Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Leading the Future | Women’s History Month and Girl Scout Month at Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital
March is an important month for Girl Scouts: not only is it Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the contributions of women to history, culture, and society, it’s also our birthday month!
March is Girl Scout Month, marking the founding of our Movement on March 12, 1912.
For more than a century, Girl Scouts has helped youth around the world discover their strengths, find their voices, and lead with courage. This month, we reflect on the women who built this legacy, celebrate those shaping our world today, and look ahead to the Girl Scouts who will define what comes next.
Pioneers Who Changed History
Our story begins with Juliette Gordon Low, whose bold vision in 1912 created new opportunities for girls at a time when few existed. She believed they could be leaders, adventurers, and changemakers. She started a Movement that proved it.
We also honor Josephine Holloway, whose tireless advocacy helped bring Girl Scouting to Black youth in the segregated South, expanding access and advancing inclusion within Girl Scouting. To learn more about local leaders who advocated for Black youth in our region, read our Black History Month blog.
Beyond leaders within Girl Scouts, generations of Girl Scouts have made lasting marks on history. Women like:
Sally Ride, the first American woman in space
Lucille Ball, groundbreaking comedian and producer
Barbara Walters, trailblazing broadcast journalist
Madeline Albright, diplomat and public servant
Florence Griffith Joyner, Olympian and fastest woman in history
These women broke barriers in science, media, athletics, public service, and the arts. Their achievements remind us that when Girl Scouts are given the opportunity to lead, they redefine what many believe is possible!
Girl Scouts Leading Across Industries
That legacy continues today. Girl Scouts are leading in boardrooms, laboratories, classrooms, studios, newsrooms, and communities across the globe. Among them are:
Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden: First Ladies, global leaders, and advocates
Katie Couric, Robin Roberts, and Gayle King: journalists who shape national conversations
Venus Williams and Bethany Hamilton: champion athletes and speakers
Taylor Swift, Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, and Kelly Clarkson: influential musical artists
Uzo Aduba, Reese Witherspoon, and Keke Palmer: actors and personalities
Mary Barra, Kendra Scott, and Sheryl Sandberg: business leaders and innovators
Sylvia Earle and Frances Arnold: scientific pioneers
Melinda French Gates and Dolores Huerta: changemaking activists
Girl Scouts are demonstrating every day that leadership has no single path. Their careers may differ, but their foundation in confidence, resilience, and commitment to service are shared.
Today’s Girl Scouts, Tomorrow’s Trailblazers
At Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, we are committed to developing the next generation of leaders—especially through the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Gold Award Girl Scouts like Mae O’Neill and Allison Lockhart don’t just volunteer; they lead sustainable, community-based change. They research root causes, collaborate with partners, build measurable solutions, and create impact that lasts long after their projects are complete. This year our Gold Award Girl Scouts are:
Expanding access to STEM education
Promoting mental health awareness
Advancing environmental sustainability
Expanding access to the arts and cultural activities
Creating more inclusive and equitable community spaces
These Girl Scouts aren’t waiting to become leaders; they are making actionable change in their communities today.
This Women’s History Month and Girl Scout Month, we honor the pioneers who opened doors and the Girl Scout leaders shaping our world. When Girl Scouts are given the tools to lead, they don’t just become a part of history, they make it!
Happy Women’s History Month and Girl Scout Month from Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.
