Girl Scouts from Across New Jersey Learned About Leadership and Public Service in Second Annual State House Event
October 14, 2024, Trenton, NJ — On Friday, October 11, 2024, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) celebrated International Day of the Girl by hosting its second annual Day of the Girl event at the New Jersey State House. The event brought together 63 Girl Scouts from grades 4 to 12, representing four councils across 32 municipalities, to engage in a hands-on experience in leadership, civic engagement, and public service.
Partnering with Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, who also serves on the GSHNJ Board of Directors, the event gave Girl Scouts the opportunity to explore government in action. The day began with a private tour of the State House, where the girls learned about the building’s history and role in state government. They then participated in an interactive Make-a-Law workshop, drafting and debating a mock bill, giving them valuable insights into the legislative process and how democracy works. This direct engagement with state leaders and public service continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders.
“This event exemplifies what Girl Scouts is all about—showing girls the limitless possibilities ahead of them and inspiring them to become future leaders,” said Natasha Hemmings, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. “Through the Day of the Girl celebration, we’re continuing to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. By connecting them with real-world leadership experiences and public service, we empower them to envision their own futures in leadership roles.”
The event culminated in a panel discussion featuring prominent women in New Jersey government:
- Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter (District 22)
- Regina Wilder, Director of Internal Communications and Constituent Services Relations, NJ General Assembly
- Krishna Martes, Director of Labor Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the Governor
- Sonia David, Policy Analyst, NJ Assembly
During the panel, speakers shared personal stories of their journeys to leadership, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the importance of women’s voices in public service. The session included a highly engaging Q&A where Girl Scouts posed thoughtful questions, making it an interactive and inspiring experience for all involved.
“It’s always a thrill to see our youth at the New Jersey State House! Serving on the GSHNJ board and as an Assemblywoman makes celebrating International Day of the Girl even more special. Partnering with the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey to bring events like this to life is one of the many reasons I love my role,” said Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter of the 22nd legislative district. “Today, the girls are diving into hands-on experiences—from a mock law workshop to exploring our state’s history right where it happened—lessons they’ll carry with them for life!”
Additional VIPs attending and speaking at the event included Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (District 13), Eileen Briamonte, Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Flynn, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (District 14), Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (District 32), Mariel DiDato, Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Ramirez, Debra Leigh Barksdale, Manager of External Affairs to Senator Shirley K. Turner; Mark Doherty, Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz, Kristen Santos, Senior Fiscal Analyst, NJ Legislature and GSHNJ Volunteer/Troop Leader. Their presence further emphasized the importance of fostering young female leaders to shape their communities and future.
Each participant received a Day of the Girl fun patch to commemorate the event. The program also supported several badge opportunities, including the Junior Inside Government badge, Cadette Finding Common Ground badge, Senior Behind the Ballot badge, and Ambassador Public Policy badge, allowing girls to connect the day’s activities to tangible leadership achievements.
About International Day of the Girl:
Every year on October 11, the global community comes together to celebrate International Day of the Girl. It’s a day to recognize the power of girls everywhere and highlight, discuss, and take action to advance their rights and opportunities across the globe.
Every girl has the power to realize her potential, but it’s crucial to amplify girls’ voices and advocate for their inclusion in changemaking spaces. By supporting and investing in girls, we can make the world a better place.
Girl Scouts of the USA celebrates International Day of the Girl to provide a platform for girls to speak out and to share their achievements, triumphs, and contributions as we build towards a brighter and more equitable future for girls everywhere.
About Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey:
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) believes in the power of every girl. Our leadership program is designed to help a girl discover who she is, what she can do, and connects her with a powerful community of girls and mentors to make it happen. With unique opportunities, Girl Scouts explore, learn, succeed and take action to make a difference in their community. Providing over 13,000 New Jersey girls access to premiere leadership programs and mentors throughout Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, southern Warren, and parts of Middlesex counties, GSHNJ offers girls a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership. GSHNJ has two service centers located in North Branch and Westfield and operates three camp locations: Camp Hoover in Middleville, N.J., Camp DeWitt in Hillsborough, N.J., and The OVAL in Maplewood, N.J. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, please visit www.gshnj.org.
More than 60 Girl Scouts from across New Jersey gathered at the State House in celebration of International Day of the Girl. The event, hosted by Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, celebrated leadership, empowerment, and civic engagement, inspiring girls to take on future leadership roles. Pictured from left to right: Natasha Hemmings, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey; Mark Doherty, Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz (District 21); Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn (District 13); Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter (District 22); Regina Wilder, Director of Internal Communications and Constituent Services Relations for the New Jersey General Assembly; Mariel DiDato, Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez; and Sonia David, Policy Analyst, NJ Assembly.
October 14, 2024
