Girl Scouts from across Pennsylvania gathered at the state Capitol in Harrisburg on Nov. 13 to participate in a ceremony honoring women in government, as well as taking steps toward earning a badge in STEM career exploration.

Troop PA Shows what is possible

More than 70 girls from the three Girl Scout Councils in the state — Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania (GSWPA), Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) and Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA) — welcomed female members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to join Troop PA, an honorary Girl Scout troop.

“We were so honored to participate in such an important day,” said Janet Donovan, President and CEO of GSHPA. “Showing Girl Scouts what is possible in both government and STEM fields helps open doors and opportunities.”

Thirteen legislators participated in an investiture ceremony, joining the Girl Scout movement after receiving a pin from girl representatives of each council.

Miranda, a Senior Girl Scout from the GSHPA council, said the day offered a chance to see what she’s learning in school firsthand. “I’m studying government right now, and I thought it would be cool to learn about women in the state government,” she said. “I’m really excited to be here today.”

The state legislators who participated in the event learned more about the impact of the Girl Scout program, while the girls had the opportunity to meet the leaders in person, said Kim Fraites-Dow, CEO of GSEP. “These women serve as role models and examples of what is truly possible for girls,” she said.

Fraites-Dow and Donovan were also joined by Tamica Mickle, COO of GSWPA, as well as Jessica Schlie, Director of Girl Program from GSWPA.

In her keynote speech, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, of the Philadelphia area and the first female Speaker of the House for Pennsylvania, shared her expectation of seeing more Girl Scouts follow in her steps.

“The vital role Girl Scouts plays in the community could never be understated,” she said. “We look forward to seeing you standing on this side of the podium one day, leading in Harrisburg.”

For Ambassador Girl Scout Kimberly from the eastern council, the event offered a chance to see government in action. “I’m really into politics,” she said. “I thought it would be cool to meet the politicians here and also to meet Girl Scouts from other parts of the state.”

Senior Girl Scout Sira, also from GSEP, wanted to learn more about the mechanics, adding, “I was really interested in seeing how everything works in the Pennsylvania government.”

STEM DAY helps EMPOWER GIRLS

After the ceremony, the Girl Scouts explored the interactive Welcome Center in the Capitol complex and toured a special exhibit in the state archives, “100 Years of Women in Government.”

The group then made their way to the State Museum of Pennsylvania for a program marking National STEM Day.

Abby, a Cadette from western part of the state, was particularly excited to learn more about STEM careers in the afternoon sessions. “I might consider STEM as a career, because I really like to build things,” she said.

The girls had time to explore the three floors of exhibits in the museum before reconvening for remarks from Moriah Hathaway, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women. In breakout groups, Girl Scouts learned about a range of careers and experiences from women in high-ranking government positions.

Panelists included Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services; Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary for the Department of Health: and Gale Blackmer, State Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Geological Survey.

For Kaelyn, an Ambassador Girl Scout from eastern Pennsylvania, the roster inspired her decision to attend the STEM event. “I do a lot of STEM at school, and I love it,” she said. “When I saw all the women who were joining us today, I thought they would be very informative and influential.”

Hathaway noted that the panelists are dedicated public services and leaders in STEM fields. “I believe in the phrase, ‘If you see it, you can be it,’” she said, “and my hope is that what we are doing today with our panelists will help empower a new generation of girls and young women to explore STEM opportunities and see themselves in a STEM career.”

Reported by Cathy Molitoris