Thursday, July 23, 2026

Meet the 2026-2029 GSUSA National Board President and Board of Directors



Since 1915, the National Council Session, our triennial business meeting, has been held in many cities across the nation to discuss, debate and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. This year, the 58th National Council Session returns to Washington, DC, where nearly 1,000 Girl Scout delegates gathered to make history together.

A key event of the National Council Session is electing the National Board of Directors for the 2026-2029 term, including the National Board President. We are proud to announce Telva McGruder, executive director of global body manufacturing engineering for General Motors, former National Board member and council board chair and a lifetime member of GSUSA, was elected National Board President by the National Council.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as National Board President,” said McGruder. “As a proud Girl Scout alum, former troop leader and board member, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable opportunities this Movement offers girls to tap into their power, pursue their ambitions, and transform their communities. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to accelerate Girl Scouting’s impact and shape a bold and inspiring future for Girl Scouts everywhere.”



McGruder will lead GSUSA’s 31-member National Board of Directors as it guides the Movement to meet the needs of today’s girls and families. Board members bring a range of skills, expertise and perspectives to help advance Girl Scouts’ vision for the future. Thirty percent of the 2026–2029 term board members have served as board chair of a Girl Scout council and 70% are Girl Scout alums or have experienced Girl Scouting through a friend or family member.

As we welcome Telva to her new position, we thank Noorain Khan, 2023-2026 National Board President, for her contributions to the Girl Scout Movement. We are grateful to Noorain for her dedication and enthusiasm, especially regarding her work on advancing Vision 2030 and building a bold roadmap focused on making Girl Scouting more accessible, flexible, and impactful for girls and families nationwide. Her notable efforts to support governance modernization, financial stewardship initiatives, and a growing culture of philanthropy also supported the advancement of the organization.

We are also thankful for her work to deepen collaboration across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond, strengthening partnerships with local councils and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to expand opportunities for girls both nationally and globally. As she exits her role, Noorain leaves behind an impactful leadership legacy that will continue to support the future of Girl Scouting for years to come.

“I am deeply grateful to our outgoing board members for their service and commitment to Girl Scouts,” said Bonnie Barczykowski, CEO of GSUSA. “Their leadership has strengthened our Movement and positioned us for the future. Looking ahead, I could not be more excited to partner with National Board President Telva McGruder and our new and returning board members as we embark on the next triennium. Their collective experience, passion and commitment to girls will help propel Girl Scouts into an exciting new chapter; one that expands our reach, deepens our impact and advances our mission for generations to come.”


GSUSA’s National Board oversees the organization’s governance, legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Three non-board members of the National Board Development Committee were also elected to support the board and to identify candidates for future board vacancies. The complete list follows (*designates new members; + designates National Board Development Committee members):

Telva McGruder, President 
Executive Director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering
General Motors

Ileana Musa, First Vice President
Managing Director, Head of Sales, Private Banking Group
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National Association

Mary Ann Altergott, Second Vice President
Founder, The Clemont Group
Retired Principal, Edward Jones

Diane Tipton, Treasurer
Chief Executive Officer and President
Self Storage Zone

Maryann Waryjas, Secretary
President and Director
Coalition for Competition in Credit Ratings, Inc.;
Past Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer,
and Corporate Secretary
Herc Holdings Inc.

National Board Members-at-Large 2026–2029 

Diane Boettcher*
Retired
United States Navy

Beth Bovis
Senior Partner, Global Sustainability and Social Impact Lead
Kearney

Neil R. Brown*
Managing Director
KKR Global Institute and Infrastructure and Climate

Rebecca Chavez-Houck +
Community Engagement Consultant
Aspira Public Affairs, LLC
Former Member, Utah House of Representatives

Cami Gibertini*
Senior Vice President/Business Solutions
INB, A National Association

Erin Morgan Gore*+
Managing Director & Partner
Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Performance Improvement

Kira Rosoff Heller*
Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor
Bessemer Trust

Kerrie A. Hoffman*
Chief Executive Officer
Hoffman Digital

Cameron Jones*
Chief Financial Officer
National Basketball Players Association

Betsy Kamin*
Partner and Member-In-Charge, Houston Office
Clark Hill PLC

Jessie Kornberg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Skirball Cultural Center

Vidya Krishnan
Chief Learning and Belonging Officer
TD SYNNEX

Ana Tavares Lattibeaudiere
Principal and Co-Founder
MTL Management

Allison Lawrence*+
Vice President, Commercial Development, Americas
Stanley Black & Decker

Robyn Ratcliffe Manzini
President
Ridge Blossom Properties, LLC

Zara Mirza*
Chief of Staff to the President and CEO
TIAA

Stephanie Neuvirth, SPHR*
Global Vice President, People and Organization (CHRO)
Mars Veterinary Health

Jake Perlman
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Information
Officer
Charter Communications

Carolyn Pittman*
Independent Director
Minerals Technologies, Inc.

