Mentoring opportunities let women and girls
learn from each other ...
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania celebrates leadership in Johnstown,
Pittsburgh and Erie every year through Awards of Distinction special events that
recognize the individuals and companies that help girls and women succeed.
This year’s awards luncheon in Erie included a new twist on celebrating
leadership through a special mentoring program. Female professionals were
matched with Girl Scouts as mentors to introduce them to their workplace,
empower them to dream without gender limitations and help them think
imaginatively about family, work and community life.
Women who volunteered as mentors had a tremendous impact in the lives of
Girl Scouts in just half a day. This program began with the girls meeting their
mentors at work, and culminated at the Awards of Distinction luncheon. After
lunch, the women returned to work and the Girl Scouts went on a tour at Penn
State Erie, The Behrend College.
Studies show the importance of fostering these connections. A Girl Scout
Research Institute study found that girls’ future career choices are more
influenced by inspiring role models than by academic interests.
Liz Allen, Erie Times-News public editor, wrote about the need for mentors to
help girls explore careers in an op-ed after the event.
AOD mentors and girls — Left to right: MaKayla King, Lisa Shade (GSWPA); Colleen Moore Mezler
(Moore Research Services, Inc.), Sara Chernicky; Jasmine Vactor, Alexis Gambatese, Kyaira Stafford,
Chris Monahan (Widget Financial); Jerinesha McCullum, Summer Mobilia (North East Chamber);
Arlon Benjamine, Eniya Jones, Cathy von Birgelen (eMarketing Learning Center); Shannon Hoover
(PNC Bank), Makayla Barksdale; Samantha Tomlin, Linda Breakiron (Breakiron Jewelers); Sierra Seath,
Rebbekkah Magoon; Erica Jackson (Penn State Erie, The Behrend College), Tiazja Porter.
Photo by Abigayle M. Tobia
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