March 8, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day and Girl Scouts joined distinguished guests at a White House reception hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.Shannon McNamara, a 2009 Girl Scout Young Woman of Distinction and Founder of SHARE, a nonprofit that focuses on girls’ education in Tanzania, Africa, opened the reception and highlighted her work on behalf of girls. Next, thirteen year old Aissatou Hamidou Diallo, who had traveled from her home in Burkina Faso, Africa, captivated the crowd by sharing the story of her extraordinary effort to be educated. Aissatou also had the distinct honor of introducing Mrs. Obama. Video of Mrs. Obama’s comments...
Girl Scouts from the Central Maryland Council who attended the reception were inspired by Shannon and Aissatou, and speechless when Mrs. Obama personally greeted them with a warm hug and a few encouraging words after delivering her remarks.
It was a remarkable event that not only celebrated the progress and accomplishments of women from around the world, but recognized and elevated the girl voice in working to make our world a better place.
Girl Scouts from the Central Maryland Council who attended the reception were inspired by Shannon and Aissatou, and speechless when Mrs. Obama personally greeted them with a warm hug and a few encouraging words after delivering her remarks.
It was a remarkable event that not only celebrated the progress and accomplishments of women from around the world, but recognized and elevated the girl voice in working to make our world a better place.