How do you actively apply the WAGGGS leadership mindsets in your actions and decisions, and how will this enhance your effectiveness as a World Board Member?
I apply the WAGGGS leadership mindsets deliberately, using my experiences to grow as a leader.
Leading Yourself: I reflect on my decisions and interactions to strengthen my leadership. During my six years as Board Chair of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, navigating CEO turnover (five CEOs, including interims) taught me to balance careful analysis with decisive action, learning from successes and challenges without dwelling on setbacks.
Leading Relationships: Leading a 27-person board through complex issues, including property dispositions and the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforced the importance of building trust, listening actively, and integrating diverse perspectives to achieve thoughtful, collective decisions.
Leading for Innovation and Leading for Impact: Guiding governance improvements at Mount Alvernia Academy, including updating bylaws, developing policies, and reviewing compensation practices, taught me to manage change responsibly — balancing innovation with the organization’s values and long-term sustainability of a 99-year-old school transitioning to independent school status.
Leading for Girls’ Empowerment: I consistently center girls and young women in decision-making. Engaging with girl board members and advocating with government officials has strengthened my understanding of how policies and programs can reflect their perspectives and empower their voices.
Leading in Context: Designing and delivering the Asia Pacific Governance Workshop strengthened my global mindset. The design team consisted of five members from five MOs working to deliver content to 10 MOs. Collaborating across cultures and adapting content to local contexts highlighted the importance of culturally aware, flexible leadership.
These experiences have shaped my leadership journey and awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing girls and young women worldwide. As a World Board member, I will intentionally apply these mindsets to steward the Movement responsibly, navigate complexity thoughtfully, and support inclusive, girl and young women-led decision making that strengthens our global impact.