EL PASO, Texas – The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest hosted an excellence in leadership dinner for more than 120 soldiers and citizens Jan. 30 at the Summit Ballroom and Conference Center in West El Paso.
The keynote speaker was Patricia Diaz Dennis, a presidential appointee and Girl Scout of the United States of America Board Member, spoke about the core values she adopted from her Girl Scout experiences, which helped her achieve success.
Dennis said, “Girl Scouts has always been about creating leaders.”
During the event the commander of the 4th Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and members of his Sisters in Arms Program learned that the Army and Girl Scouts of the USA have common goals and values.
Army core values like integrity and selfless service are similar to the Girl Scout values character and community, said 1st. Lt. Earnestine James, a member of the HHC, 4th ABCT, 1st AD, Sisters in Arms Program.
“I think it’s tremendous what the Girl Scouts are doing for young women. The leaders they grow today could be the leaders of our Army tomorrow,” said Cook.
Diane Flanagan, chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, said their message of leadership is for everyone.
“[Soldiers and Girl Scouts] could teach each other a lot about leadership,” said Flanagan.
The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest, like the Army, is also emphasizing professionalism combined with athleticism. On April 5, 112 leadership councils within the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest will participate in an event called “Daisy Day” that will showcase different sports, and emphasize the importance of physical activity.
Cook said, “Hopefully our organizations can find more ways to team up in the future to better serve our nation.”