April Cadiente Schneider+
Vice President IT, Intellectual Property Management
and General Counsel
Sony Pictures Entertainment

Joanne Sebby*
Chief Risk Officer
Fiserv

Nabiha Syed*
Executive Director
Mozilla Foundation

Nithya Thadani*
Former CEO
RAIN Stella Technologies

Mary J. Thomas*
Associate Vice President, U.S. Consumer Services and
LillyDirect Business Operations
Eli Lilly and Company

Teresa C. Younger*
Former CEO and President Ms. Foundation for Women
Founder and Principal
Msty Consulting, LLC


Non-Board, National Board Development Committee, 2026–2029

Lupe Camargo
Certified Financial Planner ™
Perspective Financial Services, LLC

Debbie Hassan +
Retired, Partner
Deloitte and Touche, LLP

Sharon H. Matthews* +
Retired, Head of Employee Relations Consulting
Wells Fargo

Congratulations to the 2026-2029 National Board Officers and the 58th National Council Session delegates for their commitment to the future of Girl Scouting and a special thank you to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital for your hospitality as the host council for this important work. Stay tuned for more excitement out of Washington, DC as the Girl Scouts Unite event celebrates our Movement with 10,000 Girl Scouts and supporters this week.






Friday, May 29, 2026

The Financial Literacy Badges Girl Scouts Are Loving (And Parents Too.)

 

What if learning about money felt less like homework… and more like planning your dream future?


Across the country, Girl Scouts are turning financial literacy into something hands-on, confidence-building, and FUN. From creating budgets and comparing prices to exploring careers, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial goals, girls of all ages are building real-world money skills one badge at a time.


Made possible through support from Charles Schwab, Girl Scouts’ Financial Literacy Badges are helping girls explore everything from earning and saving to investing and goal setting in ways that feel empowering, age-appropriate, and exciting.


Here’s how a few councils are bringing these badges to life:

Girl Scouts of Central Texas hosted Badge University, where Girl Scouts from Brownies through Ambassadors explored entrepreneurship, leadership, life skills, and financial literacy through hands-on badge sessions. 



Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri gave Brownies the chance to practice spending, saving, and sharing by creating their own budgets through an interactive virtual program. Older Girl Scouts in Eastern Missouri also explored what it really takes to finance “real life” through activities focused on financial independence and everyday money decisions. 


Meanwhile, Juniors in Eastern Missouri put their budgeting skills to the test by planning a meal, shopping for ingredients, and cooking a dish themselves.



Girl Scouts of North East Ohio hosted hands-on Financial Literacy badge events and afterschool programs where girls explored entrepreneurship, budgeting, and financial goal setting through interactive activities and badge earning opportunities.



And that’s what makes these badges so impactful. Financial literacy isn’t being taught through long lectures or complicated worksheets. Girl Scouts are learning by doing, experimenting, problem-solving, and building confidence along the way.


In a time when financial literacy is more important than ever, these experiences are helping girls feel prepared for whatever future they dream up for themselves. 


Want to explore Girl Scouts’ Financial Literacy Badges and activities? Check them out here: https://link.girlscouts.org/4tSMYoZ 








Labels: , ,
Monday, March 9, 2026

Don’t Let Volunteer Appreciation Month Pass Without Doing This



Girl Scout volunteers rock! From troop leaders to mentors to behind-the-scenes planners, they give their time and heart so girls can build confidence, find their voice, and grow skills for life. Take a moment to thank a volunteer. It matters more than you think.💚

Check Out Volunteer Appreciation Resources for 2026!


With all that volunteers do each year, finding a starting point to say “thank you” can be a challenge in itself! We've compiled fun, free bilingual materials available in English and Spanish in our 2026 Volunteer Appreciation Resources to get you started, including:
  • A sweet coloring sheet to download and personalize to make any volunteer’s heart flutter.
  • A fill-in-the-blank Thank You Card for your Girl Scout to complete with personal notes of appreciation.


Get Creative with a Hand-Made Gift using our DIY Gift Guide


There’s something about a hand-crafted gift that tugs at the heartstrings in such a special way. Whether you're characteristically creative or not, our DIY Gift Guide features gifting tips along with the pinch pot activity from our Craft and Tinker badge program, including step-by-step instructions for your Girl Scout to craft a sweet and simple gift that is sure to wow any volunteer.

Shop with Your Heart


If gift-giving is your appreciation language, we’ve got you covered! From troop leader essentials to dazzling trefoil jewelry and charms, there’s a thoughtful gift for every volunteer and budget with great options starting at just $5 in our Volunteer Gift Guide. (And a Girl Scout Shop Gift Card is always a solid choice, too!)

Keep up the Gratitude Attitude all Year


Volunteering is year-round, so there's no need to limit your appreciation to one month. Our free and fun resources are available outside of Volunteer Appreciation Month, especially for special moments like:
  • Bridging ceremonies: when your Girl Scout reaches the next level, amp up your “thank you” game for her volunteers.
  • Holiday celebrations: a little themed appreciation goes a long way.
  • Birthdays: remembering someone’s birthday is an easy way to make them smile!

