Black History Month is a time to honor the leaders, changemakers, and visionaries who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. At Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, Black women have played a vital role in strengthening our movement—from dedicated troop leaders to trailblazing council presidents. This month, we’re proud to spotlight notable Black GSCNC figures whose leadership, service, and commitment to empowering youth across our region have helped ensure Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital remains a place where every Girl Scout can see themself as a leader.
Nellie Moss was the groundbreaking Troop Leader of Troop 66, which was believed to be the first Black Girl Scout Troop in the Washington, D.C. region. Nellie ensured that Girl Scouts was accessible to Black youth, even before this was widely accepted across the U.S. Formed in 1924, Troop 66 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, began meeting five years before the National Girl Scout Convention endorsed Black troops in 1929.
Nellie Moss Portrait (Girl Scout History Project)
Virginia McGuire (GSCNC Archives)
Virginia “Jennie” Richardson McGuire was an influential activist and civic leader who was the original organizer of District VII—the Council’s grouping of segregated Black troops— and later became the first African American member of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital’s governing board in 1934. She accepted her Girl Scout leadership role only after securing equal programming for Black Girl Scouts, firmly believing that access to leadership development, outdoor experiences, and a healthy childhood was a civil rights issue. Her advocacy led to the integration of Camp May Flather. Through her work with Girl Scouts, the Wheatley YWCA, and the NAACP, McGuire helped shape opportunities that empowered generations of youth in Washington, D.C.
Mary McLeod Bethune was a renowned civil rights activist and educator in Washington, D.C. In the early 1940s, she helped start a troop for Black Girl Scouts at Logan Elementary school. She later brought these Girl Scouts to the White House, where they had tea with Eleanor Roosevelt.
Portrait of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (Library of Congress)
Elaine Saunders at GSCNC’s 2024 Annual Meeting (GSCNC)
Elaine Saunders is a lifelong GSCNC Girl Scout from Association 42. She joined at the age of seven and was one of the Girl Scouts who visited the White House for tea with Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune. In the early 1950s, she became a Troop Leader and has gone on to serve as both a Council delegate at Girl Scouts National Convention and as a GSCNC board member. In 2024, GSCNC honored her as a Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital National Treasure, presenting her with her very own patch, featuring one of her signature hats.
In 1956, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called Girl Scouts “a force for desegregation.” Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital volunteers advocated for policies that would ensure equal treatment for all, including Troop Leaders Eurselene J. Martin and Lenora Smith. In 1960, these two were prominent figures who motivated the Council to only work with businesses that didn’t discriminate against Black troops.
Senior Troop 1027 (GSCNC Archives)
Troop 1028 (GSCNC Archives)
Ethel G. Harvey was elected President of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital in 1972, making her the first Black president of an American Girl Scout Council. She spent more than 45 years volunteering as a Troop Leader, where she started by leading Brownies in the 1940s. She served as GSCNC President through 1978. The President’s Award—a youth-chosen prize which honors a GSCNC Junior, Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador—is named after Ms. Harvey.
Portrait of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (Library of Congress)
Lois Bell-Toliver, GSCNC President 1987-1993 (GSCNC)
Lois Bell-Toliver was a lifelong Girl Scout and transformative leader whose impact continues to shape Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. Serving as Council President from 1987 to 1993, she championed equity and access by creating the first Girl Scout troop opportunities for youth experiencing housing complications and expanding outdoor adventures for thousands of Girl Scouts through a forward-thinking property improvement plan. A passionate believer in the power of Girl Scouting, Lois often said, “Girl Scouting is the bridge to a more vibrant tomorrow,” a vision that continues to guide our Movement today.
Donella Brockington is a longtime Girl Scout leader and advocate who served two terms as President of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital and currently serves on the Women’s Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Juliette Low Legacy Society. Her leadership extends beyond the Council through decades of community board service and mentorship, helping shape opportunities for women across the region.
The Juliette Gordon Low Legacy Society is made up of members who have made a planned gift to Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, ensuring future generations of Girl Scouts in this region. To learn more about the Juliette Low Legacy Society, visit gscnc.org/en/support-us/ways-to-give/planned-giving-legacy.html.
Donella Brockington, Former GSCNC President, at Camp CEO 2019 (GSCNC)
Faye Fields, Former GSCNC President, with Girl Scouts at GSCNC Annual Meeting (GSCNC)
Faye Fields was a visionary leader in the Girl Scout community, serving six years as President of the Board after previously holding the role of First Vice President. A passionate champion of Camp CEO, the Gold Award, and the Major Gifts Society, her leadership helped expand access to outdoor experiences and leadership opportunities for thousands of Girl Scouts across the Council. Her legacy continues to shape the future of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital.
Camp CEO is an annual leadership development initiative at one of GSCNC’s campgrounds with older Girl Scouts, the Council CEO, and a team of mentors. The weekend is spent exploring leadership skills and enjoying the outdoors. To learn more, visit gscnc.org/en/members/events/council-activities.html.
Our current CEO, Kim R. Ford, is proud to be the first Black CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. She leads the Council with a deep commitment to honoring the legacy of those who built the Movement while expanding opportunities for the Girl Scouts of today and tomorrow. Kim’s Girl Scout journey began when she was a Brownie and followed her as she went on to lead in nonprofits, higher education, and community service. As GSCNC CEO, Kim is focused on ensuring Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital remains a place where every Girl Scout can grow in courage, confidence and character, working to make the world a better place.
Kim R. Ford, GSCNC CEO (GSCNC)
