TAMPA, Fla. — For many of us, when we think about Girl Scouts, the first thing that comes to mind is cookies. But being a Girl Scout is about so much more.
It's about young girls and women from all walks of life learning to discover their strengths and meet new challenges. That's why each year the organization honors extraordinary women who are role models in our community. They are the Women of Distinction.
Mary Pat King is the CEO of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
"A Woman of Distinction is a person who really is a role model for Girl Scouts in how they lead and how they serve the community," King said. "They show their courage, confidence and character and they're making the world a better place."
Renee Vaughn is the President of Williams Consulting Group, a public relations and marketing firm in Tampa.
"My story is kind of unique starting my own business when the entrepreneur word wasn't even in the vocabulary," Vaughn said. "But I mentor a lot of students and other proteges, so I tend to be there with them lockstep all the way."
Alison Barlow is the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District, working to bring new businesses and career opportunities to the area.
"I think inspiring young women is part of our responsibility," Barlow said. "I can point to women who really excited me and got me interested and gave me the encouragement as I went. So what I hope today is to embark with them. How did I get here? It's not an easy path. It has some highs and it has some lows and you have to be pretty tenacious, but you can do it too."
Bemetra Simmons is the President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership, working with local leaders to make the community better for everyone.
"I was honored to be a Girl Scout, honored to get this award," Simmons said. "If you look at the list of past honorees, they are giants in our community and really just unbelievable to have my name added to that list."
Her message for young girls was simple. "I would say lean into those leadership skills that you get from being a Girl Scout."