Six Epic Latina Firsts

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Girl Scouts! Today and every day, we celebrate the cultural richness of all the people in the U.S. whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Check out these six EPIC women from the Latina community who continue to inspire AND make our world a better and brighter place.

First, we uplift the success and influence of Cuban-American singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan. She was the first Latina to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this year on June 15th. Estefan also made history in the 1980s and 1990s when she topped international charts with some of her biggest hits like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” and “Let’s Get Loud.” It is no doubt that Estefan’s music continues to bring a lively spirit to every room while also being a huge part in paving the way for Latin artists who followed. Way to go, Gloria!

 

Everyone’s hearts will also forever go “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” for the one and only Selena Quintanilla! So many danced, sang, and cried to her music and movies, but did you know she has a long list of firsts? Selena was the first Tejano woman to win a Grammy, the first Latina inducted into the Star Trail of Fame at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the first Latina to grace the cover of PEOPLE magazine. She even had the first album of primarily Spanish songs to debut globally—which peaked at number one on the Billboard chart. To this day, her legacy continues to shine.

Our beloved Girl Scout alum Ellen Ochoa is another awe-inspiring leader. In 1993, she became the first Mexican-American woman to go to space as part of the nine-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Ochoa is a talented engineer, former NASA astronaut, and former director of the Johnson Space Center—talk about reaching for the stars.

Next up, we have Nina Otero-Warren. She was the first Hispanic woman to run (and be elected) to Congress in 1922 and became the first superintendent of the Santa Fe public schools. A champion of women’s voting rights and education in New Mexico, she is now one of the several women whose images are featured on the U.S. quarter. Simply AMAZING.

Meet Katya Echazarreta! In June of 2022, Katya became the first Mexican-born woman to go to space—only the second Mexican after Rodolfo Neri Vela. As an electrical engineer and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) enthusiast, Katya certainly made her mark.

This is the face of a woman who kept a promise she made at 7 years old.

Esta es una mujer que cumplió una promesa que hizo a los 7 años. pic.twitter.com/J3H488QrLF

— Ing. Kat Echazarreta (@katvoltage) June 5, 2022

Last but CERTAINLY not least. You know her; you love her! Laurie Hernandez had us flipping out (pun intended) all throughout the 2016 Rio Olympic games with her talent, but did you know she became the first Latina to make it to the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team in 30 years? Born to Puerto Rican parents, Laurie has always shown love and admiration for her culture while winning some medals along the way. She’s now earning a degree at New York University Tisch School of the Arts and empowers college students to tap into their vulnerability at conferences throughout the nation. Absolutely remarkable!

  

These are just a few incredible Latinas—there are countless others to celebrate! So, here’s to many more historic firsts! Show us how you’ll be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and share the story of an exceptional Latina in your life by tagging @girlscouts on your social media posts.

Don’t forget to check out the Hispanic Heritage Month patch. 

¡Hasta luego!

Three Steps to Unlocking Your Limited-Edition Ranger Patch

BIG NEWS: Girl Scouts is continuing our exciting partnership with the National Park Service and the “Girl Scout Ranger Program,” a joint venture connecting girls with National Park Service sites throughout the United States, including monuments, seashores, and urban sites.

This year Girl Scouts will be awarded a limited-edition commemorative patch for participating in activities focusing on the significance of the 19th Amendment. This special program will offer pathways for Girl Scouts to learn about women’s history and the suffrage movement through discovering, connecting, and taking action to make the world a better place.

So, how exactly do you earn your special patch and learn more about women’s rights?

1. Choose a National Park Service Site or Explore Online.
Visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm. Choose a national park or any of 419 sites protected by the National Park Service. Research and consider exploring areas of national parks connected to women’s history and the suffrage movement in your area. Not able to visit a park in your area? No problem! Take a look at the park or historic site’s webpage and virtual tours. These are often full of photos, videos, history, and other educational resources. Many also have Facebook and Instagram accounts. Another great source of information is the NPS women’s history webpages.

2. Answer Questions, Conduct Research, and Get Outdoors.*
Once you’ve selected your site, complete one or more of the following:

a. With help from an adult, research the site’s webpage.
b. Visit the site and take a tour or attend a ranger-led program, if that’s available. Please first make sure the site you choose to visit is open to the public!
c. Look for books or trusted websites that explain the history commemorated at the site.

Then choose fun activities listed in the 19th Amendment Centennial Program Activity Guide here to earn your patch! Best part? All the activities have a women’s rights historical tie-in!

3. Unlock Your Limited-Edition Patch.
Your special 19th Amendment Centennial Patch will be available for pick up as soon as National Park Service offices officially open for business. To receive your patch, present the completed activity log at the park where you completed your activity.

Are you ready to explore women’s history through the national park lens? We certainly are! Share your best shots on Instagram and Twitter using #gsoutdoors (don't forget to tag @GirlScouts!) and invite your entire troop to do the same! We will feature some of your social media posts on our national channels.

*GSUSA encourages all Girl Scouts to respect social distancing rules. Follow your state’s guidelines about stay-at-home measures and enjoying public nature spaces.

Secretary Napolitano and Girl Scouts of the USA Team up for "Preparedness Month"

Last week, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Kathy Cloninger unveiled a Girl Scout preparedness patch with Girl Scouts of Nation's Capital—designed to engage Girl Scouts and their families in personal preparedness for all emergencies—and announced a new affiliation between DHS Citizen Corps and the Girl Scouts to advance community preparedness nationwide.

“Girl Scouts are thrilled to be partnering with the Department of Homeland Security to encourage girls to learn what to do in case of emergency,” said Kathy Cloninger. “Citizen Corps is a terrific program—one that provides an opportunity for our girls to lead the way in ensuring that their families and their communities are prepared for emergencies.”

Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, moved the crowd of Girl Scouts, first responders, and representatives from the Department of Homeland Security with her testament to the leadership Girl Scouts bring to any situation. It is with courage, confidence, and character that Girl Scouts are prepared to lead anywhere, anytime!

“This new preparedness patch will increase citizen preparedness and enhance our country’s readiness for disasters,” said Secretary Napolitano. “As a former Girl Scout, I know the ‘Be Prepared’ motto well—and I look forward to working with the Girl Scouts to spread the preparedness message to all of our nation’s citizens.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a proud Girl Scout alumna and lifetime member, credited Girl Scouts as providing her first lessons on preparedness and leadership. She encouraged girls to join and stay in Girl Scouting to learn the skills necessary for courageous leadership.

The preparedness patch program, developed by the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides critical emergency preparedness information and activities for all levels of Girl Scouts. The steps and activities required to receive the patch include identifying and preparing for potential emergencies; learning about local alerts and warning systems; and engaging in community service.