On November 13, Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania joined Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Women and two other Pennsylvania Girl Scout councils in Harrisburg to host a National STEM Day event, highlighting women in STEM who work for the Commonwealth. These women discussed the work they do, their educational journeys, and why they chose their careers, hoping to inspire Girl Scouts to explore a career in STEM. Participating Girl Scouts also earned their STEM Career Exploration badge.
“Learning from women leaders in STEM is a wonderful opportunity for Girl Scouts to expand their interests in this exponentially growing field. Being able to provide girls with hands-on experiences such as this one not only inspires a love for STEM, but it reinforces the power of Girl Scouting,” said Patricia A. Burkart, CEO of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.
Over 70 Girl Scouts from the three Girl Scout councils in the state—Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania—participated in the event and invited female members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to join Troop PA, an honorary Girl Scout troop. Participating Girl Scouts in our council were from counties including Allegheny, Butler, Indiana, and Lawrence.
Thirteen legislators participated in an investiture ceremony, joining the Girl Scout movement after receiving a pin from girl representatives of each council.
What drove Girl Scout Adele Misejka to attend this event was her interest in learning about how women help run our government. “I had an amazing time and being able to be a part of the investiture was an incredible experience,” she said. “Being able to speak at the press conference standing beside Rep. [Joanna] McClinton was just so cool—it was amazing.”
After the ceremony, Girl Scouts explored the Interactive Welcome Center in the Capital complex, the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit in the state archives, plus three floors of exhibits in the State Museum of Pennsylvania. During breakout sessions, girls learned more from panelists such as Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Dr. Debra Bogen, Acting Secretary for the Department of Health, and Gale Blackmer, State Geologist and Director of the Bureau of Geological Survey.
Troop Leader Stacey Green of Lawrence County Troop 46727 said this was an adventure that she and her troop will never forget. “The girls were excited to not only meet girls from across the state, but the opportunity to meet our local representative was something they couldn’t have imagined. Rep. [Marla] Brown and her assistant Stephanie went above and beyond to welcome the girls and make sure they had an amazing experience.”
Stacey mentioned that the girls loved the state museum, especially the “100 Years of Women in Government” exhibit, and they’re already asking for a troop trip back to Harrisburg.
Stacey’s co-leader, Nancy Rodgers, who has been in Girl Scouting for over 60 years, also joined the troop’s trip to Harrisburg. “She’s an amazing asset to our service unit and is always up for any and all adventures!” Stacey said of her co-leader.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for these first-year Cadettes, one they will never forget, and we are so thankful to have been given the adventure!”
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