The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Kristen Garcia-Hernandez
For ninety years, Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSoAZ) has been guided by a vital truth: A girl’s future success isn't determined in her twenties, but in the crucial years of her childhood. The leader, the innovator, the trailblazer she is destined to become is already present, waiting for us to invest in her potential so she can truly shine.
At GSSoAZ, we focus our energy and resources on maximizing girls' potential from an early age. We cultivate a girl’s confidence, resilience and sense of possibility long before she applies to college or interviews for her first job. This early, focused investment—be it in STEM programs, civic leadership exposure or by simply providing the permission to fail and try again—creates a foundation of self-worth and tenacity. By the time she enters the workforce, she won’t be trying to catch up; she’ll be ready to lead.
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This early empowerment is fundamentally intertwined with the visibility of strong role models.
When a young girl sees a business leader successfully navigating a demanding profession — whether as a police chief, a hospital CEO, or an architect — that experience demystifies the path to success. It transforms abstract ambition into achievable reality. These leaders aren’t just securing personal success; they are lighting the way for those behind them, serving as living proof that persistence, intelligence and innovative thinking transcend gender.
The GSSoAZ Girl Scout Takeover program is a powerful act of relational investment where girls are paired with prominent civic and business leaders. It’s an immersion experience—a day spent seeing firsthand what it means to be a decision-maker, transforming theoretical learning into a palpable experience of leadership.
“I was honored to welcome Maddie to Swaim Associates Architects as part of the Girls Scout Takeover,” says Michael Becherer AIA, principal at Swaim. “It was a privilege to share the work we do in architecture and to highlight the many opportunities available to young women in the design and construction industry. Maddie’s curiosity and engagement were inspiring, and her visit was a meaningful reminder of the importance of encouraging future leaders to explore careers in architecture.”
Notes one participant, Leia B, Ambassador Girl Scout who partnered with Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, “It was so incredible to be with an indigenous leader, a woman like me doing really great things. I also got the cool opportunity to register to vote with the County Recorder herself! It was amazing.”
This is why GSSoAZ is not only demonstrating the path but actively honoring the trailblazers who built it.
This year, GSSoAZ celebrates 90 Years Strong of providing that essential foundation for girls across our region. For nine decades, we have offered opportunities for girls to learn how to be their best selves through community service, sisterhood, and, most importantly, taking control of who they want to be.
The organization’s anniversary is a testament to the compounding power of early, consistent support. To honor this legacy and illuminate the path for future generations, GSSoAZ is celebrating 90+ Women being recognized in our community for demonstrating mentorship, community leadership, civic engagement and all the core values of Girl Scouts. These are the role models who confirm that the potential nurtured in every young girl can be realized. You can view the full list here: 90yearsstronggssoaz.org/elementor-849/
In celebration of 90 years of impact, we invite the entire Southern Arizona community to join us on December 6th for ScoutChella — a first-of-its-kind festival celebrating the generations of Girl Scouts who have shaped our region and the girls who will lead its future.
Live music by female-led bands, hands-on activities, and the return of beloved traditions like Cookie Rally and Winter Market make ScoutChella a joyful, communitywide tribute to the power of investing in girls.
The future of Southern Arizona will be built by the women we nurture today. When we invest in girls, we invest in stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger future.
To learn more about our 90th-anniversary celebrations, this year’s 90+ Women honorees, and how you can support our mission, please visit 90YearsStrongGSSOAZ.org.
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Kristen García-Hernandez serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. She is a native Tucsonan, a proud University of Arizona Wildcat and is honored to be the first Latina at the helm of the organization.
