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PRESS RELEASE
February 25, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Natasha Southerland
(732) 821-9090 ext. 121
Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ Inc.

Eight NJ Women to be Recognized for Extraordinary Leadership

Girl Scout Council Bestowing honors at 2008 Women of Distinction Awards Event
Cherry hill, NJ, February 25, 2008 - Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, Inc., (GSCSNJ) has named eight outstanding female leaders as Women of Distinction for 2008.  The women receiving awards are leaders in their fields, innovators of unique programs and services, and prime examples of lifelong commitments to promoting equity for women and girls everywhere.  Among this year's honorees are four company presidents, two doctors, an accomplished librarian and a well-known NJ television personality.  All former Girl Scouts themselves, their example lay a unique foundation for teen girls to learn that if they study hard, dream big, and overcome challenges they will succeed at achieving their goals.  Held annually during Girl Scout Week, the Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women leaders who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their professions or their communities. This year, GSCSNJ will host two awards dinners; the first in central New Jersey at The Heldrich in New Brunswick on March 11, 2008 and the second in South Jersey at Tavistock Country Club in Haddonfield on March 12, 2008. 

Girl Scouts of the USA has a 96-year tradition of building leadership skills in girls. Research shows that Girl Scout alumnae represent 70 percent of women serving in Congress and 66 percent of women of professional achievement.  "Our Women of Distinction exemplify success and show girls how they can aspire to achieve their goals," said Mary E. Connell, CEO of GSCSNJ.  "These women are truly inspiring" Connell continued, "The program not only highlights excellence, but also ingenuity and the ability to overcome barriers that still exist for women today." 

Through their commitment to leadership, excellence and public service, these eight Women of Distinction from the class of 2008 serve as exceptional role models for girls:

 

  • Marlene Asselta, President, Southern New Jersey Development Council
  • Deborah Ayars, PhD PE PP, President, A-Tech Engineering, Inc.
  • Norma Blake, NJ State Librarian, NJ State Library
  •  Karen L Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer, Horizon NJ Health
  • Anne Gale, Associate Vice President and Corporate Secretary, ETS
  • Sharon Henry, MD, Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Cardiovasculars & Metabolics, Bristol-Myers Squibb
  • Candace Kelley, Host/Senior Production Consultant, CN8, The Comcast Network & Professor, Rowan University
  • Linda Sieglen, MD, President,  Princeton Anesthesia Services and Chair, Dept. of Anesthesiology, Princeton Healthcare System

              The Women of Distinction tradition is just one of the unique ways that Girl Scouting creates connections with inspiring, successful women who represent a number of different professional fields and the diversity of personal characteristics and life experiences of women.  That theme was omnipresent at a special girl reception held recently, where eight High School seniors who have earned their Gold Award, seized the opportunity to speak with each woman about her career path, experiences and philosophy on achieving personal success.  "Not only are the Girl Scouts inspired by the strength they see in these women, but the women are equally impressed by the extraordinary leadership demonstrated through the creativity and resourcefulness of their community service projects," said Natasha Southerland, council spokesperson.

    • About Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, Inc.

    Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ is the premier organization serving 27,000 girls in over nine counties. We are dedicated to encouraging all girls to reach their fullest potential in keeping with the values and ideals of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.  The mission of GSCSNJ is to build girls of courage, character and confidence who make the world a better place.  GSCSNJ is challenging girls to discover possibilities, connect with others and take action in the world around them.  For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Central & Southern NJ, call (800) 582-7692 or visit www.gscsnj.org.

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    Girl Scouts and Leadership
    Girl Scouts of the USA has a 96-year tradition of building leadership skills in girls. Research shows that Girl Scout alumnae represent 70 percent of women serving in Congress and 66 percent of women of professional achievement.  Illustrious alumnae include Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States; Eileen Collins, the first woman space shuttle commander; Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, the first female president of Harvard University; and Katie Couric, the first woman to anchor a network-evening newscast.

    About Girl Scouts of the USA
    Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization strives to serve girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girls Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on Girl Scouting nationally, visit     www.girlscouts.org.