September 2023 Our Promise

Trefoil Talk

GSEM Sends 23 Delegates to the 56th National Council Session

Over the course of three days, July 20-23, 2023, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) held its 56th National Council Session (NCS), a triennial business meeting, which has been held since 1915. GSEM, along with all other Girl Scout Councils and overseas members, sent a delegation of girls, volunteers, board members and staff to represent our council members and discuss, debate and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement. During NCS, GSUSA elected its National Board of Directors for the 2023-2026 triennium. As part of the election, Noorain Fatima Khan was elected National Board President; she is the first Muslim American and millennial to hold this post. Khan will lead a 30-member National Board of Directors, which reflects the diversity of this country and Girl Scouts’ Movement through their expertise and backgrounds. Former GSEM Board Chair, Mary Ann Altergott, was elected as secretary to the National Board. The convention concluded with Phenom by Girl Scouts, a mega event that provided attendees with unforgettable experiences as they gained inspiration, tools to empower themselves, and the know-how to lead change in their communities.

In Her Words: An Interview with Ellie Skroska

Ellie Skroska, a Girl Scout Senior, joined thousands of Girl Scouts from across the country and around the world as a girl delegate during NCS in Orlando, FL.

Why were you interested in attending the Girl Scout National Council Session?

“I wanted to be able to make a difference for the better of all councils across the country. I also wanted to be a leader in my council and help the voices in my community to be heard.” What was your favorite part of NCS? “I really enjoyed getting to meet girls from all around the country. It was really cool to talk about things I love to do with people I otherwise never would’ve met, as well as compare and contrast what Girl Scouts looks like for them.” How has Girl Scouts helped you become a leader? “Girl Scouts has given me a place where I can speak out without fear of being judged. From that, I learned how to be a more outgoing person and how to help others, something I’m really passionate about. That pushed me to lead service projects, earn my Bronze and Silver Awards and begin working on my Gold Award. Because of Girl Scouts, I’m better at being a leader in all aspects of my life.” What is your favorite part of Girl Scouts and why? “My favorite part of Girl Scouts would have to be how often I get to meet new people and learn new things. I’ve met some of my closest friends through Girl Scouts, and I’ve gotten to help make a difference in my community while doing things I enjoy.”