In recognition of International Women’s Day, The Girl Scouts of Suffolk County hosted its 4th annual 2024 Making an Impact Breakfast and Symposium, titled “Voices of Women Trailblazers, Building Courage, Confidence, & Character” in Hauppauge on Friday, March 8.
More than 300 members of the Long Island Business community, most of whom were former Girl Scouts themselves, attended the event, which raised nearly $45,000 to support scholarships. Over 80% of girls in school-based and community programs served by Girl Scouts of Suffolk County are in need of financial assistance in order to participate in the Girl Scouts Experience.
“This is a day to mark the contributions and the value that all women bring to the community,” said Tammy Severino, CEO, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “Our Girl Scouts are learning to appreciate the outdoors, life skills, leadership and entrepreneurial skills as well as STEM and the arts. Support from our donors means that no dollar stands between a girl and her access to the life-changing opportunities that we offer.”
The morning included a special panel discussion featuring dynamic women who shared their stories of empowerment, leadership skills, and the importance of mental health for today’s Girl Scouts, including:
- Dr. Uschi Chantal Auguste MD, Cardiologist, Catholic Health
- Lucie Kwon, Bureau Chief, Financial Crimes Bureau at Suffolk County District Attorney's Office
- Liz Popwell, FACHE, PMP, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Stony Brook Medicine
- Hon. Gail Prudenti, Former NYS Chief Administrative Judge, Burner Prudenti Law, P.C.
- Moderator: Tonia N. Cimino, Director of Corporate Events, Schneps Media
“What Girl Scouts does is give each girl a platform to be their best selves,” said Donna Smeland, Chair of the Board, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. “And in doing that, they make an impact on the world around them.”
Follow Girl Scouts of Suffolk County on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Girl Scouts of Suffolk County
Since 1968, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County has been committed to building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. With over 15,000 members, they are one of the largest youth-serving agencies in Suffolk County. Girl Scouts helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, please call (631) 543-6622 or visit www.gssc.us.