Inaugural Girl Scout Day Luncheon Celebrates the History, and Future, of Women’s Leadership
March 23, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Lawrence
Director of Marketing & Communications
Girl Scouts of Orange County
714-767-6752 (cell)
elawrence@girlscoutsoc.org
COSTA MESA, CA, March 23, 2026 — National Girl Scout Day on March 12, 2026 marked 114 years since the founding of Girl Scouts. The day also marked the launch of a new tradition for Girl Scouts of Orange County. EmpowerHER: A Celebration of Women Leaders, the inaugural National Girl Scout Day luncheon held at South Coast Repertory, featured a film screening of “Defining Moments,” the story of the first national Girl Scouts CEO, Frances Hesselbein.
The event celebrated local leaders, most notably Honorary Chair Nella Webster O’Grady, who was presented with the inaugural EmpowerHER Award, recognizing her decades of leadership and philanthropic dedication to Orange County.
“This event was born from one important question,” said Vikki Shepp, Ed.D., CEO of Girl Scouts of Orange County. “How do we honor our history in a way that also invites new voices into the future? We created EmpowerHER to celebrate legacy, expand our circle, and ensure that every girl has access to opportunity, mentorship, and leadership pathways.”
In addition to the film screening, award presentation, and luncheon, guests heard remarks from Event Chairs Christine Scheuneman, Angela Dailey, and Maggie O’Sullivan, as well as “Defining Moments” Executive Producer Sarah McArthur. The final event in the program was a surprise premiere of the new “PowHERful” PSA Campaign celebrating Girl Scouts of Orange County.
Connecting the new event to an old tradition, Girl Scout Board Advisors Aarna, Ella, and Jocelyn led the audience through the Girl Scout Promise and Law, rituals that date back to Girl Scouts’ 1912 founding. Girl Scouts from local troops also dined with luncheon guests—an opportunity for the girls to talk about their projects and adventures with community supporters who are making them possible.
“Having the Girl Scouts participate both in the program and at the luncheon tables was a real bonus,” said EmpowerHER Award honoree Nella Webster O’Grady. “Girl Scouts of Orange County continuously gives the girls a chance to show their courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place!”
EmpowerHER was made possible by Film Sponsor Integris, Lunch Sponsor Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails, Program Sponsors Jeff and Caron Winston, and Girl Experience Underwriter Argyros Family Foundation.
Proceeds from EmpowerHER go directly to Girl Scout programs in Orange County, helping girls build confidence, discover their purpose, and develop the skills to lead in their communities and beyond. To learn more about sponsoring events like EmpowerHER, contact Development Director Yajaira De La Paz, ydelapaz@girlscoutsoc.org.
Photos and Captions: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1aebaof04qbvh99myffxy/AKKQ3DTRo09Rz6cdKr-8Gz4?rlkey=wikh2vgd2wjx8764y6x6lulxz&st=srdvmh67&dl=0
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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.
