Latina Girl Scouts Meet to Lead the Way to a Brighter Future

August 17, 2004

By Carole Wehberg, staff writer

	Anne Corry, Director of In-Flight Services for Delta Air Lines, speaks to girls about careers in aviation.
	Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003, and one of her many admirers.
	Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, surrounded by Latina Girl Scouts after her speech during the conference's opening.

Coming from all around the nation and as far away as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Panama, hundreds of Latinas joined their sister Girl Scouts at the Fourth National Latina Conference in July. At this year's conference, themed "Leading the Way: Our Voices, Our Lives, Our Future," girls networked and discussed issues that most affect their lives.

Savannah State University in Georgia played host to Girl Scout teens during the three-day event, providing a great lesson in campus life in the process. Through speeches by prominent Latinas such as Miss USA 2003, and seminars on issues such as education and the media, girls had the opportunity to share information, express feelings, and meet other Latinas—all in an effort to help them build their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

Delta Airlines, the event sponsor, not only provided some of the transportation for the conference, but also participated in the celebration. Anne Corry, Director of Delta's In-flight Services, spoke to participants about looking into the fields of science and technology as they plan their futures.

A Role Model for Latina Youth

Among the prominent Latinas, girls met Miss USA 2003, Susie Castillo, a Puerto Rican from Massachusetts and only the third Latina to be crowned Miss USA. As keynote speaker for the conference, she sounded the overall message. "I'm living proof that that through hard work and dedication, no goal or dream is too great to be achieved." After she spoke, girls lined up for hours to meet her, get her autograph, and have their pictures taken with her. Castillo seemed to enjoy the girls as much as they enjoyed meeting her.

Castillo's thoughts were echoed by other speakers, including Kathy Cloninger, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. Cloninger said, "The future of America—and the world—is sitting in this room tonight." She had just returned from a meeting of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in Costa Rica, and was glad to welcome Latina Girl Scouts not only from this country, but from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Panama as well.

Real Issues, Real Solutions

In addition to hearing from other community and Girl Scout leaders such as Edriene Johnson-Butcher, CEO of Girl Scouts of Savannah, and Dr. Carlton E. Brown, President of Savannah State University, the girls attended workshops covering a wide range of topics. From sessions on decision-making to what it's like growing up Latina, girls dealt with real issues affecting themselves and their families.

But work wasn't the only thing on the schedule. Music also played a big part in the conference. Participants were serenaded by "Savannah Sings," a group made up of local Girl Scouts. They were also entertained by "Salsambo," a salsa dance troupe that performed on opening night.

By all accounts, this year's conference was a resounding success. Hundreds more Girl Scouts from across the country and around the world are expected next year. Find out what Latinas in Girl Scouting are doing at www.girlscouts.org/espanol.