It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mel Ford, our dear friend, leader, mentor, and dedicated volunteer. Mel was a driving force behind the work of WAGGGS in learning and leadership development. Her contributions to the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement were immeasurable, and her influence continues to shape the future of the organisation.
Ever since Mel reached out to Girlguiding UK as a young leader asking for opportunities to "do more", she has dedicated her time to leading ambitious and transformative projects at local, national, regional and global levels in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, especially where she could help create better quality Girl Guide and Girl Scout experiences and leadership development opportunities for girls and young women.
Mel has made a unique and significant impact on the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement. Her dedication, passion and commitment has truly made the world "a little better than she found it" for girls and young women, and empowered thousands of volunteers to take the lead in ways they didn't know they could.
Mel has often commented how her own participation in the Juliette Low Seminar opened the door for her to international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting. The Mel Ford Leadership Fund honours her remarkable legacy by raising funds to enable more young women to walk through that door. Your donation to the fund will directly support grants for young women to take part in future leadership development opportunities.