History of Women Inspiring Girls:

Girl Scouts of Central California South’s Women Inspiring Girl awards honors dynamic women who have distinguished themselves through exemplary achievements in the community, in their professions, and as role models for girls. This annual event was started in 2009 and has so far honored 18 trail-blazing women from Fresno and Kern Counties, women who have inspired their communities to try a bit harder, to reach a bit further, and to believe in themselves. Geri Spencer, Judi McCarthy and Peggy Cole Darling will be recognized at our 4th annual Women Inspiring Girls luncheon in Bakersfield. Leann Gouveia, Maria L. Gutierrez and LaDonna Snow were all recognized at the 4th annual Women Inspiring Girls luncheon in Fresno on June 5th.

How are the honorees selected?

A call for nominations is sent out to the local community through the media and Girl Scout communications. A selection panel of past honorees and community leaders meets to review the nominations submitted and three women are selected based on the award’s criteria.

What is the criteria?

• Service to the community and making a difference in people’s lives

• Being a role model for girls

• Overcoming obstacles to attain goals

• Outstanding leadership qualities

• Being known as a leader in her area of expertise

What does this award mean?

Women Inspiring Girls are women who embody and personify the mission of Girl Scouts of being women of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. These luncheons provide funding for the Girl Scouts Connect Program which every year gives more than 5,000 local girls the chance to become Girl Scouts, learn values and practical life skills, and realize their full potential.

Inspiring Girls Society

Fresno Alumnae

2009 

Ashley Swearengin

Mayor, City of Fresno

Nancy Hinds

Founder and Executive Director, Hinds Hospice

Olga Martinez

 

President/CEO, Allright Diversified Services, Inc.

2010

Lisa Casarez

Founder and Executive Director, Angels of Grace Foster Family Agency

Cynthia Karraker

Founder and Advocate, All About Care/Camp Care

Yrma Rico

 

President, Weber BMW

2011

Susan Early

Owner, Dumont Printing & Mailing

Deby Hergenrader

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Break the Barriers

Margaret Mims

 

Sheriff, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office

2012

LaDonna Snow

President of Snowflake Designs

Maria L. Gutierrez

Retired Senior Vice President/Regional Director of Univision

LeAnn Gouveia

Executive Director of Fresno Survivors of Suicide Loss, Inc.

Bakersfield Alumnae

2009 

Sue Benham

Chief Development Officer, Memorial Hospital, City Council Member, Ward 2

Barbara Grimm-Marshall

Co-owner, Grimmway Enterprises

Dr. Sandra Serrano

 

Chancellor, Kern Community College District

2010

RoseMary Wahl

Under-sheriff, Kern County Sheriff’s Office

Dr. Wendy Wayne

Former Executive Director, First Five Sadly, we lost Wendy on June 17^th, 2012. Rest in Peace.

Stella McMurtrey

 

Co-owner, Southern Auto Supply

2011

Irma Carson

Executive Director, Ebony Counseling Center

Robin Mangarin Scott

Director of Strategic Marketing, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals

Ginger Moorhouse

 

Publisher and Chairman of the Board, The Bakersfield Californian  

2012

Geri Spencer

Retired beautician, community leader and advocate for women’s health

Judi McCarthy

Director of Kern Community Foundation, Founding Chair of the Women’s and Girls’ Fund

Peggy Cole Darling

Philanthropist with the Fox Theater Foundation

Women Inspiring Girls Luncheon Patch

This patch is for girls who have been part of our Women Inspiring Girls luncheons in Fresno and Bakersfield. This girl-led event prepares Girl Scouts for their leadership roles of the future. Girls who participate in this event manage the flag ceremony, lead the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national Anthem, present the honorees, tell their personal stories and are the Mistresses of Ceremony. They learn public speaking, professionalism and teamwork as they build courage, confidence and character.

To claim your patch: In Fresno,  contact Tina, (559) 291-5078 ext 136, tboothe@girlscoutsccs.org

In Bakersfield, contact Pam, (661) 327-1409 ext 204, pmann@girlscoutsccs.org.