Stepping out of my comfort zone in the name of Girl Scouts
Hey Cuties,
At the end of October, I was telling my girlfriend the rest of my year was dry. I wanted it to go out with a bang but my calendar was bare. Ever since I uttered those words I’ve had blessings upon blessings bestowed upon me. I am proud to say I was ready for each one of them. I didn’t know what was coming but if you stay ready you don’t have to get ready. On Saturday I was invited to speak for the very first time. #BucketList I was honored to speak at the Keys to Leadership: Girl Scout Conference on Leadership & Inclusion at American University.
The conference is geared to middle and high school girls; I remember that age so vividly. I wish more people took the time to pour into me at that stage of life. The theme for this event was “It’s Your Story – Tell It!” that hit home for me. This year I shared a huge part of my story and life would have been different if I had owned my story at a younger age. Life has a funny way or working out when you need instead of when you want.
The conference is designed to empower the girls and help them embrace their uniqueness and others. As a speaker, I was there to help the girls understand the power of their stories and how they can use their current platforms to effect change. I did that by giving them examples of how sharing my stories on my platform have changed me.
I had no idea who was going to be on the panel with me. It warmed my soul to see Whitney Nic James when I arrived in the room. You know we always feel better when we recognize a familiar face. The other ladies on the panel were just as warm, we introduced ourselves and in true woman fashion, we began to chat like we had known one another for years.
We held it down at the end of the panel table. It was about seven of us plus a moderator. We participated in a 30-minute panel while the girls ate lunch. In true teenage fashion, they Snap Chatted us and posted on social media constantly.
It is always nice to meet new people. I’m a sucker for a dope personality.
I love meeting new people and reconnecting with old ones. In order to make it in this world, we need people. Everybody needs somebody; make sure you build the village you want.
The room was filled with pre-teens and teens; they had so much personality.
After our panel, we did S.N.A.P. Chat sessions with the girls. This gave the girls an opportunity to really chat with us. I wasn’t sure how they would respond, this is a fickle age. They could be very quiet or not engaged. That was not the case they are all into the discussions. They swear by their cell phones and social media too. I told them about me and then they asked me anything they wanted to know. We did this about three times and the presenters rotated tables. It was fun to chat with a different table each time. I gave the girls I’m a Cutie #MimiCuteLips wrist bands as favors, they loved them. Branding is always on point.
I had an amazing time, I left feeling so full. I wasn’t paid to speak I was there because I wanted to be and that felt incredible. All day long I was waiting for anxiety to kick in and it never did. I think that made me even more nervous. Is this my calling? Is this where I’m supposed to be? I have no idea. Fun Fact: I was a Girl Scout as a kid; I was a Daisy in late 84/early 85. Originally Girl Scouts stopped at Brownie. In 1984 they added Daisy’s into the mix.
A big fat shout out to the Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital. I’m honored to work with you and sending me home with boxes of cookies. Lord you know my heart and it has been more than blessed on this day. This bag was uber cute because Samoa’s are my favorite cookies ever.
A big shout out to Whitney Nic James Hubby for taking pictures during the event. He knew which shots to get and everything. He has a natural talent for this and I’m thankful to he and Whitney for sharing with MimiCuteLips. Mr. James, you need to make this a thing.
Do you have any Girl Scout experience? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
What a big honour for you to be able to share your knowledge and expertise to young minds. Congratulations!
Thanks Cai, I was so appreciative for the girls. They were so attentive and engaging.
Congrats on your first speaking engagement! Samoa’s happen to be my favorite cookie ever. Now I’m craving some! What a great conference. I’m glad the teens and tweens participated by asking questions. I’m sure you left a great impression and helped them own their story.
Thanks Alli, you have such great taste. I hope I did.
That had to be just an amazing feeling to be able to present in front of a bunch of girls. I think it shows that they can do anything when I can see what you do and how much you love it.
Thanks Jeanette, I was right at home and I totally didn’t expect that.
I was a girl scout when I was young many, many years ago. The girl scouts have certainly grown and changed. Great to see them supporting and helping young girls and leaders achieve.
Candy I love that they are still going strong.
Is sounds like an awesome event for teen and preteen girls. Girl Scouts is a really empowering organization. My daughter was in it for a long time.
That is cool Pam.
Big BRAVO to you and everyone else involved in this great event to support, empower and educate girls! These young girls will grow up and become the agents of change the world desperately needed and your contributions will help them greatly.
Thanks Maureen, I really hope so. I’m so thankful that I had that opportunity.
What an awesome conference to be a part of! I love the Girl Scouts. It is such an empowering organization for girls.
I totally agree Lisa.
I have always admired the scouts programs, they are beneficial in so many ways for children. I am glad that you were able to be a part of this great conference.
Thanks Bella. I’m a fan as well, I’m looking forward to being active when my daughter is of age.
Congratulations on getting to speak! I’d be so nervous in front of a group!
Thanks Ashley, I thought I would be nervous too.
Looks like you had such a wonderful experience…I have never been to any of Girl Scout events.
It was a really good time, the girls were engaging.
Congrats on speaking at this awesome event. It sounds great for girls and could help so many over come things they never thought they could. Thanks for sharing this awesome event and kudos to the Girls Scouts.
Thanks Rebecca. It was nice to hear the girls discuss their great ideas. As well as stories of trying to figure out where they want to go in life.
That is so awesome and congrats that you got to be a part of that. My daughter is a junior this year in Girl Scouts and loves it.
Thanks Bonnie, that is awesome. I’m looking forward to watching my daughter take in the Girl Scout experience.
congrats on speaking at such an awesome event. you ladies look great.
Thanks Dawn, I hope to do more.
Way to go!! I am terrified of public speaking but it sounds like you ROCKED IT!!
Ricci, I took a few classes as a kid. I’m not sure if that kicked in at all. lol
I just love the Girl Scouts program. It is such a wonderful way to empower young girls and challenge them to be leaders. I have such great memories of my time as a Girl Scout.
I love that Amanda, I love the idea of empowering young girls.
I never was a girl scout even during my younger years so congrats for being a girl scout leader.
Garf, that will be me this time next year.
Great job! Looks like you had a amazing time! What a great conference to be apart of!
Thanks Nancy, it was amazing.