January 31, 2012 begins the Year of the Girl campaign and as we celebrate a century of trailblazing, we're rallying the nation around the cause of female leadership. Society has witnessed girls shying away from leadership roles. It has seen girls pressured by industries that idolize unattainable beauty, and particularly struggled to explain why women hold only 17 percent of seats in the U.S. Congress and 3 percent of the top positions at Fortune 500 companies. Together, we are setting in motion a generational change so that every girl born today can take command of opportunity and reach her potential. Together, we can transform the leadership landscape so that every girl in every zip code feels empowered to stand up, stand out, and stand tall.

Together, we can get her there. Join us as we launch ToGetHerThere.org with a goal to achieve equal leadership amongst the genders—in every industry and every community—in one generation.

Special Kick-Off Events included:

Katie Couric talked with GSUSA Chief Executive Officer, Anna Maria Chavez on ABC’s "Good Morning America” about the incredible strides Girl Scouts has made in the last 100 years and what the future holds.  Couric then announced the Year of the Girl on the ABC news web site:  http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/01/girl-scouts-usa-the-year-of-the-girl/1  

Following was a GSUSA Year of the Girl Panel Discussion moderated by ABC News journalist Deborah Roberts. The discussion explored ways members of society can support girls in reaching their leadership potential.

The program featured remarkable women from different areas of expertise like:

*       Connie L. Lindsey, national president, Girl Scouts of the USA

*       Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer, Girl Scouts of the USA

*       Michelle Kwan, public diplomacy envoy, U.S. State Department and Olympic figure skater

*       Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief, Marie Claire

*       Jean Chatzky, best-selling author, personal finance expert, and correspondent, NBC "Today"

*       Linda Descano, president and chief executive officer, Women & Co., Citi

*       Kristen Sanchez, deputy managing partner, markets & offerings, Deloitte LLP

 

 

ToGetHerThere is the boldest advocacy initiative dedicated to girls' leadership issues in the nation's history with an ambitious goal.  In order to to succeed everyone must play a role in helping girls reach their leadership potential. Because when girls succeed, so does society.  Take the pledge and play your part in helping ToGetHerThere.