.png)
2023 National Convention Recap
56th National Council Session
The week kicked off with inspiring speakers and lively discussions at the 56th National Council Session (NCS). This triennial business meeting gives delegates from every Girl Scout council across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas a chance to discuss, debate, and, most importantly, vote on issues that are key to the Girl Scout Movement. The delegates also elect national leaders for the next triennium.
NCS was marked by pivotal moments that set the stage for growth and transformation within the Girl Scout Movement. We expressed gratitude to Karen P. Layng for her lifelong dedication and service as she concluded her tenure as National Board President of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). Then, we welcomed Noorain F. Khan as the newly elected National Board President. Khan will lead a diverse 30-member National Board of Directors, which will manage governance, legal, and fiduciary responsibilities while working with the Movement to continue building girls of confidence, courage and character.
The National Council took decisive action on important topics, including codifying anti-racism into our Constitution, reaffirming support for the Girl Scout Promise and Law, and making important governance decisions that will help move our organization forward, together. Thank you to all the incredible girls who stepped up as presiding officers. Your exceptional preparation and passionate delivery of insights were nothing short of inspiring. We are immensely proud of every one of you for embracing the Girl Scout Promise and Law, showcasing leadership at its finest. Your dedication and excellence set a shining example for us all!
Throughout the convention, we immersed ourselves in thought-provoking talks from Girl Scout alums, experts, and champions of girls and women everywhere. Their words of wisdom, personal stories, and experiences inspired us to show up more, speak out louder, and take action on issues we believe in—in our communities and the world.
Phenom By Girl Scouts officially kicked off with an epic start—the unforgettable opening ceremony rocked the house with a performance by Alaya High AKA That Girl Lay Lay. This 16-year-old multi-talented singer, rapper, producer, and actress lit up the stage with electrifying energy and our favorite songs. Lay Lay absolutely crushed it while Girl Scouts danced and had a blast. Her powerful message of confidence and big dreams reminded us that if we've got lofty goals, “we gotta be bold and believe!” If you missed Lay Lay’s Instagram shout-out for the 2023 Gold Award Class, check it out and share with others.
Attendees were treated to many inspiring keynote talks. Here are a few highlights:
- Best-selling author, award-winning mental fitness speaker and Gold Award Girl Scout, Erika Kendrick, shared how Girl Scouts shaped her life through establishing essential values and emotional intelligence, leading her to achieve her dreams. Erika highlighted the transformative impact of the Gold Award on her personal and professional life and encouraged others to share their success stories while advocating for mental wellness and suicide prevention—so important!
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expert Speaker & Consultant, Deanna Singh, talked about the importance of being seen and seeing others and how being a Girl Scout built her confidence. Deanna's words stirred in us a deep appreciation for the guiding principles of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging girls to unlock their unique potential.
- Soon-to-be two-time basketball Hall of Famer and Fiserv ambassador, Nancy Lieberman’s wise words on overcoming obstacles in male-dominated fields resonated deeply. “Obstacles are only obstacles if you make them obstacles,” said Nancy, sparking nods of agreement and reaffirming our belief in the limitless potential of girls.
- Telva McGruder, executive director of Global Body Manufacturing Engineering at General Motors and newly elected GSUSA National Board member, sparked an energizing conversation with Gold Award Girl Scouts about fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) everywhere, leaving us inspired to create positive change. Be sure to check out Telva’s behind-the-scenes video where she answered what steps Girl Scouts can take to promote DEI.
- Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and STEM entrepreneur who is confirmed to be the first African American woman to fly with Jeff Bezos' private spaceflight company, Blue Origin, on the New Shepard rocket shared her journey to pursuing her passion in aerospace engineering. She proved to be an example of what girls can achieve when they dream big and reach for the stars. Her words resonated deeply with all of us, reinforcing the importance of nurturing ambitious dreams and courageously going after them.
.jpg)
All the Experiences
The week was packed with dazzling performances, enriching and fun activities, and uplifting experiences. As troops, girls, families, volunteers, visitors, and staff explored tons of fun and educational booths and experiences, there were non-stop moments of bonding over our shared love of Girl Scouts.
We couldn’t have done it all without the support of our incredible partners who made the biggest gathering of Girl Scouts a smash hit! We send our deepest thanks to: Fiserv, General Motors, AT&T, Charles Schwab Foundation, Disney Imagination Campus, CFP Board, PayPal, Meta, ABC Bakers, JOANN, Palmer & Cay, SOLV Energy, Johnson & Johnson Foundation, Little Brownie Bakers, NEWMARK, and United Airlines.
The convention united thousands of Girl Scouts, volunteers, and supporters with a shared goal of supporting young women to be bold, brave, and unapologetically themselves. We were reminded of the incredible potential within every one of us. As we bid farewell to this unforgettable event, we carry with us the momentum of positivity, growth, and a resolute commitment to shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for girls and women everywhere.
2026 Convention
Wondering about the 2026 Girl Scout Convention? Stay tuned for the grand reveal by the end of 2023 as we thoughtfully determine the location for our next national gathering! It's sure to be a convention like no other, and we can't wait to share the fun-filled journey with all of you.
P.S.
There's quite a buzz surrounding the Phenom By Girl Scouts products in the Girl Scout Shop and it's no fairy tale! From stylish clothes to must-have accessories, these items are disappearing like magic. Check them out before they’re gone! 🛍️
Wondering about the 2026 Girl Scout Convention? Stay tuned for the grand reveal by the end of 2023 as we thoughtfully determine the location for our next national gathering! It's sure to be a convention like no other, and we can't wait to share the fun-filled journey with all of you.
P.S.
There's quite a buzz surrounding the Phenom By Girl Scouts products in the Girl Scout Shop and it's no fairy tale! From stylish clothes to must-have accessories, these items are disappearing like magic. Check them out before they’re gone! 🛍️
