Meet the Champions
Spotlight on Our Own: Maria Tejera

CEO of the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, serving Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties

“I believe in Girl Scouts, and I believe that we are here for the girls,” says Maria Tejera, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida and a volunteer member of the Core Business Strategy Gap Team focusing on Girl Scout Culture.

According to Maria, one of the most important parts of the Core Business Strategy is the effort to make the Girl Scout Culture more “girl-centric.” As a member of the Culture Gap Team, Maria offers insight and guidance on the dynamics of council culture from her unique experience in South Florida. The Tropical Florida council is a result of the merger of the Miami-Dade and Florida Keys councils and has been working with girls through unique avenues in the community since 1983. The council offers programs ranging from in-school conflict resolution seminars to local development projects.

Being part of the Culture team has taught Maria that while tradition is important, holding on too tightly to the past can impede progress and adaptability, which are critical to the future of Girl Scouts. “We will benefit by bringing in new people with new ideas and experiences, and we must create an infrastructure that will receive them, ” she adds.

As a council CEO, Maria makes consistent efforts to keep her colleagues up-to-date on new information about the strategy. She promotes the transition by helping those around her voice their opinions and ask their questions. Maria understands that evolution will not occur overnight, yet she is certain that it is the right path for Girl Scouts.

“We all count. In making this strategy real, you have to set aside any personal insecurities and realize that you are part of a movement that will change our organization for the better.”

THANK YOU MARIA FOR BEING A LEADER AND INSPIRATION TO THE REST OF US!

For more information on Maria Tejera and the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, visit www.girlscoutsfl.org.

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