Girl Scouts of Orange County has announced the keynote speaker, theme and location of their signature advocacy event – Voice for Girls 2026. Presented by U.S. Bank, it will take place on Friday, Sept. 18 from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Newport Beach Country Club.
“Care as a Catalyst for Change” is the theme of the annual advocacy event, which will include a keynote address from Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO of ECOS, an award-winning and influential voice in effective leadership, safer chemistry, regenerative manufacturing and corporate social responsibility. Vlahakis-Hanks was making headlines long before she became a CEO. As a Girl Scout in her hometown of Itasca, Ill., she was recognized for being the top cookie seller five years in a row – an experience she said helped her become a confident leader.
Voice for Girls will also feature a panel of high school-age Girl Scouts discussing their inspiring “Take Action” projects to help their communities:
Ella W., the panel moderator, is a Girl Scout Ambassador who has been deeply involved in Girl Scouts for the past 12 years. Through Troop 2898, she has embraced opportunities to travel and challenge herself, such as spearheading the planning for her troop’s recent backpacking adventure to Yosemite National Park. Her Girl Scout experiences have also taken her beyond Orange County, including attending the Girl Scout National Convention in Washington, D.C., where she served as a national delegate.
Brielle T., a panelist, has been a Girl Scout for 10 years, beginning in Texas before moving to California and joining a troop at Friendship Baptist Church, where she has found lifelong friendships and leadership opportunities. For her Gold Award, she created Project Renew, bringing Black medical professionals together to provide trusted health education to her community.
Reagan H., a panelist, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, and the community of girls she has grown up alongside has become one of the most meaningful parts of her journey, shaping how she thinks about friendship and leadership. For her Gold Award, she created comfort kits for children in medical treatment, delivering them through a partnership with City of Hope.
Maddie J., 13, a panelist, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, beginning her journey in Idaho and continuing after moving to California at age 8. Through new schools and different troops, Girl Scouts has remained a constant, building her confidence to try new things. For her Silver Award, she’s helping elementary students navigate the transition to middle school.
Newport Beach Country Club is located at One Clubhouse Drive, Newport Beach.