One of the best ways to make a volunteer feel appreciated? Offer the gift of your time. Even if you’re not ready to become a volunteer yourself, every minute you can give support to a volunteer makes a difference:
  • Be the troop photographer: you’re already taking cute photos of your Girl Scout, so make sure to get some of the volunteers in action, too!
  • Lead a meeting or guide a badge: is the troop interested in learning about something you’re passionate about? Raise your hand to help.
  • Manage troop logistics: from group text updates to the carpool calendar, your organizational skills will be truly valued.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

5 Young Trailblazers to Know This Black History Month

 


Black History Month is a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. Across the country, young people are shaping that future right now using creativity, courage, and compassion to challenge norms, open doors, and make space for others to thrive. We’re highlighting several young trailblazers whose stories reflect the power of ideas, leadership, and believing in what’s possible at any age.


Haili Smith and Brooke Smith


In 2020, siblings Haili Smith and Brooke Smith turned a personal challenge into a powerful solution. With different reading preferences but a shared realization, they noticed that stories became more engaging when young readers could see themselves reflected on the page. That led them to launch an organization dedicated to increasing access to culturally diverse children’s books in classrooms. What began as a simple idea has grown into a nationwide effort, with thousands of books placed into the hands of students. Their work highlights the importance of representation, empathy, and using lived experiences to spark positive change.


Genesis Butler


Genesis Butler has been advocating for the planet since early childhood. Inspired by family history and a concern for the environment, she began speaking out about the connection between everyday choices and environmental impact at a remarkably young age. Her voice quickly gained attention, opening doors for her to share her message on global stages. Over the years, Genesis has founded and led youth-driven initiatives focused on sustainability and climate awareness. Her leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets persistence, and how young people can influence conversations about the future of our world.


Bellen Woodard


Bellen Woodard noticed the language used in everyday creative spaces didn’t reflect everyone. Instead of accepting the norm, she imagined something better. Her idea helped shift how children think about identity, inclusion, and self-expression through art. By choosing curiosity and compassion, Bellen sparked conversations that reached far beyond her classroom. Her work reminds us that leadership often starts with asking thoughtful questions and having the courage to offer a more inclusive solution.


Kamora Freeland


Kamora Freeland looked to the sky and saw possibility. Introduced to aviation as a teenager, she balanced rigorous academics with flight training, earning her pilot’s license before many teens earn a driver’s license! In 2024, she made history as one of the youngest African American female pilots in her state. Kamora’s achievements extend beyond aviation. Graduating early and continuing her education with a focus on leadership and innovation, she is committed to opening doors for others who may not see themselves represented in the field. Her story is a powerful reminder that preparation, persistence, and confidence can help girls break barriers and soar beyond expectations.



Nia Thompson


From an early age, Nia Thompson knew she belonged on stage. A bold declaration in early childhood became a journey shaped by dedication, discipline, and self-advocacy. By the time she was a teenager, Nia had achieved a major performance milestone, turning years of preparation into a defining moment. Beyond performing, Nia has used her platform to celebrate culture, confidence, and creativity. She has explored storytelling through multiple formats and continues to build opportunities that uplift young voices. Her path reflects the power of setting goals early, believing in yourself, and showing up fully.

These young trailblazers remind us that leadership doesn’t wait for permission or perfection. It begins with noticing what’s missing, imagining something better, and taking that first brave step forward. During Black History Month, and all year long, we celebrate the next generation of changemakers who are shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future.
Labels: ,
Thursday, January 22, 2026

World Thinking Day: Throwback Edition



Every year on February 22nd, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world take part in a global tradition that’s been going strong for a full century: World Thinking Day.

It’s a day for learning about the lives of girls in countries around the world, exploring cultures, and celebrating the global sisterhood we’re all part of. What began in 1926 as a moment to “think of each other” has grown into an important annual celebration where girls explore important issues. Through World Thinking Day, millions of girls step into their role as confident global citizens, leading with curiosity, courage, and compassion.

As we mark 100 years of World Thinking Day, we’re celebrating the 2026 theme, Our Friendship, by spotlighting moments from across the movement that show what global connection looks like in action. Get inspired, get curious, and celebrate in your own way.



Flag Ceremony Girl Scouts Thinking Day/Girl Scout Birthday 1975 Bahrain. Via GSUSA Archives


In 1979 A Japanese Brownie Scout and an American Brownie Scout learned to tie a friendship necklace during Girl Scout Thinking Day held at a Teen Center. Via GSUSA Archives






World Thinking Day is all about learning, connecting, and taking part in a tradition millions of girls have shared for 100 years, while continuing to imagine, shape, and build what comes next together. You can celebrate in any way that feels meaningful to you: trying an activity connected to the theme, learning about another part of the world, doing something kind for your community, or simply sharing a photo that highlights what friendship means. Check out the World Thinking Day activity guide and this year’s award and start planning your celebration your way!

Read more »
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)