Why I Look at Thin Mints Differently Now

Recently, my daughter was invited to join a Daisy troop – the first step to becoming a Girl Scout. I always wanted to be a scout and strut my stuff in an awesome beret.  But my mom preferred a bird costume to a brownie uniform, and so began my short-lived career as a Filipino folk dancer.

So, I was excited when Girls Scouts president Maria Wynne spoke at the Womenetics Conference in Chicago. Wynne, along with other trailblazing women, came together to talk about their work around creating positive role models for women and changing the perception of women in media and in minds. Wynne brought up the organization’s coveted cookie selling program as a proof point to girls that they can be a part of business and run it too. They deem every participant a “Cookie CEO.”

However, it’s clear more work needs to be done in changing the mindset.  Wynne mentioned a recent Girl Scout survey that found 80 percent of girls believe that reality television is “mainly real and unscripted.” It also revealed that a majority believe gossiping is normal for girls and that “it’s in girls’ nature to be catty and competitive to one another.” 

What we need to do is tell girls (and boys too) about the real work women do across the country and the globe that instills real and positive change.
Here are some examples:

• The Girl Scouts exposes girls to S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) fields and fostering interest and passion in these critical areas. Why? These fields drive innovation and grow economies.
• Deloitte Tax offers programs that support women throughout their careers. Entry level positions are encouraged to take on challenging projects for growth and to build confidence. For women at their 10-year mark, Deloitte hones their business development skills as this is the time they move from client service to building business.
• Goldman-Sachs offers a Returnship - an eight-week program for women who left the workforce to get hands-on experience, education on the changes in the marketplace and exposure to new innovations.

While these programs are big initiatives, the group reminded us we can all take small steps for greater change. Being aware and active – even if it is taking one girl or woman under your wing, make a difference in changing perceptions and paving the way for stronger businesses and economies.

Which brings me back to the Daisy troop and my daughter. Now, that beret conjures up new imagery for me.  It’s not one of my childhood longing, but of another little girl who will become a future Cookie CEO, and maybe one day break through as a Fortune 500 CEO.