Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is pleased to honor Kate with the most prestigious award in the world for girls: the Girl Scout Gold Award. Kate is among 13 young women who have made a difference in each of their respective communities through sustainable, community change projects. The time and continuous effort these girls have dedicated towards their projects prove they’re true leaders, innovators, and exceptional examples for all girls to look up to.

The Gold Award is Girl Scout’s highest honor. Girls are required to spend at least 80 hours investigating a problem, creating a plan, and implementing it. It is presented to Girl Scouts who address a community issue or problem they’re passionate about. Kate chose to put women and children at the forefront of her project.

Kate took action to ensure that young women know the importance of self-defense. As a young woman and soon-to-be graduate herself, she saw there was a lack of safety education for women and children. She knew that simply avoiding the topic tended to result in unsafe “safe habits” and endangered those at risk. In partnership with non-profit A Beautiful Me, and Leslie Heisler of the Shelby Township Police Department, she created a pilot program that educates high school girls on what sexual assault looks like, how to escape in violent situations, and essential self-defense techniques. So far, Kate’s had more than 40 girls participate in her program, who now feel more confident in their abilities to defend themselves. She plans to continue working with local school teachers in Macomb and St. Clair County to make this a staple in their curriculums.

“I learned just how impactful I can be as an individual. During the process I doubted herself, but once I started the class, my leadership skills and preparation took over.”