Women Gather for Your Past, Her Future Luncheon

What did the doctors, lawyers, elected officials, law enforcement leaders and educators who attended the Your Past, Her Future luncheon at Riverside’s Mission Inn have in common? First, they were almost all women. Second, they all shared an intense interest in shaping the future of our girls. The newly formed Girl Scouts Alumnae Association of San Gorgonio hosted a luncheon on Sept. 12 for their inaugural event. Former Girl Scouts and prominent women from around Riverside and San Bernardino counties were invited to attend. Guests first stepped through the sunlit Atrio courtyard of the Mission Inn, an unforgettable entrance to the Spanish Art Gallery where the luncheon was held. A magnificent setting, the gallery features a unique ceiling of rich, gold drapery and a grand marble staircase. With Hardy Brown, Executive Director of the Black Voice Foundation, as master of ceremonies, they moved swiftly to the keynote speaker, Dr. Margaret Hill, author of “It’s All About the Children” and revered Inland Empire educator. Using personal stories gained from decades working on the front lines of education, Hill hammered home our children’s needs and how girls, in particular, must have adult mentors helping them travel the treacherous road to adulthood. Cynthia H. Breunig, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts San Gorgonio, followed with a call to action, giving examples of how women can join in and make a difference in girls’ lives. “We need women who have a background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to be a part of the Girl Scout STEM program, called Imagine Your Future,” she said. Women with skills or qualifications in any of STEM-related fields were encouraged to help. Studies show girls are more likely to take science and mathematics if they interact regularly with women who are in STEM-related professions. Breunig noted that Southern California Edison provided San Gorgonio Council with seed money for their program. Another opportunity to help local Girl Scouts is called H.O.P.E. (Hermanas [Sisters] with One Voice for Personal Empowerment). Funded in part by MetLife, the program is designed to help Hispanic girls gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their cultural heritage and their potential. Alumnae with skills and qualifications in photojournalism and writing were encouraged to lend their creative expression and storytelling skills in helping the girls with their H.O.P.E. projects. The Girl Scouts Alumnae Association of San Gorgonio is still looking for new members. Any woman, former Girl Scout or not, who would like to lend her expertise and experience by mentoring a girl or working with girls in any way is encouraged to contact Knea Hawley, director of fund development and alumnae engagement for San Gorgonio Council, at 909-748-7223 or email KHawley@gssgc.org.