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MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Lawrence
Director of Marketing & Communications
Girl Scouts of Orange County
714-767-6752 (cell)
elawrence@girlscoutsoc.org
IRVINE, CA, April 14, 2026 — Girl Scouts of Orange County (GSOC) has launched the Hamir Family Scholarship, awarding ten need-based scholarships of $5,000 each to Girl Scouts in the Class of 2026. Applications are open through May 1, 2026.
By funding the scholarship program through their GSOC endowment fund, Mohamed and Gulie Hamir aim to expand access to leadership and educational opportunities for girls whose families may face financial barriers. Several years ago, the Hamir Family established an innovative forward-funding endowment program with GSOC, which today is fully positioned to support this scholarship initiative. As the endowment continues to grow through both annual contributions and legacy giving, the family expects to significantly expand the scope and impact of the program over time.
“I know what it’s like to lack resources—and how transformative the right opportunity can be,” said Mohamed Hamir. “Our hope is that these scholarships remove barriers and open doors, allowing girls to broaden their horizons and realize their full potential.”
The Hamir family’s commitment to Girl Scouting is both longstanding and deeply personal. Three generations—Gulie Hamir, their daughter Zeena Dhalla, and granddaughter Zaleeya—have been actively involved in Girl Scouts. Zaleeya earned the Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor, reflecting the leadership and confidence the program fosters.
At a deeper level of involvement, Mohamed and Gulie Hamir are members of the Juliette Gordon Low Planned Giving Society and founding members of the GSOC Promise Circle Giving Society. Zeena Dhalla has served as a troop leader, service unit coordinator, and volunteer trainer, and was awarded the GSOC Honor Pin in March for her outstanding service. Her husband, Azeem Dhalla, serves on the GSOC Board of Directors.
“This inaugural scholarship program demonstrates the Hamir Family’s deep commitment to empowering girls,” said Vikki Shepp, Ed.D., CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County. “We appreciate their partnership in our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.”
The Hamir Family Scholarship Program is for members of Girl Scouts of Orange County who are currently high school seniors. Applications will be accepted online until May 1, 2026.
Learn more and apply for the GSOC Hamir Family Scholarship today.
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About Girl Scouts of Orange County (GSOC)
We are the Girl Scouts of Orange County. We are 25,000 strong—15,000 girls and 10,000 adults who believe that every girl can change the world. Girl Scouts began over 100 years ago with one woman, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, who believed in the power of every girl. Today, we continue her vision of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place, by helping them discover their inner strength, passions, and talents. With Girl Scouts representing every zip code in Orange County, there are opportunities for every girl to do something amazing. We are Girl Scouts. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsoc.org.