Dr. Russel Statham, CEO of Girls Scouts of Central California

As the CEO of the largest girl-serving organization in Central California, I am always energized and inspired by Women’s History Month — an annual celebration that resonates deeply with our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Women’s History Month, observed every March, is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women throughout history, to acknowledge the strides we have made, and to recognize the work still ahead in our ongoing quest for gender equality.

 

The importance of Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is more than a celebration — it’s a reminder of the vital contributions women have made, often against great odds. From scientists like Marie Curie and Sylvia Acevedo to civil rights leaders like Rosa Parks and Dolores Huerta, women have shaped history through resilience and determination.

At Girl Scouts, we highlight these stories to show girls what’s possible. By learning about the pioneers who came before them, girls understand that they, too, can break barriers and lead.

 

Empowering the next generation

A key goal of Women’s History Month is to inspire and empower young girls. At Girl Scouts, we foster an environment where every girl can develop her full potential through programs in STEM, entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure, and leadership. We teach girls to identify issues that matter to them and take action to create change.

Throughout my career, I’ve been mentored by remarkable women, including Deborah Adishian-Astone, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, and Dr. Lynette Zelezny. Their guidance has shaped my leadership and deepened my commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders.

 

Cultivating confidence, character

The women we celebrate this month exemplify confidence and character — standing up for what they believe in and making lasting contributions to their communities.

At Girl Scouts, we nurture these qualities by helping girls build self-confidence, develop strong character, and embrace teamwork. It’s no surprise that over half of female CEOs, every female Secretary of State, and every woman who has flown in space were once Girl Scouts. We champion girl ambition and create leaders of tomorrow.

 

Addressing ongoing challenges

Despite progress, gender inequality persists — from wage gaps to underrepresentation in leadership. Women, particularly women of color, continue to face systemic barriers. As the CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South, I am committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Advocating for policies that support education, childcare and health care is crucial to leveling the playing field.

 

A call to action

Women’s History Month is a movement toward a more equitable future. With less than 2% of philanthropic funding going to girls and women, change is needed. Let’s honor the past, uplift future leaders, and ensure every girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Dr. Russel Statham is CEO of Girl Scouts of Central California South, a council that serves nearly 9,000 girls across five counties in the Central Valley of California.