team Telva for the Win!
One of the biggest highlights of the week was the election of Telva McGruder, former GSSEM Board Chair and longtime champion of GSSEM Girl Scouts, as the new leader of GSUSA’s national board.
Telva has been a driving force behind many GSSEM initiatives, including support for the Mobile STEAM Lab and programs that help girls build courage, confidence, and character. Earlier this year, she was also recognized with GSSEM’s Tough Enough to be a Girl Scout Award.
Congratulations, Telva! We couldn’t be more excited to cheer you on these next three years!
Girls Unite and the Fun Begins
After the final gavel officially closed the business portion of the week, the celebration shifted into high gear.
Thousands of Girl Scouts from across the country and around the globe gathered for Girls Unite, a one-of-a-kind experience packed with inspiring speakers, leadership workshops, personal growth opportunities, and global impact conversations.
Representing GSSEM as Global Citizens were Alanỳa Alston, Isha Chawla, Mariam Dukhan, and Megan Hatto. They participated in workshops hosted by organizations such as Vital Voices and attended special events, including the International Commissioners Reception: A Celebration of Global Girl Scouting.
But they didn’t just attend sessions, they helped lead them.
Our Global Citizens welcomed speakers and helped facilitate learning experiences on topics such as:
- Use Your Voice to Change the World
- Bridge Divides: Learn to Communicate and Connect with Compassion
- How to Think Globally: Tools for a Connected World
- Interactive Ways to Foster Belonging
Alongside fellow Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world, they expanded their leadership skills, gained new perspectives, and developed ideas they can bring back to southeastern Michigan through their Amplification Projects.
And yes, they also returned home with approximately a gazillion SWAPS, patches, and new friendships from every corner of the globe.
Thank you to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital https://www.gscnc.org/for hosting! Our GSSEM DC dream team is excited to share the magic and excitement they experienced with our Girl Scouts!
