For 110 years, the Girl Scout Leadership Experience has provided an environment for lessons that build girls’ courage, confidence and character. Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road’s Leadership Campus will allow girls to unplug, learn important skills, try new things and connect with peers in a safe and supportive environment.
Northern Kentucky community member and GSKWR Board Member Carol Beirne, believes the campus will create impact and provide new opportunities to girls and local businesses for years to come.
Beirne was born in Seattle, grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and settled in Northern Kentucky when she was a young girl. In Dayton, Beirne was introduced to the Girl Scouts as a Brownie and has continued with the organization ever since.
“I loved participating in cookie sales, camping and service activities,” Beirne said.
The activities and learning experiences introduced Beirne to strong female role models. These role models turned into mentors who inspired her to take the lead – and one mentor guided her more than any other.
“My Aunt Judy was a Girl Scout when the organization was just beginning to blossom, and she remained involved her entire life. I have always thought of her as my mentor,” Beirne said as she reflected. Beirne’s Aunt Judy became heavily involved in the Girl Scouts before Kentucky had its own council; her dedication to the organization eventually led her to become a Founder of GSKWR.
Mentorship is just one of the many reasons why Beirne is passionate about the programming Girl Scouts provides.
“Girl Scouting gives girls opportunities for life. It helps girls develop into strong, confident women,” Beirne said.
As a current GSKWR Board Member and the previous Council Board President, Beirne strongly believes that the Northern Kentucky Leadership Campus is imperative for the community to continue the programming for future leaders.
“Not only will the campus provide opportunities to girls, but it will support Kentucky’s organizations and business leaders as an event center and a respite. Nothing else in our area has this significant and diverse of an impact,” Beirne said.
The Northern Kentucky Leadership Campus will support community utilization as a venue for training, team building and corporate retreats. In addition, the Entrepreneurship Center will allow girls to access innovative experiences in business, leadership and health & wellness.
“The Leadership Campus will create the 21st-century leadership experience, an experience that will enhance the lives of so many girls. In return, these girls will develop into engaged citizens, successful businesspeople and involved community leaders. They will serve roles that are essential to ensuring that our region remains a great place to work and live,” Beirne said. “Girls will grow and keep their talent here.”
Beirne grew her own talents in Northern Kentucky, where she has resided for 64 years. After teaching in Cincinnati Public Schools for 30 years, Beirne worked at Northern Kentucky University as the Assistant Director of Alumni Programs for 18 years.
Beirne is now Director of Alumni Relations and Development at Beechwood High School, where she attended school. She also has served her community through board service at Kentucky Educational Television (KET) Friends Board, Ft. Mitchell Country Club, her church, Immanuel United Methodist and she is the former Board President of the Multiple-Sclerosis Society of Ohio Valley.
As a dedicated community member and educator, Beirne knows first-hand that Girl Scouting builds strong leaders, just like her and her Aunt Judy.
“I am continuing my aunt’s legacy,” Beirne said.
When asked why she believes the Northern Kentucky Leadership Campus is vital for girls today, Beirne responded, “80% of Girl Scout alums attribute their personal and professional success to Girl Scouting; 90% of Girl Scout alums are registered voters; 52% of female business leaders are Girl Scouts alums. The results speak for themselves.”