CT Girl Scout Delegates Assemble at Capitol with Female Politicians

Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) and local political leaders honored exceptional local Girl Scouts who serve as National GS Delegates during Women's History Month. Denise Drummond, 2023 GSOFCT Breakfast Badge honoree and African American Legislative Policy Analyst at the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity (CWCSEO), hosted the event at the CT State Capitol on March 28, 2024 in Hartford, CT. A proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont for each of the youth delegates was presented during the afternoon program in recognition of their participation in the 2023 National GS Council Session.

The Connecticut girl delegates met female legislators who encouraged all girls to pursue their passion for public service and civic engagement. Mathilda Burke of East Haddam, Kaitlyn Crouch of Wallingford, and Haley Hardenburg of Southington toured the CT State Capitol and Legislative Office Buildings, then heard from legislators and members of the CWCSEO. The fourth Connecticut delegate, Kristen Thebeau of Haddam, was unable to attend the event.

Drummond was joined by her colleagues at the CWCSEO; Rosemary Lopez - Women’s Legislative Policy Analyst, Megan Baker - Commission Analyst, Asian Pacific Islander Lead and Melvette Hill - State Director, Parent Leadership Training Institute, who shared their roles in fulfilling the mission of the nonpartisan agency. The goal of the CWCSCEO is to inform and engage all policy makers about constituent needs for women, children and their families, seniors and the African American, Asian Pacific-American, Latino and Puerto Rican populations in Connecticut using a data driven, cross-cultural approach to policy innovation. The agency works to eliminate disparities by identifying opportunities, building connections, and promoting change.

The girl delegates also met with the following state legislators:
Representative Irene M. Haines – East Haddam
Representative Donna Veach – Southington
Representative Liz Linehan – Wallingford
Representative Mary M. Mushinsky – Wallingford
Representative Christine Palm – Haddam

“We are thankful to Denise and all of the women who made this event an impactful experience for the girls,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of GSOFCT. “They were able to see the critical role of government in our everyday lives while envisioning a future for themselves in this arena.”

Mahoney notes that National Delegates serve a three-year term, during which they attend trainings and prepare to represent the council at the GSUSA National Convention as voting members. Delegates are the communication link between GSUSA and the council. The GSOFCT National Delegate group is comprised of youth members, volunteers, members of the Board of Directors, and council staff. The position offers Girl Scouts 14 years old+ the chance to experience the duties of public service, while empowering them to actively participate in governance on all levels.

“These young women represent the next generation of political leaders,” said Mahoney. “They are commended for their dedication to serving as the voice of local troops as they learn about the importance of equal representation in politics and policy-making organizations.”

About Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.gsofct.org.

PHOTO: Members of the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and local female political leaders meet with Girl Scout (GS) National Delegates on March 28, 2024 at the State Capitol in Hartford. The girl delegates represent CT GS councils at national GS meetings. (From left to right): Melvette Hill - State Director, Parent Leadership Training Institute, Denise Drummond - African American Legislative Policy Analyst, Representative Mary M. Mushinsky of Wallingford, National Delegates Haley Hardenburg of Southington, Mathilda Burke of East Haddam and Kaitlyn Crouch of Wallingford, Representative Irene M. Haines of East Haddam, Megan Baker - Commission Analyst, Asian Pacific Islander Lead, Kristy King- Member Experience Consultant with GSOFCT and Rosemary Lopez - Women’s Legislative Policy Analyst. Not pictured is Kristen Thebeau of Haddam, the fourth GSOFCT National Delegate.
Photo Courtesy of: Girl Scouts of Connecticut